Missing information?
Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?
Submit- Full
name
WALAS, John - Date of
birth
11 September 1917 -
Age
27 - Place of
birth
Detroit, Wayne county, Michigan -
Hometown
Wayne County, Michigan
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-1305137 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
unknown -
Unit
E Company,
2nd Battalion,
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
82nd Airborne Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
5 January 1945 - Place of
death
Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 7 | 39 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Stanley Walas (father)
Apolonia (Michon) Walas (mother)
Stanley M. Walas (brother)
Joseph C. Walas (brother)
Thaddeus B. Walas ( brother)
Edward Walas (brother)
More information
Lt Walas was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for his action on 20 December 1944. The citation cited: near ****, Belgium. 1st Lt Walas displayed outstanding leadership when he led his platoon to establish a bridgehead across the Saim River. He personally placed his men in commanding positions on the road net and held these positions for a day and a night. His command was under almost constant enemy attacks of overwhelming numerically superiority and was occasionally threatened with being overrun. 1st Lt Walas, by his courage, aggressiveness and leadership, inspired his men to stay and hold the positions from which they inflicted numerous casualties upon the enemy. As a result of his direction the platoon turned back five separate desperate counterattacks and destroyed two enemy half track vehicles. 1st Lt Walas' exemplary conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.
Source of information: Tjarco Schuurman, Peter Schouteten, NARA, www.wwiimemorial.com, WW2 Airborne
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Sunday Times - 27 May 1945 - courtesy of Kathy McDermott