Group to TSgt William J. Bruder, 319th Infantry, 80th Infantry Division

Group to Technical Sergeant William J. Bruder, 319th Infantry, 80th Infantry Division: Bronze Star, slot brooch, hand-engraved on a slant “William/J. Bruder”; Purple Heart, slot brooch, unnamed, in a black leatherette case; Army Good Conduct Medal, slot brooch, unnamed, with a lapel pin; Europe-Africa-Middle east Campaign Medal, with one star; World War II Victory Medal. With a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, marked “Sterling” (one pin bent). With a photocopy of 80th Infantry Division General Orders No. 142 (31 May 1945) citing TSgt Bruder, Company K, 319th Infantry “For heroic achievement in Germany on 16 February 1945, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States. After attacking a strongly-held Siegfried Line pillbox near Wallendorf, Germany, on 16 February 1945, it was necessary to withdraw for a reorganization. Because of the severe enemy fire, many casualties were left on the field. T Sgt Bruder, a platoon sergeant, with utter disregard for his own personal, repeatedly returned through the heavy enemy artillery concentrations to carry wounded comrades to safety. The courage, bravery and loyal devotion to his fellow soldiers and to duty, displayed by T Sgt Bruder exemplify the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States…” Born in Baltimore in 1921, Bruder enlisted in September 1942 and died 12 January 1989. TSgt Bruder is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.