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r MONTANA STANDARD SUNDAY. MARCH 31, 1946' Heroic Rescue of Wounded 'Buddy' ’ by John W. Patterson, Butte, « Is Epic of 10th Armored DivisionJohn W. Patterson, Butte miner . and veteran of two years* service in the Army, returned home during the last week, wearing the Silver Star ’ for gallantry in action.Although the story of his heroism j is one of the epics of the 55th Engineers of the 10th Armored division, the modest Mining city hero, who resides with his wife and small ’ daughter. Judy, at 205 West Quartz, will say but little about the act of . self-sacrifice which resulted in his | receipt ol the Silver Star award.He was presented the medal by Maj. Gen. Louis A. Craig. Sixth r Service Command commanding general, at separation ceremonies ‘ held at Camp McCoy two weeks ago.His exploit, in saving the life of a , wounded buddy.” is described in military annals of the 10th Armored division as ‘ one which will go down in history of the division as self-sacrificing heroism, which reflects great credit upon traditions of the unit.While stationed with the 55th Engineers at Neldlingen, Germany, Patterson was sent with a group of 1 men on patrol to find out if roads• nearby were clear of mines, road• blocks and other hidden obstacles.About six miles from its lines the• squad was trapped by the enemy. All escaped with the exception of1 Patterson, who received back and leg injuries from grenade action.• and a buddy who had lost a leg.Although suffering intense pain 1 from his own wounds. Patterson,1 while under heavy enemy fire, carried his wounded companion back 1 more than four miles to safety within the American lines.It wasn’t anything that any one of us wouldn’t have done for the other. Patterson said. I wasn’t hit too hard and my 'buddy’ needed f medical aid in a hurry.”However, Patterson s light dismissal of his act doesn't tell the story of how he managed to steer clear of the surrounding enemy ard of how. disregarding his ov n wounds, he gave first-aid treatment to his wounded companion. That story is told in the citation accompanying the medal for heroism.Pfc. Patterson entered the service in March, 1943, and spent most of his combat duty in Germany, France and Austria. He is entitled to wear the Purple Heart, E. T. O. ribbon with three battle stars denoting the south Germany, central* * *PFC. J. IV. PATTERSONGermany and Ardennes campaigns. Army of Occupation ribbon. Good Conduct medal. American theater and Victory ribbons.Incidentally, his father. William Patterson, a Phillpsburg miner, also saw action in the war. He served as a Seabee in the Paficic theater of operations. His mother. Mrs. William Patterson, also of Phillpsburg. is now a patient at Murray hospital here. Needless to say, the return of her heroic son during the last week is hastening her recovery.Lt. M. A. Cookson Here on LeaveLt. Milton Albert Cookson. formerly pastor of St. Andrews Episcopal church in Spokane, is here on terminal leave from Navy service. While he was in service, his wife and four children resided at the home of Mrs. Cookson s parents. Mr. and Mrs. R. H Howard, 664 South Dakota.Lt. Cookson was in Navy service for two years. He served overseas for 12 months and his last tour ofHntv u*a« iihnarH llm IT U C Umith
Newspaper Details
The Montana Standard
Butte, Montana, US
Sun, Mar 31, 1946
Page 24
Full Page
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Anonymous
USA 18 Apr 2017
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