Joseph F Duca (O-1017430)
| Name | Duca, Joseph F |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Army Serial # | O-1017430 |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Date of death | 1945-03-02 |
| Plot, Row, Grave | D, 9, 12 |
| Cemetery | Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands , Google Maps |
| Unit | 83rd Reconnaissance Troop, 83rd Infantry Division |
| Awards |
|
| Additional information |
|---|
| The picture shows 1LT Duca in front of Recon-3, usually the replacement vehicle assigned to the Maintenance Section of the Troop HQ, at Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes where the unit was attached to the 330th in August and September of 1944. Photos courtesy of Jean Paas |
| Morning reports | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1944-07-24 | 2LT | Assigned and joined from 48th Replacement Battalion as of July 24, 1944 | 83RCNTRP | view page | |
| 1944-11-09 | 2LT | Duty changed to Combat Liason Officer (1930) as of November 9, 1944 | 1620 | 83RCNTRP | view page |
| 1944-11-21 | 2LT | Promoted to First Lieutenant as of November 21, 1944 | 83RCNTRP | view page | |
| 1944-12-16 | 1LT | Duty changed to Mechanized Cavalry Unit Commander (1620) as of December 16, 1944 | 1930 | 83RCNTRP | view page |
| 1945-03-03 | 1LT | Missing in action as of March 3, 1945 | 1620 | 83RCNTRP | view page |
| 1945-03-08 | 1LT | Killed in action on March 2, 1945 | 1620 | 83RCNTRP | view page |
| General Orders | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GO # | Rank | Award | Page | ||
| 83 / 1945 / #57 | 1LT |
For distinguishing himself by gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 2 March 1945, at Kapellen, Germany. During the drive into Kapellen, Germany, to relieve elements of another unit when they came under heavy fire during a German counter-attack on that town. Unable to proceed in vehicles, he led a dismounted patrol forward to learn the situation and give assistance. As he rounded a curve in a deeply defiled road an enemy tank approached the corner from the opposite direction. Lieutenant Duca with utter disregard for his personal safety signaled his men the danger before he was pinned down by enemy fire. Unable to reach him with machine gun fire the tank fired point blank and killed kim with high velocity fire which penetrated his inadequate cover. The heroic devotion to duty, superior leadership and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Duca reflect great credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States. |
view page | ||
Various images:
