Chain of Command After attending further cryptologic technician schools at NSA Washington, D.C. he went on to served the Naval Security Group Activities at Karamursel, Turkey; Bremerhaven, Germany; Zweibrucken, Germany; Edzell, Scotland; Key West, FL; Midway Island; Kami Seya, Japan; Sasebo, Japan and Northwest, VA. In 1970, after 20-plus years of military service, he retired from the U. S. Navy as a CTRC (Cryptologic Technician Radio Chief)
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Comments Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campa... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Comments Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campa... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Comments Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campa... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Comments Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campa... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in... The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in China between July 7, 1937, and September 7, 1939; or who Served ashore in China or were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of operations in China between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. Military services performed in the Asiatic-Pacific area between September 2, 1945 and March 2, 1946 could be credited for eligibility for the China Service Medal unless the individual was eligible for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal based on service performed prior to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Description North Korean aggressively interrupting U.N. patrols. In May 1952 an estimated total of 102,000 artillery and mortar rounds fell in Eighth Army positions.
As a result of increased Chinese ground actioNorth Korean aggressively interrupting U.N. patrols. In May 1952 an estimated total of 102,000 artillery and mortar rounds fell in Eighth Army positions.
As a result of increased Chinese ground action in the 45th Division sector, the division planned an operation to establish eleven patrol bases across its front. Operation COUNTER began on 6 June. By the 7th, ten of the eleven objectives had been taken. The last one (Hi11 191, eight miles west of Ch'orwon) was captured after a 48-hour battle on 14 June. The Chinese immediately launched counterattacks along the entire division front, climaxing their efforts on the night of 28-29 June with an unsuccessful 4-hour attack. The division sustained over 1,000 casualties during the month of June; Chinese losses were estimated at more than 5,000.
Throughout the first half of 1952, the U.N. forces waged a. war of containment. The frontline soldier, meanwhile, hoped that the armistice negotiators would soon reach an agreement.
As the Korean War went into its third year, in June 1952, the deadlock continued. July began with a series of small-scale attacks by both sides. Torrential rains restricted activity in the last week of July and through most of August. For some time the enemy had gradually increased the volume of mortar and artillery fire in support of his attacks, and in September fired a total of 45,000 rounds against the Eighth Army's front.
During the summer of 1952 the air war over Korea intensified. In addition to striking at supply centers, troop concentrations, power plants, factories, and rail and road networks, U.N. aircraft rendered valuable assistance to frontline troops by bombing, or searing with napalm, enemy bunkers, trenches, gun positions, and communications lines. On 29 August the largest U.N. air raid of the Korean War was carried out on P'yongyang, the North Korean capital. During the month of September alone the U.S. Fifth Air Force shot down 64 MIG-15's at a cost of seven Sabrejets.
A series of enemy attacks in October 1952 produced some of the heaviest fighting in more than a year. Most of it centered around two key heights, Hills 281 and 395, northwest of Ch'orwon. The attacks were opened on 6 October with the largest volume of mortar and artillery fire received by the Eighth Army during the war. By 15 October the disputed ground was held firmly by U.N. forces, and the enemy withdrew. Over 2,000 Chinese dead were counted on these two hills after the 10-day battle. ... More
Memories Don attended Whitewater State Teachers College (UW-Whitewater) for a few years and then returned to Don attended Whitewater State Teachers College (UW-Whitewater) for a few years and then returned to served in the U. S. Navy in 1952.
Don performed his initial Navy service in the pacific, serving on Johnston Island; Guam; Kwajalein; Atsugi, Japan and Yokosuka, Japan. He then served aboard the USS Henderson, USS Perkins, WSS Braine, USS Mullany, USS William Sieverling, USS Hanson and NCU-38 (Navy Cyber Unit).... More
Other Memories Donald Lawrence Kauffman was originally from Loyal, born May 24, 1922, the son of Vernard and Elva (Shupe) Kauffman. When asked about his career, he always stated he was a “Military Man”. After graduation from Loyal High School in 1940, he entered into military service with the U. S. Army and was assigned to the 9th Armored Division, Combat Command B. He entered the European Theater of Operations shortly after D-Day in 1944 and was closely involved in combat operations that included the Battle of the Bulge and as a member of the first unit to cross the Rhine River into Germany. For these actions he received the Presidential Unit Citation. He remained in the U. S. Army of Occupation and was discharged from the service in 1946. He attended Whitewater State Teachers College (UW-Whitewater) for a few years and then returned to served in the U. S. Navy in 1952
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army of Occupation Medal is a military award of the United States military which was established by the United States War Department on 5 April 1946. The medal was created in the aftermath of the ... The Army of Occupation Medal is a military award of the United States military which was established by the United States War Department on 5 April 1946. The medal was created in the aftermath of the Second World War to recognize those who had performed occupation service in either Germany, Italy, Austria, or Japan. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Other Memories Donald Lawrence Kauffman was originally from Loyal, born May 24, 1922, the son of Vernard and Elva (Shupe) Kauffman. When asked about his career, he always stated he was a “Military Man”. After graduation from Loyal High School in 1940, he entered into military service with the U. S. Army and was assigned to the 9th Armored Division, Combat Command B. He entered the European Theater of Operations shortly after D-Day in 1944 and was closely involved in combat operations that included the Battle of the Bulge and as a member of the first unit to cross the Rhine River into Germany. For these actions he received the Presidential Unit Citation. He remained in the U. S. Army of Occupation and was discharged from the service in 1946. He attended Whitewater State Teachers College (UW-Whitewater) for a few years and then returned to served in the U. S. Navy in 1952
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria
The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during the Second World War.
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Description The Battle of the Bulge (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German offensive campaign launched through the densely forested Ardennes region of Wallonia in Belgium, France and Luxembourg oThe Battle of the Bulge (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) was a major German offensive campaign launched through the densely forested Ardennes region of Wallonia in Belgium, France and Luxembourg on the Western Front toward the end of World War II in Europe. Hitler planned the offensive with the primary goal to recapture the important harbour of Antwerp. The surprise attack caught the Allied forces completely off guard. United States forces bore the brunt of the attack and incurred the highest casualties for any operation during the war. The battle also severely depleted Germany's war-making resources.
The battle was known by different names. The Germans referred to it as Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein ("Operation Watch on the Rhine"), while the French named it the Bataille des Ardennes ("Battle of the Ardennes"). The Allies called it the Ardennes Counteroffensive. The phrase "Battle of the Bulge" was coined by contemporary press to describe the way the Allied front line bulged inward on wartime news maps and became the best known name for the battle.
The German offensive was supported by several subordinate operations known as Unternehmen Bodenplatte, Greif, and Währung. As well as stopping Allied transport over the channel to the harbor of Antwerp, Germany also hoped these operations would split the British and American Allied line in half, and then proceed to encircle and destroy four Allied armies, forcing the Western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty in the Axis Powers' favor. Once that was accomplished, Hitler could fully concentrate on the eastern theatre of war.
The offensive was planned by the German forces with the utmost secrecy, minimizing radio traffic and moving troops and equipment under cover of darkness. Despite their efforts to keep it secret, the Third U.S. Army's intelligence staff predicted a major German offensive, and Ultra indicated that a "substantial and offensive" operation was expected or "in the wind", although a precise date or point of attack could not be given. Aircraft movement from the Russian Front and transport of forces by rail, both to the Ardennes, was noticed but not acted upon, according to a report later written by Peter Calvocoressi and F. L. Lucas at the codebreaking centre Bletchley Park.
Near-complete surprise was achieved by a combination of Allied overconfidence, preoccupation with Allied offensive plans, and poor aerial reconnaissance. The Germans attacked a weakly defended section of the Allied line, taking advantage of heavily overcast weather conditions, which grounded the Allies' overwhelmingly superior air forces. Fierce resistance on the northern shoulder of the offensive around Elsenborn Ridge and in the south around Bastogne blocked German access to key roads to the northwest and west that they counted on for success; columns that were supposed to advance along parallel routes found themselves on the same roads. This and terrain that favored the defenders threw the German advance behind schedule and allowed the Allies to reinforce the thinly placed troops. Improved weather conditions permitted air attacks on German forces and supply lines, which sealed the failure of the offensive. In the wake of the defeat, many experienced German units were left severely depleted of men and equipment, as survivors retreated to the defenses of the Siegfried Line.
About 610,000 American forces were involved in the battle, and 89,000 were casualties, including 19,000 killed. It was the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the United States in World War II.... More
Memories After graduation from Loyal High School in 1940, he entered into military service with the U. S. ArmAfter graduation from Loyal High School in 1940, he entered into military service with the U. S. Army and was assigned to the 9th Armored Division, Combat Command B. He entered the European Theater of Operations shortly after D-Day in 1944 and was closely involved in combat operations that included the Battle of the Bulge and as a member of the first unit to cross the Rhine River into Germany. For these actions he received the Presidential Unit Citation. He remained in the U. S. Army of Occupation and was discharged from the service in 1946.... More
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
Description The Normandy landings (codenamed Operation Neptune) were the landing operations on 6 June 1944 (termed D-Day) of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest The Normandy landings (codenamed Operation Neptune) were the landing operations on 6 June 1944 (termed D-Day) of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the invasion of German-occupied western Europe, led to the restoration of the French Republic, and contributed to an Allied victory in the war.
Planning for the operation began in 1943. In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception, codenamed Operation Bodyguard, to mislead the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings. The weather on D-Day was far from ideal, but postponing would have meant a delay of at least two weeks, as the invasion planners had requirements for the phase of the moon, the tides, and the time of day that meant only a few days in each month were deemed suitable. Hitler placed German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in command of German forces and of developing fortifications along the Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an Allied invasion.
The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment and an airborne assault—the landing of 24,000 British, US, and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight. Allied infantry and armoured divisions began landing on the coast of France starting at 06:30. The target 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast was divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword Beach. Strong winds blew the landing craft east of their intended positions, particularly at Utah and Omaha. The men landed under heavy fire from gun emplacements overlooking the beaches, and the shore was mined and covered with obstacles such as wooden stakes, metal tripods, and barbed wire, making the work of the beach clearing teams difficult and dangerous. Casualties were heaviest at Omaha, with its high cliffs. At Gold, Juno, and Sword, several fortified towns were cleared in house-to-house fighting, and two major gun emplacements at Gold were disabled using specialised tanks.
The Allies failed to achieve all of their goals on the first day. Carentan, St. Lô, and Bayeux remained in German hands, and Caen, a major objective, was not captured until 21 July. Only two of the beaches (Juno and Gold) were linked on the first day, and all five bridgeheads were not connected until 12 June. However, the operation gained a foothold that the Allies gradually expanded over the coming months. German casualties on D-Day were around 1,000 men. Allied casualties were at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead. Museums, memorials, and war cemeteries in the area host many visitors each year.
Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the Allied operation that launched the successful invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings (Operation Neptune, commonly known as D-Day). A 1,200-plane airborne assault preceded an amphibious assault involving more than 5,000 vessels. Nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel on 6 June, and more than three million allied troops were in France by the end of August.
The decision to undertake a cross-channel invasion in 1944 was taken at the Trident Conference in Washington in May 1943. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed commander of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), and General Bernard Montgomery was named as commander of the 21st Army Group, which comprised all the land forces involved in the invasion. The Normandy coast was chosen as the site of the invasion, with the Americans assigned to land at Utah and Omaha Beaches, the British at Sword and Gold Beaches, and Canadians at Juno Beach. To meet the conditions expected on the Normandy beachhead, special technology was developed, including two artificial ports called Mulberry harbours and an array of specialised tanks nicknamed Hobart's Funnies. In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception, Operation Bodyguard, using both electronic and visual misinformation. This misled the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings. Hitler placed German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in charge of developing fortifications all along the Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an invasion.
The Allies failed to reach their goals for the first day, but gained a tenuous foothold that they gradually expanded as they captured the port at Cherbourg on 26 June and the city of Caen on 21 July. A failed counterattack by German forces on 8 August led to 50,000 soldiers of the German 7th Army being trapped in the Falaise pocket. The Allies launched an invasion of southern France (Operation Dragoon) on 15 August, and the Liberation of Paris followed on 25 August. German forces retreated across the Seine on 30 August 1944, marking the close of Operation Overlord.... More
Memories After graduation from Loyal High School in 1940, he entered into military service with the U. S. ArmAfter graduation from Loyal High School in 1940, he entered into military service with the U. S. Army and was assigned to the 9th Armored Division, Combat Command B. He entered the European Theater of Operations shortly after D-Day in 1944 and was closely involved in combat operations that included the Battle of the Bulge and as a member of the first unit to cross the Rhine River into Germany. For these actions he received the Presidential Unit Citation. He remained in the U. S. Army of Occupation and was discharged from the service in 1946.... More
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Comments Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Ca... Military citations and awards included: Army Presidential Unit Citation WWII, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. MoreHide
After attending further cryptologic technician schools at NSA Washington, D.C. he went on to served the Naval Security Group Activities at Karamursel, Turkey; Bremerhaven, Germany; Zweibrucken, Germany; Edzell, Scotland; Key West, FL; Midway Island; Kami Seya, Japan; Sasebo, Japan and Northwest, VA. In 1970, after 20-plus years of military service, he retired from the U. S. Navy as a CTRC (Cryptologic Technician Radio Chief)