Merriam Press World War 2 Memoir Series
Join Sgt. Angier (who heard from his draft board, after he had enlisted and was overseas, that they had classified him 4F, hence the title of this book) and his men in the Vosges Mountains of France, as they advance towards Alsace in the face of bitter and determined German resistance.Finally, they take Bitche, stronghold on the famous Maginot Line, and enter Germany itself.
Alive with drama, told with understanding and a keen sense of humor, and in the down-to-earth language of the soldier.
The main text of this memoir, Chapters 1 through 7, originally appeared in book form under the title MOS 1542: A Dramatic True Story of Combat in World War Two, published in 1959 by Greenwich Book Publishers, New York-long out of print and quite scarce. That edition had no photographs or illustrative material. Later, it was reprinted in serialized form in the Mustang News, publication of the National Order of Battlefield Commissions. MOS 1542: The "MOS" stands for "Military Occupational Specialty" and 1542 referred to a Rifle Platoon Leader. The Merriam Press edition adds photographs from a variety of sources and additional text.
John served with the original 501st Parachute Battalion, trained with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and spent the rest of his active duty with the 100th Infantry Division.
John was promoted from Private to PFC on 19 January 1943, to Corporal on 20 March 1943, to Sergeant on 26 April 1943, to Staff Sergeant on 7 September 1943, to Technical Sergeant on 2 February 1944, and received a Battlefield Commission to Second Lieutenant on 2 May 1945 at Bad Constadt, Germany.
During John's tenure in the service he received 13 decorations including the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Occupation Germany Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, American Defense Medal and National Security Medal.
He fought in three campaigns in WWII: Southern France, Alsace, and Germany.
John passed away in March 2005.
20 photos
3 illustrations
2 maps
6 documents
