Special Awards
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
Sgt. Roger L. Kitchen received this citation for "... conspicuously meritorious and outstanding performance of military duty".
His heroic conduct on the 1st and 2nd of October 1944 as a Squad leader in Company D during an attempt by German forces to outflank his position earned him this award. He continuously exposed himself to enemy fire and yet managed to inspire his squad to repel the assault
The citation was signed personally by Major General James M. Gavin. It is not known whose handprint has been impressed on the upper left-hand corner of the document
AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
As a result of a study conducted in 1947, the policy was implemented that authorized the retroactive award of the Bronze Star Medal to soldiers who had received the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat Medical Badge during World War II. The basis for doing this was that the badges were awarded only to soldiers who had borne the hardships which resulted in General Marshall’s support of the Bronze Star Medal. Both badges required a recommendation by the commander and a citation in orders.
Harold E. Brodd was one of thousands who applied for this belated and much deserved award. The certificate accompanying his award is dated 29 December 1959 and was signed by both the Army's Adjutant General Maj. Gen Lee and Secretary of the Army Wilbur M. Brucker. The documents cites the award as being for:
MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT
IN GROUND OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ENEMY
European Theatre of Operations, on or about 6 June 1944
Legion of Honor Medal
US veterans who helped in the liberation of France during WWII could be eligible to receive the French Legion of Honor Medal, previously issued only to WWI Vets. The French Government has asked the Secretary of VA for assistance in identifying qualified US veterans for medal consideration, to be reviewed and approved by the Legion of Honor Committee in Paris, France. French consulates in the US will distribute approximately 100 medals each year. Members of the Army Air Corps. Navy, and Coast Guard who participated in one of the four major campaigns in the liberation of France (Normandy, Southern France, Northern France and the Ardennes) are eligible.
Those applying must have written documentation (normally a copy of military separation order,. DD-214, and other official orders which verify military history during combat).
Any previous military awards such as the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, etc., would indicate meritorious actions during combat operations. Copies of these documents should be forwarded with the request for consideration for the French Legion of Honor to the Defense Attaché,. Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007 (for more information, call 202-944-6502 or FAX 202-944-6538).
PASS THE AMMUNITION
French Consul General, Frederic Bonthems, describes the military exploits of (l-r) LTC (Ret.) Robert E. Chisolm and Angel Romero, both of the 508th PIR. They were joined by fellow World War II Vet, Armando Sambrano.
Each of the men were were honored for their part in the Liberation of France, 1944 and were inducted into France's National Order Of The Legion Of Honor Award Society (Ordre Nacional de la Legion d'Honneur) in a ceremony held at the Benavidez-Patterson Chapter 82D Airborne Association, El Paso, TX.
KNAPP NAMED VETERAN OF THE MONTH
Nevada Department of Veterans Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/MEDIA ADVISORY
April 14, 2017
CONTACT: Terri Hendry, Cell (775) 525-4674
Decorated Veteran Receives "Veteran of the Month" Award and Recognition
(Carson City, NV) – The Nevada Department of Veterans Services and Governor Brian Sandoval are pleased to announce highly decorated U.S. Army veteran William (Bill) Knapp received the "Veteran of the Month" award and recognition on Thursday, April 20, 2017 inside the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas, NV.
The special ceremony for the 94-year-old WWII veteran recognizes Knapp's continuing contributions to fellow veterans and community. Governor Brian Sandoval said, "Bill Knapp's commitment to serve is demonstrated in his both his time in the military and his life as a civilian." The Governor added, "Even at the young age of 94, Bill still continues serve his community and others."
Knapp is a member of the Southern Nevada Patriot Guard Riders whose members ensure a veteran who has passed away, will never have to take that "final walk" alone. They are present during "Ceremonies for the Unaccompanied," at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City, NV. At the age of 94, Knapp accepts the American Flag on behalf of WWII veterans during those Thursday ceremonies. Knapp also remembers his fellow WWII veteran friends who have passed away by placing a flag every week on their graves.
In 2015, Knapp was awarded the French Legion of Honor. He served in WWII in the 82nd Airborne Division, 508th Parachute Infantry Reg. from 1942-1946. For his service he received several other honors including; the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, and a Battlefield Commission.
Knapp is also a member of the American Legion and is a current member of Post 76. He attends church every Sunday and remains committed to helping others. In his younger years, Knapp was a very active member of the Shriners International "precision motorcycle club." He retired his bike at the age of 74.
The "Veteran of the Month" and "Veteran Supporter of the Month" awards are provided through the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. The awards are part of the Governor's commitment to make KNAPPNevada the "friendliest State in the nation" to its military community and veterans.
JEFFERS' AWARD OF FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR
Washington, August 7, 2012
Dear Mr. Jeffers:
I am pleased to inform you that by decree of the President of the French Republic on July 19, 2012, you have been appointed a “Chevalier” of the Legion of Honor.
This award testifies to the President of the French Republic’s high esteem for your merits and accomplishments. In particular it is a sign of France’s infinite gratitude and appreciation for your personal and precious contribution to the United States’ decisive role in the liberation of our country during World War II.
The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge services rendered to France by persons of exceptional merit. The French people will never forget your courage and your devotion to the great cause of freedom.
It is a true pleasure for me to convey to you our sincere and warm congratulations.
In order to determine the means of bestowing the insignia upon you, please contact our General Consulate in Chicago (205 North Michigan Avenue - Suite 3700 Chicago, IL 60611, Tel. 312 327 5200).
Naturally, I remain at your disposal in this regard.
Once again, my heartfelt congratulations.
Sincerely,
/s/ Frederic Dore
Mr. Lawrence Jeffers
P.O. Box 488
Hockingport, OH 45739
Liberte • Egalite • Fratemite
REPUBLIQUE FRANQAISE
CONSULAT GENERAL DE FRANCE A CHICAGO
Mr. Lawrence Jeffers
PO Box 488
Hockingport, OH 45739
Chicago, August 9, 2012
Dear Mr. Jeffers,
It is my pleasure as Consul General of France in Chicago to inform you, on the behalf of the people of France, that the President of the French Republic has named you Knight of the Legion of Honor* for your valorous action during World War II.
My fellow countrymen will never forget your sacrifice. Their children and grandchildren are as proud of your courageous actions as can be your own children and grandchildren.
This outstanding distinction is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France. It is also a sign of true gratitude for your invaluable contribution to the liberation of France during these difficult times in the History of
our nation.
It is a privilege for me to send you my sincere and warmest congratulations. Please accept my very best wishes for yourself and your family and friends.
Merci beaucoup for all you did!
Sincerely yours,
Graham PAUL Consul General of France in Chicago
*Decree of the President of the French Republic on July 19, 2012.
CONSULAT GENERAL DE FRANCE
A
CHICAGO
Chicago, August 24, 2012
LE CONSUL GENERALno. 843
Dear Mr. Jeffers,
It is a great honor and privilege to present you with the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal. Through this award, the French government pays tribute to the soldiers who did so much for France and Western Europe. More than 65 years ago, you gave your youth to France and the French people. Many of your fellow soldiers did not return, but they remain in our hearts.
Thanks to the courage of these soldiers, to our American Friends and Allies, France has been living in peace for the past 6 decades. They saved us and we will never forget. I want you to know that for us, the French People, they are heroes. Gratitude and remembrance are forever in our souls.
You, Mr. Jeffers, are among these heroes. You enlisted in December 1942 as Private First Class in the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 50&h Parachute Infantry. From January 1943 to October 1945, you participated in the Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe Campaigns.
For your achievements, the American Government presented you with prestigious awards the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the EAME Theater Medal with four Bronze Battle Stars, and the Distinguished Unit Citation.
To show our eternal gratitude, the government of the French Republic has decided to award you the Legion of Honor. Created by Napoleon, it is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France.
Thank you for what you did and Congratulations.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ G. Paul
Graham PAUL
Consul General de France a Chicago
205 North Michigan Ave-Suite 3700-CHICAGOIL 60601-Tel.(312)327-5200-Fax.(312)327-5201
contact@consulfrance-chicago.or
REUBEN A. WEINER RECIEVES MEDAL OF HONOR
PRESENTATION CEREMONY
FOR THE
FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL TO STAFF SERGEANT REUBEN A. WEINER And
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS PETER K. HOWENSTEIN
UNITED STATES ARMY, WORLD WAR II
Reuben Weiner
Peter Howenstein
LOS ANGELES NATIONAL CEMETERY
BOB HOPE VETERANS CHAPEL
APRIL 30th, 2011 -10:30AM
BIOGRAPHY- STAFF SERGEANT REUBEN A. WEINER
SSgt Reuben Weiner was born in Los Angeles, California in 1920. He was active on the tennis and baseball teams at Los Angeles High School. After high school he attended Santa Monica City College and was employed at Columbia Pictures in the still photo department. He enlisted in the US Army and entered active duty in October 1942. After Basic Training at Camp Crowder, Missouri he received further training as a Combat Photographer with the US Army Signal Corps. Reuben arrived in England in December 1943 and did extensive photography to document preparations for the Allied invasion of mainland Europe. He volunteered to join the 82nd Airborne Div and parachuted into Normandy on the early hours of D-Day with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Often in great danger, he documented combat actions in still and motion picture photography including D-Day, Cherbourg, the Falaise Gap, the taking of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge, and in Germany. One of his most memorable moments was documenting the liberation of Paris while with the French 2nd Armored Division, for which he received the French Croix de Guerre medal. Reuben was one of the first photographers to document the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. His other significant decorations include the Bronze Star medal with one Oak Leaf cluster and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Reuben was discharged at Fort MacArthur, California in October 1945. In June 1946 he married his wife Vivian and their children include son Andrew and twin daughters Barbara and Nancy. After the war Reuben worked briefly at Columbia Pictures and then joined his father for a long career in the metal recycling business and at one point was National Chairman for the recycling industry hazardous waste. He has resided in Lakewood, California since retiring in 1990.
***
BIOGRAPHY- PRIVATE FIRST CLASS PETER K. HOWENSTEIN
PFC Peter Howenstein was born in Los Angeles, California in January 1925 and attended primary and secondary school in the Eagle Rock area. He was active on the track team in high school. Peter worked briefly as a sheet metal operator before being inducted in the US Army in March 1943. After basic training, he joined the 3191 Infantry Regiment of the 80th Infantry Division as a mortarman. In July 1944 he deployed to England on the Queen Mary with 15,000 other troops. After landing on Utah Beach in Normandy on August 3, 1944 he fought in numerous heavy combat engagements throughout Northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe, ending up in Czechoslovakia with occupation forces. His most significant decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. General Patton personally presented his Purple Heart medal at a Field Hospital after he was wounded in the neck by enemy shrapnel on November 11, 1944 in Metz France. He was discharged in January, 1946 at Fort MacArthur, California. Since the end of WWII Peter Howenstein has received numerous commemorative medals from regions and countries in which he fought. After the war he worked for the Lockheed Corporation from 1946 to 1950 and then spent a 34 year career with the Pacific Bell Telephone company until retirement in 1984. In 1950 Peter married Marion Wienke and their union produced daughters Sharon and Lynne, and son Gary. Peter and Marion have been long time residents of Northridge, California and enjoy the company of their children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.nce.
JUMP GRADUATION CERTIFICATES
As each man completed his five qualifying jumps "from an aircraft in flight" during parachute training at Fort Benning he received a signed certificate attesting that he was now a qualified parachutist.
Fort Benning was not the only jump school that men of the 508th attended however and during 1943 when they joined the regiment at Camp Mackall, similar certificates were issued. Following deployment to the ETO, the 82d set up another jump school at Cottesmore, England as well.
Harry Gerheim seems to have been an honest man. Where his certificate reads "... made the required number of jumps from an aircraft in flight", he crossed out the word "FLIGHT" and wrote instead "FRIGHT".
PARATROOPER LANDS TOP AWARD
By Marie Wyman
RECORD CORRESPONDENT
NORTHBORO — The Vincent Picard Post 234 recently selected Northboro resident Irving T. Shanley as Legionnaire of the Year for 2004.
Shanley was a paratrooper who participated in the invasions of Normandy, France on , June 6, 1944 and at Nijmegen, Holland, Sept. 17, 1944.
He is a modest man who would rather speak about his project of writing biographies of men in his company, the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment than talk about him-
"I was asked by the company commander, Capt. Chester Graham, to write as many biographies as I could for an upcoming reunion at Camp Blanding in Starke, Fla. in October. At that time, the biographies ...and other memorabilia and the regimental colors of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, will be retired," Shanley said. "This will be our final reunion."
According to Shanley, officers in the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association encouraged their men to write and share their stories at a 1975 reunion held in Chicago where 400 to 500 veterans and family members participated. "I got involved with the research several years ago and in the course of putting together the biographies for the next reunion found out some interesting things," Shanley said.
For instance, Shanley would learn that a Northboro man, Capt. Francis Ernest Flanders, from his paratrooper regiment, was killed while he was a prisoner in Germany.
"I wrote to his company commander, who was living in California, and he sent me back a lot of information as to what really happened to Cap-
■ Continued on page 10
Paratrooper——
■ from page 1
tain Flanders," Shanley said.
Flanders, a 1938 graduate of Northboro High School, was captured by the Germans and put into a prisoner of war camp. He subsequently died when the German convoy, he, and other captured prisoners were traveling in, was attacked by Allied P-47 airplanes.
During his research other facts would surface for Shanley.
"I found out while gathering information for the biographies that a World War I veteran, from Northboro, Vincent F. Picard (for whom the American Legion Post 234 is named), was also part of the same 82nd Infantry Division that the famous Sgt. Alvin Yorke [sic] came from.
Marksmen Yorke captured 132 Germans, killed 20 and captured numerous machine guns," Shanley said.
After World War I the 82nd Infantry Division went inactive, but was reactivated during World War II as the 82nd
Airborne, which was Shanley's division.
Shanley said that being chosen as Legionnaire of the Year was a total surprise.
"I had no idea," he said. "I think that there were many more deserving people than me, but I am very grateful and proud to receive it."
Florence Shanley, his wife of nearly 56 years, said she was very proud of her husband.
"I've always been proud of him. I knew about it (the award) beforehand, but it was hard to keep quiet; it's hard to keep a secret," she said.
Irving Shanley retired from military service in 1969 as a Lt. Col. after more than 26 years active service. He served for 14 years In the infantry and 12 years in the adjutant general's corps.
Shanley received the Le-gionnaire of the year award at a ceremony held on MemorialDay at the Howard Street Cemetery.
"It was a wonderful award to receive," Shanley said, "but we were there at the cemetery to pay tribute to all our fallen comrades. Those fellow soldiers that paid the supreme sacrifice."
