Added by: EveyBl_TomBlDennis F. Blalock received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a purple heart and two oak leaf clusters, and five battle stars for his service during World War II. Here is his Bronze Star citation for heroic actions while routing out a Nazi garrison near Haguenau, France, to free approximately 800 Jews.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlCapt. Dennis F. Blalock was presented the Bronze Star in the field by (despised) General Mark Clark for heroic achievement in combat while helping to rout out a Nazi garrison at Haguenau, Alsace, in April 1945. We have the Nazi flag that flew over this stronghold (signed by surviving members of Dennis' platoon within Fox Corps, 141st Infantry) and also tactical notes from the attack.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlHere's proof that relying on news articles can corrupt your genealogic research. This news account of the Rapido River incident ran nationwide and is glaringly inaccurate. Dennis F. Blalock said the quotes were reversed in the article; he was who threw the pick over the river to run the wire. If we simply relied on this article, we would believe Dennis was crying over lost photos of his wife. At the time of this article, he was not married!
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlFrom the scrapbook of Dennis F. Blalock: Dennis was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry in combat during the fighting at Rapido River. He spoke infrequently about his service in WWII, explaining his reluctance with these words: "When you look into the eyes of the man you have to kill, you don't talk about it."
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlMention the words Rapido River to a military man and you are likely to be greeted with a shudder. For an excellent account of the political shenanigans that led to this ill-advised operation, as well as detailed information about the battle, consult "A River Swift and Deadly," by Lee Carraway Smith.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlThis swastika flew over a German garrison by a subcamp of the Dachau Concentration Camp system at or near Haguenau, France. It is signed by some of the members of Fox Corps, 141st Infantry, 36th Division, who attacked the garrison and liberated the camp.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlHere is a closeup view of the swastika captured by Fox Corps, 141st Infantry, at a Nazi garrison that guarded a subcamp of the Dachau Concentration Camp system at or near Haguenau, France. It was removed after Fox Corps liberated approximately 800 Jewish persons imprisoned there. A list containing all known information for the signatories appears in the "Stories" section.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlTactical notes made by C.O. Lt. Dennis F. Blalock, Fox Corps, 141st Infantry, 36th Division, before the attack on a Nazi garrison that guarded a concentration subcamp near Haguenau, France. The subcamp was part of the Dachau concentration camp system. Battle took place on 15 March 1945, and approximately 800 Jewish prisoners were liberated.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlThis newspaper article appeared in the Daily Town Talk, Alexandria, Louisiana, and describes an award ceremony for Dennis F. Blalock. Though the article states the photo was from his Bronze Star ceremony, it actually shows his Silver Star ceremony. The picture was apparently used a second time. Dennis was wounded once more after this article appeared, receiving a second oak leaf cluster for his Purple Heart. He also served as an occupational mayor in Germany after VE Day.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlOn the homefront: These unused ration stamps are from the scrapbook of Dennis F. Blalock. They were issued stateside to his sister, Rita Grace Blalock. Note the issue date of 30 July 1945, which is after V Day (8 May 1945), but prior to V-J Day (14 August 1945).
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlDennis F. Blalock, Second Lieutenant (at the time), received the Silver Star for his gallantry in action during combat at the Rapido River. He was presented the award in the field by (despised) General Mark Clark. The photo also appears within these images. Residence prior to service is noted: Alexandria, Louisiana.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlFrom the scrapbook of Dennis F. Blalock: Soldiers were sometimes fortunate enough to send V-Mail home to their family. In 1943, (then) Lt. D.F. Blalock wished his family in Alexandria, Louisiana, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with this song.
Added by: EveyBl_TomBlCol. Dennis F. Blalock was buried with full military honors. He is interred at Port Hudson National Cemetery, located in Port Hudson, Louisiana (Plot: I, 0, 389).