Staff Sgt. Patrick Eugene Duffy
Patrick Duffy was drafted in March of 1941 and formally entered the service in April. He then participated in the "Louisiana Manoeuvers" with the 168th Infantry Regiment at Camp Claiborne in Louisiana. He had been with the group from the 168th that arrived in Northern Ireland in May of 1942 with rank as a corporal. He completed training in Scotland in advance of Operation TORCH and went ashore with rank as a sergeant. I am unsure of his exact movements with the British Commandos in North Africa. However, I believe that picture of the group was taken in late November of 1942, around the time of the Raid at Bizerte. The 168th 'Commandos' were dissolved shortly thereafter. My grandfather was was wounded as a member of the 1st Ranger Battalion in early February of 1943. On a document marked with the letterhead of the Headquarters, 1st Ranger Infantry of 6 September 1943, Duffy received a promotion to staff sergeant with an effective date of 25 August 1943. He was wounded again in September of 1943. I am unsure as to the extent of his injuries and exactly where he ended up going after that date, as his service record indicates that he remained in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) until November of 1944. He subsequently returned to the United States on 7 December 1944 (an auspicious day). Back home, Patrick Duffy served as a training instructor in North Carolina. A letter dated 1 November 1944, authorized him to wear the Combat Infantryman's Badge "under the provisions of para. 3, WO Circular Number 408, 1944." He then received a letter authorizing his release from active duty in in April of 1945. He subsequently completed out-processing at Jefferson Barracks in Missouri in June of 1945.
His citation for the Bronze Star reads " Staff Sergeant Patrick E. Duffy, 37042542, First Ranger Infantry Battalion, United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on 30 January 1943. Staff Sergeant Duffy, together with his squad, charged to destroy an enemy bunker. Under cover of darkness, he maneuvered with his squad through heavy machine gun and mortar fire to enter an enemy trench and secure a key bunker, causing the enemy to withdraw. The heroism shown by Staff Sergeant Duffy is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States. Entered service from Iowa."
Photos and information courtesy of his grandson David Kohnen
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Date: 03/03/2011
Size: 8 items
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