World War II Honoree

Alfred H. Petzoldt

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

St. Libory, Nebraska

Honored By

Bruce A. Petzoldt

Relationship

Son

ENTERED THE INFANTRY ON THE FALL OF 1942. HE WAS STATIONED AT SAULTE ST. MARIE, MICHIGAN TO GUARD THE LOCKS UNTIL U.S. TROOPS TOOK THE ISLAND OF ALTAN IN THE BERING STRAIT. THE 131ST INFANTRY REGIMENT DISBANDED AND HE WAS REASSIGNED TO THE 9TH ARMY. DEPLOYED TO ENGLAND AND HE LANDED ON OMAHA BEACH D-DAY PLUS 6. HIS COMPANY ENDED UP 20 MILES FROM BERLIN. HE WAS WOUNDED AT MALMEDY WHEN HIS COMPANY WAS BOMBED BY FRIENDLY FIRE. HE RETURNED TO HIS OUTFIT AFTER 2 WEEKS IN A HOSPITAL IN PARIS. HE DUG MANY FOXHOLES ON THE WAY TO BERLIN. SOMETIMES HE WAS AHEAD OF THE FRONT LINES. HE SAID THAT FOR 9 MONTHS, THE ONLY TIME HE TOOK OFF HIS BOOTS WAS TO CHANGE HIS SOCKS. HE WAS AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL AND BRONZE STAR.