World War II Honoree

Bruce L. Cotten

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Maher, Colorado

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK: STAFF SERGEANT. SERVED WITH THE 35TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 25TH INFANTRY ‘TROPIC LIGHTNING’ DIVISION IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC AND SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATERS OF OPERATION. CAMPAIGNS AND BATTLES: CENTRAL PACIFIC, GUADALCANAL, NORTHERN SOLOMON ISLANDS AND THE INVASION OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. KILLED IN ACTION APRIL 5, 1945 ON LUZON, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. DECORATIONS AND MEDALS: SILVER STAR, AWARDED FOR DISTINGUISHED GALLANTRY IN ACTION, ARMY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE SERVICE STAR, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE SERVICE STARS AND THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE AND POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART. AFTER THE CESSATION AND CAPITULATION OF THE JAPANESE ARMED FORCES, HIS BODY WAS BROUGHT HOME FOR BURIAL, WITH INTERMENT IN THE CRAWFORD CEMETERY, CRAWFORD, COLORADO.