[Taltarzac725]

Something about my Uncle William whom I helped take care of just outside of Chicago in 1994 just before he went into a nearby nursing home. NOTHING but a very brave and rather humble man. He kept his Silver Star in the attic with this letter. It was not until they sold their house and were cleaning out the attic after his wife passed that his son and others knew about it. He had passed a few years after going into the nursing home.

Headquarters 1st Armored Division
A.P.O. 251, U.S. Army
6 December 1944
AG 200.6
Subject: Award of Silver Star
To: First Lieutenant William Elsberg, 01014823, U.S. Army
William Elsberg, 01014823, First Lieutenant, Infantry (Armd), United States Army. For gallantry in action during the period 29 May 1944 to 28 June 1944 in the vicinity of Velletri and Massa Marittima, Italy. On May 29 1944 in the vicinity of Velletri, Italy, First Lieutenant Elsberg led six men of his platoon in an attack on an enemy strong point in and around a strongly defended house which was hindering the advance of our troops. Stationing his men in cover positions, he crawled through the wheat field under heavy rifle, machine gun and mortar fire of the enemy, who witnessed his movements, and tossed a hand grenade through a window of the building forcing out thirty-one of the enemy. A larger group of enemy troops counterattacked to free the prisoners, but, due to the First Lieutenant Elsberg's leadership, moving among men while under fire, spacing them, and maintaining fire control, the attack was beaten off. First Lieutenant Elsberg continued outstanding performance of duty until 28 June 1944 at which time he was seriously wounded, resulting in the loss of his left arm and leg from direct machine gun and artillery fire, while leading his platoon in an attack south of Massa Magritta, Italy. First Lieutenant Elsberg's constant efforts to observe positions of enemy artillery during shelling barrages was responsible for elimination of many of these positions. His example of courage, tactical skill, aggressive leadership, and disregard for his own welfare reflects the finest tradition of the armed forces and is deserving of the highest praise. Entered service from Chicago, Illinois.
M.W. Daniel
Brigadier General, U.S. Army,
Commanding.
Distribution:
4- 0 Concerned
1- 0 201 File
1- AG File