WWII Blue Spaders SSM recipient

[ww2guymandude]

Thanks to another forum member, I was able to acquire this fantastic ike jacket recently! I found this one especially interesting because of how unknown, yet eventful this small battle was. Here’s the story of the assault on Elend, Germany and Sgt. Murphy’s time with Company “B”, 26th Inf.

 

Sergeant Joseph R. Murphy enlisted in Utica, New York on January 22, 1943, eventually finding himself with Co. B 26th Infantry Regiment. On April 16th, 1945 the 26th Infantry was advancing through Braunlage, Germany, with Murphy’s company spearheading the upcoming advance into Elend. B Company was tasked with securing the city of Elend, with C Company in reserve and Companies A and D in a supporting fire role. Prior to the assault, it was thought by the commanding officers that there would be very little resistance going into the town. Murphy’s company was however still outfitted with two tanks and two TDs to ensure a swift capture of Elend. Everyone in the company was issued a second ammunition bandolier and one-third K ration, in the event that the company would be too occupied for a warm meal that night. Members of the company recall that the days were very warm and sunny, with bitter cold nights. On 17 April, 1945 at 1500, B Company moved across the LD in their prescribed formation. Two German medium tanks were spotted past ridge 44 with their 88mm cannons pointed towards B Company. They had a straight shot into Braunlage, however they did not observe B Company’s movements. It was planned to line up all the armor elements in the company and take out the German armor in one swift barrage, however one of the tank gunners fired early, destroying his target, but alarming the other tank. The Germans destroyed the bridge over Bremke Creek, obscuring the pathway into Elend and creating a massive smoke screen blocking any vision into the city. After a massive allier artillery barrage onto the city, all three platoons moved through the artillery towards the creek. No small arms fire was noticed until this point, however as soon as the troops took up their positions at the creek, a terrific hail of machine pistol, machine gun and rifle fire greeted them. This is where Sergeant (then PFC) Joseph R. Murphy earned his Silver Star Medal. His citations reads:

 

“For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Elend, Germany, 17 April 1945. When an assault platoon was impeded by an intense machine-gun and small-arms concentration from a strongly fortified enemy emplacement, Sergeant Murphy, with utter disregard for personal safety, courageously crosses perilous terrain to an exposed vantage point and, crawling within range, directed a well-placed hand grenade and destroyed the hostile strongpoint and captured a member of hostile troops. His gallant actions and outstanding initiative exemplify the aggressiveness of the American soldier.”

 

By 2345, B Company had achieved its objective: the eastern edge of the town. The other companies moved in to link with B, and the town was declared secured.

 

 

 

 

[Military_Curator]

Nice uniform man!

[BILL THE PATCH]

Very nice indeed, congrats

 

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

 

[GIKyle]

Tried to send you a PM (not to buy - for info) - if you could send me one I'd appreciate it.

[ww2guymandude]

Just cleared up some of my PMs. Should be able to receive messages now.

[carbinephalen]

This is incredible!

[ww2guymandude]

Bumping this one for the 75th anniversary of SSgt. Murphy’s actions on 17, April 1945.