Army, My great uncle Ballon E. Walker received the Purple Heart. I do not know much about my great uncle as of yet. I am still looking for information concerning his time in the army and exactly where he died. I have for some time thought he died in Italy, near Casino but I recently was given a plaque or certificate signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt that reads: "In grateful memory of Private First Class Ballon E. Walker, who died in the service of his country in the North African Area, March 1, 1944. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live, and grow, and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives - in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men." (signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America. So, now I am confused as to where exactly he died. Some family members feel he died in Italy, but this plaque states he died in the North African Area.

Jim enlisted in the army on April 1, 1944. He was discharged on March 21, 1946. He fought in the 117th infantry division at the famous " Battle of the Bulge" and was shot. He was wounded on January 17, 1945 in Belgium, Germany. A gunshot wound in his right chest. He returned to duty April 24, 1945, and was discharged March 21, 1946 with a Victory ribbon, European- African-Middle Easter Theater ribbon, one bronze star, one purple heart and 2 overseas bars.

USAAF, He was eating Breakfast when the planes came over. He was killed by a bomb as he ran for his barracks.

His name is on the Tablets of the Missing at Ardennes American Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium. He received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. It is said that the hospital he was in was bombed on Christmas eve of 1944.

Was enlisted from 1941-45, was involved in the D-Day Battle, Normandy Battle, Italy Battle, also fought in France and also with Patton. R-Gon Force, was also awarded a Bronze Star.

My father was wounded seriously in Austria and returned to duty. He received a Bronze Star for his actions. He joined his buddies in 1978. I miss him dearly.

Army, Vietnam service medal w/2 bronze service stars republic of Vietnam campaign medal national defense service medal.

Marines, Jamie was killed under hostile circumstances on September 13,1968. He was my mothers first husband, and high school sweetheart.

Army, Theron F. Ware (my grandfather) earned 4 Bronze Stars (that I know of) and one Purple Heart. He served in the 3rd Armored Division under General Patton during the Battle of the Bulge. While there, he was hit by shrapnel when a nearby tank exploded. He was evacuate to London where he underwent surgery and recuperate for 3 months. He was later sent back to France to serve.

Army, Wounds Received in Action: EAME 23 Aug 44. American Theatre Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Purple Heart Per Go 29, HQ 318th Sta Hosp 44, Good Conduct Medal.

US Army; Military Occupational Specialty and No.; Rifleman 745, Combat Infantry Badge, American Defense Service Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star. Battles and Campaigns; Rome-Arno.

Army, was wounded South East of Ben Tre, South Vietnam, wWhile on a mission and receiving hostile fire, twice I exited the Helicopter, loaded wounded and was wounded in the left side of my face.

Was also awarded an Air Medal for combat flight time, an Air Medal with 'V' Device, & Unit Citation.

Battles and Campaigns: Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, Central Europe. Decorations and Citations: Purple Heart, World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon and Three Bronze Service Stars.

Army, Member of Co. A, 50th Armd Inf.BN, 3rd Armored Division. Tank Gunner Received 5 battle stars: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe. Good Conduct Metal. He was wounded when his unit was overrun by German forces. He took shelter in a building and was wounded when he fell and cut his leg attempting to climb stairs in the dark that had been blown away by an explosion. At that time he was taken prisoner by the Germans, and held until the following day when American infantry entered the town and rescued him.

The night they were dropped from their planes there was a storm, which it was suppose to be a good night for a drop. But the planes were off coarse and they ended up behind enemy lines not being able to get back to there company. He and 3 others hid in a farm house with no where to go surrounded by Germans thats when he was captured. He was already hurt at this time hit by shrapnel on his legs,back and chest. He was a POW for 10 months when the Russians liberated them. My Dad was a wonderful Man and my hero.

My dad was awarded the Purple Heart,Bronze Star, POW Medal, and several more. He was injured when dropped behind enemy lines. They hid out for days but were captured and he was a POW in Germany. He also earned the combat infantry badge, Served in Army, in the 103rd Cactus Division, Infantry.

George G. Wells, my grandfather, carried the flag used in the first flag-raising at Iwo Jima ashore from the Missoula in his map case! He was wounded there by enemy fire that entered through his hand and exited through his back, barely missing his spinal cord. He was told by doctors that his injury was "a good one" meaning he could be sent home from Iwo Jima, but he refused and stayed on as First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Second Battalion, 28th Regiment, 5th Marine Div.

U. S. Army. In addition to the Purple Heart w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, he was also awarded the following medals: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Sharpshooters Badge Rifle M-14; Company A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry {Mechanized} and First Platoon Weapons Squad.

Navy, Earnest S. West was killed when the ship was hit by a Kamikaze. He was buried at sea. A memorial stone is in place in the Memorial Section of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington VA. A full military service was conducted on 11-6-1992.

Pfc. Westbrook was killed May 2, 1945, while serving with the Marines in the Okinawa campaign. He was 19 years old at the time of his death. He entered the service on Sept. 23, 1943. He was a graduate of Istrouma High School and attended LSU for one year. "With The Old Breed At Peleliu And Okinawa", by E. B. Sledge Chapter, Into The Abyss, page 208 " No sooner had we begun to dig in than terrible news arrived about mounting casualties in the company. The biggest blow was the word that Privates Nease and Westbrook had been killed. Both of these men were liked and admired by us all. Westbrook was a new man, a friendly curly headed blond and one of the youngest married men in the outfit. I believe he wasn't yet twenty. Howard Nease was young in years but an old salt with a combat record that started at Cape Gloucester. We took the news of those deaths hard." Letter from Dr. E. B. Sledge, March 25, 1996, Dear Mrs. Sanford, Your letter in which you inquired about your Uncle, Pfc. Marion Westbrook, finally got to me just the other day. As it was not dated, I do not know when you wrote. Marion joined my infantry company, K-3-5, on Pavuvu Is. after we had returned from the terrible battle of Peleliu. He was a fine young man, not even 20 yrs. If I recall correctly. He had blond to brown hair that was naturally curly. I think he was about my height - - - 5, 9". He was friendly and popular with the "old salts" as well as the new men. When we went down to the Southern end of Okinawa to relieve an Army Div., as stated in WTOB, we moved up to Kakazu Ridge under very heavy fire. My buddy and I ran along the base of the ridge and Marion and Howard Nease (a veteran of three campaigns) were spaced out behind us. Snafu and I ran past a road cut in the ridge and reached our appointed position. Marion and Nease both fell dead instantly from Jap MG fire as they passed the road cut. They did not suffer. Both bodies were immediately recovered. My mortar was struck and we shelled the area where the MG was located. Fortunately we killed the crew. We all missed Marion & Nease as they were company favorites. Sincerely, E. B. Sledge, PhD. {His obit read as follows:} Pfc. Westbrook was killed May 2, 1945, while serving with the Marines in the Okinawa campaign. He was 19 years old at the time of his death. He entered the service on Sept. 23, 1943. He was a graduate of Istrouma High School and attended LSU for one year. The services will be held from the Welsh parlors at 3 p.m. Wednesday with interment in the National Cemetery. The Baton Rouge detachment of the Marine Corps League will conduct the military graveside services. Dr. John W. Melton will officiate. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Westbrook; his widow, of Milwaukee, Wis.; a brother, Neland Westbrook; grandparents, Mrs. Avis Noble of Baker and Mrs. Alice Westbrook of Pride; several aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins.

Army, Walter Wetzel Received the Medal of Honor when he fell on a Grenade to save the lives of the men in his squad. One of those men was my father.

Army, Served with Recon Company E, 1/52, 198th L.I.B, Americal Division Wounded while walking point.

Served with the 4th Infantry Division from 1967 to late 1968. Was also awarded: 3 Bronze stars with V-device, Army Commendation Medal, R.O.V. Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Army, Brinton White's family was given his Purple Heart and Bronze Star and told that he was killed while guarding German soldiers.

Cluster to PH 9 Dec 1944 Singling, France, Cluster to PH 24 Dec 1944 Bigonville, Luxembourg, Cluster to PH 12 Apr 1945 Jena, Germany, Distinguished Service Cross, Luxembourg Croix de Guerre, CO Co. "A" 37 th Tank Bn., 4 th Armored Division.

Army, Other Decorations and Citation awarded Robert Glen Whitener: EAMET Campaign Ribbon with Two Bronze Service Stars; Victory Medal; American Theater Campaign Ribbon; Combat Infantry Badge Sectioned to two units: 522nd ord. HM-FA Co. (1/43-6/45) and 309th Infantry Regiment (44-45). Mr. Whitener passed away on 5/12/96.

Army, received two purple hearts. Wounded in action during the Italian campaign. Also Bronze Star w/Oak Leaf Cluster. 1st Lieutenant Company A- 1st Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. I don't know exact dates of his being wounded. One was a piece of shrapnel from a German 88. The other was a face wound from machine gun fire during night action. Both were during Salerno-Anzio-Cassino phases of the Italian Campaign.

Army, 2nd Division, 38th Infantry, Wounded just after D-Day, lived for 13 days & died in England. Buried in Maddingly cemetery outside of Oxford, England.

He is present Commander, Department of Virginia, Military Order of the Purple Heart; also fought 8 months Gulf War (Shield/Storm).

Air Force; Was wounded by a terrorist bombing at Khobar Towers. One of 9 members of EF-111A Squadron from Cannon AFB, NM injured in the terrorist bombing of Khobar Towers. Father Lt. Col James Wesley Widdis KIA in Laos. Pray for Jo Anne, dedicated wife of Jim and mother of Doug.

Air Force, A-26 pilot flying out of Thailand, missing in action from 23 March 1969 to 8 August 1978. Presumed dead by DOD, remains recovered in Laos in 1995, returned to USA in 1996.

Air Force, KIA over the water near Brest, France, Received Air Medal and one Oak Leaf Cluster. Wigginton was the pilot of a B-17 Bomber returning from a mission to bomb the submarine pens at St. Nazaire, FR when due to equipment failure, the group, 306th Bomb Group, made a navigational error and turned toward land thinking they were over Lands End, England when they were in fact coming into Brest, FR. Thinking they were over friendly territory they were at 800 feet when hit by flak and about twenty enemy fighters. Wigginton and his crew were lost and two other 306th planes went down with only four survivors in one plane who became POWs. As of 7-16-99 two of those are still living.

U.S. Army, 318th Regt. 80th Div. was also awarded: American Theatre, ETO, CIB, BSM, and GC.

Infantry, The 28th Division, on Hill 210(La Canniere), overlooking the village of Percy in Basse Normandy, was locked in a four day struggle to wrest control of the area from the Germans. This was part of Operation Cobra. Lt. Wilbeck, head of a mortar platoon of Co, H 112th Reg., was returning to his troops after a meeting at his company headquarters when he was killed. With him was Sgt. Robert S. Barnes who was wounded during this incident. Sgt. Barnes recovered from his wounds and later returned to his unit. He survived the war. If I could find Mr. Barnes he could tell me more about this incident. He enlisted out of Taylorsville, NC.

Army, Co#45, 8th Inf, Div 15, Bronze Star, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. This is my husband's father whom we know little else about.

Navy, While serving aboard the helicopter assault ship USS Tripoli (LPH-10) conducting aggressive mine sweeping/mine countermeasures, USS Tripoli struck a manta mine sustaining massive damage. The mine hit occurred at 4:18 a.m. off the coast of Kuwait in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm during Defense Condition One. Senior Chief Radioman Billy Willard sustained wounds from the explosion and was later medically retired from the Navy as a result of the wounds received having served 21 years on active duty. Was also awarded: Navy/Marine Corps. Commendation Medal Gold Star, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal Gold Star, Combat Action Ribbon.

Army, 743 Tank Bn. He is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margratten Holland. Section C, row 6, plot 16.

Carlton Recieved Schrapnel wounds to an arm and a leg from a German hand gernade. While on mission in Germany after D-day. The schrapnel in his arm could not be removed and caused him problems until he died in December of 1970.

Army, He was part of 10 man patrol overrun by 50-100 VC/NVA force. We couldn't help them, the fight lasted less than one minute.

Army, Fredrick was born October 17th, 1944. His name can be found on the Vietnam Memorial Wall on Panel 21E, Row 110.

U.S. Army WWI enlisted July 15, 1917-Feb 24,1919. 15 New York national guard infantry, 369 regiment B company received a purple heart and oakleaf cluster.

Army, He was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 at which time he was wounded. He also was wounded two more time while in prison camp. He received the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Bronze Star.

Army, Private Jacob W. Wingo was the father of 3 children. The third of which, an only son was born on Dec. 4th 1944. The very day after Pvt. Wingo was killed in action. Pvt. Wingo was awarded (after death of course) 3 Medals. World War II Victory Medal, European Campaign Medal & A Purple Heart. Pvt. Wingo was part of the D-Day Invasion, and survived the Omaha Beach Battle, but was struck down by mortar fire in the days leading up to the Battle of the Bulge. Pvt. Wingo was buried at Arlington National cemetery (Sec. 18 Grave 5681).

129th Infantry 29th Division Co. G, D Day, wounded in head by sniper, died on June 24, 1944 in LaFossoardiers France as result of wound.

I was a Heavy Machine-Gunner (50 Caliber Machine-Gun) with Task Force Ripper, 1st Battalion 5th Marines. My platoon, (Heavy Machine Gun Platoon, Weapons Co. 1/5) was mixed in with M1A1 Tanks, and some Cobra attack helicopters. We were to provide suppressing fire on any enemy tanks we encountered, this would force the enemy tank to button down its hatches, and limiting their field of vision. Then our tanks and helicopters would attack the Iraqi tanks. After penetrating the 1st breach site, taking no casualties and observing no hostiles we proceeded on to the 2nd breach site. While enroute to the 2nd breach site we came under fire from Iraqi artillery and mortars. After arriving at the breach site we encountered heavy resistance from enemy tanks and mortars. A shell exploded to the right of the Hummer I was mounted on. I was struck by several pieces of shrapnel, and was awarded the Purple Heart from injuries I sustained from the shrapnel.

Two previous purple hearts in 1943 and 1944. His rank was Sgt. at the time of his death. He was in hospital in Australia after the first two. My mother (his younger sister) said he loved the Australian people. She also said that he was given the option of going home after his second, but refused, because he said " I have to get back to my buddies!" He was killed by artillery. His unit was US Army 7th Cavalry. My Grandmother never saw him after he left in 1942.

Army, was awarded 2 Purple Hearts. Recipient is National Historian of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

William H. Witt was a member of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II from 1942-1944. The 507th saw combat action at D-Day and the invasion of Holland. The 507th was reassigned to the 17th Airborne Division which was a new Division formed by General Eisenhower in late 1944. The 17th Airborne was called into action during the latter part of December 1944 in the Battle of the Bulge. On January 4, 1945 the 17th Airborne Division was engaged in a battle 10-12 miles North of Bastogne. This place became known as "Dead Man's Ridge" due to the heavy amount of losses suffered by the 17th Airborne Division. The 17th was engaged in battle at Dead Man's Ridge from January 4-12, 1945. On January 8, 1945 William H. Witt was reported as killed in action. He received the Purple Heart posthumously.

Army, Eddie's helicopter was shot down. He was severely wounded, his left knee was destroyed.

Army, Patrol was sweeping area after successful night ambush when one VC, playing possum, got up and shot John and at least one other man. He was good friend.

Army, Company B of the 3rd Bn 21st Infantry was in a lager position on a hill across the river from LZ West. The day before we had probed an enemy base camp and fired on an enemy supply line. That night they probed our perimeter and they lost at least one KIA to my Mechanical Ambush. The next day we moved out with myself as point squad Sgt. We were ambushed with no casualties. We returned fire and retreated to the night lager position. Phantom jet air strikes were called in on the enemy ambush positions. There was now a bomb crater where the Point squad rucksacks had been. They had been left behind in the ambush, when the point squad was cut off and had to run back to the company. My $3,000 dollar army issue starlight scope was incinerated along with $100 dollars American "buy my freedom money". Soon after the air strikes we began to receive mortar fire from down the hill and later machine gun fire from up the hill. I remember being hit passing out, coming to, the screams of others the cry of medic!, but I could not as a piece of shrapnel had hit my throat. I remember whispering to Sgt. Dan Hicks to take over the Platoon, the medic from the Carribean trying to stop the bleeding, others throwing themselves on me to prevent further injuries from morters, that continued to strike the perimeter, the med evac helicopter flight out to a Mash type hospital unit, waking up on the operating table with the Doctors working on my neck, talking to each other, one said "another 1/4 inch and it would have caught his juglar" the other said "another few minutes he would have been dead from a loss of blood" I was lucky I would live.

Army, Ambush on Rt.9 below Camp Carroll, was a reactionary force C/1/44 Duster T-40 was on way to ambush when we were ambushed. Alot of Marines, MCB5, Army and Dusterman were wounded and killed. I was wounded by a RPG7. C/Btry 1/44 Ada Arty Duster. We were the most decorated arty unit in Vietnam. Presd. Award, valors Award, Met. Award, Svn. Cross of Gallantry with Palm C.A.B. Ribbon.

Army, VSM/Four Bronze Service Stars, Air Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm, Unit Citation. On date of occurrence, my unit was overrun by NVA forces.

Marines, Bronze Star -Meritorious Conduct etc, Iwo Jima Purple Heart - Wounded in action, Saipan, 2nd Armored Amphibious Battalion.

Army, 461st Infantry, Heavy Equipment. Night command, checking the guards during the night around midnight when a mortar shell came in a little below him. He never heard the shell comein, it blew up and he took shrapnel in the back of his left thigh. The guard called back to company headquarters and they came out to get him. They went to the headquarters site, and tyhe field hospital for his first operation. The surgeons could not get the shrapnel out, so they flew him to Osaka, Japan. There the doctors removed all but a couple of pieces, which they said were in a dangerous place and thought he should live with it. He did, until 1977 when his body rejected some of it and they were able to remove somemore at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Was also awarded Korean Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a Distinguished Unit Citation.

Army, Tom would tell me stories when I was younger about his war days. He was a POW and escaped, and he received 2 purple hearts. Don't know a lot more about it, and I do believe that Tom has now passed on.

Engaged in combat near Hadong, Korea as a member of Company K, 29th infantry, U.S. Army. Born October 3, 1932 in Hugo, Oklahoma. Son of Emmett Irvin Woodard 1 and Golda Edna Williams of Los Angeles,California. Surviving siblings - Emmett, Dean, Joyce, Winnona and Edna Lorene. Mother, Golda Edna Williams, President of the Gold Star Mothers of America generously donated Robert's flag to the hall to remind the community of our loved ones lost. Robert is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

US Army Tank Commander; Wille served under George Patton with two tours of duty in World War 2. He stationed at Fort Knox, Ky trained in Tank Machines. He served in the Battle of the Bulge on Dec 1944 with the 3 Army captured the German. Also at Crossing of the Rhino. The purple heart was award to his Tank which was bombed by a German tank he was the only survivor.

Army, Boyd Wynne was my co-pilot aboard a UH-1 medical evacuation helicopter. We were the 8th helicopter to be shot down in the same area and the first to make it out. We were able to go back into the area one more time but were shot down. Boyd also received the Silver Star.