Oscar Fred Prasse - Private to Private First Class

Served with distinction in the Hq1 81mm Mortar Platoon from October 20, 1942 to February 1945 when he was evacuated. 

Oscar Prasse was a courageous soldier, a trusted comrade, and a cherished friend.  Oscar always seemed more concerned with the welfare of his comrades then with his own - and he was.

Oscar Prasse was a distinguished member of the “Greatest of the Greatest Generation.” 

Oscar Prasse died in 1992.  He was loved and respected by many of his World War II comrades, and they contributed to this summary. 

Chapter II, Combat Operation – Normandy, contains a synopsis describing the ordeal of Oscar Prasse and Joe Bressler

Joe broke his ankle when he parachuted into Normandy. At great personal risk, Oscar carried Joe to safety and protected him for the next several days - until troops from the 90^th Infantry Division found them.

Joe was evacuated to England and Oscar went to find the 508^th PIR and help destroy the Third Reich.  

In September 1944. Oscar and Joe were reunited at the 508^th PIR tent camp in Nottingham, England. Joe was AWOL from a hospital in England.

When Joe arrived in the Hq1 area, he was told, “we are packing to move to a marshaling area."  Joe knew this meant another combat jump was imminent. He threw his crutches aside and joined Oscar and Hq1.  

On September 17, 1944, after some delays, a cancellation, and several briefings, the 508^th PIR parachuted into Holland, as a liberation force.

Joe Bressler and Oscar Prasse were with the 81mm Mortar Platoon – doing their unique kind of business as usual.

Hq1 men like Oscar Prasse and Joe Bressler were magnificent soldiers always ready to do their part. However, at times, men like Oscar and Joe viewed WW II somewhat differently than most participants.

They often wandered off looking for ways to improve their situation – liberate food, liquor, cigars or whatever condiments were left unattended by friend or foe.