Bronze Star Citation confusion...

Attached is a citation my grandpa was given for his time in WWII...Since it is not announced where and when it took place, how can I go about finding mor information out about it. I have the medal and the citation but would really like to know where the glider crashed and where and when it was... he was part of the service co. 506th PIR.

Thanks for anyone who can assist me in this one!

David K (Grandson)

 

Umm i dont think the 506th Parachute infantry regiment had gliders... the 327th glider infantry of the 101st had glider irregadless ya should be proud

 

Thanks. Yeah he was Service Company of he 506th. But I have no clue where to look for info on what the actual place was and when. But likke you said, I am very proud and that's all that maters.

 

David

Your Grandfather was in a glider - his Citation says so. You say he was in the 506th's Service Co. As such, I believe it is quite feasible for him to have been a Glider Rider. Now we have to work out where he and his glider were. From the scant information, which his Citation gives, I would say he was in Holland, the place: Zon (Son) the date: Sunday 17th September 1944. The 101st's glider serial came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. In that serial was a young War Reporter named Walter Cronkite.

Steve W.

 

Oh my gosh. How did you know all that information? About Walter Cronkite and the date. I am in shock. I am just so confused because all his paper work says 506socompany... and now obviously a glider... but is it abnormal for people to move in and out from a service company to being a glide?

 

The info about Walter Cronkite is well known, if you read about airborne ops.

Let me explain more about the Service Coy. It was part of the Regt's HQ structure, along with HQ Coy and the three Battalions. It's not a matter of your Grandfather moving from the Service Coy to a glider, it's more simple than that. He was obviously a glider transported member of the Service Coy. That's how he 'went to war'.

Steve W.

 

I should have said that my answer in post #4 is a calculated one based on my knowledge of the different operations.

Steve W.

 

I've just had another look at your Grandfather's Promotion Citation. A Tech Grade IV was equivalent to a Sergeant. The same chevron pattern but with a capital T underneath. It indicated that the soldier had a technical specialism. In your Grandfather's case this could have been to do with motor vehicles or radio equipment.


Steve W.

 

Here's an interesting piece of information. Look at the date of enlistment and the reason.

Steve W.

 

Sir, I was wondering how you thoght of sept 17th 1944 being the day. I was reading articles online prior to you bringing that day up and I thought the same thing. I also found glider medals my gpa had so it does confirm that he was a glider along with the 506th... i guess a jack of all trades. My next question is how do you confirm that this ciation is offically the one you mentioned? I am going to leave you with a later picture (of my gpa with patches on). Is there a way I can go about confirming this ? Thanks again for all your help!
DAVID KECKAN (GRANDFATHER OF WALTER NETON)

 

First of all, David, although I appreciate it's your upbringing, you don't need the 'Sir'.

The 17th September was the first day of Operation Market, the drop into Holland, and was the day that the 506th was tasked to capture a highway and bridge at Zon. In the movie A Bridge Too Far the bridge blows up spectacularly in the face of Elliott Gould - who portrayed the 506th's CO Col Robert Sink (although his character is called 'Stout').

Interesting article about your Grandpa and Grandma's wedding. These notices often give helpful information about the couple; in this case, that your Grandpa was a Truckmaster in the 506th. Sounds like he was in charge of the Motor Transport Section.

The photo confirms your Grandpa's Glider Rider status - the badge above his Combat Infantry one. Nice clear view of his First Sergeant's chevron.

In the medals photo, what is written on the box second from right?

Steve W.

 

One says victory medal from winning he war, and the other is good conduct medal.. if your wondering about the gold one i asked about it to a guy who collects them and he wrote back saying this..."The "Article 4" refers to a paragraph in the decoration's royal decree that allows for this medal to be awarded for acts of valour (it's normally a long service medal for NCO's). In that case, it comes with a different ribbon (the one in your picture) and, if awarded in wartime, with a silver palm." I don't know much more then that. I am researching the crash and can't seem to be getting anywhere. But I do believe your right that it happend that day. I wonder if they have names of the soliders who were in the crash with Walter Conkrite... thanks again for your help.

Dave

The other one is the Belgian WW2 War Cross with a bronze palm denoting the equivalent of a mention in despatches. That too is a bravery award

 

Gentelmen:

A number of specialist in the Service Compamy of a Parachute Regiment were not rated paras. Much of our service company people came in with our Gl8der Infantry Regiment on 6 June 1944. I do not know what happened in Holland as I was the Temporary Commander of Charlie Co. 502nd and set up east of St.Odenroode.

As Ever,

Walter L. Marlowe
( Aiborne all the Way)

 

David,

If I am not mistaken every medal was referenced by a General Order. You can usually research General Orders by unit in the archives. Try finding a seller on eBay (saw10thpainf) He sells index books for General Orders by unit. He is also a wealth of information on the topic having assembled these books. I have dealt with him in the past and he was a great help.

Baker324

 

David, these are wonderful memorabilia of your grandfather. I hope to hear more, as you learn more. I am also very interested in your grandmother's story after reading the little written in the wedding description.