HONORABLE MENTION

To The Members of the

87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion


Purple Heart
132
Distinguished
Service
Cross
1
Legion of
Merit
1
French Croix
De Guerre
1
Silver Star
14
Air Medal
10
Bronze Star
28
Meritorious Service
56




PURPLE HEART MEDAL













Awarded to members of the armed forces who have been wounded in action.

LEGEND
LIA Lightly Injured In Action
LWA Lightly Wounded In Action
SWA Seriously Wounded In Action
KIA Killed In Action
MIA Missing In Action (captured)
DOW Died Of Wounds

Purple Heart Ribbon

 
MEMBERS OF THE 87TH ARMORED FIELD ARTILLERY
BATTALION INJURED, WOUNDED OR KILLED IN ACTION
Pfc. Paul Kenjersky LIA 6 Jun 44
Pvt. Peter Tamulevicz LWA 8 Jun 44
Sgt. John W. DeYoung LWA 9 Jun 44
Pvt. Roland L. Prive SWA 9 Jun 44
Pfc. Manuel J. Garcia SWA 10 Jun 44
Pvt. Robert L. Walter LIA 10 Jun 44
Sgt. Herman R. Clary SWA 11 Jun 44
Cpl. Dennis Strickling LWA 11 Jun 44
Pfc. Michael J. O'Neil KIA 11 Jun 44
Pvt. Roland J. Sager LIA 12 Jun 44
1st. Lt. CALVIN CANTWELL LIA 13 Jun 44
Cpl. Edward A. Crocker LIA 15 Jun 44
2nd. Lt. CHARLES H. WOOD, JR. KIA 27 Jun 44
2nd. Lt. ROBERT R. McANNINCH KIA 27 Jun 44
S/Sgt. Charles E. Joy SWA 28 Jul 44
S/Sgt. Tad Kiebzak SWA 28 Jul 44
T/4 Dean E. Boyne SWA 28 Jul 44
T/5 John J. Borosky SWA 28 Jul 44
Pfc. George N. Sizemore SWA 28 Jul 44
Pvt. Upton S. Apling SWA 28 Jul 44
Pvt. William C. Halley SWA 28 Jul 44
Sgt. Charles L. Scrivner LWA 28 Jul 44
T/5 Michael F. Pedone LWA 28 Jul 44
T/5 Walter M. Vajdich LWA 28 Jul 44
Pvt. Nick Geletka LWA 28 Jul 44
Cpl. Jacob Winakur SWA 28 Jul 44 DOW 29 Jul 44
Cpl. Paul F. Davies LWA 3 Jul 44
Pvt. Roland J. Lacroix LWA 31 Jul 44
Pfc. Herbert H. Goodmon SWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Frank E. Hendrie SWA 2 Aug 44
T/5 James A. Pendergast SWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Thomas H. Sines SWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. James J. Toner SWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Alfred T. Cannon LWA 2 Aug 44
Cpl. Amos C. Mars LWA 2 Aug 44
Cpl. Joseph A. Meighan LWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Earl B. Pirkey LWA 2 Aug 44
Cpl. William H. Baglan LWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. John L. Kaczka SWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Leroy E. Hoffman KIA 2 Aug 44
T/5 Donald J. Girton KIA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. William E. Pullum KIA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Albert Fargnoli KIA 2 Aug 44
Sgt. Burman Snider SWA 2 Aug 44
Cpl. Cumby J. Jones SWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Lynus Yeager SWA 2 Aug 44 DOW 3 Aug 44
Pvt. Noran L. Green SWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Henry E. Mullins SWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Gerald E. Lundberg SWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Glen V. Davison KIA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Wesley D. Giesser KIA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. George E. Thompson KIA 2 Aug 44
Cpl. Russell N. Freer SWA 2 Aug 44 DOW 2 Aug 44
1st. Lt. JOHN F. McCARTHY LWA 2 Aug 44
Capt. DONALD E. ALLEN LWA 2 Aug 44
Capt. JOHN F. OMANS SWA 2 Aug 44
Capt. LYNN O. FRENSLEY KIA 2 Aug 44
1st. Lt. CJOSEPH C. MOUDY LWA 2 Aug 44
2nd. Lt. RICHARD J. DUGGAN LWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Thomas A. Oldring, Jr. LWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Daniel W. Chapman LWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Gilbert A. Mersch SWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Willis W. McConnell LWA 2 Aug 44
T/5 Hugh L. Jackson SWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. Warren E. Query SWA 2 Aug 44
Pfc. William A. Jack SWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Pasquale J. Christiano SWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Tallie G. White SWA 2 Aug 44
Pvt. Harry F. Lonesky LWA 4 Aug 44
Cpl Sherwood C. Bryant LWA 5 Aug 44
2nd. Lt. DULANEY C. LOGAN SWA 5 Aug 44
1st. Lt. CARROLL D. HARROD SWA 15 Aug 44
T/5 John P. Shaw SWA 15 Aug 44
Pvt. Jesse W. Hall SWA 28 Aug 44
Pvt. Egidio DiFillippo LIA 29 Aug 44
Pfc. Elmer E. Husted LIA 31 Aug 44
Pfc. Willard A. Matherne LIA 31 Aug 44
Pfc. Anthony Mercado LWA 13 Sep 44
1st. Lt. JOHN T. MAGUIRE MIA 13 Sep 44
Sgt. Clifton F. Edgerton KIA 10 Sep 44
T/4 Everett R. Dugdale SWA 19 Sep 44
Cpl. Keith E. Parkyn SWA 19 Sep 44
1st. Lt. EDWARD KLINGE LWA 7 Oct 44
Pvt. George E. Canarie LWA 20 Oct 44
T/5 Warren E. Query SWA 2 Nov 44
Pvt. Thomas H. Brown, Jr. SWA 11 Sep 44
S/Sgt. Alvin L. Hudgins LIA 8 Dec 44
T/5 George R. Stephenson
18 Dec 44-Killed-Non Battle Casualty
T/5 Raymond Porter KIA 18 Dec 44
Sgt. Roy E. Horton KIA 6 Jan 45
T/5 Jack C. Gardner KIA 6 Jan 45
T/5 John R. Cruse LWA 6 Jan 45
1st. Lt. DULANEY C. LOGAN SWA 12 Jan 45
1st. Lt. OTTO A. ZINK, JR. SWA 12 Jan 45
2nd. Lt. ALVIN COWLING, JR KIA 12 Jan 45
Pfc. Gilbert O. Crow-Eagle LIA 12 Jan 45
Pvt. John C. Tasco SWA 23 Feb 45
Pvt. Gavino Sanchez SWA 23 Feb 45
1st. Lt. LEWIS YOFFEE LWA 1 Mar 45
Pvt. LeRoy L. Baker KIA 8 Mar 45
T/4 Sam Silverman LWA 26 Mar 45
Lt. Col. GEORGE F. BARBER SWA 31 Mar 45
T/Sgt. Roy W. Patterson KIA 31 Mar 45
2nd. Lt. ROBERT E. KEELER SWA 14 Apr 45

Purple Heart Ribbon

PURPLE HEART AWARDS PER BATTALION GENERAL ORDERS

            NAME

DATE OF WOUND
Captain MURRAY M. PAULL 5 Sep 44
T/4 Dennis W. Coffey 28 Aug 44
Pvt. Jackson R. Hopper 2 Sep 44
Sgt. Martin J. McDonnell 17 Sep 44
lst. Lt. ROY H. NELSON 18 Oct 44
T/4 Roy E. Horton 18 Oct 44
1st. Lt. JOHN L. HUGHES 25 Jun 44
1st. Lt. JOSEPH C. MOUDY 2 Aug 44
Major RICHARD B. HOLST 2 Aug 44
T/4 Virgil F. Stander 9 Jan 45
Cpl. Harry H. Ericson 3 Aug 44
Pfc. James V. Colamatteo 2 Mar 45
Pfc. Bert M. Henderson 1 Apr 45
Pfc. Thomas E. Lambert 5 Apr 45
Pvt. Earl J. Geiger, Jr 26 Mar 45
Pvt. John O. Miller 5 Apr 45
T/4 Benjamine G. Pritchard 5 Mar 45
Sgt. Raymond W. Jack 14 Apr 45

Purple Heart Ribbon

OTHER MEN NOT EVACUATED WHO WERE AWARDED PURPLE HEARTS BY THIRD ARMORED DIVISION
2nd. Lt. JOHN T. MAGUIRE Pfc. Manuel V. Garcia
2nd Lt. ROBERT C. CAMPBELL, JR Pvt. Diego Chavez
Sgt. Frank Santos Pvt. Leonard J. Gacioh
Sgt. Raymond Van Ee Pvt. Daniel Pietrowski
T/4 Donald Biehl Pvt. Joseph Domby

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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS MEDAL













The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest military decoration of the United States Army, awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions which merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree to be above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but not meeting the criteria for the Medal of Honor.(source)

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS AWARD

LT. ROBERT C. KEELER

While the 87th was in support of the 4th Cavalry Lt. Keeler was adjusting fire against German tanks, he was severely wounded in both legs, and continued adjusting fire until the attack was stopped. Only then did he allow his evacuation.


Full Text Citation for Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to:
KEELER, ROBERT C. Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert C. Keeler, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 April 1945, in Germany. While on forward observer duty with an Infantry Company, Lieutenant Keeler advanced ahead of the leading elements to obtain better observation on a group of self-propelled anti-tank guns that were holding up the advance. When he began directing fire on the hostile guns, the enemy discovered his position and placed direct fire on him. Although severely wounded he informed his assistants of the enemy situation and of the presence of the anti-tank guns. He then continued to direct fire on the target while lying on the ground, instructing the two men with him on sensing and reporting the salvos being centered on the enemy. Second Lieutenant Keeler's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army. Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 587 (October 8, 1945)

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LEGION OF MERIT









The Legion of Merit is a U.S. military decoration awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

LEGION OF MERIT

Lt. Col. GEORGE F. BARBER

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CROIX DE GUERRE









The Croix de Guerre is bestowed as an award to individuals who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with enemy forces.

CROIX DE GUERRE

Lt. Col. GEORGE F. BARBER

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SILVER STAR MEDAL









The Silver Star is presented to any person who is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for award of the Distinguished Service Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.

SILVER STAR MEDAL AWARDS

1st. Lt. JOHN T. MAGUIRE-MIA T/4 Donald H. Biehl
Lt. Col. GEORGE F. BARBER T/4 Paul G. Taylor
Capt. LYNN O. FRENSLEY-Post Cpl. Robert G. Murray
1st. Lt. JOHN L. HUGHES T/5 Howard E. Holsti
Capt. MURRAY M. PAULL Pfc. Lawrence J. Boggs
1st. Lt. CARROLL D. HARROD Pvt. Israel Karisky
1st. Sgt. Chester A. Block Pvt. Virgil E. Servison

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AIR MEDAL


The Air Medal is awarded to any person who have distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism, or for meritorious service.  These individuals must make a discernible contribution to the operational land combat mission or to the mission of the aircraft in flight. (source)

NOTE:  The 87th Armored Field Artillery Battalion had two (2) Piper Cub type airplanes as part of its basic Table of Equipment. These planes, with observers aboard, were used to spot targets,and adjust artillery fire whenever needed. The Air Medal was awarded to the pilots and observers in recognition for this valuable service.

AIR MEDAL AWARDS

1st. Lt. MAURICE E. LOWKS Air Medal w/ 6 clusters 2nd Lt. ROBERT R. Mc ANINCH Air Medal (posthumously)
1st. Lt. ROBERT C. CAMPBELL, JR. Air Medal w/7 clusters 2nd Lt. CHARLES H.WOOD, JR Air Medal (posthumously)
2nd. Lt. ROBERT  T. STITES Air Medal w/2 clusters 1st. Lt. JOSEPH C. MOUDY Air Medal
1st. Lt. JOHN L. BERRY Air Medal 1st. Lt. FERDINAND A. HARTWIG Air Medal
1st. Lt. ABEL KOWALSKY Air Medal Sgt. Anthony C. Poliks Air Medal w/2 clusters

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BRONZE STAR MEDAL















A U.S. military decoration awarded either for heroism or for meritorious achievement in ground combat. (source)


BRONZE STAR MEDAL AWARDS

1st. Lt. HAROLD W. HARBOURT T/5 Lee S. Cramer
1st. Sgt. Chester A. Block T/4 Wilson S. Huffstutler
2nd Lt. ALVIN COWLING, JR. T/5 Frank A. Hilborn
S/Sgt. Charles A. Curtis T/5 Franklin L. Myers
Pfc. George E. Canarie Pfc. Edward T. Cooney
Sgt. Frank Herron Pfc. Bert M. Henderson
Cpl. Allen W. Booher Pfc. Clarence J. Rooney, Jr.
Pfc. LeRoy E. Hoffman Pfc. Thomas P. McLaughlin
T/5 Joe A. Cordell Cpl. Robert J. Guastapaglia
Pvt. Keith E. Parkyn Cpl. William Howe
1st. Sgt. Lester Hadley Pvt. Homer G. Henline
T/5 Hobert E. Baker T/4 Roy E. Horton
Pvt. Tallie G. White Pfc. William B. Dickinson
Capt. FERD L. MOYSE 1st. Lt. JOHN F. McCARTHY

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MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
















Awarded to those who distinguished themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL AWARDS

Lt. Col. GEORGE F. BARBER T/4 Everett R. Dugdale
Sgt. Clifton F. Edgerton (PH) 1st. Sgt. Lester Hadley (w/cluster)
S/Sgt. Ralph E. Painter T/Sgt. Roy W. Patterson (PH)
Sgt. Sherwood C. Bryant T/4 George R. Stephenson (PH)
Cpl. Herbert C. Groce Sgt. Joseph A. Meighan
Capt. DAVID E. OLSON Pfc. Fred R. Malmquist
M/Sgt. Aubrey Manners Capt. ROBERT L. CASLER
1st. Sgt. Frank A. Ruell Capt. HARRY J. RUSS
S/Sgt. Willie L. Dickson M/Sgt. Otto H. Niedens
S/Sgt. Fremont Peterson T/Sgt. William S. Grembowicz
T/3 Harold A. Noel S/Sgt. Allan E. Kasputis
Sgt. Martin J. McDonnell S/Sgt. Wendell L. Word
Sgt. Melvin J. Willey Sgt. Frank J. Martucci
T/4 Harlan L. Doyle Sgt. John J. McNeil
T/4 Stanley M. Lechowicz T/4 George A. Catton
T/4 Sam Silverman T/4 Joseph H. Elston
Cpl. Richard A. Bittinger T/4 Clyde L. McLaughlin
Cpl Charles W. Moore T/4 Ivol M. Tufly
Cpl. Lewis Thurber Cpl. Corlyss M. LeCount
T/5 Raymond G. Carver Cpl. Charles V. Salasavage
T/5 Leo J. Lavela T/5 Mark F. Brunelle
T/5 Jesse L. Woodward T/5 Albert G. Dite
Pfc. Timothy J. McCann, Jr. T/4 Marvin E. Lehto
Pfc. Arthur T. Suave Pfc. John J. Keller
Pfc. Albert L. Tremblay Pfc. Carl I. Ormiston
Maj. GEORGE A. AUBREY Pfc. Louis F. Schier
1st. Lt. JAMES E. O'NEAL Pfc. Charles E. Watts
Pfc. Carlton D. Utts Maj. GEORGE A. AUBREY (oak leaf cluster)

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Updated by: J. Noriega