World War Two Veterans

1/29/2012

Kenneth C. Anger USNR
Rank: Fireman 2nd Class
Served aboard U.S.S New Orleans
Entry 7/13/45 - served 1year 20 days
Amphibious Training - Coronado, CA
Awards: Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area, Campaign Medal

Picture is from his trip to Washington D.C. on the Freedom Honor Flight that brings Veterans to visit the various Veteran monumnets for the day along with many other surprises. To learn more about his and his son's experience, please click here.

More pictures from his trip to D.C. coming soon.

Staff Sergeant Charles Mower, 1944

Charles Mower on the left (click image to enlarge)

Mower was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. additional recognition came when a hospital ship (later made into a troop ship) was named for him. Three plaques removed from his ship when it was eventually dismantled asre displayed in Chippewa falls at the post office, McDonell High School, and the American Legion Post.

*More pictures coming

Charles Mower, bottom left (click image to enlarge)

It was in 1944 that a second area man earned the highest of honors while serving in the Philippines. Staff Sergeant Charles Mower of Chippewa Falls, WI was assistant squad leader while serving near Capoocan on the island of Leyte.

When his squad leader was killed in a Japanese attack he took over the command, although he was severely wounded and crouched in an exposed position in a stream. By following the directions he shouted, Mower's men undercover were able to destroy two enemy machine guns and fight off many of their enemy. The enemy soldiers eventually spotted him and concentrated their firepower upon him. Not only was the squad's mission successfully completed, due in large part to Sergeant Mower's heroic action, but he had undoubtedly saved the lives of the approximately 200 men in his unit.

Harold Kronenberg (Diz)- Back Row, Second person from the right

Harold Kronenberg, better known as "Diz", has spent his adult life immersed in history. For 36 years he taught Social Studies in the public school system and also served in World War Two. Diz was a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress and was involved in 41 missions. His first 21 missions were flown with the Fifteenth Air Force out of North Africa and Italy. In March of 1944, Kronenberg was transferred to to the Eighth Air Force in England, where he completed his tour of duty by flying 20 more missions. His last mission was flown on June 5, 1944, the day before the Normandy invasion (Commonly known as D-Day). Diz has written several books (See below) including a more recent book we will post in the near future.

_Harold, better known as Diz, Kronenberg, is a former Bombadier during World War Two.

After World War Two, Diz married his sweetheart, went to college on the G.I. Bill, became a history teacher, golf & baseball pro & coach, and wrote 5 books along with other publications. He was part of organizing an annual Veteran Golf Outing for four years.He has done alot on behalf of Veterans and even reached out to the first Hmong who settled in his area.

Diz has so many interesting stories and it's always fun to listen to him. He is respected by many, but not only for his accomplishments, but for who he is as a person- just simply a nice guy. It's an honor to know him.

Diz also was very supportive and helpful with contributing to our Vietnam Veteran gatherings including our first official Vietnam Veteran's day celebration for Wisconsin. You are definitely one of a kind and have made your mark! To learn more about Diz's experiences during World War Two, my first World War Two veteran, TV interview, go here