The Battle of Kasserine Pass
My father, Emile V. Caloz, was injured while fighting the Nazis in Tunisia in early 1943. At the time his name was Emile V. Epiney and he received the Silver Star for his heroism in battle.
Dad was in the First Infantry Division (the Big Red One), 18th Infantry. I don't have the citation but I do know it was from General Order 15, issued on April 7, 1943.
I consider it very likely that it was from his action along side another Silver Star recipient, Bernard Cahill, whose citation said: "for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in the vicinity of Sbida, Tunisia, February 19, 1943. "
Cahill, like my father, was assisting in the evacuation of a wounded man during an intense shell bombardment by the Nazis. This was during The Battle of Kasserine Pass. An exploding shell killed Cahill, but I consider it likely that this is the same bombardment and incident where my father was knocked out and how he lost his hearing in one ear.
The way I remember it told to me, Dad woke up on a hospital ship bound for the states. While recuperating in an army hospital in New York in April 1943 he received the medal, presented by the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. That is what my Dad told us, although I have no documentation for that, either.
Dad was in the First Infantry Division (the Big Red One), 18th Infantry. I don't have the citation but I do know it was from General Order 15, issued on April 7, 1943.
I consider it very likely that it was from his action along side another Silver Star recipient, Bernard Cahill, whose citation said: "for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in the vicinity of Sbida, Tunisia, February 19, 1943. "
Cahill, like my father, was assisting in the evacuation of a wounded man during an intense shell bombardment by the Nazis. This was during The Battle of Kasserine Pass. An exploding shell killed Cahill, but I consider it likely that this is the same bombardment and incident where my father was knocked out and how he lost his hearing in one ear.
The way I remember it told to me, Dad woke up on a hospital ship bound for the states. While recuperating in an army hospital in New York in April 1943 he received the medal, presented by the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. That is what my Dad told us, although I have no documentation for that, either.