Duties: BAR Gunner / Ranger Infantry

Basic Training:
Camp Joseph T. Robinson Little Rock , Arkansas

Dates of Service:
September 1944 to October 1945 under the command of Captain George Miller

Enlisted:
My Father, eighteen years old, volunteered to join the Army in March 23, 1943 . As he was in the courthouse filling out the necessary paperwork, his father, Oscar Red, was on the other side getting the court to approve a farmers deferment that would release my Dad from serving in the war. Well, we all know how that turned out.

Most memorable moment:
In March 1945, my father was wounded in Germany at the battle of Irsch-Zerf. Half the men killed in the entire war were killed in nine days of fighting this battle. One of the goals was to block the enemy from getting supplies to their front line. As my father lay in the back of an ambulance he glanced up just in time to see General Patton. Despite artillery bursts all around, the General was driving by in an open top jeep.

Most remembered soldiers:
Frank Tribulski and my father were very close. My Dad refers to him as a prince of a guy. Frank was a combat veteran when they met. He looked out for my Dad and helped him to be a better soldier. My father felt secure in his presence.

Don Harms was a leader; he was always the first scout sent out on missions. At the end of the war he became a Staff Sargent. My father said Don was the bravest guy he ever saw, always volunteering to do whatever needed to be done. These two men were calm in the face of danger and my father said he was darn glad they were there.

Most frightening Experience:
Being dressed in your field jacket facing enemy tanks marked with German swastikas.

What he missed most of all:
He missed his family and his mothers cooking, but did not miss driving the mules on the farm.

Where is he today?
Doy Red lived with his wife of 57 years, Hazel Duncan Red, in Hanford , California until she passed away May 22, 2002. He is currently receiving supportive care at the VA Nursing Home in Fresno , California for lung cancer. He has 2 daughters, 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

My father possesses the honor and integrity that Tom Brokaw speaks of in his book, The Greatest Generation. He is smart, straightforward and believes the best of people.
He would like to give thanks to all he served with, including the “deadeye” sharpshooter from North Carolina , John Antwine.
Thanks to my father and to all the Rangers…you truly lead the way!

Submitted by his daughter: Connie Red
November 2003