World War II Honoree

Lee Houston Beddow

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Redford, Michigan

Honored By

Barbara A. Beddow & Charlotte C. Walters

Relationship

Nieces

INFANTRY SERGEANT. SERVED IN COMPANY L, 350TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 88TH INFANTRY DIVISION (THE BLUE DEVILS). RECEIVED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS FOR HIS ACTIONS ON OCTOBER 2, 1944; FIGHTING OFF THE ENEMY AT MONTE BATTAGLIA, ITALY. HE DEFENDED THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, KILLING GERMAN SOLDIERS WHO HAD GAINED ENTRY. HE THEN POSITIONED HIMSELF BY THE DOORWAY TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM ENTERING. HE HELD THERE UNTIL HE WAS WOUNDED AND BLINDED BY A SHELL BURST. HE WAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, AND THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL WITH 2 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS.