Richard A. Counsell, age 90, of Wabasha, a decorated veteran of WWII, the Korean War, and the Viet Nam War, died of natural causes at his home on Friday, February 26, 2010.
He was born March 2, 1919 in Union City, TN, the son of Walter and Flora (Dunn) Counsell. The family moved to East St. Louis, IL when he was a teenager. He enlisted in the US Army in 1939 and served his country honorably in the European and North African Theaters during WWII. He later re-enlisted and served from 1948 until 1963, serving in Korea and Viet Nam.
He served in the 3rd Infantry Division of the 10th Combat Engineer Battalion. Captain Counsell distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy near Tebessa, French North West Africa on February 21, 1943. Upon orders to secure a prominent saw-toothed ridge from a well-entrenched and heavily armed force he led his troops on a frontal and flanking assault. Through heavy enemy fire and bursting shells, across fields and rocky terrain they reached the base of the cliff but heavy assault stopped their advance. Realizing an assault was the only solution, he rose from his position firing his rifle and throwing grenades as he called on his men to follow him. Despite intense and heavy fire their attack reached the crest of the ridge. Again, he rallied his men and they stormed the enemy strongpoint. With fixed bayonets, they charged into the face of strong antitank fire and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. After clubbing and slashing this force into submission, the squad was forced to take cover from a direct frontal attack by a self-propelled gun. Captain Counsell leaped to his feet, and through sheer personal courage and fierce determination, he led his men in a new attack. At this instant, a well-camouflaged enemy soldier threw a grenade at the remaining members of the squad. He immediately lunged and kicked the explosive under an overhanging rock to save those around him. Captain Counsell was severely wounded performing this act. For the bravery and courage shown, Captain Counsell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the US Army's second highest award.
On February 22, 1944 he again distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy near Nettuno, Italy. Captain Counsell, despite heavy enemy fire, left the safety of the defensive area and moved to a forward and exposed position, directing mortar and artillery fire on the attackers of his company. He was severely wounded during the eight hours he was at this post but he continued to direct the company's fire. At the peak of the action he observed elements of his company preparing to withdraw. He perilously made his way across the fire-swept terrain to the defense area, where by example and forceful leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. He again returned to the forward position and continued to direct the company's fire. Again, he was wounded. When the attack finally ended, the company had retaken their position. More than 70 enemy dead were counted in the area Captain Counsell's men had defended. For his heroism and bravery shown in this battle he was awarded the Silver Star. Twice during his service in Europe the German Army captured him and both times he escaped and found his way back to the Allied lines.
Serving in Korea, on the morning of March 7, 1951 Captain Counsell directed the crossing of friendly forces across the Han River, near Pukhan-gang, Korea in the face of an intense concentration of small arms, automatic weapons and artillery fire. By inspiring his comrades to maximum effort, he greatly facilitated the successful establishment of a bridgehead on the far shore. For this he received the Bronze Star with "V" Device.
Because of his valor, courage and determination, Captain Counsell received the US Army Distinguished Service Cross, three Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and four Purple Hearts. He was also awarded the French Foreign Legion for the liberation of French North West Africa. He received multiple Campaign Ribbons for serving in the European and North West African Theaters.
Outside of the US Army, Mr. Counsell worked for Edgar Johnson and the B.F.Goodrich Co. in East St. Louis, IL, the Monsanto Chemical Co. in Monsanto, IL and Laughton's Cabinet Shop in Salinas, CA. He retired from the California State Highway Patrol, working as a mechanic. He married Carmilla "Connie" Venditti September 5, 1942 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plattsburg, NY.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Counsell, Wabasha, MN; daughters and son-in-law, Mary Jane Evans, Wasco, CA, Sarah and David Opsahl, Kellogg, MN; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. One daughter, Gloria Jean Counsell and four brothers preceded him in death.
His body will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with full military honors. A private time for the family will be held at the Abbott Funeral Home prior to shipment of his body.
The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements.
He was born March 2, 1919 in Union City, TN, the son of Walter and Flora (Dunn) Counsell. The family moved to East St. Louis, IL when he was a teenager. He enlisted in the US Army in 1939 and served his country honorably in the European and North African Theaters during WWII. He later re-enlisted and served from 1948 until 1963, serving in Korea and Viet Nam.
He served in the 3rd Infantry Division of the 10th Combat Engineer Battalion. Captain Counsell distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy near Tebessa, French North West Africa on February 21, 1943. Upon orders to secure a prominent saw-toothed ridge from a well-entrenched and heavily armed force he led his troops on a frontal and flanking assault. Through heavy enemy fire and bursting shells, across fields and rocky terrain they reached the base of the cliff but heavy assault stopped their advance. Realizing an assault was the only solution, he rose from his position firing his rifle and throwing grenades as he called on his men to follow him. Despite intense and heavy fire their attack reached the crest of the ridge. Again, he rallied his men and they stormed the enemy strongpoint. With fixed bayonets, they charged into the face of strong antitank fire and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. After clubbing and slashing this force into submission, the squad was forced to take cover from a direct frontal attack by a self-propelled gun. Captain Counsell leaped to his feet, and through sheer personal courage and fierce determination, he led his men in a new attack. At this instant, a well-camouflaged enemy soldier threw a grenade at the remaining members of the squad. He immediately lunged and kicked the explosive under an overhanging rock to save those around him. Captain Counsell was severely wounded performing this act. For the bravery and courage shown, Captain Counsell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the US Army's second highest award.
On February 22, 1944 he again distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy near Nettuno, Italy. Captain Counsell, despite heavy enemy fire, left the safety of the defensive area and moved to a forward and exposed position, directing mortar and artillery fire on the attackers of his company. He was severely wounded during the eight hours he was at this post but he continued to direct the company's fire. At the peak of the action he observed elements of his company preparing to withdraw. He perilously made his way across the fire-swept terrain to the defense area, where by example and forceful leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. He again returned to the forward position and continued to direct the company's fire. Again, he was wounded. When the attack finally ended, the company had retaken their position. More than 70 enemy dead were counted in the area Captain Counsell's men had defended. For his heroism and bravery shown in this battle he was awarded the Silver Star. Twice during his service in Europe the German Army captured him and both times he escaped and found his way back to the Allied lines.
Serving in Korea, on the morning of March 7, 1951 Captain Counsell directed the crossing of friendly forces across the Han River, near Pukhan-gang, Korea in the face of an intense concentration of small arms, automatic weapons and artillery fire. By inspiring his comrades to maximum effort, he greatly facilitated the successful establishment of a bridgehead on the far shore. For this he received the Bronze Star with "V" Device.
Because of his valor, courage and determination, Captain Counsell received the US Army Distinguished Service Cross, three Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and four Purple Hearts. He was also awarded the French Foreign Legion for the liberation of French North West Africa. He received multiple Campaign Ribbons for serving in the European and North West African Theaters.
Outside of the US Army, Mr. Counsell worked for Edgar Johnson and the B.F.Goodrich Co. in East St. Louis, IL, the Monsanto Chemical Co. in Monsanto, IL and Laughton's Cabinet Shop in Salinas, CA. He retired from the California State Highway Patrol, working as a mechanic. He married Carmilla "Connie" Venditti September 5, 1942 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plattsburg, NY.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Counsell, Wabasha, MN; daughters and son-in-law, Mary Jane Evans, Wasco, CA, Sarah and David Opsahl, Kellogg, MN; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. One daughter, Gloria Jean Counsell and four brothers preceded him in death.
His body will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with full military honors. A private time for the family will be held at the Abbott Funeral Home prior to shipment of his body.
The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements.
Richard A. Counsell, age 90, of Wabasha, a decorated veteran of WWII, the Korean War, and the Viet Nam War, died of natural causes at his home on Friday, February 26, 2010.
He was born March 2, 1919 in Union City, TN, the son of Walter and Flora (Dunn) Counsell. The family moved to East St. Louis, IL when he was a teenager. He enlisted in the US Army in 1939 and served his country honorably in the European and North African Theaters during WWII. He later re-enlisted and served from 1948 until 1963, serving in Korea and Viet Nam.
He served in the 3rd Infantry Division of the 10th Combat Engineer Battalion. Captain Counsell distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy near Tebessa, French North West Africa on February 21, 1943. Upon orders to secure a prominent saw-toothed ridge from a well-entrenched and heavily armed force he led his troops on a frontal and flanking assault. Through heavy enemy fire and bursting shells, across fields and rocky terrain they reached the base of the cliff but heavy assault stopped their advance. Realizing an assault was the only solution, he rose from his position firing his rifle and throwing grenades as he called on his men to follow him. Despite intense and heavy fire their attack reached the crest of the ridge. Again, he rallied his men and they stormed the enemy strongpoint. With fixed bayonets, they charged into the face of strong antitank fire and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. After clubbing and slashing this force into submission, the squad was forced to take cover from a direct frontal attack by a self-propelled gun. Captain Counsell leaped to his feet, and through sheer personal courage and fierce determination, he led his men in a new attack. At this instant, a well-camouflaged enemy soldier threw a grenade at the remaining members of the squad. He immediately lunged and kicked the explosive under an overhanging rock to save those around him. Captain Counsell was severely wounded performing this act. For the bravery and courage shown, Captain Counsell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the US Army's second highest award.
On February 22, 1944 he again distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy near Nettuno, Italy. Captain Counsell, despite heavy enemy fire, left the safety of the defensive area and moved to a forward and exposed position, directing mortar and artillery fire on the attackers of his company. He was severely wounded during the eight hours he was at this post but he continued to direct the company's fire. At the peak of the action he observed elements of his company preparing to withdraw. He perilously made his way across the fire-swept terrain to the defense area, where by example and forceful leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. He again returned to the forward position and continued to direct the company's fire. Again, he was wounded. When the attack finally ended, the company had retaken their position. More than 70 enemy dead were counted in the area Captain Counsell's men had defended. For his heroism and bravery shown in this battle he was awarded the Silver Star. Twice during his service in Europe the German Army captured him and both times he escaped and found his way back to the Allied lines.
Serving in Korea, on the morning of March 7, 1951 Captain Counsell directed the crossing of friendly forces across the Han River, near Pukhan-gang, Korea in the face of an intense concentration of small arms, automatic weapons and artillery fire. By inspiring his comrades to maximum effort, he greatly facilitated the successful establishment of a bridgehead on the far shore. For this he received the Bronze Star with "V" Device.
Because of his valor, courage and determination, Captain Counsell received the US Army Distinguished Service Cross, three Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and four Purple Hearts. He was also awarded the French Foreign Legion for the liberation of French North West Africa. He received multiple Campaign Ribbons for serving in the European and North West African Theaters.
Outside of the US Army, Mr. Counsell worked for Edgar Johnson and the B.F.Goodrich Co. in East St. Louis, IL, the Monsanto Chemical Co. in Monsanto, IL and Laughton's Cabinet Shop in Salinas, CA. He retired from the California State Highway Patrol, working as a mechanic. He married Carmilla "Connie" Venditti September 5, 1942 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plattsburg, NY.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Counsell, Wabasha, MN; daughters and son-in-law, Mary Jane Evans, Wasco, CA, Sarah and David Opsahl, Kellogg, MN; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. One daughter, Gloria Jean Counsell and four brothers preceded him in death.
His body will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with full military honors. A private time for the family will be held at the Abbott Funeral Home prior to shipment of his body.
The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements.
He was born March 2, 1919 in Union City, TN, the son of Walter and Flora (Dunn) Counsell. The family moved to East St. Louis, IL when he was a teenager. He enlisted in the US Army in 1939 and served his country honorably in the European and North African Theaters during WWII. He later re-enlisted and served from 1948 until 1963, serving in Korea and Viet Nam.
He served in the 3rd Infantry Division of the 10th Combat Engineer Battalion. Captain Counsell distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy near Tebessa, French North West Africa on February 21, 1943. Upon orders to secure a prominent saw-toothed ridge from a well-entrenched and heavily armed force he led his troops on a frontal and flanking assault. Through heavy enemy fire and bursting shells, across fields and rocky terrain they reached the base of the cliff but heavy assault stopped their advance. Realizing an assault was the only solution, he rose from his position firing his rifle and throwing grenades as he called on his men to follow him. Despite intense and heavy fire their attack reached the crest of the ridge. Again, he rallied his men and they stormed the enemy strongpoint. With fixed bayonets, they charged into the face of strong antitank fire and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. After clubbing and slashing this force into submission, the squad was forced to take cover from a direct frontal attack by a self-propelled gun. Captain Counsell leaped to his feet, and through sheer personal courage and fierce determination, he led his men in a new attack. At this instant, a well-camouflaged enemy soldier threw a grenade at the remaining members of the squad. He immediately lunged and kicked the explosive under an overhanging rock to save those around him. Captain Counsell was severely wounded performing this act. For the bravery and courage shown, Captain Counsell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the US Army's second highest award.
On February 22, 1944 he again distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy near Nettuno, Italy. Captain Counsell, despite heavy enemy fire, left the safety of the defensive area and moved to a forward and exposed position, directing mortar and artillery fire on the attackers of his company. He was severely wounded during the eight hours he was at this post but he continued to direct the company's fire. At the peak of the action he observed elements of his company preparing to withdraw. He perilously made his way across the fire-swept terrain to the defense area, where by example and forceful leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. He again returned to the forward position and continued to direct the company's fire. Again, he was wounded. When the attack finally ended, the company had retaken their position. More than 70 enemy dead were counted in the area Captain Counsell's men had defended. For his heroism and bravery shown in this battle he was awarded the Silver Star. Twice during his service in Europe the German Army captured him and both times he escaped and found his way back to the Allied lines.
Serving in Korea, on the morning of March 7, 1951 Captain Counsell directed the crossing of friendly forces across the Han River, near Pukhan-gang, Korea in the face of an intense concentration of small arms, automatic weapons and artillery fire. By inspiring his comrades to maximum effort, he greatly facilitated the successful establishment of a bridgehead on the far shore. For this he received the Bronze Star with "V" Device.
Because of his valor, courage and determination, Captain Counsell received the US Army Distinguished Service Cross, three Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and four Purple Hearts. He was also awarded the French Foreign Legion for the liberation of French North West Africa. He received multiple Campaign Ribbons for serving in the European and North West African Theaters.
Outside of the US Army, Mr. Counsell worked for Edgar Johnson and the B.F.Goodrich Co. in East St. Louis, IL, the Monsanto Chemical Co. in Monsanto, IL and Laughton's Cabinet Shop in Salinas, CA. He retired from the California State Highway Patrol, working as a mechanic. He married Carmilla "Connie" Venditti September 5, 1942 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plattsburg, NY.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Counsell, Wabasha, MN; daughters and son-in-law, Mary Jane Evans, Wasco, CA, Sarah and David Opsahl, Kellogg, MN; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. One daughter, Gloria Jean Counsell and four brothers preceded him in death.
His body will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with full military honors. A private time for the family will be held at the Abbott Funeral Home prior to shipment of his body.
The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements.
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