 |
| S. Sgt. Joseph Pomber served in the 2nd Infantry Division with this soldier during the Normandy Campaign. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/154697345/joseph-s-pomber http://ww2live.com/en/content/world-war-2-d1-105-story-2nd-infantry-division-usa http://www.heroesforever.nl/William%20R%20Hinsch%20Jr.htm |
Joseph S. Pomber never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on March 17, 1918 in French speaking Canada. He moved to Michigan when he was five years old. His parents Joseph and Jennie were born in Vermont and Sweden, respectively. His father worked as an auto body press operator. Joseph had two older brothers, one older sister, two younger brothers, and three younger sisters. At least one of his brothers also served in the army during the war.
He was drafted into the army on May 8, 1942. Prior to joining the army Joseph had completed four years of high school and worked as a telephone lineman. Joseph became a staff sergeant in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division (nicknamed "Indianhead"). The 2nd ID arrived on Omaha Beach on D+1. It was tasked with advancing on St. Lo. S. Sgt. Pomber was killed on July 2, 1944 while his unit was in the midst of dislodging the enemy from their hedgerow defenses.
He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on the day he died. His citation reads in part:
Staff Sergeant Pomber's squad was pinned down by incessant enemy machine gun and grenade fire less than twenty-five yards from a heavily defended hedgerow. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Pomber, in the face of direct machine gun fire, jumped from his covered position and charged the hostile weapon. Throwing many hand grenades and firing his sub-machine gun, he fearlessly charged the emplacement, killing two Germans and destroying the weapon.
A second enemy machine gun from the opposite flank opened fire on Staff Sergeant Pomber, killing him instantly.
His grave is at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak, Michigan.
Last year on this date I profiled Franklin Rogers, 10th Armored Division,who died in the Battle of the Bulge. You can read about Franklin here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
No comments:
Post a Comment