Company G, 322nd Infantry Regiment

Company G was part of 2nd Battalion, 322nd Infantry Regiment. The history of the company is commendable. The company was formed with the 81st Division at Camp Rucker, Alabama in 1942. The company participated in one battle during WWII, Angaur Island. During WWII Company G had 16 KIA, 1 DNB, and one attached KIA (medic) for a total of 18 soldiers deceased. Of the 18 deceased 10 were KIA in one day, 28 September 1944. There were 16 Silver Stars awarded, 5 were awarded posthumously, and 2 were awarded to medics (one posthumously). There was 3 Bronze Stars awarded.

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The Deseased

PVT Donald D. Heuton, 39338161, died of wounds received in action on 18 September 1944 on Angaur Island.

Picture from Newspaper

Captain John H. Lightsey served as the Company Commander from 1942 until he was killed in action on September 28, 1944 on Angaur Island.

Picture from Find A Grave

2nd LT Robert "Bob" G. Holsinger, O-1323929, Killed in action on 28 September 1944. He was KIA while attempting to lead a flanking mission on two Japanese machine guns.

Picture from Newspaper

SSGT Andrew H. Graves, killed in action

Picture from Personal collection

SGT Roy F. Bruneman, 39844137, was killed in action on 28 September 1944 on Angaur Island. He was awarded the Silver Star.

Picture from Lorie Bruneman

PFC Paul A. Temple, 33257891, was killed in action on 28 September 1944 on Angaur Island.

Picture from Newspaper

PFC Francis J Wagner - 36830154, KIA 28 September 1944

Picture from Newspaper

PVT George L. Brattin, 6579528, was killed in action on 28 September 1944 on Angaur Island. He served as a medic in Company G. He was shot in the head and killed instantly when he went forward to assist SSGT Robert E. Lee who had been wounded in the arm.

Picture from Ancestry.
Brattin was previously a SSGT and a Mess SGT with Company B 306th Medical Battalion.

PFC Bert R. Noorda, 39027028, KIA 14 October 1944.

Picture from Newspaper

2nd LT Bob Green, was killed in action on 19 October 1944.

Picture from Find A Grave

PFC Ray A. Meacham, 38177675, was killed in action on the morning of 4 October 1944 on Angaur Island. He was part of a machine gun section that was in position which was subjected to continuous sniper fire. He was hit during this period and mortally wounded.

Picture from Ancestry

PVT Willie O. Winters, died nonbattle

Picture from Find A Grave

PVT Frank P. Kozakowski, 32942316, was killed in action on 28 September 1944. During the early morning hours on the 28th, the Japanese attempted to infiltrate the Company G lines. He was killed by a Japanese grenade.

PVT Eugene A. Schram, 36830148, was KIA 28 September 1944.

28 September 1944

28 September 1944 was a horrific day for Company G with 10 KIA, 5 WIA, and 8 evacuated due to combat fatigue. At dawn the Japanese, not content to await the attack, started the day with heavy machine gun fire from a position a little north and west of Salome Lake, into the area held by Company I to the west of the lake. Company G was to hold its defensive position for the north coast to the Bowl, preventing the possible escape of the enemy to the east. The company platoons were separated in the line of defense, with the Company CP behind the platoons.. A squad was sent to the Company CP to get rations, water, and ammunition, but didn't get very far. As PFC Wagner started over the rock, the Japanese, who were waiting for them. PFC Wagner was hit and he fell on the opposite side of the rock from the rest of the squad, and they could not see or get to him. Another soldier, CPL John Donnawell, was shot and wounded trying to get into position to see him. Later, PFC Nicklas helped carry him out. During this time, the radioman of the platoon was trying to call the Company CP on the phone, but the Japanese had cut the phone lines. They had found the line, cut it, and got into a position to shoot anyone tracing the problem. The Company Commander, Captain Lightsey, realizing the phone wasn't working started out to investigate the status of the rifle platoon in the area 114 L-1. He had started from the CP checking the wire and as he neared he the other patrol that was ambushed, he, too, was shot and killed. Staff Sergeant Andrew H. Graves lead three men of his squad in an attempt to outflank and destroy the enemy pillbox in the area 114 G-3 that had ambushed the patrol. He was killed during this attempt.

Sergeant Roy Bruneman, communications SGT, volunteered to lead a group of four men into the area 114 L-1 to aid Captain Lightsey and get him to a place of safety, unknowing if Captain Lightsey was alive or dead. When he rounded a bend on the trail he was hit by enemy machine gun fire and killed. PVT George L. Brattin, company medic, was one of the four men. He was killed in an attempt to move a wounded man by enemy machine gun fire.

All of the men were in a small area in the rocks, but no one could get to them or to the Japanese. PFC Wagner, who was shot first had a BAR rifle and they took it from him. They also took his billfold and other things he had in his pockets and kicked him around.

Staff Sergeant Lee, leading a group of men in an attempt to make contact with Company F on Company G's left flank in the area of 114 L-3 was shot in the arm by Japanese machine gun fire. Attempting to crawl to cover he was shot again, this time fatally before contact could be made.

PFC Brooks Nicklas had just witnessed several casualties when 2nd LT Robert G. Holsinger told PFC Nicklas take two men and try to flank the Japanese on the left in the area of 114 L-3 to make contact with another platoon of the company, but he refused the order. This Lieutenant was kind of new to the platoon, said Nicklas. He took two people, PVT Eugene A. Schram and PFC Paul A. Temple, and started out to make contact with the other platoon, all three of them were killed in this attempt. Two Mexican-American soldiers got into a hand grenade fight in that same line, and they were the ones that finally broke up the firing. The rain kept pouring that night and grenades were bursting all around. At daybreak, the men learned that grenades had killed one, PVT Frank Kozakowski, when a grenade was thrown in his foxhole in the area of 118 V.

14 October 1944

During the night of 13 October and the early hours of 14 October 1944, the Japanese troops threw landmines and grenades along the Company G line. There were five soldiers wounded/KIA during this time. PFC Stanley T. Dudzinski, PFC Thomas L. Perry, PVT Raymond Hostetler, and PVT Edward T. Romine were all seriously wounded in action due to shrapnel. PFC Bert Noorda was killed in action. These men were evacuated on the night of the 14th.

On the 14th, Company G manned outposts all day. PFC William H. Barkley was hit by enemy rifle fire, gunshot wound to the shoulder, and was evacuated to the hospital. At 19:00, the Japanese attacked one of the outposts with grenades, wounding SSGT Loyd A. Hansbrough, broken leg from concussion blast, and he was evacuated to the hospital.

Eight men volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three quarters of a mile long over rough coral ridges, with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded men when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With disregard to their own safety they evacuated the men.

TSGT Harry R. Stauffer, SSGT Guy B. Glover, SGT Arthur C. Davis, PFC Juan B. Chapa, PFC John A. Fries, PFC Fred Lujan, PFC Amador D. Munoz, and PVT Milford E. Clipner were the eight volunteers for the night patrol to get the wounded men. These eight men were all awarded the Silver Star for this gallant action.

The Soldiers

1st LT. Charles I. Belt, O-1302105, served as a platoon leader.

PFC Juan C. Chapa, 38159862, near camp, Leyte, Philippines.

Technical Sergeant Harry R. Stauffer, 38111507, on the parade ground of camp, Hirosaki, Aomori, Honshu, Japan.

Staff Sergeant William A. Palmer, 34285069, in camp, Leyte, Philippines.

PFC Milford E. Clipner, 35765189, in camp, Leyte, Philippines

Sergeant Arthur C. Davis, 19193481, in camp, Leyte, Philippines

Staff Sergeant Guy B. Glover, 39177530, in camp, Leyte, Philippines

Corporal Amador D. Munoz, 38555148, in camp, Leyte, Philippines

PFC Fred Lujan,37329959, in camp, Leyte, Philippines

PFC John A. Fries,38111317, in camp, Leyte, Philippines

SGT Brooks Nicklas, 38511605

Picture from

1st Sergeant Arne Larsen in camp area, Hirosaki, Aomori, Honshu, Japan.

1st SGT Edward V. Zangerle, 6931035.

Picture from Pat Martin (Daughter)

SSGT Hoyte H. Goin, 34285473

T/SGT Harry R. Stauffer, 38111507

SGT Rocco C Carleo, 17091295

Photograph from Ancestry

SGT Louis C. Nevarez, 38111554

Photgraph from Ancestry

T/SGT Arthur J. Floyd Jr., 14003385

Photograph from Ancestry

PFC Robert F. Rasmussen, 32591700

PFC Norman Silver, 32992839

SSGT William A. "Billy" Palmer

PFC Arthur F. Buehre, 36870349

Photograph from Beyond My Dreams

Award Citations

Silver Star:

Belt, Charles I., 1st LT, O-1302105

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 21 September 1944. LT Belt was leading his rifle platoon in a battalion attack when heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire checked its attack. When tanks were brought forward, LT Belt, with complete disregard for his personal safety, preceded the tanks to indicate enemy positions by firing tracer ammunition. While engaged in this hazardous act he was wounded by enemy machine gun fire. LT Belt's gallant action was an inspiration to his command.

Bratten, George L., PVT, 6579528

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 28 September 1944. PVT Brattin, a company aid man accompanying a rifle company in an attack against an enemy position, observed his company commander and another man laying wounded in an exposed area. Voluntarily and with disregard for his personal safety, he proceeded to the side of the wounded under enemy machine gun and rifle fire at close range. While administering first aid to the wounded, he received wounds which resulted in his death. This voluntary assumption of a mission at grave personal risk was an inspiration to every man in his company.

Bruneman, Roy F., SGT, 39844137

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 28 September 1944. In the performance of his duties as communications sergeant, SGT Bruneman was accompanying his company in an attack against the enemy. Observing his company commander fall wounded in an area exposed to enemy machine gun and rifle fire, SGT Bruneman voluntarily led a group of four men forward in order to evacuate him. While in the performance of this hazardous mission, SGT Bruneman was fatally wounded. His courage and self-sacrifice will always remain an inspiration to his comrades.

Chapa, Juan B., PFC, 38159862

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 14 October 1944. PVT Chapa, a rifleman, volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three-quarters of a mile in length over rough coral ridges, matted in places with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With a total disregard for his personal safety, PVT Chapa successfully assisted the wounded to positions of safety.

Clipner, Milford E., PVT, 35765189

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 14 October 1944. PVT Clipner, a rifleman, volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three-quarters of a mile in length over rough coral ridges, matted in places with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With a total disregard for his personal safety, PVT Clipner successfully assisted the wounded to positions of safety.

Davis, Arthur C., SGT, 19193481

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 14 October 1944. SGT Davis, an assistant squad leader, volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three-quarters of a mile in length over rough coral ridges, matted in places with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With a total disregard for his personal safety, SGT Davis successfully assisted the wounded to positions of safety.

Eisel, Harry, PFC, 3384812

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 17 October 1944. Leaving his position of relative safety, PFC Eisel voluntarily advanced though enemy rifle and grenade fire to render aid to a seriously wounded man. He reached the wounded soldier, administered aid and while assisting in his evacuation, PVT Eisel was seriously wounded. Despite his wounds, he was able to administer first aid to himself and continue to assist in the evacuation. His gallant actions were an inspiration to all members of his company.

Fries, John A., PFC, 38111317

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 14 October 1944. PFC Fries, a rifleman, volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three-quarters of a mile in length over rough coral ridges, matted in places with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With a total disregard for his personal safety, PFC Fries successfully assisted the wounded to positions of safety.

Glover, Guy B., SSGT, 39177530

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 14 October 1944. SSGT Glover, a squad leader, volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three-quarters of a mile in length over rough coral ridges, matted in places with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With a total disregard for his personal safety, SSGT Glover successfully assisted the wounded to positions of safety.

Green, Bob, 2nd LT, O-1309718

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 19 October 1944. During a battalion attack against a series of rough coral hills, the leading platoon under command of 2nd Lt. Green encountered accurate enemy rifle fire from concealed position which caused several casualties and checked further progress. Realizing that the source of the enemy fire would have to be located, 2nd Lt. Green ordered his platoon to take cover and moved forward alone on reconnaissance. While engaged on this mission which was known to be extremely hazardous, he was fatally wounded. An assault annihilated to occupants of the enemy positions disclosed by 2nd Lt. Green's gallant actions.

Hansbrough, Loyd A., SSGT, 38177790

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 28 September 1944. Just prior to darkness the platoon, of which SSGT Hansbrough was a member, was forced to withdraw and during the withdrawal suffered several casualties. Voluntarily, SSGT Hansbrough returned to the area over which the withdrawal was executed, under intense enemy machine gun fire, to locate his platoon leader and two men wounded during the withdrawal. At great personal risk he succeeded in locating the fallen men and upon finding them dead returned to his platoon. This gallant action at great personal risk and for the benefit of others inspired the men of his platoon to greater efforts.

Lightsey, John H., CPT, O-1283982

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 24 September 1944. Captain Lightsey, with complete disregard for his personal safety, led an assault group in an attack against the enemy who were firmly entrenched in a cave. The success of this attack enabled men of his company to destroy five enemy pillboxes. This gallant action and splendid leadership displayed by Captain Lightsey was an inspiration to all men of his command.

Lujan, Fred, PFC, 37329959

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 14 October 1944. PFC Lujan, a rifleman, volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three-quarters of a mile in length over rough coral ridges, matted in places with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With a total disregard for his personal safety, PFC Lujan successfully assisted the wounded to positions of safety.

Munoz, Amador D., PFC, 38555148

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 14 October 1944. PFC Munoz, a rifleman, volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three-quarters of a mile in length over rough coral ridges, matted in places with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With a total disregard for his personal safety, PFC Munoz successfully assisted the wounded to positions of safety.

Palmer, William A., SSGT, 34285069

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 20 September 1944. When a detachment of engineers who had poured gasoline on an enemy supply dump could not complete the mission because they had become casualties, SGT Palmer with complete disregard for his own safety, voluntarily advanced through enemy machine gun and rifle fire to a position from which he could ignite the fuel with tracer bullets. (Cannot find his citation in the 81st General orders. This information is from a newspaper.)

Stauffer, Harry R., TSGT, 38111507

- For gallantry in action on Angaur Island, 14 October 1944. TSGT Stauffer, a platoon sergeant, volunteered to accompany a night patrol into an area known to be held by the enemy in order to evacuate five wounded men. The route was three-quarters of a mile in length over rough coral ridges, matted in places with thick jungle growth. After successfully infiltrating the enemy lines, the patrol was in the act of carrying out the wounded when the group was subjected to enemy rifle and grenade fire. With a total disregard for his personal safety, TSGT Stauffer successfully assisted the wounded to positions of safety.

Bronze Star:

Davis, Arthur C., PVT, 19193481

- For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on Angaur Island, 28 September 1944. PVT Davis volunteered to determine whether his platoon leader and two men who had fallen in forward positions were still alive and if possible to render first aid to them. With complete disregard for his personal safety, under enemy machine gun fire, he succeeded in reaching the men, only to find that they had succumbed.

Barkley, William H., PFC, 34397922,

Hennessey, Joe C.. PFC, 39243913

The Wounded

33 men of Company G were Wounded in Action

- T/5 Kelly Alligood, 34457693, LWA, 13 October 1944

- PFC William H. Barkley, 34397922, SWA, 13 October 1944

- TSGT Joe Brett, 18116176, SWA, 3 October 1944

- SSGT Rocco C. Carleo, 17099125, LWA, 20 September 1944

- SGT William E. Carr, 39244794, SWA, 21 September 1944

- SSGT Edward Cheatham, Jr, 38130073, SWA, 3 October 1944

- PFC Aldrich R. Comstock, 31182203, SWA, 20 September 1944

- CPL John C. Donnawell, 36707977, SWA, 28 September 1944

- CPL Stanley T. Dudzinski, 33299276, SWA, 13 October 1944

- TSGT Arthur J. Floyd Jr., 14003385, SWA 20 September 1944

- PFC Walter M. Fritz, 34285833, SIA, 20 September 1944

- PFC James M. Gideon, 18109986, SWA, 21 September 1944

- T/4 Harry Eisel 16 October 1944 (Medic)

Key:

LWA: Lightly wounded in action

SWA: Seriously wounded in action

LIA: Lightly injured in action

SIA: Seriously injured in action

Roster

Company Commanders:

- Captain Elias Harmon, O-363256, June 1942 - January 1943

- Captain John H. Lightsey, O-1283986, ?- 28 September 1944 (KIA)

- Captain John H, Winnant, O-258864, 28 September 1944 - 6 October 1944

- Captain Donald H. Hastings, O-1301139, 6 October 1944 - 5 April 1945

- Captain Vernon E. Hays, O-1286283, 5 April 1945 - 6 November 1945

- 1st LT Robert W. Carr, O-1307914, 6 November 1945 - Deactivation

Executive Officers:

- 1st LT John H. Lightsey, O-1283986 June 1942- January 1942

- 1st LT Donald H. Hastings

Other Officers:

- 1st LT Charles I. Belt, O-1302105

- 1st LT Frank Rigg, O-1286186

- 1st LT Earl Hunt, O-1301150

- 1st LT. Robert H. Snow, O-1011298

- 2nd LT. Bob Green, KIA

First Sergeants:

- 1SG Charlie Helms

- 1SG McWhirter

- 1SG Maurice Shiner

- 1SG Edward Weist

- SSGT Matthew D. Howard

- 1SG Edward T. Zangerle, 6931035

- 1SG Arne Larson

- 1SG Rex F. Grahm

Mess Sergeants:

- SSGT Edward Weist

- PVT Frank, Anguili, 39243436

- SSGT Bennie S. Rychlec, 38152782, ?- 30 Oct 45

- SSGT James R. Hayhurst, 39243707, 29 Oct 45 - 20 Nov 45

- SSGT Edward T. Romaine, 32992387, 30 Oct 45 - Deactivation

Supply Sergeants:

- SSGT Wayne Page

- SSGT Hall

- SSGT Rex F. Graham, 34278886, 1 Nov 42 - 30 Oct 45

- SSGT Harlan G. Stanley, 37288174, 30 Oct 45 - Deactivation

Company Clerks:

- CPL Hall

- CPL Mark Thacklebury

- CPL Robert Allison

- CPL Joseph Grill, 33100829, ? - 27 Oct 45

- CPL Cletus W. Skroska, 37620640, 30 Oct 45 - Deactivation

Communication Sergeants:

- SGT Roy F. Bruneman (KIA)

Special Order/Roster

Day by Day Actions

June 1942:

July 1942:

August 1942:

- August 25, PFC Fred Money won 1st Place in a War Bond Drawing Contest.

September 1942:

October 1942:

November 1942:

December 1942:

- December 19, 1st Lt. John H. Lightsey married his wife in the 322nd Infantry Chapal

January 1943:

February 1943:

March 1943:

April 1943:

May 1943:

June

July

August

September

October

November

December 1943:

January 1944:

February 1944:

March 1944:

April 1944:

May 1944:

June 1944:

July 1944:

August 1944:

September 1944:

October 1944:

November 1944:

December 1944:

January 1945:

February 1945:

March 1945:

April 1945:

May 1945:

June 1945:

July 1945:

August 1945:

September 1945:

October 1945:

- October 12th, Ordered to move up to the north edge of the Bowel and contacted the right flank of Company E. Set up a defense with the 2nd platoon on the left and the 1st platoon in the middle, and 3rd platoon on the right. LMGs on the high ground at the rear. 1st and 3rd platoons combined, moved to the right attempting to contact the left flank of Company F. Withdrew back to the original position at dark. Quite night.

- October 13th, Received enemy rifle fire. Set up 4 outposts on high ground. Placed rifle fire on the enemy during the day. Stayed in the same position during the night.

- October 14th, See above.

- October 15th, 2nd platoon manned outposts. 1st and 3rd platoons combined, moved forward to close a gap between them and Company F.

- October 16th,

- October 17th, Held the same position as the day before, usual enemy rifle fire.

- October 18th, No change, same as preceding day.

- October 19th, 1st and 3rd platoons advanced forward trying to contact Company F. 2nd platoon sent out on patrols and 2nd Lt. Bob Green was killed by Japanese rifle fire. 2nd Lt. Hunt and PFC Chapa were wounded by Japanese grenades.

- October 20th, 1st and 3rd platoons again moved forward, while 2nd platoon stayed in outposts and held contact with Company F.

- October 21st, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd platoons moved forward after the regiment had talked on the PA system to the Japanese, and later met Companies C,D, E, and F for the final mopping up.

- October 22nd, Continued to mop up all day. Two Japanese soldiers were killed. Moved back to the 2nd Battalion area for the night.

- October 23rd, Policed up area and started back to permanent area in the vicinity of Saipan Town.

November 1945:

December 1945:

January 1946

- Deactivation of the Company and the Division