Grandfather fought in a Tank Destroyer Group in WWII in the North African and Sicilian/Italian campaigns. When I was little, I asked my Grandfather about the war, but he didn't respond. Every now and again he told me he wasn't a hero, but he knew some.
It was only at his death bed, hours before dying that he told about his experiences, and my dad told them to me.
He was part of the lucky few that survived the massacre at Kasserine Pass. He was just able to find a hole through the attacking German offense, and made a run for it. The next day he stumbled upon British Lines.
Took part at the invasion at Anzio. Some of the hardest and fiercest fighting there as he came upon Italy's crack mountain troops and SS. Was nearly pushed back into the sea.
Later on, they liberated a Italian village, and were partying non stop. My Grandfather left his group of friends to walk across the street and kiss a donkey. In that moment, a incoming German artillery shell (My father said it was a tank shell, from what my Grandfather said) and blew away all of his buddies. He was the last survivor of his group.
I am in possession of his medals, letters, pictures, notes written home, and discharge papers.
Unit was credited with: 46 enemy tanks and self propelled guns, 20 OP's, 38 Vehicles, 3 mortars, 27 FA pieces, 101 machine guns, 29 pill boxes, 17 ammo dumps, 5 horse carts, and 2 mule trains.
Killed: 396
Wounded:258
Captured: 3,288.
Served under: Paul A Bradly
