Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
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
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
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
Best Friends
W.R. Estes Killed on D-Day I believe on Utah Beach.
Best Moment
Surviving the sinking of the SS Leopoldville, 12/24/1944
Other Memories
Fought and survived major battles in St. Nazaire and Lorient sectors of France. Dad was impressed with the beauty of Saltzburg Austria as the the unit went through towards Germany.
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
May 8, 1945 was decreed Victory in Europe Day although hostilities did not formally end until the following day. Fighting continued in Austria, Croatia and Czechoslovakia until May 14.
Description (Rhineland Campaign 15 September 1944 to 21 March 1945) Attempting to outflank the Siegfried Line, the Allies tried an airborne attack on Holland on 17 September 1944. But the operation failed, and th(Rhineland Campaign 15 September 1944 to 21 March 1945) Attempting to outflank the Siegfried Line, the Allies tried an airborne attack on Holland on 17 September 1944. But the operation failed, and the enemy was able to strengthen his defensive line from Holland to Switzerland. Little progress was made on the ground, but the aerial attacks on strategic targets continued. Then, having regained the initiative after defeating a German offensive in the Ardennes in December 1944, the Allies drove through to the Rhine, establishing a bridgehead across the river at Remagen.... More
People You Remember
C. Company, 264th Infantry Regiment
Memories My father rejoined the unit after being hospitalized for injuries (Hypothermia) received when the trMy father rejoined the unit after being hospitalized for injuries (Hypothermia) received when the troop transport ship SS Leopoldville was torpedoed by a German Submarine, U-486 and sank in the English Channel, December 24th, 1944. Approximately 800 men of the 66th Infantry Division lost their lives. Bodies being recovered the next morning were being stacked on the pier at Cherbourg when someone (Unknown) observed my father's finger move and pulled him out of the pile. The unit fought major battles with german pockets of resistance in the St. Nazaire and Lorient sectors. The Division also entered Germany through Austria as a part of the Occupational Army. After a short stint of occupational duty at Koblenz, the Division was subsequently redeployed south to the Port of Marseilles.... More
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments Received after having been submersed in the English Channel and overcome by hypothermia after his troop transport ship SS Leopoldville was torpedoed by a German Submarine U-486 and sunk 5 miles off th... Received after having been submersed in the English Channel and overcome by hypothermia after his troop transport ship SS Leopoldville was torpedoed by a German Submarine U-486 and sunk 5 miles off the coast of Cherbourg France,December 24, 1944. S/Sgt Craig was pulled from a pile of recovered bodies the following morning after someone saw a finger move. The division was enroute to support Combat Operations to the battle of the Bulge. This would later be described as the second largest loss of american troops at sea during WWII.
This incident was kept classified for 50 years. MoreHide
W.R. Estes Killed on D-Day I believe on Utah Beach.
Surviving the sinking of the SS Leopoldville, 12/24/1944
Fought and survived major battles in St. Nazaire and Lorient sectors of France. Dad was impressed with the beauty of Saltzburg Austria as the the unit went through towards Germany.