MILTON GRALAPP CITED FOR BRAVERY IN NORTH AFRICA
Went Into Service With Co. K In March 1941, As Lieutenant
Capt. Milton Gralapp, who went to Camp Claiborne as a lieutenant in Co. K and was promoted to captain after his company went overseas with the 133rd Infantry, has forwarded to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Gralapp, a copy of a citation for bravery in action which he received from his division commander June 9. The citation and accompanying note from his regimental commander which follow are self-explanatory:
To: Commanding Officer, 133rd Infantry Regiment.
Pursuant to instructions contained in AR 600-55, and as announced in General Orders Number 19, Headquarters 34th Infantry Division, dated 2 June 1943, the following named member of your command is cited:
Milton L. Gralapp, 0388590, Captain, Headquarters Detachment, 3rd Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment. For exceptionally meritorious conduct on 8 and 9 April 1943, near Fondouk, Tunisia, North Africa. When Captain Gralapp was called upon to place his company on a flank to relieve another company in that position, the route necessitated him sending his men forward through an extremely heavy concentration of enemy artillery and machine gun fire. By expert leadership and his display of courage, he led his company to the objective and enabled a reserve battalion to pass through his lines. Captain Gralapp’s coolness under fire and excellent judgment was an inspiration to his men and credit to the Armed Forces of the United States. Residence at time of induction: LeMars, Iowa.
Chas. W. Ryder
Major General, U. S. Army, Commanding
Headquarters 133rd Infantry Regiment, United States Army, 12 June 1943.
To Captain Milton L. Gralapp, Headquarters Detachment 3rd Bn. 133rd Infantry (Thru Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment.)
The Regimental Commander takes pleasure in forwarding this letter notifying you that you have been awarded a Division Citation, and wishes to express his personal congratulations to you, Captain Gralapp, for your gallantry in action while a member of this Regiment.
Ray C. Fountain
Colonel, Infantry, Commanding.
Milton also enclosed a note dated June 7, which said:
Dear Folks,
Another hot day but it is no different from others lately. Not much doing during the mid-day so we try to keep cool in the shade.
I am enclosing a letter from the division commander and endorsement by the regimental commander which are self-explanatory. You might keep it for me. I might want to tell my kids about it some day.
I’ll never forget that 8th and 9th of April. However, at the time I thought it was just another day’s work. I knew that none of those shells had my name on them even though they came plenty close at times. Perhaps the Jerries weren’t very good shots or maybe that little morning prayer helped. Nevertheless, when I think of it now I break out in a cold sweat and shake like a leaf. The important part, however, is that those two days are long past and I am still able to tell about it without getting a scratch.
As ever, Milt.
Source: LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, July 26, 1943
Capt. Milton Gralapp, stationed at Little Rock, Arkansas, is spending a 14-day leave in the home of his father, Louis Gralapp.
Source: LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, December 26, 1944
Louis Milton “Milton” Gralapp was born Nov. 28, 1913 to Louis and Lydia Remer Gralapp. He died Dec. 16, 1982 and is buried in Memorial Cemetery, Le Mars, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
