World War II
Medal of Honor Recipients from Wisconsin during World War II
Read here of the deeds of these brave heroes and do not forget them!
The names which are preceded by an asterisk denote posthumous awards.
This table lists the recipients by date, they are listed alphabetically below.
*Captain Van Valkenburgh, Franklin
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Appointed from Wisconsin
U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Arizona
Awarded for actions at Pearl Harbor
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: 5 April 1888, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Appointed from: Wisconsin.
Citation: “For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor T.H., by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. As commanding officer of the U.S.S. Arizona, Capt. Van Valkenburgh gallantly fought his ship until the U.S.S. Arizona blew up from magazine explosions and a direct bomb hit on the bridge which resulted in the loss of his life.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
He grew up in Milwaukee and was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1905. Seriously wounded by shrapnel during the attack on his ship, he refused medical treatment and continued to fight his ship until he died. The destroyer U.S.S. Van Valkenburgh (DD-656), 1944-1967, was named in his honor.
Commander Young, Cassin
Born in Washington D.C.
Appointed from Wisconsin
U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Vestal
Awarded for actions at Pearl Harbor
Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy.
Born: 6 March 1894, Washington, D.C.
Appointed from: Wisconsin.
Other Navy award: Navy Cross.
Citation: “For distinguished conduct in action, outstanding heroism and utter disregard of his own safety, above and beyond the call of duty, as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Vestal, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by enemy Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Comdr. Young proceeded to the bridge and later took personal command of the 3-inch antiaircraft gun. When blown overboard by the blast of the forward magazine explosion of the U.S.S. Arizona, to which the U.S.S. Vestal was moored, he swam back to his ship. The entire forward part of the U.S.S. Arizona was a blazing inferno with oil afire on the water between the 2 ships; as a result of several bomb hits, the U.S.S. Vestal was afire in several places, was settling and taking on a list. Despite severe enemy bombing and strafing at the time, and his shocking experience of having been blown overboard, Comdr. Young, with extreme coolness and calmness, moved his ship to an anchorage distant from the U.S.S. Arizona, and subsequently beached the U.S.S. Vestal upon determining that such action was required to save his ship.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
His family moved to Milwaukee, where his father ran a drug store, when he was two years old. He was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1912. He was killed on 13 November 1942 during the battle of the Solomon Islands when a Japanese shell struck the bridge of the U.S.S. San Francisco, which he commanded. He was promoted to Captain (O-6) in February 1942 and was given command of the heavy cruiser U.S.S. San Francisco. He was decorated with the Medal of Honor by Admiral Chester Nimitz in April 1942. Captain Young was KIA on 13 November 1942 during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. He was killed by enemy shells while his San Francisco was engaging the Japanese battleship Hiei. He was buried at sea and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on that day. The destroyer U.S.S. Cassin Young (DD-793), 1943-1981, was named in his honor.
General MacArthur, Douglas
Rank and organization: General, U.S. Army, commanding U.S. Army Forces in the Far East.
Place and date: Bataan Peninsula, Philippine Islands.
Entered service at: Ashland, Wisconsin.
Birth: Little Rock, Arkansas.
G.O. No.: 16, 1 April 1942.
Citation: “For conspicuous leadership in preparing the Philippine Islands to resist conquest, for gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against invading Japanese forces, and for the heroic conduct of defensive and offensive operations on the Bataan Peninsula. He mobilized, trained, and led an army which has received world acclaim for its gallant defense against a tremendous superiority of enemy forces in men and arms. His utter disregard of personal danger under heavy fire and aerial bombardment, his calm judgment in each crisis, inspired his troops, galvanized the spirit of resistance of the Filipino people, and confirmed the faith of the American people in their Armed Forces.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
*Chief Watertender Peterson, Oscar Verner
Born in Prentice, Wisconsin
U.S. Navy
Awarded for actions aboard the U.S.S. Neosho during a Japanese attack
Rank and organization: Chief Watertender, U.S. Navy.
Born: 27 August 1899, Prentice, Wisconsin.
Accredited to: Wisconsin.
Citation: “For extraordinary courage and conspicuous heroism above and beyond the call of duty while in charge of a repair party during an attack on the U .S .S. Neosho by enemy Japanese aerial forces on 7 May 1942. Lacking assistance because of injuries to the other members of his repair party and severely wounded himself, Peterson, with no concern for his own life, closed the bulkhead stop valves and in so doing received additional burns which resulted in his death. His spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty, characteristic of a fine seaman, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
He had been in the Navy for 22 years; he had enlisted in the Navy on 8 December 1920. On 7 May 1942, the Neosho and an adjacent ship endured three heavy attacks by Japanese dive bombers. The last attack by 20 enemy planes scored 7 direct hits and 8 near misses on the Neosho within a few minutes, starting furious fires aboard ship. Already seriously wounded, Peterson suffered third-degree burns in his efforts to save his ship. He died of his injuries on 13 May and was buried at sea several hundred miles off the coast of Australia.
The destroyer U.S.S. Peterson (DE–152), 1943-1974, was named in his honor. During the second half of 1962 this ship was a movie star, playing the role of the Japanese destroyer that rammed and sank PT–109 (the boat commanded by John F. Kennedy as depicted in the movie of the same name that was released in 1963).
*First Sergeant Burr, Elmer J.
Born in Neenah, Wisconsin
Entered service at Menasha, Wisconsin
Company I, 127TH Infantry Regiment, 32D Infantry Division
Awarded for actions at Buna, New Guinea
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 127TH Infantry Regiment, 32D Infantry Division.
Place and date: Buna, New Guinea, 24 December 1942.
Entered service at: Menasha, Wisconsin.
Birth: 11 May 1908, Neenah, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 66, 11 Oct. 1943.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. During an attack near Buna, New Guinea, on 24 December 1942, 1st Sgt. Burr saw an enemy grenade strike near his company commander. Instantly and with heroic self-sacrifice he threw himself upon it, smothering the explosion with his body. 1st Sgt. Burr thus gave his life in saving that of his commander.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
He had served with the 32D Division for 12 years before it was mobilized in October 1940. He was discharged in 1941 for being over the age limit of 28, but rejoined his unit after the attack on Pearl Harbor. On 8 Sep. ’07, the Isle of Valor in Menasha’s Smith Park was dedicated in honor of 1SG Burr as well as SPC Kenneth Stumpf, also from Menasha, who was bestowed with the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.
*Sergeant Gruennert, Kenneth E.
Born in Helenville, Wisconsin
Entered service at Helenville, Wisconsin
Company L, 127TH Infantry Regiment, 32D Infantry Division
Awarded for action near Buna, New Guinea
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company L, 127TH Infantry Regiment, 32D Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Buna, New Guinea, 24 December 1942.
Entered service at: Helenville, Wisconsin.
Birth: 19 November 1922, Helenville, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 66, 11 October 1943.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 24 December 1942, near Buna, New Guinea, Sgt. Gruennert was second in command of a platoon with a mission to drive through the enemy lines to the beach 600 yards ahead. Within 150 yards of the objective, the platoon encountered 2 hostile pillboxes. Sgt. Gruennert advanced alone on the first and put it out of action with hand grenades and rifle fire, killing 3 of the enemy. Seriously wounded in the shoulder, he bandaged his wound under cover of the pillbox, refusing to withdraw to the aid station and leave his men. He then, with undiminished daring, and under extremely heavy fire, attacked the second pillbox. As he neared it he threw grenades which forced the enemy out where they were easy targets for his platoon. Before the leading elements of his platoon could reach him he was shot by enemy snipers. His inspiring valor cleared the way for his platoon which was the first to attain the beach in this successful effort to split the enemy position.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
He earned three letters in football and was captain of the Jefferson High School team during its championship year. He enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard at the age of 16.
*Major Jerstad, John L.
Born in Racine, Wisconsin
Entered service at Racine, Wisconsin
9TH Air Force, U.S. Army Air Corps
Awarded for actions near Ploesti, Rumania
*Jerstad, John L. (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps, 9TH Air Force.
Place and date: Ploesti Raid, Rumania, 1 August 1943.
Entered service at: Racine, Wisconsin.
Born: 12 February 1918, Racine, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 72, 28 October 1943.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. On 1 August 1943, he served as pilot of the lead aircraft in his group in a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at Ploesti, Rumania. Although he had completed more than his share of missions and was no longer connected with this group, so high was his conception of duty that he volunteered to lead the formation in the correct belief that his participation would contribute materially to success in this attack. Maj. Jerstad led the formation into attack with full realization of the extreme hazards involved and despite withering fire from heavy and light antiaircraft guns. Three miles from the target his airplane was hit, badly damaged, and set on fire. Ignoring the fact that he was flying over a field suitable for a forced landing, he kept on the course. After the bombs of his aircraft were released on the target, the fire in his ship became so intense as to make further progress impossible and he crashed into the target area. By his voluntary acceptance of a mission he knew was extremely hazardous, and his assumption of an intrepid course of action at the risk of life over and above the call of duty, Maj. Jerstad set an example of heroism which will be an inspiration to the U.S. Armed Forces.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
He graduated from Park High School in 1936 and from Northwestern University in 1940. He was a teacher in Ladue, Missouri, for about a year until he joined the Air Corps in July 1941. He was an eagle scout and a sea scout when he was a kid. MAJ Jerstad’s other decorations included the Silver Star, four Air Medals, and the Purple Heart. Racine’s Jerstad-Agerholm elementary and middle schools were partly named in his honor (the other half of the name is in honor of PVT Harold Agerholm who was also from Racine and posthumously bestowed with the Medal of Honor during WWII). MAJ Jerstad is also remembered with a street named after him at Andrews Air Force Base, the home of Air Force One.
*Sergeant Olson, Truman O.
Born in Christiana, Wisconsin
Entered service at Cambridge, Wisconsin
Company B, 7TH Infantry Regiment, 3D Infantry Division
Awarded for actions in Italy.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 7TH Infantry Regiment, 3D Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, 30-31 January 1944.
Entered service at: Cambridge, Wisconsin.
Birth: 13 October 1917, Christiana, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 6, 24 January 1945.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Olson, a light machine gunner, elected to sacrifice his life to save his company from annihilation. On the night of 30 January 1944, after a 16-hour assault on entrenched enemy positions in the course of which over one-third of Company B became casualties, the survivors dug in behind a horseshoe elevation, placing Sgt. Olson and his crew, with the 1 available machinegun, forward of their lines and in an exposed position to bear the brunt of the expected German counterattack. Although he had been fighting without respite, Sgt. Olson stuck grimly to his post all night while his guncrew was cut down, 1 by 1, by accurate and overwhelming enemy fire. Weary from over 24 hours of continuous battle and suffering from an arm wound, received during the night engagement, Sgt. Olson manned his gun alone, meeting the full force of an all-out enemy assault by approximately 200 men supported by mortar and machinegun fire which the Germans launched at daybreak on the morning of 31 January. After 30 minutes of fighting, Sgt. Olson was mortally wounded, yet, knowing that only his weapons stood between his company and complete destruction, he refused evacuation. For an hour and a half after receiving his second and fatal wound he continued to fire his machinegun, killing at least 20 of the enemy, wounding many more, and forcing the assaulting German elements to withdraw.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
First Lieutenant Newman, Beryl R.
Born in Baraboo, Wisconsin
Entered service at Baraboo, Wisconsin
133D Infantry Regiment, 34TH Infantry Division
Awarded for actions near Cisterna, Italy
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 133D Infantry Regiment, 34TH Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Cisterna, Italy, 26 May 1944.
Entered service at: Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Birth: Baraboo, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 5, 15 January 1945.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 26 May 1944. Attacking the strongly held German Anzio-Nettuno defense line near Cisterna, Italy, 1st Lt. Newman, in the lead of his platoon, was suddenly fired upon by 2 enemy machineguns located on the crest of a hill about 100 yards to his front. The 4 scouts with him immediately hit the ground, but 1st Lt. Newman remained standing in order to see the enemy positions and his platoon then about 100 yards behind. Locating the enemy nests, 1st Lt. Newman called back to his platoon and ordered 1 squad to advance to him and the other to flank the enemy to the right. Then, still standing upright in the face of the enemy machinegun fire, 1st Lt. Newman opened up with his tommygun on the enemy nests. From this range, his fire was not effective in covering the advance of his squads, and 1 squad was pinned down by the enemy fire. Seeing that his squad was unable to advance, 1st Lt. Newman, in full view of the enemy gunners and in the face of their continuous fire, advanced alone on the enemy nests. He returned their fire with his tommygun and succeeded in wounding a German in each of the nests. The remaining 2 Germans fled from the position into a nearby house. Three more enemy soldiers then came out of the house and ran toward a third machinegun. 1st Lt. Newman, still relentlessly advancing toward them, killed 1 before he reached the gun, the second before he could fire it. The third fled for his life back into the house. Covering his assault by firing into the doors and windows of the house, 1st Lt. Newman, boldly attacking by himself, called for the occupants to surrender to him. Gaining the house, he kicked in the door and went inside. Although armed with rifles and machine pistols, the 11 Germans there, apparently intimidated, surrendered to the lieutenant without further resistance, 1st Lt. Newman, single-handed, had silenced 3 enemy machineguns, wounded 2 Germans, killed 2 more, and took 11 prisoners. This demonstration of sheer courage, bravery, and willingness to close with the enemy even in the face of such heavy odds, instilled into these green troops the confidence of veterans and reflects the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
*Lieutenant Junior Grade David, Albert Leroy
Born in Maryville, Missouri
U.S.S. Pillsbury
Awarded for actions during the capture of U-505 of the coast of west Africa
Helped Capture the Enigma Machine
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy.
Birth: 18 July 1902, Maryville, Missouri.
Accredited to: Missouri.
Other Navy award: Navy Cross with gold star.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the U.S.S. Pillsbury during the capture of an enemy German submarine off French West Africa, 4 June 1944. Taking a vigorous part in the skillfully coordinated attack on the German U-505 which climaxed a prolonged search by the Task Group, Lt. (then Lt. j.g.) David boldly led a party from the Pillsbury in boarding the hostile submarine as it circled erratically at 5 or 6 knots on the surface. Fully aware that the U-boat might momentarily sink or be blown up by exploding demolition and scuttling charges, he braved the added danger of enemy gunfire to plunge through the conning tower hatch and, with his small party, exerted every effort to keep the ship afloat and to ass1st the succeeding and more fully equipped salvage parties in making the U-505 seaworthy for the long tow across the Atlantic to a U.S. port. By his valiant service during the first successful boarding and capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high seas by the U.S. Navy since 1815, Lt. David contributed materially to the effectiveness of our Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
Death: 17 September 1945, Norfolk, Virginia.
David lived in Madison, Wisconsin. The U-505 was captured with an Enigma machine aboard, which enabled the Allies to decipher German coded messages. The U-505 is the submarine on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. He is interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
*Private First Class Agerholm, Harold Christ
Born in Racine, Wisconsin
4TH Battalion, 10TH Marines, 2D Marine Division
Awarded for actions in the Marianas Islands
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 29 January 1925, Racine, Wisconsin.
Accredited to: Wisconsin.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944. When the enemy launched a fierce, determined counterattack against our positions and overran a neighboring artillery battalion, Pfc. Agerholm immediately volunteered to assist in the efforts to check the hostile attack and evacuate our wounded. Locating and appropriating an abandoned ambulance jeep, he repeatedly made extremely perilous trips under heavy rifle and mortar fire and single-handedly loaded and evacuated approximately 45 casualties, working tirelessly and with utter disregard for his own safety during a grueling period of more than 3 hours. Despite intense, persistent enemy fire, he ran out to aid 2 men whom he believed to be wounded marines but was himself mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while carrying out his hazardous mission. Pfc. Agerholm’s brilliant initiative, great personal valor and self-sacrificing efforts in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
*Captain Salomon, Ben Lewis
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Entered service at Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2D Battalion, 105TH Infantry Regiment, 27TH Infantry Division
Awarded for actions at Saipan, in the Marianas Islands
Rank and organization: Captain, 2D Battalion, 105TH Infantry Regiment, 27TH Infantry Division.
Place and date: Saipan, in the Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944.
Entered service at: Los Angeles, California.
Birth: 1 September 1914, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Citation: “Captain Ben L. Salomon was serving at Saipan, in the Marianas Islands on July 7, 1944, as the Surgeon for the 2D Battalion, 105TH Infantry Regiment, 27TH Infantry Division. The Regiment’s 1ST and 2D Battalions were attacked by an overwhelming force estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 Japanese soldiers. It was one of the largest attacks attempted in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Although both units fought furiously, the enemy soon penetrated the Battalions’ combined perimeter and inflicted overwhelming casualties. In the first minutes of the attack, approximately 30 wounded soldiers walked, crawled, or were carried into Captain Salomon’s aid station, and the small tent soon filled with wounded men. As the perimeter began to be overrun, it became increasingly difficult for Captain Salomon to work on the wounded. He then saw a Japanese soldier bayoneting one of the wounded soldiers lying near the tent. Firing from a squatting position, Captain Salomon quickly killed the enemy soldier. Then, as he turned his attention back to the wounded, two more Japanese soldiers appeared in the front entrance of the tent. As these enemy soldiers were killed, four more crawled under the tent walls. Rushing them, Captain Salomon kicked the knife out of the hand of one, shot another, and bayoneted a third. Captain Salomon butted the fourth enemy soldier in the stomach and a wounded comrade then shot and killed the enemy soldier. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Captain Salomon ordered the wounded to make their way as best they could back to the regimental aid station, while he attempted to hold off the enemy until they were clear. Captain Salomon then grabbed a rifle from one of the wounded and rushed out of the tent. After four men were killed while manning a machine gun, Captain Salomon took control of it. When his body was later found, 98 dead enemy soldiers were piled in front of his position. Captain Salomon’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
He grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduated from Shorewood High School, and attended Marquette University before moving to Los Angeles, California, where he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Southern California. He graduated from the University of Southern California Dental College in 1937, and began practicing dentistry. When he was drafted ca. 1940, he was inducted as an infantry private. After completing his basic training he was assigned to the 102D Infantry Regiment where he was respected as a natural soldier and leader. In 1942 then Sergeant Salomon learned that he was to be commissioned in the Dental Corps. He attempted to remain in the infantry, and his commander attempted to have him commissioned in the infantry. The request was denied and he was commissioned a first lieutenant on 14 August 1942 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was assigned as the regimental dental officer for the 105TH Infantry Regiment, 27TH Infantry Division, in May 1943. In June 1944, recently promoted Captain Salomon landed at Saipan with the 105TH Infantry Regiment as it entered its first battle. He immediately volunteered to replace the 2D Battalion’s surgeon who had been wounded in a mortar attack on 22 June. He was running his battalion’s aid station about fifty yards from the front line when 5,000 Japanese soldiers attacked his unit on 7 July 1944.
*Staff Sergeant Endl, Gerald L.
Born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Entered service at Janesville, Wisconsin
32D Infantry Division
Awarded for action near Anamo, New Guinea
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U S. Army, 32D Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Anamo, New Guinea, 11 July 1944.
Entered service at: Janesville, Wisconsin.
Birth: 20 August 1915, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 17, 13 March 1945.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Anamo, New Guinea, on 11 July 1944. S/Sgt. Endl was at the head of the leading platoon of his company advancing along a jungle trail when enemy troops were encountered and a fire fight developed. The enemy attacked in force under heavy rifle, machine gun, and grenade fire. His platoon leader wounded, S/Sgt. Endl immediately assumed command and deployed his platoon on a firing line at the fork in the trail toward which the enemy attack was directed. The dense jungle terrain greatly restricted vision and movement, and he endeavored to penetrate down the trail toward an open clearing of Kunai grass. As he advanced, he detected the enemy, supported by at least 6 light and 2 heavy machine guns, attempting an enveloping movement around both flanks. His commanding officer sent a second platoon to move up on the left flank of the position, but the enemy closed in rapidly, placing our force in imminent danger of being isolated and annihilated. Twelve members of his platoon were wounded, 7 being cut off by the enemy. Realizing that if his platoon were forced farther back, these 7 men would be hopelessly trapped and at the mercy of a vicious enemy, he resolved to advance at all cost, knowing it meant almost certain death, in an effort to rescue his comrades. In the face of extremely heavy fire he went forward alone and for a period of approximately 10 minutes engaged the enemy in a heroic close range fight, holding them off while his men crawled forward under cover to evacuate the wounded and to withdraw. Courageously refusing to abandon 4 more wounded men who were lying along the trail, 1 by 1 he brought them back to safety. As he was carrying the last man in his arms he was struck by a heavy burst of automatic fire and was killed. By his persistent and daring self-sacrifice and on behalf of his comrades, S/Sgt. Endl made possible the successful evacuation of all but 1 man, and enabled the 2 platoons to withdraw with their wounded and to reorganize with the rest of the company.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
First Lieutenant Bloch, Orville Emil
Born in Big Falls, Wisconsin
Entered service at Streeter, North Dakota
Company E, 338TH Infantry Regiment, 85TH Infantry Division
Awarded for actions near Firenzuola, Italy
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company E, 338TH Infantry Regiment, 85TH Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Firenzuola, Italy, 22 September 1944.
Entered service at: Streeter, North Dakota.
Birth: 10 February 1915, Big Falls, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 9, 10 February 1945.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Bloch undertook the task of wiping out 5 enemy machinegun nests that had held up the advance in that particular sector for 1 day. Gathering 3 volunteers from his platoon, the patrol snaked their way to a big rock, behind which a group of 3 buildings and 5 machinegun nests were located. Leaving the 3 men behind the rock, he attacked the first machinegun nest alone charging into furious automatic fire, kicking over the machinegun, and capturing the machinegun crew of 5. Pulling the pin from a grenade, he held it ready in his hand and dashed into the face of withering automatic fire toward this second enemy machinegun nest located at the corner of an adjacent building 15 yards distant. When within 20 feet of the machinegun he hurled the grenade, wounding the machinegunner, the other 2 members of the crew fleeing into a door of the house. Calling one of his volunteer group to accompany him, they advanced to the opposite end of the house, there contacting a machinegun crew of 5 running toward this house. 1st Lt Bloch and his men opened fire on the enemy crew, forcing them to abandon this machinegun and ammunition and flee into the same house. Without a moment’s hesitation, 1st Lt. Bloch, unassisted, rushed through the door into a hail of small-arms fire, firing his carbine from the hip, and captured the 7 occupants, wounding 3 of them. 1st Lt. Bloch with his men then proceeded to a third house where they discovered an abandoned enemy machinegun and detected another enemy machinegun nest at the next corner of the building. The crew of 6 spotted 1st Lt. Bloch the instant he saw them. Without a moment’s hesitation he dashed toward them. The enemy fired pistols wildly in his direction and vanished through a door of the house, 1st Lt. Bloch following them through the door, firing his carbine from the hip, wounding 2 of the enemy and capturing 6. Altogether 1st Lt. Bloch had single-handedly captured 19 prisoners, wounding 6 of them and eliminating a total of 5 enemy machinegun nests. His gallant and heroic actions saved his company many casualties and permitted them to continue the attack with new inspiration and vigor.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
Major Bong, Richard I.
Born in Poplar, Wisconsin
Entered service at Poplar, Wisconsin
U.S. Army Air Corps
Awarded for actions from Borneo to Leyte, Philippine Islands
Bong, Richard Ira (Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps.
Place and date: Over Borneo and Leyte, 10 October to 15 November 1944.
Entered service at: Poplar, Wisconsin.
Birth: 24 September 1920, Poplar, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 90, 8 December 1944.
Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty in the Southwest Pacific area from 10 October to 15 November 1944. Though assigned to duty as gunnery instructor and neither required nor expected to perform combat duty, Maj. Bong voluntarily and at his own urgent request engaged in repeated combat missions, including unusually hazardous sorties over Balikpapan, Borneo, and in the Leyte area of the Philippines. His aggressiveness and daring resulted in his shooting down 8 enemy airplanes during this period.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
He was killed while test flying a jet fighter at Burbank, California, in August 1945.
Visit the web site of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center to find out more about America’s Ace of Aces and the center which bears his name!
*Sergeant Mower, Charles E.
Born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Entered service at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Company A, 34TH Infantry Regiment, 24TH Infantry Division
Awarded for actions at Leyte, Philippine Islands
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 34TH Infantry Regiment, 24TH Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Capoocan, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 3 November 1944.
Entered service at: Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
Birth: 29 November 1924, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 17, 11 February 1946.
Citation: “He was an assistant squad leader in an attack against strongly defended enemy positions on both sides of a stream running through a wooded gulch. As the squad advanced through concentrated fire, the leader was killed and Sgt. Mower assumed command. In order to bring direct fire upon the enemy, he had started to lead his men across the stream, which by this time was churned by machinegun and rifle fire, but he was severely wounded before reaching the opposite bank. After signaling his unit to halt, he realized his own exposed position was the most advantageous point from which to direct the attack, and stood fast. Half submerged, gravely wounded, but refusing to seek shelter or accept aid of any kind, he continued to shout and signal to his squad as he directed it in the destruction of 2 enemy machineguns and numerous riflemen. Discovering that the intrepid man in the stream was largely responsible for the successful action being taken against them, the remaining Japanese concentrated the full force of their firepower upon him, and he was killed while still urging his men on. Sgt. Mower’s gallant initiative and heroic determination aided materially in the successful completion of his squad’s mission. His magnificent leadership was an inspiration to those with whom he served.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
*Staff Sergeant Miller, Andrew
Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Entered service at Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Company G, 377TH Infantry Regiment, 95TH Infantry Division
Awarded for actions from Woippy, France, through Metz to Kerprich Hemmersdorf, Germany
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 377TH Infantry Regiment, 95TH Infantry Division.
Place and date: From Woippy, France, through Metz to Kerprich Hemmersdorf, Germany, 1629 November 1944.
Entered service at: Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
Birth: 11 August 1916, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 74, 1 September 1945.
Citation: “For performing a series of heroic deeds from 1629 November 1944, during his company’s relentless drive from Woippy, France, through Metz to Kerprich Hemmersdorf, Germany. As he led a rifle squad on 16 November at Woippy, a crossfire from enemy machineguns pinned down his unit. Ordering his men to remain under cover, he went forward alone, entered a building housing 1 of the guns and forced S Germans to surrender at bayonet point. He then took the second gun single-handedly by hurling grenades into the enemy position, killing 2, wounding 3 more, and taking 2 additional prisoners. At the outskirts of Metz the next day, when his platoon, confused by heavy explosions and the withdrawal of friendly tanks, retired, he fearlessly remained behind armed with an automatic rifle and exchanged bursts with a German machinegun until he silenced the enemy weapon. His quick action in covering his comrades gave the platoon time to regroup and carry on the fight. On 19 November S/Sgt. Miller led an attack on large enemy barracks. Covered by his squad, he crawled to a barracks window, climbed in and captured 6 riflemen occupying the room. His men, and then the entire company, followed through the window, scoured the building, and took 75 prisoners. S/Sgt. Miller volunteered, with 3 comrades, to capture Gestapo officers who were preventing the surrender of German troops in another building. He ran a gauntlet of machinegun fire and was lifted through a window. Inside, he found himself covered by a machine pistol, but he persuaded the 4 Gestapo agents confronting him to surrender. Early the next morning, when strong hostile forces punished his company with heavy fire, S/Sgt. Miller assumed the task of destroying a well-placed machinegun. He was knocked down by a rifle grenade as he climbed an open stairway in a house, but pressed on with a bazooka to find an advantageous spot from which to launch his rocket. He discovered that he could fire only from the roof, a position where he would draw tremendous enemy fire. Facing the risk, he moved into the open, coolly took aim and scored a direct hit on the hostile emplacement, wreaking such havoc that the enemy troops became completely demoralized and began surrendering by the score. The following day, in Metz, he captured 12 more prisoners and silenced an enemy machinegun after volunteering for a hazardous mission in advance of his company’s position. On 29 November, as Company G climbed a hill overlooking Kerprich Hemmersdorf, enemy fire pinned the unit to the ground. S/Sgt. Miller, on his own initiative, pressed ahead with his squad past the company’s leading element to meet the surprise resistance. His men stood up and advanced deliberately, firing as they went. Inspired by S/Sgt. Miller’s leadership, the platoon followed, and then another platoon arose and grimly closed with the Germans. The enemy action was smothered, but at the cost of S/Sgt. Miller’s life. His tenacious devotion to the attack, his gallant choice to expose himself to enemy action rather than endanger his men, his limitless bravery, assured the success of Company G.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
He joined the Army in June 1942.
Technical Sergeant Anderson, Beaufort T.
Born in Eagle, Wisconsin
Entered service at Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin
381ST Infantry Regiment, 96TH Infantry Division
Awarded for actions on Okinawa
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, 381ST Infantry Regiment, 96TH Infantry Division.
Place and date: Okinawa, 13 April 1945.
Entered service at: Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.
Birth: 6 July 1922, Eagle, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.: 63, 27 June 1946.
Citation: “He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. When a powerfully conducted predawn Japanese counterattack struck his unit’s flank, he ordered his men to take cover in an old tomb, and then, armed only with a carbine, faced the onslaught alone. After emptying 1 magazine at pointblank range into the screaming attackers, he seized an enemy mortar dud and threw it back among the charging Japs, killing several as it burst. Securing a box of mortar shells, he extracted the safety pins, banged the bases upon a rock to arm them and proceeded alternately to hurl shells and fire his piece among the fanatical foe, finally forcing them to withdraw. Despite the protests of his comrades, and bleeding profusely from a severe shrapnel wound, he made his way to his company commander to report the action. T/Sgt. Anderson’s intrepid conduct in the face of overwhelming odds accounted for 25 enemy killed and several machineguns and knee mortars destroyed, thus single-handedly removing a serious threat to the company’s flank.” Citation from U.S. Army Center of Military History.
Earned the Bronze Star on Leyte. He stayed in the Army until 30 September 1952. He lived in Beloit, Wisconsin, when he returned home.