Our hometown hero of the quarter is Frank Walsh

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Sgt. Frank Walsh served as a Tank Commander with the 9th Armored Division during World War II.  While serving as a Tank Commander, his unit landed at Utah Beach, Normandy, 3 months after the D-Day invasion by Allied Forces.  Sgt. Walsh saw combat in France, Luxemburg, Belgium, and Germany.  Most notably, Sgt. Walsh fought in the Battle of the Bulge.   For 6 days, the US Army was surrounded by Germans, outnumbered 5 to 1.  The US Army broke through German lines and soon after, broke the back of the German Blitzkrieg. 

 

Within a year, Sgt. Walsh and the 9th armored division helped the Allies secure victory in Europe.

 

Sgt. Walsh has been awarded a Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Campaign Medal, African Campaign Medal, European Campaign Medal, Battle of the Bulge Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the World War II Occupation Medal.

 

Sgt. Walsh has lived in Oregon for over 58 years.

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Forward Assist has partnered with local organizations and establishments to sponsor Sgt. Walsh on a trip to Washington DC to visit the Memorials and pay his respects.  This has been a lifelong "bucket list" item for Sgt. Walsh.  If you would like to donate to this endeavor, please visit our donation page.  

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Thank you for your support.