Memorial

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Capt Nicklas J. Laverne studied at the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts with the class of 1935 and worked as a manager at a retail gas filling station.

He was married to Mary J. Schoupf in Deming, New Mexico on 26 June 1938.

On the morning of 16 April 1945, A and B Company encountered resistance with small arms fire, when it entered Thierbach. They contacted the Burgemeister and requested the surrender of the town and garrison on threat of destruction. The request was refused. In the center of the town was a strongly defended enemy road block. Disregarding his own safety Capt Nicklas reconnoitered it and then led the tanks and the infantry into the town directing the lead tanks fire on the obstacle and a house filled with German troops. While directing these operations Capt Nicklas was killed by a sniper's bullet. For his courageous action and devotion to duty he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. The 1st Company pulled back and took positions overlooking the town. When the 2nd Company had cleared, the 1st Company destroyed the town with direct fire, taking seventy five prisoners, including a colonel.