[The Press Democrat,  Santa Rosa, CA, 04 Apr 1945, Wed,  Page 6]

(courtesy of Tyson Koerper)

Recent recipient of the Bronze Star Medal was Capt. Victor E. Koerper of Santa Rosa [CA], who was decorated for his bravery in action against the Nazis in Southern France, where he is serving with the medical corps of an air-borne battalion.  According to army announcement, the captain advanced through an enemy artillery barrage to rescue a French guide who stepped on a land mine while protecting an American combat patrol undertaking a secret mission.  After giving the injured man necessary medical aid, Captain Koerper personally evacuated him one kilometer over rough and difficult terrain to an ambulance.  At the time of this incident, the air-borne battalion with which the officer was serving was based high in the Basse Alps and more than 170 miles from an evacuation hospital, making it necessary for him to operate a small-scale hospital in an old French border garrison.

[Note:  The cited action occurred prior to Capt. Koerper being transferred to the 508th]