|
a.
|
Note: Killed in World War II AWARD SILVER STAR TO PETOSKEY MARINE KILLED ON OKINAWA Private Merritt J. Zimmerman, United States Marine Corps Reserve, who was killed on Okinawa, has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for conspicuous gallantry. Private Zimmerman , husband of Mrs. Doris Zimmerman, of 203 Ingalls avenue, and sone of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Zimmerman, of Route 2, entered the army in May 1944 and was killed April 15, 1945. The medal and accompanying citation havebeen received fromJames Forrestal, secretary of the namy. The official citation read: "For conpicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with a rifle squad of Company G, second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Sixth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 15 April 1945." "Determined to locate the poition of an enemy gun which was delivering devastating fire upon his advancing squad with resultant heavy casualities, Private Zimmerman unhestitatingly advanced in the face of the furious onlaught to locate the strategic hostile emplacement." Although he, himself, was struck down and instantly killed, Private Zimmerman, by his splendid initiative, cool courage and self sacrificing devotion to duty, had contributed materially to the success of his company's mission, and his conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." The mdeal was presented in the name of the Presdient of the United States through secretary Forrestal. --------------------------------- PVT. ZIMMERMAN DIES ON OKINAWA WITH MARINES Pvt. Merritt J. Zimmerman, 26 years old, U.S. marine corps. died in action on Okinawa April 15, according to word received today by the widow, Mrs. Doris M. Zimmerman, 629 Michigan street. He leaves a daughter, Bonnie Lou, three and a half years old. The telegram annoucing her husband death "in the performance of his duty and the service of his country," signed by Gen. A.A. VandeGrift, marine commandanat, was identical with one received by Pvt. Zimmerman's parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Roy Zimmerman, R.R. 2, Kegomic. Pvt. Zimmerman, born in Petoskey June 6, 1918, was graduated by Petoskey high school, and while in school was a member of the golf team. He married five years ago, and lived in Detroit. He was employed for a time by the Michigan Tanning and Extract company, and later went to Detroit where he remained until he entered service in May 1944. At that time Mrs. Zimmerman and their infant daughter came to Petoskey to live After traning at Oceanside, Calif., and having one furlough here in July 1944, Pvt. Zimmerman went overseas late last year, and at one time was on Guadalcanal. Besides his widow, daughter, and his parents, Pvt. Zimmerman is survived by five sisters, Mrs. Maxine Allen and Mrs. George Engle, both of R.R. 2, Kegomic, Shirley of Petoskey, and Mary Jane and Nancy, both at home; and three brothers, Howard, Roy,Jr., and William, all of Kegomic. ---------------------------------
|