Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 20, 1942 and volunteered for parachutist duty. It was a fateful decision as that same day at Camp Blanding FL, diagonally across the continental U.S., the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment was being activated … and they needed recruits. Bob was soon on a train heading for Florida.
Following completion of basic training, the regiment moved on to jump school at Ft. Benning, GA where Bob completed his requisite five jumps "from an aircraft in flight" and pinned on his coveted parachutist badge. Months of advanced training at Camp Mackall, NC preceded the unit's departure aboard the USAT Parker on December 28, 1943.
After 12 days of tossing about on the North Atlantic, the Parker disgorged its passengers in Belfast, Ireland where another three months of field exercises were held.
Ultimately the 508th arrived in Nottingham England in March 1943. There they continued to train until the ultimate test … D-Day, June 6, 1944 when Bob and thousands of other paratroopers jumped into Normandy, France where the regiment served for 33 days in combat before they were relieved.
Later he also participated in the jump into Holland and the fighting in the battle of the Bulge. His exemplary service resulted in the awarding of A Bronze Star Medal, the citation read:
"ROBERT J. BRODERICK, 39192574, Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry, For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy for the period 6 June 1944 to 17 February 1945 in NORMANDY, HOLLAND and BELGIUM. Sergeant BRODERICK, Platoon Sergeant, (then Squad Leader), Company "F", served with his regiment through all of its campaigns in the European Theater. By his calm efficiency, and his capacity for anticipating enemy capabilities, Sergeant BRODERICK has been a valuable contribution to the success of his company's missions. In the attack on ***, FRANCE, his skill in maneuvering his squad resulted in the capture of six 20mm guns. He - at all times - has demonstrated an exemplary devotion to duty, and his coolness under fire has inspired his men to great efforts. Entered military service from SEATTLE, WASHINGTON."
Following completion of basic training, the regiment moved on to jump school at Ft. Benning, GA where Bob completed his requisite five jumps "from an aircraft in flight" and pinned on his coveted parachutist badge. Months of advanced training at Camp Mackall, NC preceded the unit's departure aboard the USAT Parker on December 28, 1943.
After 12 days of tossing about on the North Atlantic, the Parker disgorged its passengers in Belfast, Ireland where another three months of field exercises were held.
Ultimately the 508th arrived in Nottingham England in March 1943. There they continued to train until the ultimate test … D-Day, June 6, 1944 when Bob and thousands of other paratroopers jumped into Normandy, France where the regiment served for 33 days in combat before they were relieved.
Later he also participated in the jump into Holland and the fighting in the battle of the Bulge. His exemplary service resulted in the awarding of A Bronze Star Medal, the citation read:
"ROBERT J. BRODERICK, 39192574, Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry, For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy for the period 6 June 1944 to 17 February 1945 in NORMANDY, HOLLAND and BELGIUM. Sergeant BRODERICK, Platoon Sergeant, (then Squad Leader), Company "F", served with his regiment through all of its campaigns in the European Theater. By his calm efficiency, and his capacity for anticipating enemy capabilities, Sergeant BRODERICK has been a valuable contribution to the success of his company's missions. In the attack on ***, FRANCE, his skill in maneuvering his squad resulted in the capture of six 20mm guns. He - at all times - has demonstrated an exemplary devotion to duty, and his coolness under fire has inspired his men to great efforts. Entered military service from SEATTLE, WASHINGTON."
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 20, 1942 and volunteered for parachutist duty. It was a fateful decision as that same day at Camp Blanding FL, diagonally across the continental U.S., the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment was being activated … and they needed recruits. Bob was soon on a train heading for Florida.
Following completion of basic training, the regiment moved on to jump school at Ft. Benning, GA where Bob completed his requisite five jumps "from an aircraft in flight" and pinned on his coveted parachutist badge. Months of advanced training at Camp Mackall, NC preceded the unit's departure aboard the USAT Parker on December 28, 1943.
After 12 days of tossing about on the North Atlantic, the Parker disgorged its passengers in Belfast, Ireland where another three months of field exercises were held.
Ultimately the 508th arrived in Nottingham England in March 1943. There they continued to train until the ultimate test … D-Day, June 6, 1944 when Bob and thousands of other paratroopers jumped into Normandy, France where the regiment served for 33 days in combat before they were relieved.
Later he also participated in the jump into Holland and the fighting in the battle of the Bulge. His exemplary service resulted in the awarding of A Bronze Star Medal, the citation read:
"ROBERT J. BRODERICK, 39192574, Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry, For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy for the period 6 June 1944 to 17 February 1945 in NORMANDY, HOLLAND and BELGIUM. Sergeant BRODERICK, Platoon Sergeant, (then Squad Leader), Company "F", served with his regiment through all of its campaigns in the European Theater. By his calm efficiency, and his capacity for anticipating enemy capabilities, Sergeant BRODERICK has been a valuable contribution to the success of his company's missions. In the attack on ***, FRANCE, his skill in maneuvering his squad resulted in the capture of six 20mm guns. He - at all times - has demonstrated an exemplary devotion to duty, and his coolness under fire has inspired his men to great efforts. Entered military service from SEATTLE, WASHINGTON."
Following completion of basic training, the regiment moved on to jump school at Ft. Benning, GA where Bob completed his requisite five jumps "from an aircraft in flight" and pinned on his coveted parachutist badge. Months of advanced training at Camp Mackall, NC preceded the unit's departure aboard the USAT Parker on December 28, 1943.
After 12 days of tossing about on the North Atlantic, the Parker disgorged its passengers in Belfast, Ireland where another three months of field exercises were held.
Ultimately the 508th arrived in Nottingham England in March 1943. There they continued to train until the ultimate test … D-Day, June 6, 1944 when Bob and thousands of other paratroopers jumped into Normandy, France where the regiment served for 33 days in combat before they were relieved.
Later he also participated in the jump into Holland and the fighting in the battle of the Bulge. His exemplary service resulted in the awarding of A Bronze Star Medal, the citation read:
"ROBERT J. BRODERICK, 39192574, Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry, For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy for the period 6 June 1944 to 17 February 1945 in NORMANDY, HOLLAND and BELGIUM. Sergeant BRODERICK, Platoon Sergeant, (then Squad Leader), Company "F", served with his regiment through all of its campaigns in the European Theater. By his calm efficiency, and his capacity for anticipating enemy capabilities, Sergeant BRODERICK has been a valuable contribution to the success of his company's missions. In the attack on ***, FRANCE, his skill in maneuvering his squad resulted in the capture of six 20mm guns. He - at all times - has demonstrated an exemplary devotion to duty, and his coolness under fire has inspired his men to great efforts. Entered military service from SEATTLE, WASHINGTON."
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