Frank Denius, a military veteran and an incredible supporter of Texas Army, is prominent in this video. He was a 19-year-old forward observer on Hill 314 and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. https://dropbox/s/b74jx5bx01odqt5/MortainDemo_02_FINAL.mp4 The scene is the town of Mortain in Normandy about 50 miles south of Omaha Beach. On Memorial Day, the local people commemorated the 70th anniversary of the successful defense of the town by a battalion of the US 30th Infantry Division in early August 1944. Surrounded by German forces on the offense, the Americans were surrounded on nearby Hill 314 (elevation 314 meters) The Americans held out. When the Germans were turned back, they began a rapid retreat toward the Fatherland. Paris was liberated three weeks later (August 25th). The citation for Frank Denius’ Silver Star, the second of four, is posted below. ----- SILVER STAR CITATION Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division Staff Sergeant Franklin W. Denius, 38480234, 230th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, is awarded a bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, for wear with the Silver Star previously awarded, for gallantry and action from 7 August 1944 to 12 August 1944, in France. When the enemy launched a determined counteroffensive in the vicinity of Mortain, France, designed to reach the sea and divide American armies in France, Sergeant Denius distinguished himself as a member of a forward observer party directing artillery fire in support of an infantry regiment. Despite intense enemy pressure, which included an attack by paratroopers, considerable armor, and large infantry forces, Sergeant Denius and his companions remained valiantly at their vulnerable post for seventy-two hours without rest, directing artillery fire which was a contributing factor in thwarting the German effort. In spite of direct tank, artillery, and small arms fire which was directed on their positions, Sergeant Denius and his small group displayed gallantry and an indomitable fighting spirit in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. Leland S. Hobbs Major General – U.S. Army Commanding
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 16:28:26 +0000
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