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name
VAN NESTE, Keith Graham - Date of
birth
13 August 1919 -
Age
25 - Place of
birth
Brewster, Blaine County, Nebraska -
Hometown
Anselmo, Custer County, Nebraska
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-405360 -
Rank
Captain -
Function
unknown -
Unit
HQ & HQ Company,
23rd Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division
-
Awards
Distinguished Service Cross,
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Died of Wounds - Date of
death
13 April 1945 - Place of
death
Strasse der Einheit, Dörstewitz, Germany
Dörstewitz, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 10 | 19 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Paul F. Van Neste (father)
Almira G. Van Neste (mother)
Philip S. Van Neste (brother)
Robert P. Van Neste (brother)
Margaret E. (Mohrman) Van Neste (wife)
Susan Van Neste (daughter)
More information
Captain Keith G. Van Neste graduated from Anselmo High School and attended the University of Nebraska from 1937-1941.He was killed in action during a mortar attack while trying to repair a wire line.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
posthumously for this action. The citation cited: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with HQ Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 13 April 1945. During action near Merseburg, Germany, Capt Van Neste, with three volunteers, set forth to lay a vitally needed wire line between the Regimental and Battalion Command Posts. Although the area was swept by intense hostile 105-mm. fire he fearlessly continued his mission and completed the circuit. When enemy action created a break in the line he courageously started out alone to repair it but was mortally wounded by an enemy shell. Capt Van Neste's heroic actions and supreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Source of information: Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - 1920/1930 Census, www.fold3.com, www.findagrave.com - The Nebraska State Journal - 14 June 1941 and 17 May 1945, Nebraska Birth Index
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, Jeff Hall, Loren Bender, University of Nebraska 1941