World War II Honoree

Lawrence P. Cupples

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Alexandria, Louisiana

Honored By

1SGT Roger Montgomery, USA (Ret)

Relationship

Son-in-law

SERVED JUNE 1943 TO FEBRUARY 1946. HIGHEST RANK ACHIEVED: PRIVATE FIRST CLASS (PFC). PERFORMED DUTIES AS A VEHICLE (JEEP) DRIVER FOR HIS INFANTRY PLATOON LEADER. SERVED IN COMPANY D, 1ST BATTALION, 310TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 78TH INFANTRY DIVISION (LIGHTNING DIVISION). SERVED AS A MEMBER OF 'THE FIRST INFANTRY BATTALION TO CROSS THE RHINE RIVER INTO THE GERMAN HOMELAND.' FOR THIS, THE BATTALION SUFFERED THE LOSS OF 403 SOLDIERS FROM ALL CAUSES AND WON THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION. DURING ITS EUROPEAN WAR SERVICE, THE 310TH INFANTRY REGIMENT SPENT 126 CONTINUOUS DAYS, 'IN THE LINE'. DURING HIS EUROPEAN SERVICE OF 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AND 12 DAYS, HE EARNED THE FOLLOWING AWARDS: THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (REMAGEN BRIDGE), GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE CAMPAIGN STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL, THE SHARPSHOOTER BADGE WITH RIFLE BAR AND THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON.