World War II Honoree

Melvin J. Peter

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Pine City, Minnesota

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Technician Fifth Class. On July 1, 1941, he entered the United States Army with his induction at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, receiving his combat infantry training at Camp Adair, Oregon. Deployed to the European Theater of Operations with the 104th Infantry ‘Timberwolves’ Division, arriving in France on September 7, 1944. Served in the 414th Infantry Regiment, and a subordinate unit of the Division. On October 15, 1944 the 104th received its first baptism of fire, when it moved into defensive positions near Wuustwezel, Belgium. His division participated in the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest against the German Armed forces (Battle Dates: September 19-December 16, 1944). Killed in Action Wednesday, December 13, 1944 and buried in the Ellpen battlefield cemetery, Belgium. After the cessation of hostilities in Europe, the family of this Soldier requested that his remains be interred in the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Liege, Belgium. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, as he so gallantly gave his life in the defense of his country.