Memorial

More information

S/Sgt Sidney S. Beck was associated with his brother, Henry H. Beck, in the wholesale produce business before he enlisted at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Georgia on 25 June 1943.

He completed basic training in Fort McClellan, Alabama and was sent to England in November 1943. After participating in the Normandy Invasion, Sgt Beck was wounded in Cherbourg, France on 5 August 1944 and was hospitalized in England. He rejoined his unit on 1 October 1944.

Sgt Beck was leading his machine gun section in an attack against the enemy near Silbach, Germany when he was instantly killed by shrapnel in the head caused by enemy artillery fire. He was originally buried at Ittenbach American Cemetery in Germany on 8 April 1945 but was evacuated to Margraten and reburied there on 30 August 1945. He was again disinterred on 20 September 1948 and his remains were prepared and placed in a casket on 21 September 1948. he was given his final resting place on 26 January 1949.

Upon learning of his death, Captain Albert C. Geist, who commanded the 39th Infantry, wrote to Sgt Beck’s widow: “I am sure you will be proud to know Sidney was an excellent soldier, well liked and respected by all who knew him. His aggressive actions, especially during combat conditions, soon set him apart as a leader and it wasn’t long before he earned the positions of squad leader and then section leader. His gallant performance in battle is in accordance with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.”

He was posthumously honored of a Bronze Star medal, authorized on 11 May 1945 and presented to Mrs. Christine C. Beck (widow) on 20 September 1945.

Citation: "Staff Sergeant Beck distinguised himself by heroic achievement in action against the enemy on 20 March 1945, in the vicinity of Rederscheid, Germany. While in a defensive position, Sergeant Beck's Company was subjected to a fierce enemy counterattack. Observing that a gap existed in the defense because of an abandoned machine gun, Sergeant Beck and another man voluntarily exposed themselves to the intense enemy fire to displace a gun forward to a point of vantage from which they could effectively deliver a heavy volume of fire upon the assaulting enemy forces. The devastating fire they laid down inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, and neutralized a greater part of the enemy fire. The two men then reorganized all available infantrymen and led an assault against the enemy troops, routing the enemy and recapturing the other gun of their section. Sergeant Beck's aggressive initiative, complete disregard for personal safety and courageous actions contributed materially to the success of the operation."