COMMENDED FOR SERVICE IN ACTION ON FRONT LINE
Verdon Doud Of Oyens Among Eleven Cited For Bravery
Remsen Bell-Enterprise: For “meritorious service in action beyond the ordinary” a contributing factor to the successful advance of their battalion, eleven American men on the Italian front were recently awarded a citation, which brought honor to Verdon Doud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Doud, of Oyens.
A copy of the citation was received by the Oyens soldier’s parents this week and reads as follows:
“In military operations against an enemy of the United States _________ from May 14 to May 16, 1944, laying wire from ______ across _______ hills _____ and __________ these men were a contributing factor to the successful advance of their battalion. Constantly exposed to enemy artillery and small arms fire, without sleep or food they laid wire by hand over terrain so inaccessible that at times they had to wrap the wire around their bodies to leave hands free for climbing. Sustaining two casualties from shrapnel and one from an exploding mine, they nevertheless continued devotedly and in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles to make sufficient communication with their organization. The vital service rendered by these loyal and courageous men has won the esteem of their comrades and represents the highest traditions of the armed forces.”
Verdon “V. J.” Doud entered the Army February 18, 1943, at the age of 19 years and went overseas with the 88th Division in December of the same year, landing in Africa.
Three weeks later he was sent to Italy and has been on the fighting front ever since. Before leaving this country and while still in Louisiana, he was severely hurt when a truck carrying water overturned into a ditch, much of the load falling on him.
The parents were informed recently that Verdon, on a five-day pass, June 21-25, gained audience with Pope Pius and received the pontiff’s blessing. While in Rome he had the pleasure of a meeting with Sgt. Lewis Treinen, Jim Hardacre, Cy Groetken, Phil Dominick and George Case, all members of old Co. K, and a joyful meeting it was. It was the first time the Oyens lad had met a local acquaintance since entering the service.
Source: LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, July 25, 1944
With the Fifth Army, Italy—Staff Sergeant George G. Case of Kingsley was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on the 5th Army front in Italy, shortly before he was given his furlough to come home, after 30 months active duty through Africa and Italy. The Kingsley soldier served with the 34th “Red Bull” Division. The commanding general of the division personally pinned on the medal and congratulated him for his bravery.
Source: LeMars Globe-Post, October 2, 1944
SGT. CASE, KINGSLEY, AWARDED SILVER STAR
Washington—Award of the silver star to S/Sgt. George G. Case, infantry, of Kingsley, for heroism in Italy last May 9, was announced Tuesday by the War Department.
Source: LeMars Globe-Post, January 11, 1945
George Grant Case was born Apr. 9, 1922 to Grant Ulysses and Carlotta May Kisting Case. He died Jan. 27, 2005 and is buried in Kingsley Cemetery, Kingsley, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
