Memorial

More information

Cpl Homer A. Gettler attended St. John Township High School and was employed by the Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company before he enlisted in Indianapolis, Indiana on 15 January 1943. His fiancée was Betty J. Grunewald.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action while serving with the 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France on 30 September 1944. During the course of a strong enemy counterattack, the enemy penetrated the main line of resistance of the First Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment and forced the crew of an 81-mm mortar section to withdraw. Members of this mortar section attached themselves to an adjoining rifle company and carried on the fight with small arms. Cpl Gettler, a mortar gunner, realizing his ineffectiveness in the fight in-as-much as he was armed only with a pistol, remained with the rifle company long enough to determine the center of enemy activity then returned to his mortar position accompanied by another member of his section. He was killed by enemy action as he reached the position, but his companion carried out the pre-arranged plan and placed accurate motar fire upon enemy positions which resulted in the destruction of an enemy machine gun nest and reduction of enemy pressure in the area. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him and the United States Army.

He was killed by artillery shell fragments to his chest.

He was first buried in the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Andilly, France.