taff sergeant in the 342d infantry regiment and was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroic achievement in military operations against Germany. He was in 86th Division, Company K. The newspaper article states: Our forces were occupying the town of Kirchhunden, Germany when the enemy made a desperate counterattack. Staff sergeant Wertner, although completely exposed, led a group of men toward the enemy and directed a deadly stream of automatic weapons fire which killed many of the enemy and forced the remainder to retreat. Sgt. Wertner was also awarded the combat infantryman's badge for exemplary conduct in action against the enemy. Joe was in the Army Infantry during World War II. He was wounded, lost an eye, had shrapnel wounds every place on his body. He spent a long time in different VA (Veteran Administration) hospitals. Of course he also received the purple heart.