Paul Halpern, Rock Island, Illinois
Mr. Halpern was a staff sergeant with Company M, a heavy weapons company. He was with the 413th Regiment, 104th Timberwolf Division, which was involved in many front-line battles during his 3 years in the European theater. He and his troops moved fast through the towns, capturing bridges and chasing retreating Nazis in the final days of the war. The work of his troops resulted in the liberation of concentration camps across Germany. He recalls seeing many displaced persons wandering around in striped uniforms. Mr. Halpern, your compassionate efforts will always be remembered.