Memorial

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Pfc Gerald E. Soper attended Glendale High School and was employed as an elevator operator at the Sherman Hotel in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

He was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The citation cited: During a daylight attack on the town, intense sniper fire and automatic weapons activity halted the advance of Private First Class Soper's platoon. Disregarding the danger, he voluntarily crawled to a basement window from which the enemy was firing and hurled a grenade inside. Moving away from the window he was wounded. He then crawled back and tossed another grenade through the opening. He was firing his rifle into the basement when hit the second time and died shortly afterwards. Private First Class Soper's gallant actions and ability enabled his platoon to resume the attack and aid in the capture of the town. His personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life.