World War II Honoree

Robert J. Elbert, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Elyria, Ohio

Honored By

Elena Ostheimer

Relationship

Granddaughter

EXPERT RIFLEMAN WITH M1 RIFLE. ASSIGNED TO THE 109TH ENGINEER BATTALION, 34TH INFANTRY (RED BULL) DIVISION, 5TH ARMY, AT TARQUINIA, ITALY. FOLLOWED THE DIVISIONS ADVANCE FROM ROME, NORTH TO THE GOTHIC LINE, NORTHERN APENNINES, ENTERED BOLOGNA IN FEBRUARY 1945 AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE PO VALLEY. SERVED 11 MONTHS OF COMBAT DUTY AND AWARDED 3 MAJOR BATTLE STARS. AWARDS INCLUDED AN ARMY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE STARS AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. DURING WWII IN ITALY WAS A PRIVATE FIRST CLASS. PROMOTED TO STAFF SERGEANT AT WAR'S END AND PUT IN CHARGE OF SUPPLIES. LEFT NAPLES FOR GIBRALTAR AND BOARDED AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER, USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN CV-39, FOR RETURN TRIP HOME.