World War II Honoree

John Edward Voner

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Newton, Massachusetts

Honored By

Albert J. Voner

Relationship

Son

MEMBER OF THE 237TH COMBAT ENGINEERS, COMPANY C THAT WAS PART OF THE FIRST WAVE THAT LANDED ON UTAH BEACH ON D-DAY JUNE 6, 1944. BLEW APART OBSTACLES ON THE BEACH INCLUDING THE BELGIUM GATES AND RETAINING WALLS, CREATING A PASSAGE WAY FOR TROOPS COMING IN BEHIND THEM. THUMBNAIL WAS TORN OFF BY A PIECE OF SHRAPNEL WHILE COMPLETING THE JOB. MONUMENT WAS ERECTED ON UTAH BEACH HONORING THE 237TH FOR THEIR WORK THAT DAY. BUILT A BRIDGE ACROSS THE RUHR RIVER NEAR DUREN, GERMANY. HIS BATTALION SUFFERED 32 PERCENT CAUSALITIES DURING THIS OPERATION. BUILT A 375 FOOT BRIDGE ACROSS THE RHINE RIVER TO BONN, GERMANY; COMPLETED IN SIX HOURS. RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART, VICTORY MEDAL, BRONZE ARROWHEAD AND EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN SERVICE MEDAL. THE DISTINGUISHED UNIT BADGE WAS GRANTED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE 237TH FOR THEIR WORK ON D-DAY.