World War II Honoree

Dean Thomas Cuppett

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Gary Michael Cuppett

Relationship

~ Number 2 Son ~

The Military Awards of the Technician Fifth Grade (TEC5) are as follows: "Combat Infantryman 1st Award" – was awarded to the TEC5 for personally and patriotically participating in the WWII march towards Berlin. As a member of the 3rd Army under General George S. Patton and with his much-feared-and-respected Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) at the ready, he and the 3rd Army advanced further in less time than any other army in history! –~– "Sharpshooter Weapons Qualification w/Rifle Clasp" – was awarded to the TEC5 having clearly demonstrated his extraordinary level of marksmanship with the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). –~– "Bronze Star" – was awarded to the TEC5 for his heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, and meritorious service during the WWII Battle-of-the-Bulge. He and his unit’s amazing capture and incarceration of the enemy (numbering over 100) was done while he was seriously wounded…he stopped only to empty the pooling blood in his boot. This action further earned him a Purple Heart! –~– "Purple Heart" – was awarded to the TEC5 for the wounds he sustained in action fighting against an enemy of the United States during the WWII Battle-of-the-Bulge. Traces of shrapnel from a German hand-grenade remained in his leg for the remainder of his life as did the haunting memories of picking his buddies’ body parts off his face…and of looking into the eyes of same-aged German soldiers having to kill them…before they killed him. –~– "European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign w/2 Bronze Service Stars" – was awarded to the TEC5 for service performed during WWII in the European geographical theater area. The two bronze stars on the ribbon indicate his participation in two separate campaigns. –~– "Army of Occupation w/Germany Clasp" – was awarded to the TEC5 having performed intense military duty above and beyond the required time and within the German geographical area of military occupation. The Germany “campaign clasp” denotes the European region in which his occupation service was performed. –~– "Army Commendation" – was awarded to the TEC5 for sustained acts of heroism, meritorious service, and valorous actions while in direct contact with the German enemy. –~– "Good Conduct" – was awarded to the TEC5 for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while in active Federal Military service. This medal is one of the oldest military awards of the United States Armed Forces. –~– "World War II Victory" – was awarded to the TEC5 for his part in eradicating evil from this earth! The reverse side of this medal reads: “FREEDOM from FEAR and WANT” and “FREEDOM of SPEECH and RELIGION”…these compelling lines are separated by a palm branch. –~– "Honorable Service WWII" – was awarded to the TEC5 for selflessly serving with honorable distinction during this incredibly trying time in our Nation’s history. Freedom is not free!