School Book: Senior Class of '43.
William (Bill) Swartz. Modest, honest, and reserved. Lightweight Football, Co-Captain; Basketball; Track; National Scholastic Athletic Society; School Council.
Bill, enlisted on 23 Aug 1943 in the US Army at his home town. He was promoted to Sgt (Assistant Squad Leader), of 2nd Sqd, 2d Plt, Co. L, 3rd Bn, 272d Rgmt, 69th Inf Div. Service no. 36686467. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart.
His Squad Leader S/SgtWerner R. Busche, wrote:
Sgt William C. Swartz was my assistant squad leader. We were a rifle platoon... your cousin was wounded near Witzenhausen on the Werra River. The Squad, Platoon, Company L were on a battle patrol, leading the regiment to capture a town called Nieder-Gandern located on a brook called the Leider River. We took this town and went into defensive positions (fox holes) because a counter-attack was expected due to heavy enemy artillery fire. Sgt. Swartz was mortally wounded by a near direct hit by a German 88.
His death shook the family, his parents and relatives. The only consolation his father could find was at least his son would not have to serve in the hell of the Pacific Theater.
Bill, has a young, man gave the last full devotion of his life, so that you could live a full and happy life.
School Book: Senior Class of '43.
William (Bill) Swartz. Modest, honest, and reserved. Lightweight Football, Co-Captain; Basketball; Track; National Scholastic Athletic Society; School Council.
Bill, enlisted on 23 Aug 1943 in the US Army at his home town. He was promoted to Sgt (Assistant Squad Leader), of 2nd Sqd, 2d Plt, Co. L, 3rd Bn, 272d Rgmt, 69th Inf Div. Service no. 36686467. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart.
His Squad Leader S/SgtWerner R. Busche, wrote:
Sgt William C. Swartz was my assistant squad leader. We were a rifle platoon... your cousin was wounded near Witzenhausen on the Werra River. The Squad, Platoon, Company L were on a battle patrol, leading the regiment to capture a town called Nieder-Gandern located on a brook called the Leider River. We took this town and went into defensive positions (fox holes) because a counter-attack was expected due to heavy enemy artillery fire. Sgt. Swartz was mortally wounded by a near direct hit by a German 88.
His death shook the family, his parents and relatives. The only consolation his father could find was at least his son would not have to serve in the hell of the Pacific Theater.
Bill, has a young, man gave the last full devotion of his life, so that you could live a full and happy life.
Inscription
William C. Swartz,
SGT, 272 INF 69 DIV,
Illinois, Apr 8, 1945
Gravesite Details
Photo 2006 by and from the 69th Inf Div Asso.
Family Members
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