US PARAS Atherton, Roger Lee

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Atherton
  • FORENAME
Roger Lee
  • UNIT
508 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Company H)
  • RANK
Corporal
  • NUMBER
19147038
  • DATE OF DEATH
20th September 1944
  • AGE
22
  • GRAVESITE
Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands Plot F Row 2 Grave 22
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Payette County, Idaho
born 16.09.1922, Ontario, Oregon, USA
father Roger W. Atherton
4 years high school
civil occupation semiprofessional occupations
employed by Bur of Ento and Plant Quar., Pierce, Idaho
single without dependents upon enlistment
30.06.1942 draft card Payette, Idaho
02.11.1942 entered service Tacoma, Washington
Next of kin - father, Mr. Roger W. Atherton, Box 237, Ontario, Oregon
award Silver Star
KIA Beek, Holland
 

DATE OF DEATH:

20-Sep-1944

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/atherton-roger-l.38607/

CITATION:

Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Roger L. Atherton (ASN: 19147038), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 22 September 1944 at ****, Holland. Corporal Atherton was an ATRL Section Leader, Company H, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, supporting a night attack by Company H against the strongly defended town of ****, Holland, 22 September 1944. Two German machine guns firing in section defended the enemy MLR at our point and pinned the 3d Platoon to the ground. Corporal Atherton ordered his ATRL Section to move to positions not covered by these machine guns and direct their rockets into the German positions. While his section maneuvered into positions, Corporal Atherton approached the German guns and covered the movement of his section by diverting the fire of enemy riflemen securing the German position. The ATRL team succeeded in destroying both guns and caused a break in the German MLR. The company attack was permitted to penetrate the enemy defense and subsequently captured the town. Corporal Atherton was killed in this action. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/90208
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