launched a desperate attack to save the Third Reich, which resulted in the “Battle of the Bulge.” The 508th PIR was ordered on December 18, 1944, to move to Belgium to block the attacking Germans and help
destroy the “Bulge.” In months or strenuous fighting in the deep snows of the Ardennes in bitter cold weather, the regiment penetrated into the
Siegfried Line, helped destroy its fortifications, and drove to the West Bank of the Roer River – the threshold of Germany.
Following the surrender of the German army, the 508th PIR was assigned to the occupation forces in Frankfurt, Germany where it proudly perform-ed security and honor guard functions for General Eisenhower’s head-quarters.
Lawrence Fitzpatrick’s military accomplishments and experiences included:
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Progressing from “Recruit” to Staff Sergeant.
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Qualifying as a parachutist in 1943.
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Parachuting into Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
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Participating in capturing the regiment’s major objectives in Normandy, Hill 30 and Hill 95.
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Parachuting into Holland, September 17, 1944.
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Leading the assault to capture “Devils Hill” in Holland.
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Earning the Silver Star Medal for heroic action in Holland.
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Receiving the Purple Heart Medal w/Oak Leaf cluster for wounds received in France and Belgium.
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Performing leadership functions in the security forces and honor guard formations for Gen. Eisenhower’s headquarters.
Larry Fitzpatrick earned:
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Silver Star Medal
· Bronze Star Medal
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Purple Heart Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster
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Invasion Arrowhead
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Combat Infantry Badge
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Four Battle Stars
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Two Stars for his parachute wings for combat jumps
·
Presidential Unit Citation"
·
French and Belgium Fourrageres
·
Orange Lanyard of the Royal Netherlands Army
· Numerous defense medals – including the Occupation Medal with Germany Bar.
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