World War II Honoree

Robert L. Morris

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Pontiac, Michigan

Honored By

William L. Morris

Relationship

Son

At the age of 26 he served with the 517th Parachute Infantry Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, Company "E", 3rd Platoon, 1st Squad from April 1943 to Jan 1945. The 517th graduated from "Airborne Jump School" (Ft Benning, Ga.) a few months behind the "506th Parachute Infantry" which later became the HBO Mini Series "The Band Of Brothers". His first combat was in Italy, North of Rome, in the towns of Civitavecchi, Grosseto, Montersario and Fallonica where he was awarded the CIB. While in Italy, He volunteered for "Airborne Pathfinder", making several Practice Combat Jumps with Pathfinder gear. This was in preparation for the upcoming "Southern France Invasion know as "Operation Dragoon". Starting the invasion, he made his first combat jump behind enemy lines on Aug 15th, 1944 @ 3:30 am. His mission, as a Pathfinder, was to establish a "DZ" (drop zone) for his Battalion who were to jump in at 4:30am. He encountered enemy resistance but completed his mission. Moving East, through Southern France, the 517th fought many battles and captured many towns. After 93 days of combat they fought their final battle, Nov 1944, capturing the town of Sospel, France located in the French Alps. In Dec 1944, the 517th was ordered into one of the worst battles fought in Europe "The Battle of the Bulge" in Belgium. After capturing the town Of Manhay on Dec 27, the 517th was assigned to take the towns of Trois-Ponts and Mont Fosse, Jan 3rd, 1945, In extremely heaving fighting, the 517th incurred losses of, 20 killed and 90 wounded. He, being one of the wounded was evacuated to an Aid Station then onto to a Hospital in England. The 517th went on to capture both towns that day. He was awarded the "Bronze Star" in July 1945.