Memorial

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Pvt Tjepkema was a cheesemaker before he enlisted on 15 July 1944. He was sentoverseas in December 1944.

Statement from Col David M. Blackburn (friend):
"Private Richard J. Tjepkema served as a member of the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On 1 March 1945 the 9th Infantry Division had just ended one operation and was about to begin another operation. The location of the Division on 1 March 1945 was approximately 5 miles south of Düren, Germany. The first operation was the Roer river crossing; It took place from 26 February 1945 until 1 March 1945. On 26 February 1945, the 9th Infantry Division's 39th Infantry Regiment executed a deliberate river crossing operation. After the crossing, they attacked South to expand the Bridgehead. German resistance was strong because the 9th Division crossed in the sector defended by the battle worthy German 3rd Parachute Division. This operation concluded on 1 March 1945. The river crossing enabled the U.S. III Corps (9th Division was part of III Corps) to begin Operation Lumberjack. Lumberjack's objective was to gain the West Bank of the Rhine river. Lumberjack went from 1 March to 7 March 1945. Lumberjack led to the capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen on 7 March 1945 (by the 9th Armored Division). Private Richard J. Tjepkema has been killed in action (after) crossing the Roer river."

A memorial statue has been placed for Pvt Richard J. Tjepkema at the Green Mound Cemetery, Holmen, La Crosse County, Wisconsin.