- SURNAME
Lapidoos
- FORENAME
Ezra
- UNIT
503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (HQ 2)
- RANK
Private First Class
- NUMBER
32177394
- DATE OF DEATH
21st April 1945
- AGE
25
- GRAVESITE
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines. Plot N Row 3 Grave 92
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 23.10.1919 Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA
1 year college
attended Brooklyn College
civil occupation Bakers
single without dependents upon enlistment
resided 174 Bay 25th Street, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York (draft card)
07.07.1941 draft card Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
17.10.1941 entered service Camp Upton Yaphank, New York
Next of kin - Mother. Mrs. Nadie Lapidoos, 174 Bay 25th Street, Brooklyn, New York
awarded posthumous Silver Star Medal
newspaper report states also awarded Bronze Star w/Oak Leaf Cluster
DOW Negros Island, Philippines
DATE OF DEATH:
21-Apr-1945AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/lapidoos-ezra.60738/CITATION:
Silver Star : For gallantry in action on ***, on 20 April 1945, Private First Class Lapidoos was a member of the lead platoon in a company assault on a ridge when his platoon was subjected to heavy enemy machine gun fire upon reaching the crest. During the ensuing action two officers were killed and the remaining non-commissioned officers seriously wounded. Making a quick and accurate estimate of the situation, Private First Class Lapidoos took immediate command and organized the remaining men into a tight perimeter. He then directed the defense of their positions and secured the ridge even though while reorganizing he was mortally wounded. Without Private First Class Lapidoos' coolness in the face of enemy fire and his deep devotion to duty, the mission could easily have failed. His actions were an inspiration to the remainder of the men.
WEB LINKS:
• https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-127860/FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56752538/ezra-lapidoos
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