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Old April 15th, 2008, 12:37 AM
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Default Re: Please help with grandpa's WWII info

Hi Tammy,
Unfortunately, I don't have the 5th Infantry Division book, but I do have the Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register from WWII up til 1961. I'll look up his unit tomorrow morning and see if he's entitled to any unit citations to go along with his medals. Unit citations are almost never included in a soldier's DD-214. As an example, my grandfather's lists his Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Medals, and the five campaigns he served in (due to his 1945 discharge, the WWII Victory and Army of Occupation Medals weren't listed). However, it wasn't until I got the Unit Citation Register in the early 90's that I found out he was also entitled to a Meritorious Unit Commendation. His comment was "hey, I guess we did something good. I wonder what it was", followed by a good chuckle.

I should also mention I couldn't find Marvin Smith listed in the 1st Army book. Definitely pick up the 11th Regiment and 5th Division books. Even if he isn't listed, other members of his outfit might be, so that makes them worth having

Glad to see Brandon got back to you so fast. He's a great guy, and is always a pleasure to do business with. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have been able to obtain the citations for two of my great uncle's Bronze Star Medals. I should also note that sometimes there are men omitted from his books, not thru his error, but because the GO's have gone missing over the years. I've looked up men in some of the books I have that I know have earned say a Silver Star or a Belgian Croix de Guerre, but they aren't listed. Unfortunately, with paperwork in the Army after WWII a lot was either lost or thrown out through carelessness or by accident.

Another good way to research his service would be to find out if there is a veteran's association for the 11th Infantry Regiment. I'm pretty sure there is, but you may have to check up on that. Someone at the association may be able to dig up information for you, or even put you in touch with someone who served with him. They key is to be patient.
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Jeff C.

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