Bernard L Stafford - 298th Engineer Combat Battalion, WWII, WW2

Bernard L Stafford

Source: WW2enlistment.org
Name:Bernard L Stafford
Serial Number: 20540477
Residence: Indiana, St Joseph County
Enlistment: South Bend Indiana
Enlist Date: 01/17/1941
Grade: Private
Branch: Corps Of Engineers
Source: National Guard
Born: Indiana, 1916
Race & Citizenship: White, Citizen
Education: 4 Years High School
Civilian Occupation: Cooks, Except Private Family
Marital Status: Single, Without Dependents
Component Army: National Guard - Officers and Enlisted Men

Source: Holland Evening Sentinel Newspaper, Saturday, June 23, 1956 - Page 2
Bernard L. Stafford, South Bend, Ind., red light, US-31 and M-21, $9.30;

Source: The News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, Michigan, Page 28
The following marriage licenses have been issued by Berrien County Clerk Forrest Kesterke: George E. Gleason. 32, and Dora R. Smith, 36, both Berrien Springs. Jim D. May. 38, and Ruby Moore, 41, both Benton Harbor. Rex D. Shindeldecker, Jr., 20. j Benton Harbor, and Connie M. O’Dell, 19. Eau Claire. Clifford A. Gerlach, 19, Benton Harbor, and Patricia R. Mills, 18, St. Joseph. Kenneth Rose. 33. and Margaret Latta, 46, both Niles. Bernard L. Stafford, 48. South Bend, and Clara W. Takens, 44, Stevensville.

Source: The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana, Page 18
LT. CPL. F. M. STRAWN, GI of the executive staff of the guard, this week announced these new appointments: Capt. Philip E. Green Jr., Fort Wayne, headquarters, First Infantry; 2d Lt. John E. Zother, South Bend, Company E, First infantry; Capt. Bernard L. Stafford, South Bend, Company F, First Infantry; 2d Lt. James C. Young, Lafayette, headquarters, First Battalion

Source: Niles Public Library document that includes Veterans History Project Trancript of Max Kolpas and Omaha Beach to Saint Marie du Mont (bio of Bruce Montgomery Robertson) combined into one Adobe.pdf document.
[excerpt]
However, a small beach demoliton party of 13 men under the Company B third Platoon leader, Lt. Bernard L. Stafford, was assigned to land on UTAH Beach before H-Hour to assist in clearing lanes through the beach obstacles for the assault troops of the 4th Infantry Division. Pg. 7

Listed in the 298th Journal July 1944
1090 1500 July 18/44 The following named 0 & EM, this unit, are authorized to wear the Distinguished Unit Badge per GO 26, Hq FUSA, dtd 17 June 44, for extra ordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action in the initial assault of the northern Coast of Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. These men were atchd to the 237th Engr C Bn at the time for which the citation is awarded: 2nd Lt Bernard L. Stafford

Listed in the 298th Journal October 1944
1330 Aug 28/43 12 Aug 28/43 0930-1630 Lt. Stafford & Platoon surrounded by enemy and engaged in fighting all day against an enemy force of approx. 2 companies. Platoon withdrew from position but later re-occupied some position upon the appearance of NUTMEG troops

Source: MilitaryTimes Hall of Valor (URL now defunct)
Silver Star - Awarded for actions during the World War II (UNCONFIRMED - Citation Needed): Bernard L. Stafford, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 9th Infantry Division during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 94 (1944)
Action Date: World War II
Service: Army
Division: 9th Infantry Division

Listed in the 298th Journal July 1944
1090 1500 July 18/44 The following named 0 & EM, this unit, are authorized to wear the Distinguished Unit Badge per GO 26, Hq FUSA, dtd 17 June 44, for extra ordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action in the initial assault of the northern Coast of Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. These men were atchd to the 237th Engr C Bn at the time for which the citation is awarded: Pfc Bernard L. Stafford

Listed in After/After Action Reports 26 July - 1 Dec 1944:
The following officers were awarded the Silver Star by GO 94 Hq 9th Inf Div dtd 20 Oct 44:
1st Lt Bernard L. Stafford 01108341

Listed in the 1975 Reunion Roster under 298TH MEN NOT LOCATED AS YET , AND LAST KNOWN LOCATIONS:
H Stafford, Bernard L. South Bend, IND.

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