SSgt Van Enwyck's Testimony

Co. A, 508th Prcht Inf.
APO 469 U.S. Army

29 March 1945

STATEMENT:

     On July 4, 1944, near la Haye du Puits, we were under fierce 88, mortar, machine gun, and sniper fire.  We were pinned to the ground, unable to either progress or change our route.  Many men were hit, among them Lt. Jones.  Calling to the rear for aid, we were soon surprised to see Capt. Axelrod double time boldly to the scene of action followed by four litter bearers. Capt. Axelrod, with utter disregard for his own safety, proceeded to administer first aid to Lt, Jones; Lt. Jones being shot through the throat was in very critical condition.  A delay in aid to Lt. Jones would have been fatal had not Capt. Axelrod given him blood plasma there at the scene.

     Capt. Axelrod personally led the party to a rearward position, shielding the body on the litter with his own body when shells landed too close. Then he returned to administer aid to the other wounded.  Carrying out the procedure in every instance, despite everyone else being pinned down unable to move, he calmly risked his own life to do what he could.

     Capt. Axelrod has received the esteem of all men for this outstanding achievement which by my judgment was perhaps the greatest display of bravery I have witnessed through three operations.  His ability, courage, and undying devotion for duty and love for others, undoubtedly saved the lives of at least six men that afternoon.

     This was by no means the first display of this kind he had made, nor was it the last.  Wherever we were, we saw Capt. Axelrod working quietly and efficiently along side of the wounded.  He did his job as a father of mercy.

     He has given others the courage to go on when all else seemed lost as well as putting the "old fight" into those he attended.

/s/ S. Van Enwyck
    S/Sgt Co. A