108th Naval Construction Battalion
               U.S.Naval Forces in Europe

                                                22 August 1944

From:     Senior Medical Officer.
To  :     Officer-in-Charge.

Subj:     Recognition of unusual and meritorious service of,
          PETHTEL, Jack James  PhMlc  xxx-xx-xx  USN.
          UPPGAARD, Robert Owre  Cox.  xxx-xx-xx  V-6 USNR
          WINTER, Alfred Vaisey Jr. Slc  xxx-xx-xx  USNR(SV)
          LOSTAGLIO, Angelo  HAlc  xxx-xx-xx  USNR(SV)

   1.     Attention is invited to the performince and conduct of
subject named men in the assault on the coast of normandy on 7 June
1944 and thereafter.

   2.     On 7 June 1944 while personnel was under attack from enemy
shore battery subject named men rendered invaluable assistance and
medical aid to their injured fellow members. While block ship 570
was under enemy fire subject numed men went to succor Seabee personnel
and injured members of Wavy Armed Guard Crew disregarding their own
personal safety and welfare in order to provide necessary medical
attention. Jack Pethtel PhMlc and Robert Uppgaard Cox. particularly
exposed themselves beyond the ordinary call of duty to render these
services, drag the injured to some protected spot, and while under con-
tinuous fire assisted the medical officer in providing such additional
medical service as was required. After enemy fire was reduced they help-
ed evacuate the injured to a Sub Chaser then to H.M.S. Fossbeck and
assisted in operating upon all injured personnel thru the night and attend-
ed their wants until the following morning when injured personnel was trans-
ferred to a hospital ship.

   3.     During the stay aboard block ship 555 they assisted in attending
to members of armed guard crew, small boat crews, besides battalion per-
sonnel. At the height of the storm they helped render aid to several mem-
bers of U.S.S. Ancon who were injured and suffering from submersion after
their LVCP capsized. In addition they attended seven sailors of H.M. forces
who were forced to seek medical attention when their ship was battered to
destruction.

  4.      The welfare of men was promoted by unflinching, unselfish, appli?
cation to and beyond the call of duty by the subject named men and it is
they who were responsible that the injured personnel of the U.S. Navy and H.M.
forces were treated immediately, promptly, and efficiently thus assuring
their lives, and rapid convalescence.
 
 

CONTINUED
 

Subj:     Recognition of unusual and meritorious service of,
          PETHTEL, Jack James  PhMlc  xxx-xx-xx  USN.
          UPPGAARD, Robert Owre  Cox.  xxx-xx-xx  V-6 USNR
          WINTER, Alfred Vaisey Jr. Slc  xxx-xx-xx  USNR(SV)
          LOSTAGLIO, Angelo  HAlc  xxx-xx-xx  USNR(SV)
 

  5.      It is requested that this outstanding and meritorious service
be recognized and rewarded.