New book highlights unit with the most WWII Medals of Honor in Europe

SHARE OF THE DAY

New book highlights unit with the most WWII Medals of Honor in Europe
By Claire Barrett
Mar 24, 03:41 PM
The U.S. 3rd Infantry Division arriving at the Berghof, Adolf Hitler's home, on May 4, 1945. (Eric Schwab/AFP via Getty)

Most Americans are familiar with the daring feats of the most decorated soldier in U.S. history, Audie Murphy. Scenes of the Colmar Pocket in France — Murphy climbing aboard a blazing tank destroyer, manning its machine gun, and single-handedly fighting off two reinforced companies of German infantry — may come to mind.

What is lesser known, or oft-forgotten, are the other hard fighting grunts of the 3rd Infantry Division, of which Murphy was a part.

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Michael Noll Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Cpl Vic Burk SGT Charlie Lee] Sgt (Join to see) PV2 Larry Sellnow SPC Gary C. SPC (Join to see) Amn Dale Preisach SGT Ruben Lozada CPT Richard Trione SFC Ralph E Kelley 1SG Patrick Burke SGT Gerald “Jerry” Harrell PO2 Marco Monsalve Lt Col Charlie Brown MSG (Join to see) Maj Kim Patterson SPC Robert Coventry