Sunday, April 9, 2023

Friday, April 9, 1943. Another mass murder.

The Germans began the mass murder of the Jewish population of Zborow, Ukraine, shooting 2,300 on this day, which was only the start.

We've mentioned it before, but as German fortunes began to decline, the murders of the Jews amplified enormously, not that they were insignificant before.

Pvt. Robert D. Booker of Nebraska.

Pvt. Robert D. Booker of the U.S. Army would engage in actions which would result in his posthumous award of the Medal of Honor. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action. On 9 April 1943 in the vicinity of Fondouk, Tunisia, Pvt. Booker, while engaged in action against the enemy, carried a light machinegun and a box of ammunition over 200 yards of open ground. He continued to advance despite the fact that 2 enemy machineguns and several mortars were using him as an individual target. Although enemy artillery also began to register on him, upon reaching his objective he immediately commenced firing. After being wounded he silenced 1 enemy machinegun and was beginning to fire at the other when he received a second mortal wound. With his last remaining strength he encouraged the members of his squad and directed their fire. Pvt. Booker acted without regard for his own safety. His initiative and courage against insurmountable odds are an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty.

Sarah Sundin, on her blog, notes:

 Today in World War II History—April 9, 1943: US II Corps and British First Army take Fondouk Pass in Tunisia with heavy casualties. US Navy reestablishes rank of Commodore.

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