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
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1945
Army Good Conduct Medal
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
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Locked
1945
Army Good Conduct Medal
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 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
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
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 (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
1944
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1945
Army Good Conduct Medal
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
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.... More
Memories A personal account of D-day, the Invasion of Normandy by Wilie Dee Galbraith
June 6, 1944 - the day tA personal account of D-day, the Invasion of Normandy by Wilie Dee Galbraith
June 6, 1944 - the day that was known as D-Day, the Longest day, the largest invasion in world history. It was a day that required bravery and great sacrifice for me as well as the men of the U.S. army and our allied forces. we were at sea for three days and four nights in a violent storm. Being on an LST boat without cover to protect us from the rain and sea. Our tanks, half-tracks, and jeeps gave us no protection when we crawled under them. Waves were dashing the side making the deck a flowing river. There was no way to make a meal so we had to do K-rations.
Just after 24:00 hrs. (Morning of June 6th), the storm broke and the clouds began to break up. we could see the stars through the gaps in the clouds. Overhead we could hear that our planes were up there to support the paratroopers with supplies that they needed. The planes were dropping them about ten miles inland from the beach.
At 05:00 hrs. we were given the word that the invasion would be on time. H-hour was set at 06:00 hrs. Starting shortly after 05:00 hrs., still in the dark, we began to start the engines on our vehicles, and unhooking the chains that we had secured them with to keep them from going overboard. It was not long until we were taking a straight course to the east, heading for the beaches of France.
We could now see Utah Beach and a war was going on to the east of us. The tide was going out fast, dead bodies were floating out to sea past our boats. LST's were anchored and unloading soldiers over the side on rope ladders into patrol boats that delivered them onto the beach. Two big battleships, the Texas and the Nevada, were moving broadside, about five miles from the beach. They wee firing their 16' guns, six volleys at a time, inland to France.
The Germans were throwing everything they could at us and the were hitting a lot of their marks, ships, boats, men, and anything that got in their way.
As we came closer to the beach we could see the 12 foot high sea wall was still intact. American military, men and equipment were going to shore as fast as they could and running up to the sea wall. There was no place to go but forward, we were almost motionless waiting for the equipment to break through the wall.
German prisoners were coming in very fast with our paratroopers showing them in. We could see that many German soldiers died where they tried to make their last stand.
The 65th Armored Artillery Battalion (which I was a part of) was not "greenie" to battles or invasions, we found in North Africa and in the invasion of of Sicily.
The craft that I was in was now going full speed ahead to land on the beach. The whole front end of the LCV boat began to lower, making a ramp for vehicles and us to leave. Each vehicle had a man appointed to it, to wade a shore, directing it from floating mines and other obstacles that the Germans had placed thee. These included cement pilings, railroad ties, and barbed wire. The tanks went first, then the half-tracks with the wheeled vehicles following in there place to the shore. As I jumped off from the ramp into the water (being the assigned to lead the vehicles ashore), the out going tide was so swift I had to grab the cable on the side of the tank to hold me from going under the ramp. The water was up to my chin, I was grateful that the beach was very solid and sloped up to the sea wall. I was in deep water for about 25 yards, though it seemed like a mile.
I was dressed in a gas-chemical proof clothing that I was told to get out of as soon as possible. It seems that when they became wet with salt water a chemical reaction takes place that can cause injuries to the skin causing infection to set in. Finding the half-track with my barrack's bag in it, I climbed into the rear to get my envelope of clothes. Just then an incoming 88 shell passed just over my head, the concussion knocked me off the half-track. When I fell, I landed in the tractor tracks putting me below the surface of the ground and the shell exploded about 20 feet from me hitting men who were kneeling on the beach, with shrapnel. I received a whiplash which lasted about two weeks.
I had just got my cloths changed when a call came to repair a tank that had hit a mine just before driving right against the sea wall. I was the only mechanic in the battalion. I took my tool box (which weighed 50Ibs.) in arm and started for the tank about 100 feet away. Hearing an incoming shell I fell flat on my face. I laid there for a moment then I heard it hit its mark. When I arrived at the tank, I found laying at the rear of the tank, Sgt. Herman Strevell, who was in charge of the tank, cut nearly in half, dead. The medics carried him away on a stretcher as i prepared to repair the tank and patch up the holes in engine and air cleaner.
As has been said "War is Hell". At times you can't think back only forward. A tank mechanic isn't a chaplain, a medic, or a grave digger. He just repairs tanks and keeps them going. Sometimes it's a big job, but each man in the U. S. Army has a specific job to do and he is trained to do it to the best of his ability in spite of the difficulties. We acquire a certain trait in the fear of death or in being "scared to death."
After repairing the tank, with new track pads and using water proof masking tape for the air cleaners, I sat down with the other troops right up against the sea wall waiting for a break through in the wall so we could push forward. The German artillery was hitting us each side and just over the wall. The first aid station was set up in one of the enemy pill boxes. It was over flowing with casualties and dead. The medics were carrying litter after litter to the out-going boats returning England and a medical ship about five miles off from the beach. Paratroopers were bringing in POW's in long lines, placing them on the beach in a temporary wire enclosure. Many of the prisoners were killed by the fire from their own artillery.
As the time drug on we all wondered how much longer it would take before an engineer could punch a hole in the wall. The wall varied in thickness from 5 feet to 20 feet. At about 14:30 hrs. the shout of :forward oh" was given along with instructions of "start engines and proceed in long columns." Two tanks at a time went through two holes in the wall. We were now advancing forward to give the infantry and paratroopers the needed support that they had been hoping for.
Our maintenance half-track come in contact with two anti-personnel mines, putting more men on the casualties list. We were delayed for about an hour taking care of them before medics arrived. We repaired our half-track and again started advancing. When we got to the wall and up to our battery in a firing position, we started to give the Germans back some of the pepper that they had sent us, causing them to retreat.
France was a much different country than we had been in previous fighting. Hedge row after hedge row as far as we could see. This slowed us down to a crawl in our advance forward. The fog and mist began to roll in, which brought darkness to where we had to stop and wait for dawn to come. Guard duties were doubled and tripled.
Well, this ended the longest day and the first day in the greatest invasion ever. We had landed on in France and were knocking on the front door of Nazi Germany. ... More
Description Normandy Campaign 6 June to 24 July 1944) Early on D-Day airborne troops landed in France to gain control of strategic areas. Aerial and naval bombardment followed. Then the invasion fleet, covered byNormandy Campaign 6 June to 24 July 1944) Early on D-Day airborne troops landed in France to gain control of strategic areas. Aerial and naval bombardment followed. Then the invasion fleet, covered by an umbrella of aircraft, discharged Eisenhower’s assault forces. Soon the beachhead was secure, but its expansion was a slow and difficult process in the face of strong opposition. It was not until late in July that the Allies were able to break out of Normandy.... More
Description (Northern France Campaign 25 July to 14 September 1944) Bombardment along a five-mile stretch of the German line enabled the Allies to break through on 25 July. While some armored forces drove southwa(Northern France Campaign 25 July to 14 September 1944) Bombardment along a five-mile stretch of the German line enabled the Allies to break through on 25 July. While some armored forces drove southward into Brittany, others fanned out to the east and, overcoming a desperate counterattack, executed a pincers movement that trapped many Germans in a pocket at Falaise. The enemy fell back on the Siegfried Line, and by mid-September 1944 nearly all of France had been liberated. During these operations in France, while light and medium bombers and fighter-bomber aircraft of Ninth Air Force had been engaged in close support and interdictory operations, Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces had continued their strategic bombing.... More
Description (Sicily Campaign 9 July to 17 August 1943) In preparation for the invasion of Sicily the Allies captured the islands in the Sicilian strait, with aerial bombardment forcing the capitulation of Pantell(Sicily Campaign 9 July to 17 August 1943) In preparation for the invasion of Sicily the Allies captured the islands in the Sicilian strait, with aerial bombardment forcing the capitulation of Pantelleria on 11 June 1943. By that time Allied air power had begun the attack on Sicily by bombing defenses and airfields. The invasion itself got under way on the night of 9/10 July with airborne landings that were followed the next day by an amphibious assault. The enemy offered strong resistance, but the Allies had superiority in the air and soon had planes operating from Sicilian bases to support Montgomery’s Eighth Army and Patton’s Seventh.
Interdictory operations against communications in Italy and between Italy and Sicily convinced the enemy that it would be impossible to move strong reinforcements. By 17 August 1943 the Allies were in possession of the island, but they had not been able to prevent a German evacuation across the Strait of Messina.... More
Description (Tunisia Campaign 17 November 1942 to 13 May 1943) Having gained Algeria, the Allies quickly turned eastward, hoping to take Tunis and Bizerte before the Germans could send reinforcements into Tunisia(Tunisia Campaign 17 November 1942 to 13 May 1943) Having gained Algeria, the Allies quickly turned eastward, hoping to take Tunis and Bizerte before the Germans could send reinforcements into Tunisia. But the drive broke down short of the goal. In February 1943, after Rommel had been driven into Tunisia, the Axis took the offensive and pushed through Kasserine Pass before being stopped. With Ninth and Twelfth Air Forces in the battle, the Allies drove the enemy back into a pocket around Bizerte and Tunis, where Axis forces surrendered in May. Thus Tunisia became available for launching an attack on Sicily as a preliminary to an assault on Italy.... More