Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Wood River, Illinois
Honored By
Pearl Thomas
Joined the U.S. Army in 1944 and became a technical sergeant in the 12th Armored Division, driving a Sherman tank. He was driving the tank that rolled up to the front gate of Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945. Told by his commanding officer to drive through the gate, he did, helping to free 30,000 prisoners. He served through the end of the war.