Floyd Kenneth Lindstrom
| Floyd Kenneth Lindstrom | |
|---|---|
|
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| Born | June 21, 1912[1] |
| Died | February 3, 1944 (aged 31)[2] |
| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, Colorado[3] |
| Parents |
Otto Rudolf Lindstrom Anna Cary Spongeberg |
Photo
Floy'd photo was recieved via email on 6/23/2012 from Keith LaMee, of the American Legion in Colorado Springs. He writes: "I have done research on Floyd Lindstrom for over 3 years [...]. Attached is a photo I bought that is maybe the last photo of Floyd. It was taken in Jan 1944 most likely to show off him as a Medal of Honor recipient. He was killed in Feb 1944. [...] I was able to find and see the medals that Pauline gave to the museum."
Entry in the Lindstrom Book
Floyd Kenneth was born in Holdrege, NE., June 21, 1912, and moved with his mother to Colo. Springs when he was about two years old, he spent his early years at the Straton Children's Home where his mother worked as a Matron, Pauline joined them there later, they both went to High School in Colorado Springs.
After High School Floyd went to work for a produce Co., trucking Fruit and Produce to and from California, and was still doing that when he was called in Military Service in July 1942.
He was sent to North Africa in 1943 as a replacement to Company H of the 7th Infantry, one of the oldest regiments in the U.S. Army, known as the "Cotton Balers," a name they earned during the Mexican/American Conflict because they used Cotton Bales for Breast Works.
His Service to his Country can be characterized as having little regard for his own safety when his fellow soldiers were involved.
He received his first citation from an incident, when they Convoy was being 'strafed by Fighter Planes and Bombers, they were ordered to take cover, the driver of one of the truckers failed to set the brakes on the truck and it started to roll toward a group of Soldiers who didn't see it coming, inspire of the 'hostile' fire, Floyd ran to the Truck, climbed in a turned it into the bank, there by not only saving some of his fellow soldiers, but their equipment as well, his trucking experience served him well, he received the Silver Star on Aug. [?] 19, 1943 and the Congressional Medal of Honor, Nov. 11, 1943.
He received the Citation for the Congressional Medal of Honor, after they entered the toe of Italy and were proceeding up the Boot, his Platoon was attempting to take some high ground but were stopped by heavy fire from a Mortar position, the platoon commander ordered a withdrawal, in his Machine gun position, Floyd and his Loader were cut off by a German Machine gun position so they could not retreat. Floyd moved his position several yards forward, then he turned over his Machine gun and told him to cover him, then with only his hand gun he ran forward, the German Machine kicking up dirt at heels, he 'dispatched' the Germans, pulled the heavy German machine gun to his position, then went back a second time, and got to 50lb boxes of ammunition for it, then he and his loader subjected the Mortar position to such intense fire that they had to leave it, with out their Mortar fire, the German Riflemen also retreated, Floyd's Platoon Commander realizing what was happening ordered an advance but before they got in position again for battle for the hill was over, I am sorry that Floyd's load did not get an equal recognition, Floyd could never have done it with out him, but that is the fortunes of War.
Floyd could have returned to the States and received his Citation from President Roosevelt personally but elected to stay with his Buddies, and take part in an Amphibious Landing further up the boot. He was killed on the Anzio Beachhead Feb. 03, 1944.
Floyd received two Citations from the Italian Government, the Cross of War and the Cross of Vallor.
Floyd was first buried in Italy and later reintered, his final resting place beside his mother in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO.
Pauline made a shadow box picture of Floyd's Medals and Ribbons and donated it to the Pioneer Museum in Colo. Springs, I am afraid that turned out to be a mistake, as she lost control of them, they promised that they would make them a part of a Military display, after forty some odd years nothing has been done, it is probably lying in some obscure corner collecting dust and dob webs.
See Also
Floyd's wikipedia entry