Sexo

Male

Fecha de Nacimiento

1923-7-22

Lugar de Nacimiento

Wenatchee WA, U.S.A.

Inducted

1943-5-22, Ft. Douglas UT

Tipo de Alistamiento

Volunteer

Afiliación Militar

Army

Tipo de servicio prestado

War

Tipo de unidad militar

Combat

Unidades a las que sirvió

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

Especialidad militar

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

Asignado

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

Retirado

Ft. Douglas, UT

Responsabilidad en la unidad

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

Responsabilidad individual

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

Batallas principales (si sirvió en una zona de guerra)

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

Reconocimientos, medallas, menciones (individuales o de la unidad)

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.

Condiciones de Vida

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.

Recuerdo más vívido de la experiencia militar

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.

Lo que más extraño durante su tiempo en las fuerzas armadas

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

¿En lo personal, qué obtuvo de su experiencia militar?

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.

Información adicional

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.