Memorial

More information

Howard F. Delwo worked as a trucker for the Chicago and North Western Railroad in civilian life.

He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal twice. The citations cited:

"For gallantry in action against the enemy on 29 November 1944. During a fierce attack against the enemy by his organization in the vicinity of a strongly defended town and realizing that the men of the platoon he was leading would be dangerously exposed at dawn when visibility would improve, T/Sgt Delwo crawled forward through intense enemy fire to the vicinity of an enemy position. Although painfully wounded by an enemy grenade he continued his advance, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades into the enemy position until he succeeded in forcing them, about twenty in number, to retire to a nearby concrete troop shelter. Signaling his men forward and refusing to be evacuated he organized a section of his platoon in such a position as to keep the enemy inside the shelter and successfully continued the accomplishment of his objective in the attack. T/Sgt Delvo was fatally wounded while being evacuated to the rear for medical aid. The galantry, outstanding courage, and leadership displayed by T/Sgt Delwo reflect great credit upon himself and the military service."
"On 22 November 1944 during operations against the enemy, the platoon leaders and platoon sergeants of two platoons had become casualties and the company was halted by intense enemy fire. On his own initiatieve, T/Sgt Dalwo turned his platoon over to another noncommissioned officer and made his way over several hundred yards of open terrain, braving heavy concentrated enemy artillery and small arms fire. Perceiving that further advance was impossible, T/Sgt Delwo returned to his lines and, assuming command also of the adjacent sector, reorganized the men in such a way that they formed a powerful defense line. Having personally supervised the organization of the defense position, he turned his attention to the wounded, personally leading litter squads across exposed ground until all stricken men had been evacuated. His utter disregard of personal safety and calm leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service."

Note: The second time he was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his action on an earlier date (22 November 1944).