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Personal info

Full name
RIGGS, Wenzel Carlyle
Date of birth
7 October 1917
Age
27
Place of birth
Sharon, Woodward County, Oklahoma
Hometown
Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California

Military service

Service number
39230060
Rank
Staff Sergeant
Function
unknown
Unit
744th Tank Battalion
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Died of Wounds
Date of death
4 March 1945
Place of death
The Netherlands

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
Plot Row Grave
D 11 4

Immediate family

Members
Willie C. Riggs (father)
Garnet P. (Hicks) Riggs (mother)
Maude V. (Wilson) Riggs (stepmother)
Geraldine Riggs (sister)
Guy M. Riggs (brother)
Billy P. Riggs (half-brother)
Marvin D. Riggs (half-brother)
Jackie T. Riggs (half-brother)
Larry G. Riggs (half-brother)
Kathleen O. (Dunlap) Riggs (wife)
Paula Lee Riggs (daughter)

More information

S/Sgt Wenzel C. Riggs graduated from Hutchinson High School and worked at the Ralph's Grocery Company in Santa Monica, California.

He enlisted in Los Angeles, California on 14 March 1941.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action between 2 October and 4 October 1944 in Germany. The citation cited: He displayed great coolness under fire while guarding a bridge and when his unit was ordered to withdraw, he voluntarily covered their withdrawal, during which time the enemy rained heavy artillery and mortar fire upon the area and around the bridge. Despite this he maintained his position until all vehicles were across the bridge.

He died of wounds received in action on 26 February 1945.

His brother, Cpl Marvin D. Riggs is buried at Epinal American Cemetery, France.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / WWII Draft Card

Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, Woodward Daily Press - 9 May 1945