OUR BATTLEFIELD COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
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The record of the 50th Armored Infantry Battalion in combat through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany speaks for itself. Proud possessors of one of the grandest combat records of the war, the 50th points with pride to the gallant soldiers who were responsible for achieving that record. The deeds of the Battalion are now presented on these pages, but because of limited time and space, the recital is necessarily restricted to a factual account of each operation. Behind the mere statistical accounting of each hour of combat for historical purposes, lies an infinitely greater tale, a human interest story of the lives, the deeds and the sacrifices of the men who forged this remarkable history. In a publication of this type it is manifestly impossible to accord to each individual the tribute that he has rightfully merited; it is impossible to present for approval each act of valor performed during the long and arduous campaign. The list of awards presented to the men of the 50th Armored Infantry Battalion is glowing proof of the greatness of their deeds. For each award that has been made and proper recognition for valor thus accorded, there is probably an equally deserving act that has necessarily gone unrecognized. For in the turmoil and confusion of battle, too many things happen too rapidly to permit a categorical appraisal and considered evaluation of each incident. Those who have unfortunately been overlooked have had the satisfaction of having seen a job superbly done, they have the gratitude of their comrades-in-arms, and this, in the final analysis is the supreme accolade, regardless of public acclaim.
Among the many decorations awarded to members of the Battalion, none represents a greater story of bravery than a battlefield commission. While not actually a decoration in the strict sense of the word, a battlefield commission is truly an award for continued gallantry and outstanding leadership. The officer who has been commissioned as the result of his superior performance of duty in actual conflict, has proven his sterling qualities the hard way. He has demonstrated his fitness for the position in a way that can leave nothing to be desired. To the four officers of this Battalion who have thus earned their commissions, this account is dedicated. They are selected as being representative of the battle-proven heroes who have brought glory to the Fiftieth. The following brief accounts in no way tell the complete story, but will perhaps serve as a tribute not only to these men but to those others both living and dead whom the Battalion is so proud to honor.
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2nd Lieutenant George P. Rimmer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Company "A". Lieutenant Rimmer was the first enlisted man of this Battalion to be awarded a battlefield commission, and is also the only one of the four who did not return to the Battalion after being hospitalized due to wounds suffered as the result of enemy action. Lieutenant Rimmer joined the Battalion during the Daoulas Peninsula campaign in August 1944, and served as First Sergeant of Company "A" until he was seriously wounded in action near Bastogne, Belgium on January 17. The very day that he was wounded, Sergeant Rimmer was scheduled to be discharged as an enlisted man and sworn in as an officer. His commission was eventually presented to him at a hospital in England. Not only did Lieutenant Rimmer earn his battlefield commission during those trying days at Bastogne, he also became one of the two men in the Battalion to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Already the holder of the Silver Star for gallantry in action near Freybouse, France on November 21, this second highest award the Army can make was presented to Lieutenant Rimmer for extraordinary heroism. After his Company had suffered extremely heavy casualies [casualties], and every officer had been evacuated, Rimmer assumed command of the scattered remnants that remained, reorganized them and courageously led them forward to their objective. He continued to display exceptional gallantry during the entire period of our commitment in the Bastogne area, until he was wounded while personally leading the forward elements of his Company in an attack on strong enemy positions.
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2nd Lieutenant Michael A. Zdrodowski, Yonkers, N. Y., Company "B". Lieutenant Zdrodowski became the second enlisted man actually to be commissioned while present with the Battalion when we [he] was made a 2nd Lieutenant on April 19, 1945. Coming overseas with the Battalion as a Platoon Sergeant, Zdrodowski led his rifle platoon with flawless judgment and gread [great] skill throughout the Brittany and Seille River campaigns until he was wounded in action on October 8, 1944. Returning to duty in February, he resumed his position as Platoon Sergeant and continued to display the same gallantry and outstanding leadership ability. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action at Neumorschen, Germany on March 31, 1945, when he pushed forward aggressively in the face of heavy enemy fire to establish contact with an adjacent platoon. At Ziets, Germany, on April 14, 1945 he earned the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star by displaying exceptional gallantry in leading his platoon in a successful attack against a Battalion of fanatical Nazi OCS candidates housed in a barracks. He served as Platoon Leader throughout the final drive across Germany, and was rewarded with his commission on April 19, 1945.
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2nd Lieutenant William N. Ferraro, Bloomfield, N. J., Company "B". Lieutenant Ferraro was the first enlisted man actually to be commissioned within the Battalion, receiving his commission on February 16. He is truly an example of an officer who rose from the ranks, as he came overseas with the Battalion as a Private First Class. Serving as a Sergeant and Assistant Squad Leader when we entered combat, he quickly demonstrated his outstanding capabilities and courage under fire. He rose to the position of Platoon Sergeant and, as such, led his rifle platoon brilliantly through the Battalion's campaigns through Lorraine and into the Saar Valley. At Magaret, Belgium, he assumed command of his platoon and directed their defense against a heavy enemy counter attack which lasted throughout the entire night of January 8-9. For his brilliant and inspiring leadership in the face of intense enemy fire during this action, Sgt. Ferraro was awarded the Bronze Star. He remained in command of his platoon during the weeks that followed, and eventually received his commission. As Platoon Leader, Lt. Ferraro earned the Silver Star when he organized and led an audacious attack that secured an important bridge across the Werra River at Gross Burchia, Germany, on April 3, 1945. |
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2nd Lieutenant Frederick C. Dunkley, Philadelphia, Pa., Company "C". As in the case of Lieutenant Rimmer, the Battalion did not see Lieutenant Dunkley presented with his commission nor was it favored with his services after he was commissioned. Coming overseas a Staff Sergeant and Squad Leader, Dunkley proved himself such a capable leader that he was soon made Platoon Sergeant. Several times he was required to assume command of his rifle platoon .in the midst of heavy fighting, and on every occasion he led his men brilliantly and with great distinction. At the Mud, France, on November 11, 1944, he earned the Bronze Star by fearlessly exposing himself to a heavy artillery barrage to go to the aid of five comrades who had been wounded by the same shellfire. In the vicious fighting near Michamps, Belgium, on January 3, Sgt. Dunkley led his platoon with such gallantry that he was awarded the Silver Star. As a reward for his outstanding service, Sgt. Dunkley was selected to go home on furlough, and his commission was presented to him in the States.
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