 T-Sgt. Santos A. Sandoval |
Warrant Officer Junior Grade LEE CREE, W2110805, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Baluarte, Panay, P.I., on 24 March 1945. Warrant Officer Junior Grade Cree, accompanied by four enlisted men, while enroute to the front lines to repair ordnance equipment, suddenly came upon a group of twenty-two enemy troops. Although a member of a rear echelon unit, he immediately realized the dangers of an enemy force which had infiltrated behind our lines and which was capable of disrupting communications and supply routes. Quickly outlining a plan of attack, he and the enlisted men unhesitatingly attacked the enemy and, though outnumbered more than four to one, succeeded in annihilating the entire group with no casualties among themselves. Home address: Mrs. Lee Cree (wife), 200 N.E. 1st St., Visalia, California.
Staff Sergeant HARVEY L CUMMINS, 20910600, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Baluarte, Panay, P.I., on 24 March 1945. Staff Sergeant Cummins with a warrant officer and three enlisted men, while enroute to the front lines to repair ordnance equipment, suddenly came upon a group of twenty-two enemy troops. Although a member of a rear echelon unit, he immediately realized the dangers of an enemy force which had infiltrated behind our lines and which was capable of disrupting communications and supply routes. Under the direction of the warrant officer, he and his fellow soldiers unhesitatingly attacked the enemy and, though outnumbered more than four to one, succeeded in annihilating the entire group. Home address: Mrs. Harvey L. Cummins (wife), 1545 L.(?) St. Fresno, California.
Staff Sergeant WILLIS H. HANKE, 39077580, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Baluarte, Panay, P.I., on 24 March 1945. Staff Sergeant Hanke with a warrant officer and three enlisted men, while enroute to the front lines to repair ordnance equipment, suddenly came upon a group of twenty-two enemy troops. Although a member of a rear echelon unit, he immediately realized the dangers of an enemy force which had infiltrated behind our lines and which was capable of disrupting communications and supply routes. Under the direction of the warrant officer, he and his fellow soldiers unhesitatingly attacked the enemy and, though outnumbered more than four to one, succeeded in annihilating the entire group. Home address: Mrs. Eliza Mae Hanke (mother), 511 N. Street, Sanger, California.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/165128080/willis-herman-hanke
Sergeant FRANK E. NESTI, 39011846, Ordnance, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Baluarte, Panay, P.I., on 24 March 1945. Sergeant Nesti with a warrant officer and three enlisted men, while enroute to the front lines to repair ordnance equipment, suddenly came upon a group of twenty-two enemy troops. Although a member of a rear echelon unit, he immediately realized the dangers of an enemy force which had infiltrated behind our lines and which was capable of disrupting communications and supply routes. Under the direction of the warrant officer, he and his fellow soldiers unhesitatingly attacked the enemy and, though outnumbered more than four to one, succeeded in annihilating the entire group. Home address: Mr. Folice Nesti (father), 3607 Woodruff Ave, Oakland, California.
Technician Fourth Grade HOWARD J. SULLIVAN, 36009800, Ordnance, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Baluarte, Panay, P.I., on 24 March 1945. Technician Fourth Grade Sullivan with a warrant officer and three enlisted men, while enroute to the front lines to repair ordnance equipment, suddenly came upon a group of twenty-two enemy troops. Although a member of a rear echelon unit, he immediately realized the dangers of an enemy force which had infiltrated behind our lines and which was capable of disrupting communications and supply routes. Under the direction of the warrant officer, he and his fellow soldiers unhesitatingly attacked the enemy and, though outnumbered more than four to one, succeeded in annihilating the entire group. Home address: Mrs. Ella Sullivan (mother), 3160 W. 61st St. Chicago, Illinois.
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
G.O. No. 98, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 25 May 45
I. AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUS)
By direction of the President, under the provision of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded posthumously by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted man:
Private First Class LOUIS E. RITCH, 34794623, Corps of Engineers, United States Army. For gallantry in action near San Jose, Panay, P.I., on 6 April 1945. While engaged in removing mines and booby traps, Private First Class Ritch, as a member of a volunteer mine removal squad, accidentally stepped on a Japanese land mine. With utter disregard for his own safety he shouted a warning to his companions taking almost the full force of the explosion himself. He died shortly thereafter. The warning of Private First Class Ritch undoubtedly saved the lives of most of the remainder of the squad. His courageous act reflects great credit upon the Army of the United States. Next of kin: Mrs. Margaret Lee Hatcher (mother), Box 1848, Rockport, Texas.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56777366/louis-edward-ritch
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
G.O. No. 92, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 22 May 45
AWARDS OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, Bull 3, WD, 1944) a Bronze Star Medal is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named officers:
Major ROSSWELL I. BERKHEIMER, 0097246, Infantry, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on Luzon, Panay, and Negros, P.I., from 1 November 1944 to 18(?) May 1945. Home address: Mrs. Rosswell I. Berkheimer (wife), 631 East F St., Colton, California.
Major KERMIT H. G. MCCOY, 0359025, Infantry, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on Luzon, Panay, and Negros, P.I., from 9 January to 8 May 1945. Home address: Mrs. Kermit H. G. McCoy (wife), 1433 W. Washington, Santa Ana, Calif.
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
G.O. No. 53, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 9 April 45.
I. AWARDS OF THE SILVER STAR:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted man and officer:
Private First Class ROBERT J. POIRIER, 31398325, Medical Department, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Private First Class Poirier was attached as aid man to the company which captured a vital bridge. Shortly after the capture of the bridge, the enemy made an attack, and as litter bearer, Private First Class Poirier crossed the bridge under intense accurate enemy rifle, knee-mortar, machine gun, and 90mm mortar fire several times to evacuate wounded. Despite the fact that several men, including one litter bearer, were wounded while attempting to cross the bridge, Private First Class Poirier volunteered to evacuate wounded every time a casualty was reported. His utter disregard of his own safety and devotion to duty made it necessary for his Commanding Officer to order Private First Class Poirier to take cover and wait until the litter squad could cross under cover of an advancing tank. The splendid courage displayed by Private First Class Poirier was an example and inspiration to all man present. Home address: Mr. Archie Poirier (father), 51 Sprice Street, Rumford, Maine.
122
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/127355842/robert-j-poirier
First Lieutenant EDGAR S. THOMPSON, 01312605, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. A platoon led by First Lieutenant Thompson seized a vital bridge and severed both approaches. Shortly afterwards the enemy attacked the bridge employing small arms, machine guns, knee-mortar, and 90mm mortars. The attack continued for approximately ten hours during which time the leadership and exemplary courage displayed by First Lieutenant Thompson enabled his small force to defend this vital bridge. Despite the fact that several men had been wounded while attempting to cross the bridge, First Lieutenant Thompson, with utter disregard for his own safety, crossed the bridge under intense rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire five times carrying wounded to the opposite end of the bridge. His coolness and bravery was an inspiration to all present, and reflect the highest credit on the Army of the United States. Home address: Mrs. Lillian Thompson (mother), 1425 "L" Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
122
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/128902794/edgar-s-thompson
G.O. No. 52, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 8 April 45.
I. AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUS):
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded posthumously by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted man:
Private First Class ELLIS RUCKER, 36554006, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Private First Class Rucker volunteered to guard and assist another soldier in the disarming of mines and bombs on a bridge. With full knowledge of the danger of the enemy detonating the mines and bombs, and despite intense enemy rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire, Private First Class Rucker remained at his post on the bridge. His action, without regard for his personal safety, materially assisted in the disarming of the explosives. Later, while defending the bridgehead, Private First Class Rucker was killed when he disdained to take cover in order to better perform his duty. Next of kin: Mrs. Ellis Rucker (wife), 902 West Warren Ave., Detroit, Michigan.
124
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56773917/ellis-rucker
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
G.O. No. 45, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 1 April 45.
I. AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUS):
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded posthumously by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted man:
Private First Class FRED NIELSEN, 39049976, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Private First Class Nielsen, member of a mine detecting team, volunteered as a litter bearer and twice crossed a long bridge to evacuate wounded. Without regard for his personal safety and under intense enemy fire he successfuly brought back two of the wounded men. On his third trip he fell fatally wounded from enemy machine gun fire. Private First Class Nielsen's courage and outstanding devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on the military service. Next of kin: Mrs. Fred Nielsen (wife), 1717 South Charles Street, Alameda, California.
133
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/3614926/fred-nielsen
II. AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bull 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted men and officer:
Private First Class FRED B. CHILDERS, 35439561, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Under intense enemy rifle and machine gun fire, Private First Class Childers volunteered to cross a bridge to evacuate wounded. Despite the fact that several men were wounded while attempting to cross, Private First Class Childers made the trip four times bringing back the wounded men to safety. Although enemy fire continued to spray the bridge, he refused to stop until the job was completed. His outstanding devotion to duty was an inspiration to all and reflects high credit on the military service. Home address: Mrs. R. D. Childers (mother), Mayking, Kentucky.
133
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95288383/fred_glenn-beauford-childers
Technical Sergeant SANTOS A. SANDOVAL, 20912005, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Technical Sergeant Sandoval, under intense enemy fire and with utter disregard for his own safety, cut or disconnected many wires on a bridge, which were connected to electric detonator mines and bombs placed on the bridge. With full knowledge that the wires ran to occupied enemy positions south of the bridge, and that the mines and bombs might be detonated at any minute, Technical Sergeant Sandoval continued his work. His action saved the bridge for use of the United States Army. Home address: Mr. N. P. Sandoval (father), 133 E. Mable Avenue, Fullerton, California.
134
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72641566/santos-sandoval
Private First Class ALBERT W. TURBIVILLE, 37031631, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Although wounded early in an engagement, Private First Class Turbiville refused to leave his post at a bridge, and insisted on taking part in the ensuing combat. Upon observing one man of his platoon fall wounded in an area exposed to intense enemy fire, Private First Class Turbiville immediately left cover and despite his wound and continued heavy enemy fire, carried the wounded man to a covered position. Home address: Mr. Albert H. Turbiville (father), Camp Crook, South Dakota.
134
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13710453/albert-walter-turbiville
First Lieutenant LAWRENCE W. WANICHEK, 01312610, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Pavia, Panay, P.I., on 21 March 1945. First Lieutenant Wanichek, and his task force, attacked an estimated 150 armed enemy troops, many occupying fortified positions. His brilliant and fearless leadership resulted in the destruction of 60 enemy troops, the capture of one and the dispersal of the remainder. Upon observing one of his men fall wounded in an area exposed to intense enemy fire, First Lieutenant Wanichek rushed forward and carried the wounded man to cover. His prompt decision, and outstanding leadership inspired his men to close with and destroy a numerically superior enemy force. Home address: Mr. Carl W. Wanichek (father), 1004 26th Avenue, North, Seattle, Washington.
134
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/230174136/lawrence-wilbur-wanichek
III. AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, Bull 3, WD, 1944) a Bronze Star Medal is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted men and officers:
Private First Class JAMES O CALLICOAT, 35437266, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Under intense enemy automatic weapon fire, Private First Class Callicoat volunteered to aid in the evacuation of casualties from the enemy held side of a river. With utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of enemy fire he crossed the bridge and succeeded in evacuating one of the wounded. Crossing the second time, he was wounded by enemy machine gun fire. His courage was an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions. Home address: Mrs. Lucy Callicoat (mother), Creasy Ridge, Ohio.
134
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/135230119/james-orlyn-callicoat
First Lieutenant WALKER CARLTON, 0416075, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Pavia, Panay, P.I., on 20 March 1945. During an engagement with the enemy it was necessary to move a force to a more favorable position. Due to the sudden reverse movement of a tank, First Lieutenant Carlton was run over by the vehicle, which severely bruised his legs. Almost simultaneously three men were wounded by enemy machine gun fire and rifle fire. Although injured, he voluntarily stayed and supervised the evacuation of the wounded and movement of the force to a different location. First Lieutenant Carlton was one of the last to leave the hazardous position. His utter disregard of his injury was an inspiration to all and reflects high credit on the military service. Home address: Mr. W. H. Carlton (father), 3567 Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
135
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183735582/walker-hezekiah-carlton
Major WILLIAM J. CLOUGH, 0418533, Corps of Engineers, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Major Clough exposed himself to enemy rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire to disarm mines on a bridge, and later carried a wounded man across the bridge to the aid station. His devotion to duty reflects credit upon the Army of the United States. Home address: Mrs. William J. Clough (wife), 527 Buena Vista, Redlands, California.
135
Staff Sergeant LAWRENCE S. CROW, 35315112, Corps of Engineers, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Staff Sergeant Crow, without regard for his safety, courageously exposed himself to intense enemy rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire by swimming the rapid currents of a river to aid a messenger who had become exhausted. His courage under enemy fire reflects high credit upon the military service. Home address: Mrs. Celia Davis (sister), Rural Route 2, Cortland, Ohio.
135
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/93913634/lawrence-sherman-crow
Private First Class OSCAR A. MOLINA, 39280362, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Jaro, Panay, P.I., on 21 March 1945. Private First Class Molina upon locating an enemy pillbox occupied by four armed soldiers, without consideration for his own safety, attacked the position singlehandedly. Under intense enemy rifle fire, Private First Class Molina killed two of the enemy and drove the other two from the pillbox, whereupon they were killed by other members of his squad. Private First Class Molina's courage was an inspiration to all men of his company and reflects high credit on the military service. Home address: Mrs. Artomiza Molina (mother), 1551 1/2 Henry Street, Los Angeles, California.
136
IV. AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL (OAK-LEAF CLUSTER)
By direction of the President, in addition to the Bronze Star Medal awarded to Captain JAMES M. HOFFMANN, by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, as published on page 1, Section I, General Orders No. 16, 1945, a Bronze Oak-Leaf Cluster is awarded to him by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, Bull 3, WD, 1944). The citation is as follows:
Captain JAMES M. HOFFMANN, 0380064, Corps of Engineers, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Iloilo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. Captain Hoffmann exposed himself to intense enemy rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire to disarm mines on a bridge, and later swam to the rescue of a messenger who became exhausted in the rapid currents of a river. His courage reflects high credit on the Army of the United States. Home address: Mrs. James M. Hoffmann (wife), 4101 N. Kilbourn Ave., Chicago, Illinois.
136
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/186453801/james-marshall-hoffmann
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/359976/rosswell-i-berkheimer
https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/L6QK-LD4/rosewell-isreal-berkheimer-1913-1994
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55789353/arthur-franklin-schmall
34
https://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/people_details.php?PeopleID=38364
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56779050/robert-edwin-field
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/59031472/kermit-hg-mccoy
