INVASION OF LUZON
SOLDIER'S LETTERS (Ralph Baber,
WWII)
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HEADQUARTERS 43D infantry division 13 June 1945 Mrs.
Minnie V. Baber Dear
Mrs. Baber: By direction of the President I have had the privilege of awarding to your son, Ralph, a Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands on 21 March 1945. I deem it an honor to serve in the same Command with your son, who typifies the finest in the American Army – a brave and gallant soldier. I join with you in the prayer for his safe return when this war is won.
Sincerely, LEONARD F. WING Major General, U.S. Army Commanding |
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HEADQUARTERS,
FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY DIVISION
APO 43, c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif
20 January 1945 Subject:
Commendation TO:
Commanding Officer and All Ranks,
1.
Even though this campaign is not yet over and many difficult tasks lay
ahead, I
wish you to know that I appreciate the magnificent efforts that you have
made
and are making.
2.
Your regiment in this campaign is up-holding the fine traditions that
have
marked its long and distinguished history and has added further honors to
its
colors in hard-won combat. Your
accomplishments in fighting and battling your way through almost impassable terrain and against heavy and
determined enemy resistance to out the (word
censored), Road and precede to the reduction of that strategic tour has earned for you a high place in the history
of this war as one of the great fighting regiments of the United States Army. Your skillful tactics – the resolute and unremitting pressure that you
have exerted upon the enemy in over-coming and destroying him best
exemplifies
the fighting, shooting, slugging, hiking infantry without which no Army can
take and hold ground.
3.
I need not tell you that I feel privileged to have served with you –
you already
know that, I commend you for superior conduct on the field of battle. /s/Leonard
F. Wing Reproduced
at Hq., 172nd Inf., APO 43, 1 February 1945. |
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Letter 3
1st Ind. Headquarters,
172nd Infantry, APO #43, TO:
All Members of the Regiment,
1.
To you officers and men who, by reason of your superb performance
of combat duties, deserve all the credit for this commendation. I want to express my highest admiration and add my communication to that of
General
Wing’s.
2.
No greater honor has ever befallen me than to have had the privilege of
being
year Commanding Office in this campaign. 3.
In the fighting which lies ahead I have full confidence that your
magnificently proven ability as a fighting team will continue. 4.
I hope that each one of you realize your importance as an individual in
this fighting team and as such that you accept your full share of credit for
this word of praise which you so richly earned with your own sweat and blood.
GEORGE E. BUSH
Colonel, Infantry
Commanding |
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Camp
General Emlio Aguinaldo DEFENSE
ND ARMED FORCES AFFAIRS OFFICE
May 11, 1995 Ralph
M. Baber Dear
Mr. Baber:
We are pleased to send the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Philippine
Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge awarded to you by the Armed Forces of
the Philippines. Please find the
enclosed Medal and Badge.
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Filipino people
greatly appreciate your role in helping us preserve the peace and freedom we now
enjoy.
Thank you very much for the chance to be of service to you and we wish
you continued good health and prosperity.
Very truly yours,
Jose M. Calimlim
Colonel, PA (GSC)
Military Attache/Veterans Affairs Officer
posted 06/26/04 copyright B. L. Dotson-Lewis, 2004 - all rights reserved |