Gender

Male

Birth date

1923-7-22

Place of birth

Wenatchee WA, U.S.A.

Inducted

1943-5-22, Ft. Douglas UT

Enlistment type

Volunteer

Service branch

Army

Service type

War

Unit type

Combat

Units served

442nd Regimental Combat Team; 552nd Field Artillery, Battery A.

Military specialty

Field Artillery - Cannoneer 844 4th Section 105 Howitzer 522 FA. Battalion

Stationed

Camp Shelby, Miss., Italy, Germany, Austria, France

Separated

Ft. Douglas, UT

Unit responsibility

Provide artillery support to 442nd Infantry, 5th Army in Italy, France, 7th Army northern France to break thru Zigfried line

Personal responsibility

I was instructed to do any position in a 105 Howitzer crew

Major battles (if served in a war zone)

Rome/Arno, Northern Apennines, Rhineland, Central Europe. We were also in support in the rescue of 36th division Lost Battalion near Bruyeres, France.

Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)

Individual awards to unit - Medal of Honor 1, DSC 47, DSM 1, Silver Star 342, Oak Leaf Cluster Silver Star 12, Legion of Merit 17, Soldier's Medal 15, Bronze Star 810, OLC. BS 38, Airmedal 1, Purple Heart 2022+, OLC PH 468+, Army Commendation 36, Division Commendation 87, Croix de Guerre (French) 12, Palm to Croix de Guerre 2, Croce Al Merito de Guerra (Italian) 2, Medaglia di Merito Al Valor Militare (Italian) 2, Total 3915. Unit Awards - Distinguished Unit Citation 7, Meritorious Service Unit Plaque 2, Army commendation 1, Total 10.

Living conditions

Pup tents/sleeping bags. Spit baths/swim in rivers. Artillery had mess truck as part of unit - hot meals, except when too close to actual combat area - then 'K' rations and 'C' rations. Had movies when we pulled back for rest area, Bob Hope show, etc. Basic training, Camp Shelby, Miss. Hutments Army cots, meals: oatmeal, eggs, toast, GI Coffee, soups, stews, spam, beef, pork, chicken. Movies, PX-cards, snacks, beer, etc.

Most vivid memory of military experience

Night march - little town in Germany. Moving through burning town, I was riding air watch on 6x6 prime mover truck towing 105 Howitzer. Was caught across the eyes by street light wire. Almost thrown off tail gate of truck. Could have been killed but my buddies in the gun crew caught my legs just as I was going over tail gate of truck saving my life of which I am forever thankful to those guys.

Missed most whilst in the military

Probably friends & family although going into the military a young 19 year old, it was an adventure to me.

Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?

Aside from being temporarily blinded in accident (related previously), I was really glad that all of my 3 brothers and I came through the war whole (one brother was wounded - got 'trench foot' - awarded Bronze Star & Purple Heart). We were very lucky - I do believe God was watching over us.

Additional information

It has been so long ago - can't remember much. Just glad we all (4) came back alive and pretty much proud that we were able to serve our country in time of war. I retired from the Boeing Co. as a technical illustrator, later a lead man, after 35 years. Now I am enjoying my art work, golf, fishing and singing in our church choir.