FORMER CO. I OFFICER IS WAR CASUALTY
News that Captain Elton A. Edmiston, of Clarendon RD 1, was killed in action on March 26, has been received by his wife over the weekend.
Graduate of Warren area High School of 1928, the officer was employed by the Cresent Furniture Company prior to entering the service. He was a member of Company I, 112th Infantry Regiement when it left Warren in February, 1941, and accompanied that unit to Indiantown Gap and to Camp Livingston, LA.
Transferring from the 28th Division to the 89th, he was transferred to Camp Carson, CO, and from there to Camp Butner, NC, going overseas on January 25, 1945. Rated a second lieutenant when he left Warren, he had advanced to his present rating about two years ago.
Besides his wife, Janet Bundy Edmiston, he leaves two children, Maejean and Sally Ann; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Edmiston, Clarendon RD 1; one sister and three brothers, Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights; T/4 Edward Edmiston, with the medical department on a hospital ship; Foster Edmiston, Tiona, and Arnold Edmiston, metalsmith thirdclass in the Phillippines
Times Mirror 7 April 1945
CLARENDON MAN DIES IN ACTION
Captain in 112th, Killed in Germany
From the Post-Gazette Correspondent
Clarendon, Pa, April 9 - News that Captain Elton A Edmiston of Clarendon RD#1 was killed in action on March 26, was received by his wife over the weekend. He was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth Infantry, when it left Warren in February, 1941 and accompanied that unit to Indiantown Gap and to Camp Livingston, LA.
Beside his wife, Janet Bundy Edmiston, he leaves two children, Mae Jean and Sally Ann; his parents Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Edmiston; one sister and three brothers, Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights; Technician Fourth Grade Edward Edmiston, with the medical department on a hospital ship; Foster Edmiston, Tiona, and Arnold Edmiston, metalsmsith third class in the Philippines.
BODY OF FORMER CO. I OFFICER EN ROUTE
4 Oct 1948
Mrs. Janet Edmiston, who recently moved to Meadcille from Clarendon RD 1, has been advised by the Department of the Army, that the body of her husband, Captain Elton A. Edmiston, is en route home from a military cemetery in France.
Captain Edmiston, member of Company I for 13 years, left Warren in February, 1941, with the 112th Infantry and was killed in action in Germany on March 26, 1945. He was serving with the 89th Division at the time of his death and had been twice advanced in rank since leaving Warren as a second lieutenant.
The officer was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Edmiston, Stoneham, and has rwo children.
Arrangements for final rites in his memory will be announced when further notification has been received regarding the arrival of the body.
18 Oct 1948
BODY OF CAPT. EDMISTON TO ARRIVE THURS.
Word was received here over the weekend that the body of Captain Elton Allen Edmiston, former member of Co.I, 112th Infantry, will arrive from the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot for final rites and reinterment.
Removal will be made to the Peterson Funeral Home, from where private services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday. Rev. James Kelly, pastor of Epworth Methodist Church will officiate and interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.
Captain Edmiston, officer of Co. I, when it left Warren in February, 1941, was killed in action in Germany on March 26, 1945.
He was born in Clarendon on January 15, 1910, and had spent his entire lifetime in this vicinity. Prior to leaving, he was employed as a furniture worker for the Cresent Furniture Company.
Beside his wife, Janet Edmiston, he leaves two children, Maejean and Sally Ann, also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Edmiston, Stoneham; three brothers and one sister; Ed, of Philadelphia; Foster, of Tiona; Arnold, of Stoneham and Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights.
http://www.wwiiregistry.org/search/pframe.asp?HonoreeID=561698&popcount=1&tcount=2
Elton A. Edmiston
BRANCH OF SERVICE
U.S. Army
HOMETOWN
Stoneham, PA
HONORED BY
Mark Edmiston, Grand Nephew
ACTIVITY DURING WWII
POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE SILVER STAR MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION AS COMMANDING OFFICER, COMPANY B, 354TH REGIMENT, 89TH INFANTRY DIVISION, ON 2 OCCASIONS IN GERMANY. ON MARCH 16, 1945 HIS COMPANY RECEIVED HEAVY ENEMY MACHINE GUN FIRE NEAR RIEL; HE TOOK A SQUAD OF RIFLEMEN AND BOLDLY LED THEM IN SILENCING THE HOSTILE WEAPONS. ON MARCH 26, DURING AN ASSAULT CROSSING OF THE RHINE, HE VOLUNTEERED AT GREAT RISK TO HIS OWN LIFE, WENT FORWARD FROM HIS COMPANY'S COVERED POSITION AND FOR 8 HOURS ASSISTED IN THE LOADING OF PERSONNEL FOR THE ASSAULT WAVES. WHEN SEVERE ENEMY FIRE DISRUPTED LAUNCHING OPERATIONS, HE MOVED FROM GROUP TO GROUP CALMING HIS MEN AND INSPIRING THEM TO PUSH AHEAD IN THE CROSSING. AS HE WAS SECURING INFORMATION IN PREPARATION FOR HIS COMPANY'S CROSSING, HE WAS KILLED BY ENEMY 20MM FIRE. 'HIS LEADERSHIP, ORDERLY PLANNING, PERSONAL EXAMPLE OF COURAGE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY SERVED AS AN INSPIRATION TO THE MEN OF HIS COMMAND AND OF HIS ENTIRE BATTALION,' STATES THE CITATION ACCOMPANYING THE AWARD. 'HIS ACTIONS REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE BEST TRADITIONS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE U.S.'
http://www.89infdivww2.org/memories/354_16.htm
The Rhine: A Co. C Boat Is Sunk
Shortly after Co. A started across, Co. C began its assault. By this time the river was brilliantly lighted by the burning buildings. Enemy fire was coming in with considerable accuracy. However, C's 1st platoon under Lt. Sidney Rothenberg attempted to make the crossing, leading the way for the company. One overloaded boat, carrying 25 men, capsized. S/Sgt. Robert B. Johnson, the squad leader in the boat, tore off his rifle belt, threw his weapon away and, in the face of heavy machine gun fire, swam around the boat trying to assist his men. He refused assistance from an engineer crew brought out by Capt. John E. Owens, the company commander, until all of his men who could be found were pulled to safety. Twelve men in the boat were drowned. While the rescue work was going on S/Sgt. James W. Gent, S/Sgt. Charles J. Restle and Pfc. Jesse R. Hovis provided covering fire from an exposed position in the east bank Five of the wounded men managed to swim to a sand bar in the river. Pfc. Forrest E. Wolf tried to reach them in an assault boat, but failed because of the heavy current. Returning to shore he got a motorboat and set out for the sand bar again. This time he was driven back by accurate enemy machine gun fire. Returning to the shore for the second time, he delivered covering fire while Capt. Owens, Gent, Restle and Hovis went out in a boat, succeeded in reaching the men and evacuating them. Lt. Jules J. Friedman, 1st Battalion Communications Officer, crossed the river with one of the assault companies and personally directed the wire teams, working under searing enemy fire, in connecting up the communications for the Battalion.
About dawn a couple of TDs rolled up to knock out the most damaging targets on the east bank A house on the left flank was the first target. After a few shots the house was silence except for the roar of the blaze and the explosion of ammunition from within. The TDs then moved over to the right flank to fire on a castle high on a ridge where a 20mm was firing. After a few rounds the 20mm opened up from its position further down the slope. The 20mm worked its way along the west bank searching for the TDs. Co. B was assembling there preparing to follow Co A and Co across. A 20mm shell ricocheted off a gas pump and hit Captain Elton Edmiston, CO of Company B, in the chest, killing him instantly.
When Capt. Edmiston fell, Maj. Frank L. Willis, 1st Battalion Executive Officer, helped Co. B's Executive in moving the company into action. Despite heavy enemy fire directed on the launching sites, Maj. Willis repeatedly risked his life to go to the water's edge to supervise personally the loading of the boats. He directed the flow of men and supplies, controlled the supporting fire and assisted in the location and evacuation of the wounded.
Meanwhile the 1st platoon of Co. A was working its way up through the tangle of vineyards on the east slope of the Rhine. At the summit three 20mm guns were captured and their nine crewmen taken without a fight. The company assembled on the high ground overlooking the Rhine and defended it while the rest of the Battalion crossed. It took Co. C nearly four hours to cross and by 0915 they were all on the other side. At 1000, the first men of Co. B hit the east bank.
When Co. C reached the enemy shore they reorganized, by-passed Wellmich on the right and advanced on their first objective, a castle on high ground overlooking the river. Moving swiftly and taking advantage of all possible cover, the company moved into position to take the castle. However, the enemy had withdrawn just a short time before and the castle was taken without the firing of a shot. The company then smashed inland as far as it could without unduly exposing its flanks. Maintaining all-around security to prevent an ambush, the company moved ahead rapidly and had reached Nochern by dark Capt. Owens sent an ultimatum to the Burgomeister: "Surrender the German soldiers to us or have your town razed to the ground." Within ten minutes 41 German soldiers rushed from the town and surrendered. The capture of the town put the company too far forward of the rest of the battalion so they withdrew to some woods and set up a defensive position for the night.
News that Captain Elton A. Edmiston, of Clarendon RD 1, was killed in action on March 26, has been received by his wife over the weekend.
Graduate of Warren area High School of 1928, the officer was employed by the Cresent Furniture Company prior to entering the service. He was a member of Company I, 112th Infantry Regiement when it left Warren in February, 1941, and accompanied that unit to Indiantown Gap and to Camp Livingston, LA.
Transferring from the 28th Division to the 89th, he was transferred to Camp Carson, CO, and from there to Camp Butner, NC, going overseas on January 25, 1945. Rated a second lieutenant when he left Warren, he had advanced to his present rating about two years ago.
Besides his wife, Janet Bundy Edmiston, he leaves two children, Maejean and Sally Ann; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Edmiston, Clarendon RD 1; one sister and three brothers, Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights; T/4 Edward Edmiston, with the medical department on a hospital ship; Foster Edmiston, Tiona, and Arnold Edmiston, metalsmith thirdclass in the Phillippines
Times Mirror 7 April 1945
CLARENDON MAN DIES IN ACTION
Captain in 112th, Killed in Germany
From the Post-Gazette Correspondent
Clarendon, Pa, April 9 - News that Captain Elton A Edmiston of Clarendon RD#1 was killed in action on March 26, was received by his wife over the weekend. He was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth Infantry, when it left Warren in February, 1941 and accompanied that unit to Indiantown Gap and to Camp Livingston, LA.
Beside his wife, Janet Bundy Edmiston, he leaves two children, Mae Jean and Sally Ann; his parents Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Edmiston; one sister and three brothers, Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights; Technician Fourth Grade Edward Edmiston, with the medical department on a hospital ship; Foster Edmiston, Tiona, and Arnold Edmiston, metalsmsith third class in the Philippines.
BODY OF FORMER CO. I OFFICER EN ROUTE
4 Oct 1948
Mrs. Janet Edmiston, who recently moved to Meadcille from Clarendon RD 1, has been advised by the Department of the Army, that the body of her husband, Captain Elton A. Edmiston, is en route home from a military cemetery in France.
Captain Edmiston, member of Company I for 13 years, left Warren in February, 1941, with the 112th Infantry and was killed in action in Germany on March 26, 1945. He was serving with the 89th Division at the time of his death and had been twice advanced in rank since leaving Warren as a second lieutenant.
The officer was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Edmiston, Stoneham, and has rwo children.
Arrangements for final rites in his memory will be announced when further notification has been received regarding the arrival of the body.
18 Oct 1948
BODY OF CAPT. EDMISTON TO ARRIVE THURS.
Word was received here over the weekend that the body of Captain Elton Allen Edmiston, former member of Co.I, 112th Infantry, will arrive from the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot for final rites and reinterment.
Removal will be made to the Peterson Funeral Home, from where private services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday. Rev. James Kelly, pastor of Epworth Methodist Church will officiate and interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.
Captain Edmiston, officer of Co. I, when it left Warren in February, 1941, was killed in action in Germany on March 26, 1945.
He was born in Clarendon on January 15, 1910, and had spent his entire lifetime in this vicinity. Prior to leaving, he was employed as a furniture worker for the Cresent Furniture Company.
Beside his wife, Janet Edmiston, he leaves two children, Maejean and Sally Ann, also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Edmiston, Stoneham; three brothers and one sister; Ed, of Philadelphia; Foster, of Tiona; Arnold, of Stoneham and Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights.
http://www.wwiiregistry.org/search/pframe.asp?HonoreeID=561698&popcount=1&tcount=2
Elton A. Edmiston
BRANCH OF SERVICE
U.S. Army
HOMETOWN
Stoneham, PA
HONORED BY
Mark Edmiston, Grand Nephew
ACTIVITY DURING WWII
POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE SILVER STAR MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION AS COMMANDING OFFICER, COMPANY B, 354TH REGIMENT, 89TH INFANTRY DIVISION, ON 2 OCCASIONS IN GERMANY. ON MARCH 16, 1945 HIS COMPANY RECEIVED HEAVY ENEMY MACHINE GUN FIRE NEAR RIEL; HE TOOK A SQUAD OF RIFLEMEN AND BOLDLY LED THEM IN SILENCING THE HOSTILE WEAPONS. ON MARCH 26, DURING AN ASSAULT CROSSING OF THE RHINE, HE VOLUNTEERED AT GREAT RISK TO HIS OWN LIFE, WENT FORWARD FROM HIS COMPANY'S COVERED POSITION AND FOR 8 HOURS ASSISTED IN THE LOADING OF PERSONNEL FOR THE ASSAULT WAVES. WHEN SEVERE ENEMY FIRE DISRUPTED LAUNCHING OPERATIONS, HE MOVED FROM GROUP TO GROUP CALMING HIS MEN AND INSPIRING THEM TO PUSH AHEAD IN THE CROSSING. AS HE WAS SECURING INFORMATION IN PREPARATION FOR HIS COMPANY'S CROSSING, HE WAS KILLED BY ENEMY 20MM FIRE. 'HIS LEADERSHIP, ORDERLY PLANNING, PERSONAL EXAMPLE OF COURAGE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY SERVED AS AN INSPIRATION TO THE MEN OF HIS COMMAND AND OF HIS ENTIRE BATTALION,' STATES THE CITATION ACCOMPANYING THE AWARD. 'HIS ACTIONS REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE BEST TRADITIONS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE U.S.'
http://www.89infdivww2.org/memories/354_16.htm
The Rhine: A Co. C Boat Is Sunk
Shortly after Co. A started across, Co. C began its assault. By this time the river was brilliantly lighted by the burning buildings. Enemy fire was coming in with considerable accuracy. However, C's 1st platoon under Lt. Sidney Rothenberg attempted to make the crossing, leading the way for the company. One overloaded boat, carrying 25 men, capsized. S/Sgt. Robert B. Johnson, the squad leader in the boat, tore off his rifle belt, threw his weapon away and, in the face of heavy machine gun fire, swam around the boat trying to assist his men. He refused assistance from an engineer crew brought out by Capt. John E. Owens, the company commander, until all of his men who could be found were pulled to safety. Twelve men in the boat were drowned. While the rescue work was going on S/Sgt. James W. Gent, S/Sgt. Charles J. Restle and Pfc. Jesse R. Hovis provided covering fire from an exposed position in the east bank Five of the wounded men managed to swim to a sand bar in the river. Pfc. Forrest E. Wolf tried to reach them in an assault boat, but failed because of the heavy current. Returning to shore he got a motorboat and set out for the sand bar again. This time he was driven back by accurate enemy machine gun fire. Returning to the shore for the second time, he delivered covering fire while Capt. Owens, Gent, Restle and Hovis went out in a boat, succeeded in reaching the men and evacuating them. Lt. Jules J. Friedman, 1st Battalion Communications Officer, crossed the river with one of the assault companies and personally directed the wire teams, working under searing enemy fire, in connecting up the communications for the Battalion.
About dawn a couple of TDs rolled up to knock out the most damaging targets on the east bank A house on the left flank was the first target. After a few shots the house was silence except for the roar of the blaze and the explosion of ammunition from within. The TDs then moved over to the right flank to fire on a castle high on a ridge where a 20mm was firing. After a few rounds the 20mm opened up from its position further down the slope. The 20mm worked its way along the west bank searching for the TDs. Co. B was assembling there preparing to follow Co A and Co across. A 20mm shell ricocheted off a gas pump and hit Captain Elton Edmiston, CO of Company B, in the chest, killing him instantly.
When Capt. Edmiston fell, Maj. Frank L. Willis, 1st Battalion Executive Officer, helped Co. B's Executive in moving the company into action. Despite heavy enemy fire directed on the launching sites, Maj. Willis repeatedly risked his life to go to the water's edge to supervise personally the loading of the boats. He directed the flow of men and supplies, controlled the supporting fire and assisted in the location and evacuation of the wounded.
Meanwhile the 1st platoon of Co. A was working its way up through the tangle of vineyards on the east slope of the Rhine. At the summit three 20mm guns were captured and their nine crewmen taken without a fight. The company assembled on the high ground overlooking the Rhine and defended it while the rest of the Battalion crossed. It took Co. C nearly four hours to cross and by 0915 they were all on the other side. At 1000, the first men of Co. B hit the east bank.
When Co. C reached the enemy shore they reorganized, by-passed Wellmich on the right and advanced on their first objective, a castle on high ground overlooking the river. Moving swiftly and taking advantage of all possible cover, the company moved into position to take the castle. However, the enemy had withdrawn just a short time before and the castle was taken without the firing of a shot. The company then smashed inland as far as it could without unduly exposing its flanks. Maintaining all-around security to prevent an ambush, the company moved ahead rapidly and had reached Nochern by dark Capt. Owens sent an ultimatum to the Burgomeister: "Surrender the German soldiers to us or have your town razed to the ground." Within ten minutes 41 German soldiers rushed from the town and surrendered. The capture of the town put the company too far forward of the rest of the battalion so they withdrew to some woods and set up a defensive position for the night.
FORMER CO. I OFFICER IS WAR CASUALTY
News that Captain Elton A. Edmiston, of Clarendon RD 1, was killed in action on March 26, has been received by his wife over the weekend.
Graduate of Warren area High School of 1928, the officer was employed by the Cresent Furniture Company prior to entering the service. He was a member of Company I, 112th Infantry Regiement when it left Warren in February, 1941, and accompanied that unit to Indiantown Gap and to Camp Livingston, LA.
Transferring from the 28th Division to the 89th, he was transferred to Camp Carson, CO, and from there to Camp Butner, NC, going overseas on January 25, 1945. Rated a second lieutenant when he left Warren, he had advanced to his present rating about two years ago.
Besides his wife, Janet Bundy Edmiston, he leaves two children, Maejean and Sally Ann; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Edmiston, Clarendon RD 1; one sister and three brothers, Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights; T/4 Edward Edmiston, with the medical department on a hospital ship; Foster Edmiston, Tiona, and Arnold Edmiston, metalsmith thirdclass in the Phillippines
Times Mirror 7 April 1945
CLARENDON MAN DIES IN ACTION
Captain in 112th, Killed in Germany
From the Post-Gazette Correspondent
Clarendon, Pa, April 9 - News that Captain Elton A Edmiston of Clarendon RD#1 was killed in action on March 26, was received by his wife over the weekend. He was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth Infantry, when it left Warren in February, 1941 and accompanied that unit to Indiantown Gap and to Camp Livingston, LA.
Beside his wife, Janet Bundy Edmiston, he leaves two children, Mae Jean and Sally Ann; his parents Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Edmiston; one sister and three brothers, Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights; Technician Fourth Grade Edward Edmiston, with the medical department on a hospital ship; Foster Edmiston, Tiona, and Arnold Edmiston, metalsmsith third class in the Philippines.
BODY OF FORMER CO. I OFFICER EN ROUTE
4 Oct 1948
Mrs. Janet Edmiston, who recently moved to Meadcille from Clarendon RD 1, has been advised by the Department of the Army, that the body of her husband, Captain Elton A. Edmiston, is en route home from a military cemetery in France.
Captain Edmiston, member of Company I for 13 years, left Warren in February, 1941, with the 112th Infantry and was killed in action in Germany on March 26, 1945. He was serving with the 89th Division at the time of his death and had been twice advanced in rank since leaving Warren as a second lieutenant.
The officer was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Edmiston, Stoneham, and has rwo children.
Arrangements for final rites in his memory will be announced when further notification has been received regarding the arrival of the body.
18 Oct 1948
BODY OF CAPT. EDMISTON TO ARRIVE THURS.
Word was received here over the weekend that the body of Captain Elton Allen Edmiston, former member of Co.I, 112th Infantry, will arrive from the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot for final rites and reinterment.
Removal will be made to the Peterson Funeral Home, from where private services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday. Rev. James Kelly, pastor of Epworth Methodist Church will officiate and interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.
Captain Edmiston, officer of Co. I, when it left Warren in February, 1941, was killed in action in Germany on March 26, 1945.
He was born in Clarendon on January 15, 1910, and had spent his entire lifetime in this vicinity. Prior to leaving, he was employed as a furniture worker for the Cresent Furniture Company.
Beside his wife, Janet Edmiston, he leaves two children, Maejean and Sally Ann, also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Edmiston, Stoneham; three brothers and one sister; Ed, of Philadelphia; Foster, of Tiona; Arnold, of Stoneham and Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights.
http://www.wwiiregistry.org/search/pframe.asp?HonoreeID=561698&popcount=1&tcount=2
Elton A. Edmiston
BRANCH OF SERVICE
U.S. Army
HOMETOWN
Stoneham, PA
HONORED BY
Mark Edmiston, Grand Nephew
ACTIVITY DURING WWII
POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE SILVER STAR MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION AS COMMANDING OFFICER, COMPANY B, 354TH REGIMENT, 89TH INFANTRY DIVISION, ON 2 OCCASIONS IN GERMANY. ON MARCH 16, 1945 HIS COMPANY RECEIVED HEAVY ENEMY MACHINE GUN FIRE NEAR RIEL; HE TOOK A SQUAD OF RIFLEMEN AND BOLDLY LED THEM IN SILENCING THE HOSTILE WEAPONS. ON MARCH 26, DURING AN ASSAULT CROSSING OF THE RHINE, HE VOLUNTEERED AT GREAT RISK TO HIS OWN LIFE, WENT FORWARD FROM HIS COMPANY'S COVERED POSITION AND FOR 8 HOURS ASSISTED IN THE LOADING OF PERSONNEL FOR THE ASSAULT WAVES. WHEN SEVERE ENEMY FIRE DISRUPTED LAUNCHING OPERATIONS, HE MOVED FROM GROUP TO GROUP CALMING HIS MEN AND INSPIRING THEM TO PUSH AHEAD IN THE CROSSING. AS HE WAS SECURING INFORMATION IN PREPARATION FOR HIS COMPANY'S CROSSING, HE WAS KILLED BY ENEMY 20MM FIRE. 'HIS LEADERSHIP, ORDERLY PLANNING, PERSONAL EXAMPLE OF COURAGE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY SERVED AS AN INSPIRATION TO THE MEN OF HIS COMMAND AND OF HIS ENTIRE BATTALION,' STATES THE CITATION ACCOMPANYING THE AWARD. 'HIS ACTIONS REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE BEST TRADITIONS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE U.S.'
http://www.89infdivww2.org/memories/354_16.htm
The Rhine: A Co. C Boat Is Sunk
Shortly after Co. A started across, Co. C began its assault. By this time the river was brilliantly lighted by the burning buildings. Enemy fire was coming in with considerable accuracy. However, C's 1st platoon under Lt. Sidney Rothenberg attempted to make the crossing, leading the way for the company. One overloaded boat, carrying 25 men, capsized. S/Sgt. Robert B. Johnson, the squad leader in the boat, tore off his rifle belt, threw his weapon away and, in the face of heavy machine gun fire, swam around the boat trying to assist his men. He refused assistance from an engineer crew brought out by Capt. John E. Owens, the company commander, until all of his men who could be found were pulled to safety. Twelve men in the boat were drowned. While the rescue work was going on S/Sgt. James W. Gent, S/Sgt. Charles J. Restle and Pfc. Jesse R. Hovis provided covering fire from an exposed position in the east bank Five of the wounded men managed to swim to a sand bar in the river. Pfc. Forrest E. Wolf tried to reach them in an assault boat, but failed because of the heavy current. Returning to shore he got a motorboat and set out for the sand bar again. This time he was driven back by accurate enemy machine gun fire. Returning to the shore for the second time, he delivered covering fire while Capt. Owens, Gent, Restle and Hovis went out in a boat, succeeded in reaching the men and evacuating them. Lt. Jules J. Friedman, 1st Battalion Communications Officer, crossed the river with one of the assault companies and personally directed the wire teams, working under searing enemy fire, in connecting up the communications for the Battalion.
About dawn a couple of TDs rolled up to knock out the most damaging targets on the east bank A house on the left flank was the first target. After a few shots the house was silence except for the roar of the blaze and the explosion of ammunition from within. The TDs then moved over to the right flank to fire on a castle high on a ridge where a 20mm was firing. After a few rounds the 20mm opened up from its position further down the slope. The 20mm worked its way along the west bank searching for the TDs. Co. B was assembling there preparing to follow Co A and Co across. A 20mm shell ricocheted off a gas pump and hit Captain Elton Edmiston, CO of Company B, in the chest, killing him instantly.
When Capt. Edmiston fell, Maj. Frank L. Willis, 1st Battalion Executive Officer, helped Co. B's Executive in moving the company into action. Despite heavy enemy fire directed on the launching sites, Maj. Willis repeatedly risked his life to go to the water's edge to supervise personally the loading of the boats. He directed the flow of men and supplies, controlled the supporting fire and assisted in the location and evacuation of the wounded.
Meanwhile the 1st platoon of Co. A was working its way up through the tangle of vineyards on the east slope of the Rhine. At the summit three 20mm guns were captured and their nine crewmen taken without a fight. The company assembled on the high ground overlooking the Rhine and defended it while the rest of the Battalion crossed. It took Co. C nearly four hours to cross and by 0915 they were all on the other side. At 1000, the first men of Co. B hit the east bank.
When Co. C reached the enemy shore they reorganized, by-passed Wellmich on the right and advanced on their first objective, a castle on high ground overlooking the river. Moving swiftly and taking advantage of all possible cover, the company moved into position to take the castle. However, the enemy had withdrawn just a short time before and the castle was taken without the firing of a shot. The company then smashed inland as far as it could without unduly exposing its flanks. Maintaining all-around security to prevent an ambush, the company moved ahead rapidly and had reached Nochern by dark Capt. Owens sent an ultimatum to the Burgomeister: "Surrender the German soldiers to us or have your town razed to the ground." Within ten minutes 41 German soldiers rushed from the town and surrendered. The capture of the town put the company too far forward of the rest of the battalion so they withdrew to some woods and set up a defensive position for the night.
News that Captain Elton A. Edmiston, of Clarendon RD 1, was killed in action on March 26, has been received by his wife over the weekend.
Graduate of Warren area High School of 1928, the officer was employed by the Cresent Furniture Company prior to entering the service. He was a member of Company I, 112th Infantry Regiement when it left Warren in February, 1941, and accompanied that unit to Indiantown Gap and to Camp Livingston, LA.
Transferring from the 28th Division to the 89th, he was transferred to Camp Carson, CO, and from there to Camp Butner, NC, going overseas on January 25, 1945. Rated a second lieutenant when he left Warren, he had advanced to his present rating about two years ago.
Besides his wife, Janet Bundy Edmiston, he leaves two children, Maejean and Sally Ann; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Edmiston, Clarendon RD 1; one sister and three brothers, Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights; T/4 Edward Edmiston, with the medical department on a hospital ship; Foster Edmiston, Tiona, and Arnold Edmiston, metalsmith thirdclass in the Phillippines
Times Mirror 7 April 1945
CLARENDON MAN DIES IN ACTION
Captain in 112th, Killed in Germany
From the Post-Gazette Correspondent
Clarendon, Pa, April 9 - News that Captain Elton A Edmiston of Clarendon RD#1 was killed in action on March 26, was received by his wife over the weekend. He was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth Infantry, when it left Warren in February, 1941 and accompanied that unit to Indiantown Gap and to Camp Livingston, LA.
Beside his wife, Janet Bundy Edmiston, he leaves two children, Mae Jean and Sally Ann; his parents Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Edmiston; one sister and three brothers, Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights; Technician Fourth Grade Edward Edmiston, with the medical department on a hospital ship; Foster Edmiston, Tiona, and Arnold Edmiston, metalsmsith third class in the Philippines.
BODY OF FORMER CO. I OFFICER EN ROUTE
4 Oct 1948
Mrs. Janet Edmiston, who recently moved to Meadcille from Clarendon RD 1, has been advised by the Department of the Army, that the body of her husband, Captain Elton A. Edmiston, is en route home from a military cemetery in France.
Captain Edmiston, member of Company I for 13 years, left Warren in February, 1941, with the 112th Infantry and was killed in action in Germany on March 26, 1945. He was serving with the 89th Division at the time of his death and had been twice advanced in rank since leaving Warren as a second lieutenant.
The officer was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Edmiston, Stoneham, and has rwo children.
Arrangements for final rites in his memory will be announced when further notification has been received regarding the arrival of the body.
18 Oct 1948
BODY OF CAPT. EDMISTON TO ARRIVE THURS.
Word was received here over the weekend that the body of Captain Elton Allen Edmiston, former member of Co.I, 112th Infantry, will arrive from the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot for final rites and reinterment.
Removal will be made to the Peterson Funeral Home, from where private services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday. Rev. James Kelly, pastor of Epworth Methodist Church will officiate and interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.
Captain Edmiston, officer of Co. I, when it left Warren in February, 1941, was killed in action in Germany on March 26, 1945.
He was born in Clarendon on January 15, 1910, and had spent his entire lifetime in this vicinity. Prior to leaving, he was employed as a furniture worker for the Cresent Furniture Company.
Beside his wife, Janet Edmiston, he leaves two children, Maejean and Sally Ann, also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Edmiston, Stoneham; three brothers and one sister; Ed, of Philadelphia; Foster, of Tiona; Arnold, of Stoneham and Mrs. Myrna Kingsley, Clarendon Heights.
http://www.wwiiregistry.org/search/pframe.asp?HonoreeID=561698&popcount=1&tcount=2
Elton A. Edmiston
BRANCH OF SERVICE
U.S. Army
HOMETOWN
Stoneham, PA
HONORED BY
Mark Edmiston, Grand Nephew
ACTIVITY DURING WWII
POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE SILVER STAR MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION AS COMMANDING OFFICER, COMPANY B, 354TH REGIMENT, 89TH INFANTRY DIVISION, ON 2 OCCASIONS IN GERMANY. ON MARCH 16, 1945 HIS COMPANY RECEIVED HEAVY ENEMY MACHINE GUN FIRE NEAR RIEL; HE TOOK A SQUAD OF RIFLEMEN AND BOLDLY LED THEM IN SILENCING THE HOSTILE WEAPONS. ON MARCH 26, DURING AN ASSAULT CROSSING OF THE RHINE, HE VOLUNTEERED AT GREAT RISK TO HIS OWN LIFE, WENT FORWARD FROM HIS COMPANY'S COVERED POSITION AND FOR 8 HOURS ASSISTED IN THE LOADING OF PERSONNEL FOR THE ASSAULT WAVES. WHEN SEVERE ENEMY FIRE DISRUPTED LAUNCHING OPERATIONS, HE MOVED FROM GROUP TO GROUP CALMING HIS MEN AND INSPIRING THEM TO PUSH AHEAD IN THE CROSSING. AS HE WAS SECURING INFORMATION IN PREPARATION FOR HIS COMPANY'S CROSSING, HE WAS KILLED BY ENEMY 20MM FIRE. 'HIS LEADERSHIP, ORDERLY PLANNING, PERSONAL EXAMPLE OF COURAGE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY SERVED AS AN INSPIRATION TO THE MEN OF HIS COMMAND AND OF HIS ENTIRE BATTALION,' STATES THE CITATION ACCOMPANYING THE AWARD. 'HIS ACTIONS REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE BEST TRADITIONS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE U.S.'
http://www.89infdivww2.org/memories/354_16.htm
The Rhine: A Co. C Boat Is Sunk
Shortly after Co. A started across, Co. C began its assault. By this time the river was brilliantly lighted by the burning buildings. Enemy fire was coming in with considerable accuracy. However, C's 1st platoon under Lt. Sidney Rothenberg attempted to make the crossing, leading the way for the company. One overloaded boat, carrying 25 men, capsized. S/Sgt. Robert B. Johnson, the squad leader in the boat, tore off his rifle belt, threw his weapon away and, in the face of heavy machine gun fire, swam around the boat trying to assist his men. He refused assistance from an engineer crew brought out by Capt. John E. Owens, the company commander, until all of his men who could be found were pulled to safety. Twelve men in the boat were drowned. While the rescue work was going on S/Sgt. James W. Gent, S/Sgt. Charles J. Restle and Pfc. Jesse R. Hovis provided covering fire from an exposed position in the east bank Five of the wounded men managed to swim to a sand bar in the river. Pfc. Forrest E. Wolf tried to reach them in an assault boat, but failed because of the heavy current. Returning to shore he got a motorboat and set out for the sand bar again. This time he was driven back by accurate enemy machine gun fire. Returning to the shore for the second time, he delivered covering fire while Capt. Owens, Gent, Restle and Hovis went out in a boat, succeeded in reaching the men and evacuating them. Lt. Jules J. Friedman, 1st Battalion Communications Officer, crossed the river with one of the assault companies and personally directed the wire teams, working under searing enemy fire, in connecting up the communications for the Battalion.
About dawn a couple of TDs rolled up to knock out the most damaging targets on the east bank A house on the left flank was the first target. After a few shots the house was silence except for the roar of the blaze and the explosion of ammunition from within. The TDs then moved over to the right flank to fire on a castle high on a ridge where a 20mm was firing. After a few rounds the 20mm opened up from its position further down the slope. The 20mm worked its way along the west bank searching for the TDs. Co. B was assembling there preparing to follow Co A and Co across. A 20mm shell ricocheted off a gas pump and hit Captain Elton Edmiston, CO of Company B, in the chest, killing him instantly.
When Capt. Edmiston fell, Maj. Frank L. Willis, 1st Battalion Executive Officer, helped Co. B's Executive in moving the company into action. Despite heavy enemy fire directed on the launching sites, Maj. Willis repeatedly risked his life to go to the water's edge to supervise personally the loading of the boats. He directed the flow of men and supplies, controlled the supporting fire and assisted in the location and evacuation of the wounded.
Meanwhile the 1st platoon of Co. A was working its way up through the tangle of vineyards on the east slope of the Rhine. At the summit three 20mm guns were captured and their nine crewmen taken without a fight. The company assembled on the high ground overlooking the Rhine and defended it while the rest of the Battalion crossed. It took Co. C nearly four hours to cross and by 0915 they were all on the other side. At 1000, the first men of Co. B hit the east bank.
When Co. C reached the enemy shore they reorganized, by-passed Wellmich on the right and advanced on their first objective, a castle on high ground overlooking the river. Moving swiftly and taking advantage of all possible cover, the company moved into position to take the castle. However, the enemy had withdrawn just a short time before and the castle was taken without the firing of a shot. The company then smashed inland as far as it could without unduly exposing its flanks. Maintaining all-around security to prevent an ambush, the company moved ahead rapidly and had reached Nochern by dark Capt. Owens sent an ultimatum to the Burgomeister: "Surrender the German soldiers to us or have your town razed to the ground." Within ten minutes 41 German soldiers rushed from the town and surrendered. The capture of the town put the company too far forward of the rest of the battalion so they withdrew to some woods and set up a defensive position for the night.
Inscription
CAPT, 354 INF, 89 INF DIV WORLD WAR II
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