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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Thomas Albert "Tommy" Swanson, son of Charles Ritz and Alice Elmira (Simpson) Swanson, was born September 17, 1913 in Assaria, Kansas. He married Louise Elsie Cummins in Hood River, Oregon July 15, 1939. The couple had one child, a son John. He entered active duty in January 1942 and served in Company E, 320th Infantry Regiment, landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France July 6, 1944. He was killed in action July 13, 1944 during the battle for St Lo, France. Capt Thomas A Swanson is buried at Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France.
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Silver Star Medal Citation |
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Captain Thomas A Swanson, O-351462, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry
in action in the vicinity of * * * , Normandy, France, 12, July 1944. Although
he was aware of the fact that the enemy had been extremely active in the area,
he voluntarily formed a group of officers and men to enter a position to be
covered by his battalion. Although Captain Swanson met his death as a result,
his courageous action facilitated the movement of troops into the area and
allowed Company E, 137th Infantry, to move into position by using a different
route and to accomplish its mission without loss. Captain Swanson's gallant
action and his devotion to duty and to his men, reflect the highest credit on
the military service. Entered military service from Oregon. General Orders No. 33, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 17 September 1944 |
