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
Comments Awarded on 10 June 1945 for heroic action on 17 October 1944 near Lucca, Italy
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HEADQUARTERS 91ST INFANTRY DIVISION
UNITED STATES ARMY
A. P. O. 91
JFH/lsr
10 June 1945
AG 200.6
SUBJECT: Award of Br... Awarded on 10 June 1945 for heroic action on 17 October 1944 near Lucca, Italy
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HEADQUARTERS 91ST INFANTRY DIVISION
UNITED STATES ARMY
A. P. O. 91
JFH/lsr
10 June 1945
AG 200.6
SUBJECT: Award of Bronze Star Medal
TO: Private First Class Orville E. Dahl, 37314060, Infantry, United States Army
Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, as amended, you are awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in action.
CITATION:
"ORVILLE E. DAHL (37314060), Private First Class, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in action on 17 October 1944, near Lucca, Italy. While directing artillery fire on enemy positions from a forward observation post, Private First Class DAHL performed most courageously. For over 12 hours he stuck to his post through intense self-propelled and artillery fire directed on his observation post. His accurate directions were instrumental in the destruction of several enemy positions and the killing of many of their occupants. his courageous action contributed immeasurably to the battalion's mission and reflects the highest traditions of the United States Army. Entered military service from Goodridge, Minnesota."
R. E. S. WILLIAMSON
Brigadier General, U. S. Army
Commanding
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
Comments
Po Valley (Italy) Campaign
NOTE - this ribbon supposedly used the colors of the flags of Germany, Italy, and France.
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
Comments Orville Dahl was with the 91st Infantry Division in Italy from 9 May 145 until sometime in August 1945. The medal covers the time period of 9 May 1945 to 15 Sep 1947 for those service members station... Orville Dahl was with the 91st Infantry Division in Italy from 9 May 145 until sometime in August 1945. The medal covers the time period of 9 May 1945 to 15 Sep 1947 for those service members stationed in Italy. MoreHide
Description (Po Valley Campaign 5 April-8 May 1945) The effectiveness of interdiction in northern Italy was shown by the success of the final Allied drive in that area in April 1945. With communications shattered(Po Valley Campaign 5 April-8 May 1945) The effectiveness of interdiction in northern Italy was shown by the success of the final Allied drive in that area in April 1945. With communications shattered, the Germans were unable to move enough materiel to make a stand after being driven from their defensive positions south of the Po. Allied forces crossed the river on 25 April; and on 4 May, at the Italian end of the Brenner Pass, Fifth Army met the Seventh, which had driven into Germany and turned southward into Austria. With the joining of these forces the war in Italy was over.... More
Description (Po Valley Campaign 5 April-8 May 1945) The effectiveness of interdiction in northern Italy was shown by the success of the final Allied drive in that area in April 1945. With communications shattered(Po Valley Campaign 5 April-8 May 1945) The effectiveness of interdiction in northern Italy was shown by the success of the final Allied drive in that area in April 1945. With communications shattered, the Germans were unable to move enough materiel to make a stand after being driven from their defensive positions south of the Po. Allied forces crossed the river on 25 April; and on 4 May, at the Italian end of the Brenner Pass, Fifth Army met the Seventh, which had driven into Germany and turned southward into Austria. With the joining of these forces the war in Italy was over.... More
Memories Allied forces:
5th Army, II Corps (5 American Army Infantry Divisions and units from several other coAllied forces:
5th Army, II Corps (5 American Army Infantry Divisions and units from several other countries) under command of Lt. Gen. Mark Clark. (see Orville Dahl's Profile, 91st Infantry Division Assignment for breakdown)
other American forces? IV Corps?
Axis Forces:
Under command of German Field Marshal Albert von SKesselring, Commander-in-Chief, Italian Theater.... More
Description (North Apennines Campaign 10 September 1944 to 4 April 1945) In Italy during the fall and winter of 1944-1945 the Allies used their air power against the enemy’s communications as ground forces beat a(North Apennines Campaign 10 September 1944 to 4 April 1945) In Italy during the fall and winter of 1944-1945 the Allies used their air power against the enemy’s communications as ground forces beat against the Gothic Line north of the Arno. Although little progress was made on the ground, the action in the Apennines tied down a large German army at a time when those troops could have been used in decisive campaigns being directed against Germany by the Allies in the west and the Russians on the east.... More
Chain of Command
Headquarters Company (and "K" Company while at Camp White, OR), 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division.
(aka: the "Powder River Division") (motto/war cry: "Let 'er buck!")
The division was later attached to II Corps, 5th Army for the invasion of Italy.
Maj. Gen. William G. Livesay Commanding General, 91st Inf. Div.
Col. Joseph P. Donnovin Chief of Staff, 91st Inf. Div.
Col. John W. Cotton Commander, 362nd Inf. Reg.
- - - - - 91st Infantry Division Organization:
Commanders:
Major General Charles H. Gerhardt Major General William G. Livesay- 14 July 1943
Col. Rudolph W. Broedlow - 361 IR Col. John W. Cotton - 362 IR Col. W. Fulton Magill, Jr. - 363 IR Lt. Col. James E. Shaw, Jr. - 916 FA Lt. Col. Calvin E. Barry - 346 FA Lt. Col. Woodrow L. Lynn - 347 FA Lt. Col. Robert B. Collier - 348 FA Lt. Col. Paul W. Breecher - 316 Medical Btn Lt. Col. William C. Holley - 316 Engineer Btn Capt. Gene F. Larrimore - 91 Signal Corps Capt Clifford E. Lippincott - 91 Recon Troop Capt Theodore K. Hegner - 91 QM Co. Capt George R. McDannold - 791 Ordnance Co. Maj. Alvin W. Laird - 91 Military Police
Units:
361st Infantry Regiment 362nd Infantry Regiment 363rd Infantry Regiment 916th Field Artillery Battalion 346th Field Artillery Battalion 347 Field Artillery Battalion 348th Field Artillery Battalion
Support Units:
91st Recon Troop 316th Engineer Combat Battalion 316th Medical Battalion 791st Ordnance Company 91st Quartermaster Company 91st Signal Company 91st Military Police Company
Attached Units:
Tank Battalion Tank Destroyer Battalion
- - - - - Lt. Gen. Mark Clark commanded the 5th Army.
Serving units with the 5th Army include:
34th Infantry Division 85th Infantry Division (but was soon re-assigned to IV Corps) 88th Infantry Division 91st Infantry Division 92nd Infantry Division and other American units
Units from other countries assigned to the 5th Army include: Brazil Great Britain New Zealand India South Africa Canada France Morocco Algeria Italy
Other Memories
The 91st Infantry Division (aka: 91st ID) trained at Camp White, OR (near Medford, OR) and in November 1943 moved to Camp Adair, OR (near Albany, OR).
In late March of 1944 the 91st ID moved to Camp Patrick Henry, VA (somewhere around Norfolk, Hampton, or Williamsburg, VA).
In April 1944 the division deployed to Northern Africa for in-theater staging and further training. Transport was by Liberty Ships and USN Destroyer escort. The voyage took 3 weeks and landed at ports in Oran, Arzew, and Port-auxe-Poules, Algeria.
By early June 1944 the 361st Infantry Regiment was in combat at Anzio, then by July 1944 the entire division was engaging with the enemy as a single unit in Italy, beginning the Rome-Arno River Campaign.
(The 362nd made it's landing at Naples, Italy, in June.)
- - - - - Italy campaigns: Rome-Arno, Po River Valley, and Northern Apennines.
- - - - - Served as one of the battalion's Forward Observers, scouting and directing artillery fire. (Two-man or three-man team, far ahead of friendly lines with a radio and/or field telephone; binoculars and map; a rifle and a sidearm.)
Awarded the Bronze Star Medal (awarded on 10 June 1945 for heroic action on 17 October 1944 near Lucca, Italy)
Description The American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe aThe American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe and Asia. Thus, any threat by the Axis Powers to invade the mainland United States or other areas was considered negligible, allowing for American resources to be deployed in overseas theaters.
This article includes attacks on continental territory, extending 200 miles (320 km) into the ocean, which is today under the sovereignty of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other smaller states, but excludes military action involving the Danish territory of Greenland, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Aleutian Islands. The most well known battles in North America during World War II were the Attack on Pearl Harbor (the first attack on US soil since the Battle of Ambos Nogales), the Aleutian Islands Campaign, the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and the attacks on Newfoundland.... 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
Comments
Rome-Arno (Arno River) (Italy) Campaign
NOTE - this ribbon supposedly used the colors of the flags of Germany, Italy, and France.
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
Comments
Northern Apinnines (Italy) Campaign
NOTE - this ribbon supposedly used the colors of the flags of Germany, Italy, and France.
Description (Rome-Arno Campaign 22 January to 9 September 1944) U.S. 5th Army advanced 150 miles to the Arno River. The unsuccessful attempt to break the Gustav Line on 22 January was followed by another unsucces(Rome-Arno Campaign 22 January to 9 September 1944) U.S. 5th Army advanced 150 miles to the Arno River. The unsuccessful attempt to break the Gustav Line on 22 January was followed by another unsuccessful effort in March when the infantry failed to push through after bombers had endeavored to open the line at Monte Cassino. Allied air power then began a vigorous campaign against railroads, highways, and shipping that supported German forces in Italy. With supply lines strangled, the Germans could not repulse the new drive launched by the Allies in May. German resistance crumbled. By 4 June 1944 the Allies had taken Rome. But the advance ground to a halt against a new defensive line the enemy established along the Arno River.... More
Headquarters Company (and "K" Company while at Camp White, OR), 3rd Battalion, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division.
(aka: the "Powder River Division")
(motto/war cry: "Let 'er buck!")
The division was later attached to II Corps, 5th Army for the invasion of Italy.
Maj. Gen. William G. Livesay
Commanding General, 91st Inf. Div.
Col. Joseph P. Donnovin
Chief of Staff, 91st Inf. Div.
Col. John W. Cotton
Commander, 362nd Inf. Reg.
- - - - -
91st Infantry Division Organization:
Commanders:
Major General Charles H. Gerhardt
Major General William G. Livesay- 14 July 1943
Col. Rudolph W. Broedlow - 361 IR
Col. John W. Cotton - 362 IR
Col. W. Fulton Magill, Jr. - 363 IR
Lt. Col. James E. Shaw, Jr. - 916 FA
Lt. Col. Calvin E. Barry - 346 FA
Lt. Col. Woodrow L. Lynn - 347 FA
Lt. Col. Robert B. Collier - 348 FA
Lt. Col. Paul W. Breecher - 316 Medical Btn
Lt. Col. William C. Holley - 316 Engineer Btn
Capt. Gene F. Larrimore - 91 Signal Corps
Capt Clifford E. Lippincott - 91 Recon Troop
Capt Theodore K. Hegner - 91 QM Co.
Capt George R. McDannold - 791 Ordnance Co.
Maj. Alvin W. Laird - 91 Military Police
Units:
361st Infantry Regiment
362nd Infantry Regiment
363rd Infantry Regiment
916th Field Artillery Battalion
346th Field Artillery Battalion
347 Field Artillery Battalion
348th Field Artillery Battalion
Support Units:
91st Recon Troop
316th Engineer Combat Battalion
316th Medical Battalion
791st Ordnance Company
91st Quartermaster Company
91st Signal Company
91st Military Police Company
Attached Units:
Tank Battalion
Tank Destroyer Battalion
- - - - -
Lt. Gen. Mark Clark commanded the 5th Army.
Serving units with the 5th Army include:
34th Infantry Division
85th Infantry Division (but was soon re-assigned to IV Corps)
88th Infantry Division
91st Infantry Division
92nd Infantry Division
and other American units
Units from other countries assigned to the 5th Army include:
Brazil
Great Britain
New Zealand
India
South Africa
Canada
France
Morocco
Algeria
Italy
The 91st Infantry Division (aka: 91st ID) trained at Camp White, OR (near Medford, OR) and in November 1943 moved to Camp Adair, OR (near Albany, OR).
In late March of 1944 the 91st ID moved to Camp Patrick Henry, VA (somewhere around Norfolk, Hampton, or Williamsburg, VA).
In April 1944 the division deployed to Northern Africa for in-theater staging and further training. Transport was by Liberty Ships and USN Destroyer escort. The voyage took 3 weeks and landed at ports in Oran, Arzew, and Port-auxe-Poules, Algeria.
By early June 1944 the 361st Infantry Regiment was in combat at Anzio, then by July 1944 the entire division was engaging with the enemy as a single unit in Italy, beginning the Rome-Arno River Campaign.
(The 362nd made it's landing at Naples, Italy, in June.)
- - - - -
Italy campaigns: Rome-Arno, Po River Valley, and Northern Apennines.
- - - - -
Served as one of the battalion's Forward Observers, scouting and directing artillery fire. (Two-man or three-man team, far ahead of friendly lines with a radio and/or field telephone; binoculars and map; a rifle and a sidearm.)
Awarded the Bronze Star Medal (awarded on 10 June 1945 for heroic action on 17 October 1944 near Lucca, Italy)