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Elmer Affeld was my Godfather, and my Grandmother's brother, known to his nieces and nephews as "Uncle Bud." I want to honor his military record since he was one of the privileged to receive the Bronze Star for his bravery in battle. With the limited records in my possession (see below) I can only briefly outline his military history here. Bud was born April 5, 1908 and died February 5, 1982.
by John Schneider, June 7, 2009
Elmer Vincent Affeld registered for the draft on October 16, 1940 with Local Board 27, Wayne County, MI. He was classified 1-H, meaning "Registrants not subject to processing for induction." I don't know why he would be classified as such as within 2 years he would enter the armed forces. Perhaps he may have been employed as bailiff for Judge Louis J. Schneider, his occupation for most of his life; his civilian occupation is listed as Clerical General Office on his Separation Form. It is true he was clerking for the Judge, who his brother-in-law, within the year after his separation from the Army, as attested by this letter.
Bud entered the U.S. Army on April 20, 1942, 15 days after his 34th birthday, in Detroit Michigan.
He departed for the Pacific Theater of operations on July 5, 1943, and would remain there until returning to the States on November 16, 1945.
With the Japanese surrender on August 15 1945 ending World War II he separated from service from Fort Sheridan, IL, November 27, 1945. His rank was Staff Sergeant.
His combat experience occurred in the Pacific Theater of operations, at New Guinea and Luzon, Phillipines. His military specialty is listed as Section Leader, 1607. The Commendation for Outstanding Service he received states he was a squad leader of his 81 MM mortar platoon, Company D, 136th Infantry Regiment 1, 33d Infantry Division.
Bud's separation document lists his decorations: Combat Infantryman Badge 2, an expert w/mortar, 81MM, Marksman w/ M-1 rifle, and "EXP INF." He received the Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze battle stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 bronze battle star, 4 overseas Service Bars, and 1 Service Stripe. On separation he received his lapel button (Honorable Service Lapel Button) and Good Conduct Medal. His ASP score (as of 2 Sep 45) was 77.
He had been out of the U.S. Army for 5 months when he received a letter from the War Department, dated May 1, 1945, announcing that he had been awarded "the Bronze Star Medal for heroic action" which must have been based in part on the Commendation referred to above. This commendation reads "Staff Sergeant Elmer V. Affeld, 16064227, Company D, 136th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, for outstanding performance of duty as a squad leader of his 81 mm mortar platoon, during combat operations, Grenade Hill, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 27 April 1945. His courage under fire contributed to the success of his regiment and division." The commendation was dated November 4, 1945, in Kobs, Honshu, Japan, signed by Major General, P. W. Clarkson, Commanding 33d Infantry Division, US Army. I've been unable as yet to find any documentation on the Internet for "Grenade Hill, Luzon." Here is some information concerning the activities of the 136th Infantry Division in the Pacific 3.
The medal would be presented to him on July 31, 1946, according to a letter he received by 1st Lt. ROY L. LEMONS, Medals & Awards Officer, dated July 10, 1946. He had the option to attend this presentation, or if unable, the medal could be mailed to hi. Bud replied to this invitation in a letter dated July 29, 3 days after he was requested to reply, stating he would be unable to attend and that the medal could be mailed to him.
The medal in currently (2/26/12) in the posession of Terry Affeld, whose father Cyril is Elmer's brother. Elmer died February 5, 1982 in Detroit, MI, at 73 years of age.
If anyone has information to share concerning Uncle Bud's Bronze Star or other aspects of his military history please let me know. I can be reached at <johnj@stnorberts.com>
A picture of the Bronze Star Medal is shown above. The reverse has the inscription "HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT" and a space for the name of the recipient to be engraved.
1 The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
2 The 136th Infantry was again activated in April of 1942 for World War II and assigned to the 33rd Division. After a stay in New Guinea, they moved to the island of Morotai where for 20 days they fought virtually alone against fanatical Japanese resistance. The next fight for the 136th Infantry was Luzon, in the Philippines. The 136th Infantry overcame resistance at such places as Kennon Road and Skyline Ridge to help secure the island. from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/2-136in.htm
3 See this link for some description of the 136th Infantry in the Pacific Theater
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