~Just-a-Thought~

Tribute to PFC Charles Elbert Mundhenk, 9th Division, 39th Infantry, C Company, United States Army

Belgium, 1945

Charles Elbert Mundhenk served in the United States Army for almost the whole length of World War II. He enlisted only 6 months after the United States entered the war and was in combat within 5 months. He started out training with the 506th  Parachute Infantry, but for reasons unknown transferred and entered combat as a scout with the 39th Infantry. Operation Torch was to be the first battle he was to take part in.  He then went on to Sicily, England, and Normandy, France, (D-day). It is believed at this point he suffered some kind of trauma or acquired a medical condition that would no longer permit him to be a part of the combat infantry, and was transferred to the 3630 Quatermaster Truck Company.  He continued with this company through France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, and ultimately, the Rhineland(Germany). On his report of separation it is reported that he , “made long hauls of up to 700 miles…..under varied conditions….and blackouts.”  For his disability he acquired in combat he was compensated $57.50 per month.

A list of medals awarded to Charles Elbert Mundhenk for his service during the war.

Here is a list of all the campaigns he fought in.

This is a picture of the luggage tag that was on my grandfather’s belongings when he was sent home at the end of the war.