Memorial

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Richard Degenhardt attended college and worked at the sales office of the Crucible Steel Company.

He enlisted in Syracuse, New York on 19 November 1942 and received his commission at Fort Benning, Georgia. In July 1943. He volunteered as a paratrooper and received his wings in September 1943.

He was sent overseas in January 1944 and participated in the invasions of Normandy, the Netherlands and the Battle of the Bulge.

The plan on 3 January for taking Fosse was for G and H Companies to bypass the town and take up positions on high ground to the southwest from which they could provide supporting fire while I Company attacked into the town from the north. All was going well until I Company emerged from a wood two hundred yards from Fosse's outskirts and got pinned down by small arms, machinegun and artillery fire. The commanding officer, Capt McPheeters was killed instantly as well as the only other officer Lt Degenhardt. In total the company suffered 13 casualties. They are remembered on a monument, situated on the north side of the town in a street called Sur le Meez.

2nd Lt Degenhardt suffered a penetrating wound in the side and abdomen.

He was initially buried in a temporary grave at Henri-Chapelle on 6 January 1945 and was given his final resting place in July 1948.