During the next few days, we repulsed several large aggressive German attacks. On September 21, our battalion situation was chaotic. Company A was fighting to hold Devils Hill, Company B was fighting off German infantry attacks, and the battalion area was infested with German snipers. [The marksmanship of the Germans opposing the 508th PIR was extraordinarily skillful. Of the 17 men from Company A killed taking Devils Hill, 10 were killed by headshots.]
About noon, the Germans increased the tempo of their attacks. All four of our guns were firing. Tom Broderick’s squad leader called for ammunition and as trained a squad member threw a box of 250 rounds toward our machinegun. The ammunition box hit Tom in the back, and simultaneously Tom was shot in the head.
We did not know Tom had been shot until we got him out of his foxhole. Then we were sure that he was dead or dying. We managed to call for a medic and had Tom evacuated. Almost two months passed before we received word that he was alive but would be blind for the rest of his life.” Epilogue
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 September 21, 1944, Tom Broderick was wounded -- the Army discharged him June 19, 1945. He went on to become a successful husband, father and businessman.
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Earl Carson survived WW II and became a Fire Chief in Kansas City, MO.
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December 24, 1944, Henry Wardenski wrote a compassionate and inspiring letter to Tom Broderick. Later that day, Henry was killed by Artillery fire. Henry Wardenski
Tom Broderick was a magnificent soldier, and a highly respected comrade. He soldiered with industry and diligence. A team worker, he carried his load and often helped weaker men.
Tom Broderick earned:
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Bronze Star Medal
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Purple Heart Medal
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Combat Infantry Badge
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Parachute Qualification badge with a combat star (Holland jump)
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European African Middle Eastern Theatre of Operations (ETO) Medal with Invasion Arrowhead. and a Battle Star
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Orange Lanyard of the Royal Netherlands Army
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Numerous service medals including the European Victory Medal | 
