Handwritten-Fri. March 3, 1944
SGT. WILLIS TAYLOR, 22, KILLED IN ACTION IN ITALY, PARENTS LEROY TAYLOR'S, INFORMED THURSDAY
Nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of This Place, Son-in-Law of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellinger, Salem, Reported Killed January 30-Well known in Community
Sgt. Willis E. Taylor, 22, a member of a Ranger Battalion in Italy, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor, for many years residents of this community and now residing in Decatur, was killed in action according to word received Thursday by the parents from the War Department. The young man was a nephew to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of this place, the other, formerly Anna Blum, being a sister to Mr. Blum.
According to the message, Sgt. Taylor was killed on January 30. No particulars were given as to where the action took place in which the young soldier lost his life, or what the circumstances at the time of death might have been.
The Taylor family moved here some years ago from Saybrook, Illinois where Willis was born. The family had been farming in the muck lands east of town, until about a year ago, when the family moved to Decatur.
Besides the parents he is survived by a widow, the former Miss Vivian Dellinger, and two small children.
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "1944 Jan-Oct" Scrapbook Image 21
(Contributed by Janice Vasilovski)
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Handwritten-Mon. Mar. 6, 1944
Killed in Action
Sgt. Willis E. Taylor
The above photo is likeness of Sgt. Willis E. Taylor 22, formerly of this community and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Taylor, now residing in Decatur, who was killed in action in Italy on January 30. He was serving with a Ranger Battalion and the family believes he was killed in the Battle of Cassino.
S/Sgt. Taylor entered the army as a private and promotions came rapidly to him in his 15 months of service in the Army, reaching the third highest petty officer rank that is possible to attain. He entered the Army Nov. 3, 1942, and received his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Ga., and was later transferred to a replacement center at Camp Shenango, P., from which place he left for overseas on April 30, 1943. He landed in North Africa, where he saw action and followed the Army in the Sicilian Invasion, landing with Gen. Mark Clark's Army at Salerno, one of the first beachheads made on the Italian Peninsula.
His wife and their two small children reside with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellinger, near Salem in Blue Creek Township. Sgt Taylor was a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of this place.
Adams County, Indiana Historical MUSEUM "1943Jan-July1944"
Image 15
Transcribed by Janice Vasilovski
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Handwritten-Fri. March 10, 1944
Story Told of Battle of Rangers in Which Sgt. Willis Taylor Was Believed Killed
What is believed to be the story of the battle of the Rangers in which Sgt. Willis E. Taylor, formerly of this community lost his life in Italy on January 30, is (blurry) A German announced at that time that some 950 had been taken prisoner. The Nazis said about 100 were killed and many more wounded.
The two battalions of Rangers were the spearhead of an attack on Cisterna at a time when the Allied troops on the beachhead still were pushing forward with little opposition. They were to infiltrate behind the German lines in the dark of night and cause a ruction? in Cisterna at dawn when forces of infantry on each side would move into the town and join them.
The infantry never arrived, however. The Germans, too, had been on the move during the night. Reinforcements had been brought up in front of Cisterna. The Rangers were trapped.
Two of the little handful who escaped, Cpl. Ben W. Mosier of Ashtabula, O., and Sgt. Thomas B. Fergen of Parkston, S. D., later told of the fierce, futile battle that followed.
"When it got light," said Mosier, we saw one big building ahead and trees all around it. Behind us there was a tank and when we saw it we cheered. We thought it was supporting us. Then it opened up against us and we knew what it was."
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "1944 Jan-Oct" Scrapbook Image 22
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Decatur Daily Democrat
Adams County, Indiana
Wed., Feb. 14, 1945
WAR VICTIM'S MOTHER RECEIVES LETTER FROM SON'S COMMANDER
Mrs. Leroy Taylor, 503 N. Seventh street, mother of Staff Sgt. Willis Taylor who died in action with the American Rangers in Italy on January 30, 1944, has received a letter from First Lt. James J. Altieri, who was Sgt. Taylor's commanding officer in the fatal battle.
The army officer describes the battle and pays tribute to Sgt. Taylor. His letter follows:
January 31, 1945
My dear Mrs. Taylor:
Your most welcome letter arrived today, and as I did know your brave son personally, am more than anxious to enlighten you in regards to information you desired.
Mrs. Taylor, I realize only too well what the loss of your son means to those who loved him. Truly your grief and sorrow cannot be compensated by anything that I might state. However, you have a right to be terribly proud - for your son was outstanding among his fellowmen. He held the esteem and respect of all those who knew him and he died a hero's death among his friends. He and the many other Rangers who were killed on the Anzio beachhead will never be forgotten for what they have done for their country. It is indeed tragic that so many of our best and bravest have lost their lives, but it is inevitable in a war so fiercely waged as this one.
Just before our embarkation for the landings at Anzio, I was placed in command of the 2nd platoon of "C" company. Willis was my mortar Sgt. From the time that I first met him, he was always conscientious and efficient in his work. He always made it a practice to help others and to pass along good advice to the new men. When we landed at Anzio he was at his best - cool-confident- efficient. He was of inestimable help to the success of many of the platoon's missions. During the first few days of the beachhead he was exceedingly cheerful despite the circumstances. He certainly was never afraid of death, but he voiced the wish that he hoped he would not be wounded and come home crippled or disfigured - he wished to die an instantaneous death if it had to come.
Just before the Rangers were to attack Cisterna, I was placed in command of another company and did not get to see him before the attack. The last I saw him he was smiling and kidding with some of the fellows, Comany "C" - his company, was the spearhead of the attack up the road to Cisternia. Advancing at night on January 30, they encountered stiff opposition from well entrenched German positions astride the important road. His company was in the thick of the fight, destroying many enemy positions. Their losses were heavy also.
Meanwhile, the first and third ranger battalions had infiltrated past the enemy outposts and were almost into the town, when they became surrounded by strong enemy forces. The story of how they fought until the end is well known. The two Battalions were lost.
Willis was found the next day and was given a proper burial with a chaplain attending services. His grave is well kept and marked.
I with I could tell you more, but you no doubt realize how difficult it is to reconstruct something of that nature. However, I can assure you of this much: He died an instant death-the way he wished it; and he had no fear of death.
Only the loved ones of those who fell know the full and poignant meaning of sacrifice. From all those who knew Willis, may we extend our profound and heartfelt condolence. We feel proud to have lived and fought with men such as he.
If you have a close-up picture of Willis, I may be able to add it to the Ranger book. This book will be ready sometime in the near future. When it is, I shall be pleased to present you with one of the first copies free of charge as a presentation of the Ranger.
I shall be ever ready to be of any help, should you desire further information on anything pertaining to the Rangers.
Hoping you the very best.
I remain,
James A. Altieri
1st Lt. Infantry
(Formerly of the Rangers)
Besides the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor of this city, Sgt. Taylor is survived by his widow and two small children. His wife is the former Vivian Dellinger of Blue Creek township.
SGT. WILLIS TAYLOR, 22, KILLED IN ACTION IN ITALY, PARENTS LEROY TAYLOR'S, INFORMED THURSDAY
Nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of This Place, Son-in-Law of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellinger, Salem, Reported Killed January 30-Well known in Community
Sgt. Willis E. Taylor, 22, a member of a Ranger Battalion in Italy, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor, for many years residents of this community and now residing in Decatur, was killed in action according to word received Thursday by the parents from the War Department. The young man was a nephew to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of this place, the other, formerly Anna Blum, being a sister to Mr. Blum.
According to the message, Sgt. Taylor was killed on January 30. No particulars were given as to where the action took place in which the young soldier lost his life, or what the circumstances at the time of death might have been.
The Taylor family moved here some years ago from Saybrook, Illinois where Willis was born. The family had been farming in the muck lands east of town, until about a year ago, when the family moved to Decatur.
Besides the parents he is survived by a widow, the former Miss Vivian Dellinger, and two small children.
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "1944 Jan-Oct" Scrapbook Image 21
(Contributed by Janice Vasilovski)
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Handwritten-Mon. Mar. 6, 1944
Killed in Action
Sgt. Willis E. Taylor
The above photo is likeness of Sgt. Willis E. Taylor 22, formerly of this community and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Taylor, now residing in Decatur, who was killed in action in Italy on January 30. He was serving with a Ranger Battalion and the family believes he was killed in the Battle of Cassino.
S/Sgt. Taylor entered the army as a private and promotions came rapidly to him in his 15 months of service in the Army, reaching the third highest petty officer rank that is possible to attain. He entered the Army Nov. 3, 1942, and received his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Ga., and was later transferred to a replacement center at Camp Shenango, P., from which place he left for overseas on April 30, 1943. He landed in North Africa, where he saw action and followed the Army in the Sicilian Invasion, landing with Gen. Mark Clark's Army at Salerno, one of the first beachheads made on the Italian Peninsula.
His wife and their two small children reside with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellinger, near Salem in Blue Creek Township. Sgt Taylor was a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of this place.
Adams County, Indiana Historical MUSEUM "1943Jan-July1944"
Image 15
Transcribed by Janice Vasilovski
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Handwritten-Fri. March 10, 1944
Story Told of Battle of Rangers in Which Sgt. Willis Taylor Was Believed Killed
What is believed to be the story of the battle of the Rangers in which Sgt. Willis E. Taylor, formerly of this community lost his life in Italy on January 30, is (blurry) A German announced at that time that some 950 had been taken prisoner. The Nazis said about 100 were killed and many more wounded.
The two battalions of Rangers were the spearhead of an attack on Cisterna at a time when the Allied troops on the beachhead still were pushing forward with little opposition. They were to infiltrate behind the German lines in the dark of night and cause a ruction? in Cisterna at dawn when forces of infantry on each side would move into the town and join them.
The infantry never arrived, however. The Germans, too, had been on the move during the night. Reinforcements had been brought up in front of Cisterna. The Rangers were trapped.
Two of the little handful who escaped, Cpl. Ben W. Mosier of Ashtabula, O., and Sgt. Thomas B. Fergen of Parkston, S. D., later told of the fierce, futile battle that followed.
"When it got light," said Mosier, we saw one big building ahead and trees all around it. Behind us there was a tank and when we saw it we cheered. We thought it was supporting us. Then it opened up against us and we knew what it was."
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "1944 Jan-Oct" Scrapbook Image 22
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Decatur Daily Democrat
Adams County, Indiana
Wed., Feb. 14, 1945
WAR VICTIM'S MOTHER RECEIVES LETTER FROM SON'S COMMANDER
Mrs. Leroy Taylor, 503 N. Seventh street, mother of Staff Sgt. Willis Taylor who died in action with the American Rangers in Italy on January 30, 1944, has received a letter from First Lt. James J. Altieri, who was Sgt. Taylor's commanding officer in the fatal battle.
The army officer describes the battle and pays tribute to Sgt. Taylor. His letter follows:
January 31, 1945
My dear Mrs. Taylor:
Your most welcome letter arrived today, and as I did know your brave son personally, am more than anxious to enlighten you in regards to information you desired.
Mrs. Taylor, I realize only too well what the loss of your son means to those who loved him. Truly your grief and sorrow cannot be compensated by anything that I might state. However, you have a right to be terribly proud - for your son was outstanding among his fellowmen. He held the esteem and respect of all those who knew him and he died a hero's death among his friends. He and the many other Rangers who were killed on the Anzio beachhead will never be forgotten for what they have done for their country. It is indeed tragic that so many of our best and bravest have lost their lives, but it is inevitable in a war so fiercely waged as this one.
Just before our embarkation for the landings at Anzio, I was placed in command of the 2nd platoon of "C" company. Willis was my mortar Sgt. From the time that I first met him, he was always conscientious and efficient in his work. He always made it a practice to help others and to pass along good advice to the new men. When we landed at Anzio he was at his best - cool-confident- efficient. He was of inestimable help to the success of many of the platoon's missions. During the first few days of the beachhead he was exceedingly cheerful despite the circumstances. He certainly was never afraid of death, but he voiced the wish that he hoped he would not be wounded and come home crippled or disfigured - he wished to die an instantaneous death if it had to come.
Just before the Rangers were to attack Cisterna, I was placed in command of another company and did not get to see him before the attack. The last I saw him he was smiling and kidding with some of the fellows, Comany "C" - his company, was the spearhead of the attack up the road to Cisternia. Advancing at night on January 30, they encountered stiff opposition from well entrenched German positions astride the important road. His company was in the thick of the fight, destroying many enemy positions. Their losses were heavy also.
Meanwhile, the first and third ranger battalions had infiltrated past the enemy outposts and were almost into the town, when they became surrounded by strong enemy forces. The story of how they fought until the end is well known. The two Battalions were lost.
Willis was found the next day and was given a proper burial with a chaplain attending services. His grave is well kept and marked.
I with I could tell you more, but you no doubt realize how difficult it is to reconstruct something of that nature. However, I can assure you of this much: He died an instant death-the way he wished it; and he had no fear of death.
Only the loved ones of those who fell know the full and poignant meaning of sacrifice. From all those who knew Willis, may we extend our profound and heartfelt condolence. We feel proud to have lived and fought with men such as he.
If you have a close-up picture of Willis, I may be able to add it to the Ranger book. This book will be ready sometime in the near future. When it is, I shall be pleased to present you with one of the first copies free of charge as a presentation of the Ranger.
I shall be ever ready to be of any help, should you desire further information on anything pertaining to the Rangers.
Hoping you the very best.
I remain,
James A. Altieri
1st Lt. Infantry
(Formerly of the Rangers)
Besides the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor of this city, Sgt. Taylor is survived by his widow and two small children. His wife is the former Vivian Dellinger of Blue Creek township.
Handwritten-Fri. March 3, 1944
SGT. WILLIS TAYLOR, 22, KILLED IN ACTION IN ITALY, PARENTS LEROY TAYLOR'S, INFORMED THURSDAY
Nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of This Place, Son-in-Law of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellinger, Salem, Reported Killed January 30-Well known in Community
Sgt. Willis E. Taylor, 22, a member of a Ranger Battalion in Italy, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor, for many years residents of this community and now residing in Decatur, was killed in action according to word received Thursday by the parents from the War Department. The young man was a nephew to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of this place, the other, formerly Anna Blum, being a sister to Mr. Blum.
According to the message, Sgt. Taylor was killed on January 30. No particulars were given as to where the action took place in which the young soldier lost his life, or what the circumstances at the time of death might have been.
The Taylor family moved here some years ago from Saybrook, Illinois where Willis was born. The family had been farming in the muck lands east of town, until about a year ago, when the family moved to Decatur.
Besides the parents he is survived by a widow, the former Miss Vivian Dellinger, and two small children.
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "1944 Jan-Oct" Scrapbook Image 21
(Contributed by Janice Vasilovski)
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Handwritten-Mon. Mar. 6, 1944
Killed in Action
Sgt. Willis E. Taylor
The above photo is likeness of Sgt. Willis E. Taylor 22, formerly of this community and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Taylor, now residing in Decatur, who was killed in action in Italy on January 30. He was serving with a Ranger Battalion and the family believes he was killed in the Battle of Cassino.
S/Sgt. Taylor entered the army as a private and promotions came rapidly to him in his 15 months of service in the Army, reaching the third highest petty officer rank that is possible to attain. He entered the Army Nov. 3, 1942, and received his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Ga., and was later transferred to a replacement center at Camp Shenango, P., from which place he left for overseas on April 30, 1943. He landed in North Africa, where he saw action and followed the Army in the Sicilian Invasion, landing with Gen. Mark Clark's Army at Salerno, one of the first beachheads made on the Italian Peninsula.
His wife and their two small children reside with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellinger, near Salem in Blue Creek Township. Sgt Taylor was a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of this place.
Adams County, Indiana Historical MUSEUM "1943Jan-July1944"
Image 15
Transcribed by Janice Vasilovski
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Handwritten-Fri. March 10, 1944
Story Told of Battle of Rangers in Which Sgt. Willis Taylor Was Believed Killed
What is believed to be the story of the battle of the Rangers in which Sgt. Willis E. Taylor, formerly of this community lost his life in Italy on January 30, is (blurry) A German announced at that time that some 950 had been taken prisoner. The Nazis said about 100 were killed and many more wounded.
The two battalions of Rangers were the spearhead of an attack on Cisterna at a time when the Allied troops on the beachhead still were pushing forward with little opposition. They were to infiltrate behind the German lines in the dark of night and cause a ruction? in Cisterna at dawn when forces of infantry on each side would move into the town and join them.
The infantry never arrived, however. The Germans, too, had been on the move during the night. Reinforcements had been brought up in front of Cisterna. The Rangers were trapped.
Two of the little handful who escaped, Cpl. Ben W. Mosier of Ashtabula, O., and Sgt. Thomas B. Fergen of Parkston, S. D., later told of the fierce, futile battle that followed.
"When it got light," said Mosier, we saw one big building ahead and trees all around it. Behind us there was a tank and when we saw it we cheered. We thought it was supporting us. Then it opened up against us and we knew what it was."
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "1944 Jan-Oct" Scrapbook Image 22
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Decatur Daily Democrat
Adams County, Indiana
Wed., Feb. 14, 1945
WAR VICTIM'S MOTHER RECEIVES LETTER FROM SON'S COMMANDER
Mrs. Leroy Taylor, 503 N. Seventh street, mother of Staff Sgt. Willis Taylor who died in action with the American Rangers in Italy on January 30, 1944, has received a letter from First Lt. James J. Altieri, who was Sgt. Taylor's commanding officer in the fatal battle.
The army officer describes the battle and pays tribute to Sgt. Taylor. His letter follows:
January 31, 1945
My dear Mrs. Taylor:
Your most welcome letter arrived today, and as I did know your brave son personally, am more than anxious to enlighten you in regards to information you desired.
Mrs. Taylor, I realize only too well what the loss of your son means to those who loved him. Truly your grief and sorrow cannot be compensated by anything that I might state. However, you have a right to be terribly proud - for your son was outstanding among his fellowmen. He held the esteem and respect of all those who knew him and he died a hero's death among his friends. He and the many other Rangers who were killed on the Anzio beachhead will never be forgotten for what they have done for their country. It is indeed tragic that so many of our best and bravest have lost their lives, but it is inevitable in a war so fiercely waged as this one.
Just before our embarkation for the landings at Anzio, I was placed in command of the 2nd platoon of "C" company. Willis was my mortar Sgt. From the time that I first met him, he was always conscientious and efficient in his work. He always made it a practice to help others and to pass along good advice to the new men. When we landed at Anzio he was at his best - cool-confident- efficient. He was of inestimable help to the success of many of the platoon's missions. During the first few days of the beachhead he was exceedingly cheerful despite the circumstances. He certainly was never afraid of death, but he voiced the wish that he hoped he would not be wounded and come home crippled or disfigured - he wished to die an instantaneous death if it had to come.
Just before the Rangers were to attack Cisterna, I was placed in command of another company and did not get to see him before the attack. The last I saw him he was smiling and kidding with some of the fellows, Comany "C" - his company, was the spearhead of the attack up the road to Cisternia. Advancing at night on January 30, they encountered stiff opposition from well entrenched German positions astride the important road. His company was in the thick of the fight, destroying many enemy positions. Their losses were heavy also.
Meanwhile, the first and third ranger battalions had infiltrated past the enemy outposts and were almost into the town, when they became surrounded by strong enemy forces. The story of how they fought until the end is well known. The two Battalions were lost.
Willis was found the next day and was given a proper burial with a chaplain attending services. His grave is well kept and marked.
I with I could tell you more, but you no doubt realize how difficult it is to reconstruct something of that nature. However, I can assure you of this much: He died an instant death-the way he wished it; and he had no fear of death.
Only the loved ones of those who fell know the full and poignant meaning of sacrifice. From all those who knew Willis, may we extend our profound and heartfelt condolence. We feel proud to have lived and fought with men such as he.
If you have a close-up picture of Willis, I may be able to add it to the Ranger book. This book will be ready sometime in the near future. When it is, I shall be pleased to present you with one of the first copies free of charge as a presentation of the Ranger.
I shall be ever ready to be of any help, should you desire further information on anything pertaining to the Rangers.
Hoping you the very best.
I remain,
James A. Altieri
1st Lt. Infantry
(Formerly of the Rangers)
Besides the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor of this city, Sgt. Taylor is survived by his widow and two small children. His wife is the former Vivian Dellinger of Blue Creek township.
SGT. WILLIS TAYLOR, 22, KILLED IN ACTION IN ITALY, PARENTS LEROY TAYLOR'S, INFORMED THURSDAY
Nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of This Place, Son-in-Law of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellinger, Salem, Reported Killed January 30-Well known in Community
Sgt. Willis E. Taylor, 22, a member of a Ranger Battalion in Italy, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor, for many years residents of this community and now residing in Decatur, was killed in action according to word received Thursday by the parents from the War Department. The young man was a nephew to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of this place, the other, formerly Anna Blum, being a sister to Mr. Blum.
According to the message, Sgt. Taylor was killed on January 30. No particulars were given as to where the action took place in which the young soldier lost his life, or what the circumstances at the time of death might have been.
The Taylor family moved here some years ago from Saybrook, Illinois where Willis was born. The family had been farming in the muck lands east of town, until about a year ago, when the family moved to Decatur.
Besides the parents he is survived by a widow, the former Miss Vivian Dellinger, and two small children.
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "1944 Jan-Oct" Scrapbook Image 21
(Contributed by Janice Vasilovski)
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Handwritten-Mon. Mar. 6, 1944
Killed in Action
Sgt. Willis E. Taylor
The above photo is likeness of Sgt. Willis E. Taylor 22, formerly of this community and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Taylor, now residing in Decatur, who was killed in action in Italy on January 30. He was serving with a Ranger Battalion and the family believes he was killed in the Battle of Cassino.
S/Sgt. Taylor entered the army as a private and promotions came rapidly to him in his 15 months of service in the Army, reaching the third highest petty officer rank that is possible to attain. He entered the Army Nov. 3, 1942, and received his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Ga., and was later transferred to a replacement center at Camp Shenango, P., from which place he left for overseas on April 30, 1943. He landed in North Africa, where he saw action and followed the Army in the Sicilian Invasion, landing with Gen. Mark Clark's Army at Salerno, one of the first beachheads made on the Italian Peninsula.
His wife and their two small children reside with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dellinger, near Salem in Blue Creek Township. Sgt Taylor was a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blum of this place.
Adams County, Indiana Historical MUSEUM "1943Jan-July1944"
Image 15
Transcribed by Janice Vasilovski
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Handwritten-Fri. March 10, 1944
Story Told of Battle of Rangers in Which Sgt. Willis Taylor Was Believed Killed
What is believed to be the story of the battle of the Rangers in which Sgt. Willis E. Taylor, formerly of this community lost his life in Italy on January 30, is (blurry) A German announced at that time that some 950 had been taken prisoner. The Nazis said about 100 were killed and many more wounded.
The two battalions of Rangers were the spearhead of an attack on Cisterna at a time when the Allied troops on the beachhead still were pushing forward with little opposition. They were to infiltrate behind the German lines in the dark of night and cause a ruction? in Cisterna at dawn when forces of infantry on each side would move into the town and join them.
The infantry never arrived, however. The Germans, too, had been on the move during the night. Reinforcements had been brought up in front of Cisterna. The Rangers were trapped.
Two of the little handful who escaped, Cpl. Ben W. Mosier of Ashtabula, O., and Sgt. Thomas B. Fergen of Parkston, S. D., later told of the fierce, futile battle that followed.
"When it got light," said Mosier, we saw one big building ahead and trees all around it. Behind us there was a tank and when we saw it we cheered. We thought it was supporting us. Then it opened up against us and we knew what it was."
Adams County, Indiana Historical Museum "1944 Jan-Oct" Scrapbook Image 22
Contributor: Karin King (47469179)
----
Decatur Daily Democrat
Adams County, Indiana
Wed., Feb. 14, 1945
WAR VICTIM'S MOTHER RECEIVES LETTER FROM SON'S COMMANDER
Mrs. Leroy Taylor, 503 N. Seventh street, mother of Staff Sgt. Willis Taylor who died in action with the American Rangers in Italy on January 30, 1944, has received a letter from First Lt. James J. Altieri, who was Sgt. Taylor's commanding officer in the fatal battle.
The army officer describes the battle and pays tribute to Sgt. Taylor. His letter follows:
January 31, 1945
My dear Mrs. Taylor:
Your most welcome letter arrived today, and as I did know your brave son personally, am more than anxious to enlighten you in regards to information you desired.
Mrs. Taylor, I realize only too well what the loss of your son means to those who loved him. Truly your grief and sorrow cannot be compensated by anything that I might state. However, you have a right to be terribly proud - for your son was outstanding among his fellowmen. He held the esteem and respect of all those who knew him and he died a hero's death among his friends. He and the many other Rangers who were killed on the Anzio beachhead will never be forgotten for what they have done for their country. It is indeed tragic that so many of our best and bravest have lost their lives, but it is inevitable in a war so fiercely waged as this one.
Just before our embarkation for the landings at Anzio, I was placed in command of the 2nd platoon of "C" company. Willis was my mortar Sgt. From the time that I first met him, he was always conscientious and efficient in his work. He always made it a practice to help others and to pass along good advice to the new men. When we landed at Anzio he was at his best - cool-confident- efficient. He was of inestimable help to the success of many of the platoon's missions. During the first few days of the beachhead he was exceedingly cheerful despite the circumstances. He certainly was never afraid of death, but he voiced the wish that he hoped he would not be wounded and come home crippled or disfigured - he wished to die an instantaneous death if it had to come.
Just before the Rangers were to attack Cisterna, I was placed in command of another company and did not get to see him before the attack. The last I saw him he was smiling and kidding with some of the fellows, Comany "C" - his company, was the spearhead of the attack up the road to Cisternia. Advancing at night on January 30, they encountered stiff opposition from well entrenched German positions astride the important road. His company was in the thick of the fight, destroying many enemy positions. Their losses were heavy also.
Meanwhile, the first and third ranger battalions had infiltrated past the enemy outposts and were almost into the town, when they became surrounded by strong enemy forces. The story of how they fought until the end is well known. The two Battalions were lost.
Willis was found the next day and was given a proper burial with a chaplain attending services. His grave is well kept and marked.
I with I could tell you more, but you no doubt realize how difficult it is to reconstruct something of that nature. However, I can assure you of this much: He died an instant death-the way he wished it; and he had no fear of death.
Only the loved ones of those who fell know the full and poignant meaning of sacrifice. From all those who knew Willis, may we extend our profound and heartfelt condolence. We feel proud to have lived and fought with men such as he.
If you have a close-up picture of Willis, I may be able to add it to the Ranger book. This book will be ready sometime in the near future. When it is, I shall be pleased to present you with one of the first copies free of charge as a presentation of the Ranger.
I shall be ever ready to be of any help, should you desire further information on anything pertaining to the Rangers.
Hoping you the very best.
I remain,
James A. Altieri
1st Lt. Infantry
(Formerly of the Rangers)
Besides the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Taylor of this city, Sgt. Taylor is survived by his widow and two small children. His wife is the former Vivian Dellinger of Blue Creek township.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Indiana.
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