ajbUSWM Posted June 28, 2015 Share #1 Posted June 28, 2015 I just acquired a cased WWII Purple Heart named to a corporal who served in the Top Secret 23rd Headquarters Special Troops "Ghost Army". He may have served in the: 603rd Camouflage Battalion 3132nd Signal Service Company 3133rd Sonic Deception Co. 406th Combat Engineers The 23rd was so elusive and so good at their trade, that out of 1,100 men, only three were killed and three captured during WWII. This Purple Heart belongs to one of the three captured and wounded. During the Battle of the Bulge, the 23rd became a ghost 75th Armored Division tying up precious German resources and time with the diversion. They were so good that the US 4th Army complained that the 75th fighting next to them was not holding up during the German advance. Little did they know that the 75th consisted of sound trucks, false radio communications and other diversions. Captured Panzer troops from the Battle of the Bulge stated that they expected massive battles with the 75th but were surprised to encounter little resistance. The Germans finally pinpointed the 75th and opened up with their rail guns wounding several and leading to the capture of this corporal. He was first reported captured on January 7, 1945 but does not say where he was held. No doubt he was thoroughly questioned. This unit played a major role during the Battle of the Bulge and crossing the Rhine. Congress has nominated the 23rd to receive the "Congressional Gold Medal" for their superior achievements. Anyone who can provide more information would be appreciated. I have his NARA records (enlistment and POW records) but little else. I would like to know what his role is and what specific unit within the 23rd. So as far as rarity, this is one of around two dozen Purple Hearts issued for the entire 23rd. Pretty cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted June 28, 2015 Share #2 Posted June 28, 2015 Very nice Purple Heart.Do you know for sure he was part of the 23rd? I did find the same name a paratrooper assigned to the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment.It doesn't show a middle initial though. Misterka Alexander http://www.usairborne.be/Roster/ROSTER-513PIR.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajbUSWM Posted June 29, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted June 29, 2015 Very interesting. The POW record matches with the middle initial. Interesting matching of a very unique name though. WOW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted June 29, 2015 Share #4 Posted June 29, 2015 Very interesting. The POW record matches with the middle initial. Interesting matching of a very unique name though. WOW. Not sure if you can get the other one's record. The list didn't have a middle initial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajbUSWM Posted June 29, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted June 29, 2015 Wait you might be on to something. I will research this further. Nice tip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovmilinsig Posted June 29, 2015 Share #6 Posted June 29, 2015 Great PH find with a very interesting history. Thanks for posting. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajbUSWM Posted June 29, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted June 29, 2015 Just a crazy thought but is it possible that Alexander Misterka was added to the 513th PIR roster to cover up his role in the top secret 23rd? It sounds crazy but they were fighting in the same area at the same time (Battle of the Bulge) and since the 23rd took on the uniforms of their ghost armies (or at least the patches), maybe he was wearing a 513th uniform and after capture retro added to the roster?I know this sounds crazy but having two servicemen with the same unique name at the same place at the same time seems like long odds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schofield1943 Posted June 29, 2015 Share #8 Posted June 29, 2015 Great find. The PBS documentary on the Ghost Army is a terrific watch for anyone who hasn't seen it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted June 29, 2015 Share #9 Posted June 29, 2015 Wait you might be on to something. I will research this further. Nice tip! You're welcome. Either person it's a nice heart. Obviously the 23rd would be the better one but a 513th PIR isn't bad either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted June 29, 2015 Share #10 Posted June 29, 2015 Just a crazy thought but is it possible that Alexander Misterka was added to the 513th PIR roster to cover up his role in the top secret 23rd? It sounds crazy but they were fighting in the same area at the same time (Battle of the Bulge) and since the 23rd took on the uniforms of their ghost armies (or at least the patches), maybe he was wearing a 513th uniform and after capture retro added to the roster? I know this sounds crazy but having two servicemen with the same unique name at the same place at the same time seems like long odds. Could be but I would think no. If he was in a factious unit they wouldn't want the enemy to know another unit, real one, was in the area.There is a book on the GHOST ARMY.It might be worth while to pick up.If there were that few KIA/WIA's I would think there would be a story in there about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajbUSWM Posted July 10, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted July 10, 2015 I might sell this ultra-rare 23rd HQ Special Troops Purple Heart if there is interest. Again, he is one of only three captured during WWII. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted July 10, 2015 Share #12 Posted July 10, 2015 Here is his grave: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=37175394 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajbUSWM Posted July 10, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted July 10, 2015 You guys on here are amazing researchers.. really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uniformcollector Posted July 11, 2015 Share #14 Posted July 11, 2015 Wow! How did I miss this thread? This is an incredible Purple Heart for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyboy_trav Posted October 12, 2016 Share #15 Posted October 12, 2016 I'm leaning toward the 513th PIR. I've checked all of the 23rd rosters and have not located him. I have a PH grouping to a documented 23rd HQ ST member and have checked all over the place for the name on your PH but have been unsuccessful. Not saying there's no possibility, but I can't find him on any of the rosters. How did you get the info that he was with the 23rd? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael86 Posted April 12, 2018 Share #16 Posted April 12, 2018 Hello abjuswm! My name is Michael Sherman and Alexander A Misterka is actually my great grandfather! I saw this post from google when I was looking up in formation on his time in ww2. Him and my great grandmother were basically my parents growing up. I know this post is from a few years ago but was hoping you might still have his Purple Heart or know where it may be now. It would mean a lot to me to have it as I have very little from his past. Please let me know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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