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name
DERIS, Joseph Edward - Date of
birth
5 October 1914 -
Age
29 - Place of
birth
Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania -
Hometown
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
32207374 -
Rank
Private First Class -
Function
unknown -
Unit
157th Infantry Regiment,
45th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
13 September 1944 - Place of
death
Near Grammont, France
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Epinal
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 27 | 34 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Peter Deriskiewicz (father)
Anna M. (Kutskiel) Deriskiewicz (mother)
Julia Deris (sister)
More information
Pfc Joseph E. Deris attended high school for one year and was a waiter before he enlisted at Fort Dix, New Jersey on 5 February 1942.He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Saint-Juan, France.
The Silver Star citation reads: "For gallantry in cation on 13 September 1944 near .... While on reconnaissance for a suitable mortar position Private First Class Deris came upon a group of German troops concealed in dense woods. In order to warn his platoon, which was advancing behind him, he opened fire on the enemy with his pistol, killing several before he was seriously wounded himself by the return fire. Despite his wounds he then crawled for a distance of one hundred yards back to his squad to give his men definite information. Pfc Deris died of his wounds received in this action but his gallant conduct enabled his platoon to organize a successful attack on the hostile force and is in keeping with the high traditions of the Army of the United States."
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov – WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / Pennsylvania Veteran Compensation Application Files WWII, http://www.45thdivision.org
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Andy, The Evening Herald 4 October 1944