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Personal info

Full name
TESTER, Perry Ottobein Jr
Date of birth
28 October 1921
Age
23
Place of birth
Van Wert County, Ohio
Hometown
Van Wert County, Ohio

Military service

Service number
O1317703
Rank
First Lieutenant
Function
Platoon Commander
Unit
B Company,
1st Battalion,
413th Infantry Regiment,
104th Infantry Division
Awards
Distinguished Service Cross,
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
30 November 1944
Place of death
Inden-Lamersdorf, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
Plot Row Grave
F 3 68

Immediate family

Members
Perry O. Tester (father)
Bertha M. (Moore) Tester (mother)
Edna L. Tester (sister)
Marian E. Tester (sister)
Bertha M. Tester (sister)
Betty (Kiggins) Tester (wife)

More information

1st Lt Perry O. Tester was a solicitor before he before he enlisted in Toledo, Ohio on 21 August 1942.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The citation cited: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 28 to 30 November 1944, in Germany. When four enemy machine guns opened fire upon his platoon, First Lieutenant Tester, throwing hand grenades and firing his carbine, advanced far forward of his men in an assault which resulted in the complete destruction of the weapons and crews in vicious close-in fighting. While his company withdrew to reorganize for a continuation of the attack, he remained behind, and in the face of intense fire carried a wounded soldier 1,000 yards to an aid station. Leading another assault two days later, First Lieutenant Tester was severely wounded by a shell fragment. Administering medical aid to himself, First Lieutenant Tester, despite his pains, continued to lead his platoon in the attack until he was again hit by artillery fire and mortally wounded. First Lieutenant Tester's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

He is remembered at the Ridge Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio

Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Peter Schouteten, Toldeo Blade 21-dec-1944, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record

Photo source: Peter Schouteten, www.ancestry.com, www.findagrave.com - Corgilover,