134th Infantry Regiment Website
"All Hell Can't Stop Us"
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134th Infantry Regiment Website"All Hell Can't Stop Us" |
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Joseph Andrew Mack, son of Fred Roy and Ella (Prussa) Mack, was born August 17, 1919 in Atkinson, Nebraska. He registered for the draft October 16, 1940 and was inducted into the Army February 19, 1941. He was a member of the Anti-Tank Platoon, Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment and landed at Omaha Beach July 6, 1944. He was promoted from Technical Sergeant and commissioned 2nd Lieutenant December 1, 1944. 2nd Lt Joseph A Mack was killed in action December 31, 1944 by machine gun fire in the vicinity of Lutrebois, Belgium. He was awarded a Silver Star Medal for gallantry during the battle in which he died. He is buried at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Atkinson, Nebraska.
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Silver Star Medal Citation |
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Second Lieutenant Joseph A Mack, O-1999957, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the vicinity of * * * , Belgium on 30 - 31 December 1944. Lieutenant Mack, leader of the Anti-tank Platoon, Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, 134th Infantry, maintained his guns in a position on the right flank of the regiment during a series of enemy counterattacks supported by tanks and armor. When a column of Germans approached his position, he directed fire which killed twelve of the enemy and dispersed the remainder. The mounting intensity of the German fire forced one of his squads to make a limited withdrawal. Lieutenant Mack was the last to leave the area, as he personally assisted in evacuating four wounded members of the squad. On the night of 31 December the enemy infiltrated our lines, and a squad of the Anti-Tank platoon. Lieutenant Mack organized and led a group of men toward the beleaguered squad under heavy enemy fire, and was within 50 yards of his goal when he was fatally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Inspired by the intrepidity of their leader, the remaining members of this group fought on and succeeded in rescuing the trapped squad. Lieutenant Mack's heroic self-sacrifice reflects credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men. Entered military service from Nebraska. General Orders No. 10, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 30 January 1945 |
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Morning World Herald, Omamha NE - January 17,
1945
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The Atkinson Graphic, Atkinson NE - January 19, 1945 |
