Gallantry in Action: Late veteran’s heroic tale told
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LOCK HAVEN -- Veterans Day often brings about the tales of those men and women who fought to protect their fellow Americans throughout the country's centuries old history.
Recently, the nephew of a local World War II veteran stopped at The Express to share a news clipping about his late uncle.
Fred Curran felt, with Veterans Day so soon, it was the perfect time to highlight the dangers and sacrifices many local veterans made to honor, protect and serve their country.
The following is from a news clipping from The Express:
"The above picture shows Pfc. Richard F. Coffey, son of Mrs. Nettie Coffey of 8th Street, who is with Gen. Clark's Fifth Army, receiving his Combat Infantry Medal.
The following is the citation:
For gallantry in action on 14 September, 1944, in Italy. Privates First Class Charowsky, a Bazooka, Assistant, Coffey, a Platoon Runner, DiCara, a Platoon runner and Hinds, a clerk, were assigned the mission of going to an adjoining company to pick up ammunition to replenish the rapidly diminishing supply of their own company under most severe enemy attack. The entire route was covered by heavy enemy artillery, mortar, machine gun and sniper fire, and lay over terrain that was rugged and rocky, steep, bare and barren and open to enemy observation and fire. After several attempts by different groups to get in or out had failed, these four men successfully completed their mission disregarding their own personal safety, making it possible for their company, which was practically out of ammunition, to hold its objective for the remainder of the day. These four men were instrumental in saving the lives of many of the men of their company. Their action reflects great credit to the military service."