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Wilde, Russell C.

Date of death:
October 10th, 1998 (Tucson/Arizona, United States)
Service number:
O-1013156
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Commanding Officer, Company G, 3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
May 1st, 1945
Citation:
"For gallantry in action on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Captain Wilde, Company Commander, Company G, 508th Parachute Infantry, led his company during the attack on ****, Belgium. This attack was made in the face of heavy artillery and mortar fire and under extreme weather conditions. Captain Wilde, demonstrating superb leadership, constantly reorganized his company when it became disorganized under artillery fire and point-blank fire from a group of enemy 88's and high velocity 75's which were dug in along the slope of the ridge. The route of approach for the attack was under constant enemy observation and provided little concealment or protection. Captain Wilde's gallantry and courage were an inspiration to his men. During the entire attack Captain Wilde demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership and personal courage and was responsible for the successful capture of the ridge."

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 63
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division, General Orders No. 63 (1945).
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Commanding Officer, Company H, 3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
October 8th, 1945
Awarded for:
Operation Market Garden
Awarded for action in and around Nijmegen vrom September 17th, until October 4th, 1944.

Royal Decree No.31.
Bronzen Leeuw (BL)

Sources

Photo