Kenneth H. Dewald

CAMPAIGNS: Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland

AWARDS:Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge with three combat jump stars, Bronze Star Medal (unconfirmed), Purple Heart Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with arrowhead device and seven campaign stars, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Distinguished (Presidential) Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster, French 3rd Zouaves Regiment Badge

ARMY SERIAL NUMBER	33110909	33110909
NAME	DEWALD#KENNETH#H########	DEWALD#KENNETH#H########
RESIDENCE: STATE	32	PENNSYLVANIA
RESIDENCE: COUNTY	081	LYCOMING
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT	3288	NEW CUMBERLAND PENNSYLVANIA
DATE OF ENLISTMENT DAY	18	18
DATE OF ENLISTMENT MONTH	09	09
DATE OF ENLISTMENT YEAR	41	41
GRADE: ALPHA DESIGNATION	PVT#	Private
GRADE: CODE	8	Private
BRANCH: ALPHA DESIGNATION	BI#	Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
BRANCH: CODE	00	Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
FIELD USE AS DESIRED	#	#
TERM OF ENLISTMENT	9	Three year enlistment
LONGEVITY	###	###
SOURCE OF ARMY PERSONNEL	0	Civil Life
NATIVITY	32	PENNSYLVANIA
YEAR OF BIRTH	19	19
RACE AND CITIZENSHIP	1	White, citizen
EDUCATION	4	4 years of high school
CIVILIAN OCCUPATION	736	Semiskilled chauffeurs and drivers, bus, taxi, truck, and tractor
MARITAL STATUS	6	Single, without dependents
COMPONENT OF THE ARMY	7	Selectees (Enlisted Men)
CARD NUMBER	#	#
BOX NUMBER	0612	0612
FILM REEL NUMBER	2.276	2.276

07 Dec 1941 - Was at Camp Croft, SC when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Shortly thereafter he volunteered for the paratroops

08 Nov 1942 - Pfc. Kenneth H. Dewald, ASN: 33110909, Unit: D Co. 2nd Bn 509th PIR, Hometown: Williamsport, PA, participated in Operation Torch (Villain) the airborne invasion of North Africa, Plane: 3, Seat: 2, Weight 250 lbs.

Here is the pilot in command's account of what happened - Lt. Galligan "Since it was impossible to drop chutists at the airdrome, we decided to land on the Sebkra and progress towards the airdrome on foot. A safe landing was made approximately two miles from the west boundary of the airdrome and the paratroopers and crew dismounted. While making our way to the shore of the Sebkra, enemy pursuits dived on us four times. Although there was much air activity, we were not subjected to direct attack. We marched one and a half miles to the shore of the Sebkra. Upon reaching the shore a defensive position was established and the party ordered to rest for one hour. We were accosted by French soldiers who later returned with Colonel Bentley who was a prisoner. We were told by the Colonel that the nearest friendly troops that he knew about were twenty miles to the west. I determined to surrender and await the arrival of our force rather than expend nineteen lives to no avail. Colonel Bentley concurred in my decision and we turned over our arms. Our party was taken to Messerghen and later transferred to St Phillips. En route to St. Phillips I, as senior officer present, was dismounted at one of the forts overlooking the bay and questioned by two French officers. No information was given and I rejoined my party twenty minutes later. At St Phillips we were joined by 400 other prisoners. While we were lunching with the camp commandant on November 10th Colonel Bentley rushed in and told us that he had taken a French guard outside the walls and stopped an American tank column. Approximately one hour later two half trucks came through the gate and the prison surrendered."

15 Jul 1943 - Pfc. Kenneth H. Dewald, ASN: 33110909, Unit: D Co. 2nd Bn 509th PIR, 07 Dec 1941to 15 Jul 1943, GO8 Awarded Good Conduct Medal, 1yr Svc

14 Sep 1943 - Pfc. Kenneth H. Dewald, ASN: 33110909, Unit: A Co. 2nd Bn 509th PIR, Participated in Operation GIANT III the airborne invasion of Avellino, Italy, Naples-Foggia, Combat Jump Star

22 Jan 1944 - Participated in Operation Shingle the amphibious invasion of Anzio, Italy

Wounded in the battle at Mt Croce, Italy. Hit by shrapnel in the foot. Awarded Purple Heart Medal

10 Apr 1944 - Pfc. Kenneth H. Dewald, ASN: 33110909, Unit: A Co, 509th PIB, GO 5 The following named Officers and Enlisted Men of Companies indicated having fulfilled all requirements as set forth in Par #3. a&b, Section I, WD Circular #269, dated 27 October 1943, are hereby announced as Combat Infantrymen and are entitled to wear the badge as specified in WD Circular above

15 Aug 1944 - Participated in Operation DRAGOON (Rugby) the airborne invasion of Southern France

00 Mar 1945 - Transferred to B Co 325th Glider Infantry Regiment when 509th PIB was disbanded

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