Posthumous WW2 Silver Star

[h2oman]

I found this pair at the Tulsa gun show this weekend. Named Silver Star and un-named Purple Heart.

 

T/Sgt. Howard A. Backs

123rd Infantry Regiment

33rd Infantry Division

 

Silver Star citation reads:

 

HEADQUARTERS 33RD INFANTRY DIVISION

 

General Orders

No. 342

19 November 1945

 

AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUS)

 

Technical Sergeant HOWARD A. BACKS 20 606 001, Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action against the enemy near Mount Colugong, Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 19 April 1945. Having prepared positions for the night, Sergeant BACKS was engaged in issuing rations and water to his platoon, when enemy artillery began falling nearby. Two men were wounded, one of whom was the aid man. With disregard for his safety, Sergeant BACKS left his foxhole to procure another aid man to tend to the wounded men, and upon his return was himself wounded. Sergeant BACKS refused to be treated until the other wounded men had been given first aid and properly evacuated. After that, Sergeant BACKS issued instructions pertaining to the disposition of the platoon, and was then evacuated. The courage, coolness under fire, and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant BACKS reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.

 

 

[tarbridge]

Joe,you sure are finding some Silver Stars lately.Good Find.Robert

[grovb]

Nice set! Where was he from do you know? This is one of two things 33rd I do not have a silver star group and a postomous wwii heart.

 

thanks for showing,

 

Brandyn

[h2oman]

He was from Centralia, Illinois. I have not been able to find any additional information.