Today, I received an e-mail from Keli Schmid, Archivist Librarian, 10th Mountain Division Resource Center, Denver Public Library. The e-mail was delayed for almost a year because COVID-19 restrictions prevented Keli from accessing the files in the library. The attachment to her e-mail contained the citation that accompanied the award of the Bronze Star Medal to PFC Harold L. Hyatt Jr. of Norwalk. When medals like this are awarded, there was typically heroism above and beyond the call of duty by the recipient. Such is the case with PFC Hyatt. See below for a link to his web page on this site to read more about him.
The real reason for this post is there were three members of the same unit from Norwalk. A VIP was also in the same unit and was Wounded In Action around the same time as a Norwalker was Killed In Action — former Vice President Bob Dole. This confirms to me that the 10th Mountain Division, 86th Infantry Regiment is one of mettle and deserves high praise and honor for their accomplishments during World War II and beyond.
Many thanks to Keli Schmid for contributing that missing piece of information that now helps round out PFC Hyatt’s story.
Links to Norwalk’s heroes in the 10ID, 86IR
Click on a name to be taken to their web page
Private First Class John David Magrath, KIA, Medal of Honor recipient
PFC Harold Legrand Hyatt Jr., DOW (Died Of Wounds), Bronze Star Medal recipient
PFC George William Lee, KIA
Vice President Bob Dole, WIA
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 