Retouched image of Walter G. Hock

KIA: WWII: US ARMY, PFC Walter G. ‘Jake' Hock, 36596126, Born: 20 Dec 1924, Enlistment: 13 Arp 1943, MED DET, 313th F.A. BN, 80th Infantry Division, "SILVER STAR" Died: 10 Nov 1944, Buried: Ridge Lawn Cemetery, Breckenridge, Michigan.

Mrs B McMahon received word from their daughter, Mrs Ivan Hock, of Merrill, that their nephew, Walter Hock was killed in action on November 10th. Walter Hock, better known as Jake Hock, was the only son of Mr and Mrs Dewey Hock and formerly lived in the Buckeye oil field. He was 19 years old. Gladwin County Record 12/6/1944

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Walter G. Hock (ASN: 36596126), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 10 November 1944 in France. During the early morning of 10 November, Private First Class Hock was called upon to attend an enlisted man who had been wounded in an anti-personnel mind field. Although he realized the danger of finding his way through the mine field in the darkness, Private First Class Hock unhesitatingly and with utter disregard for his own personal safety made his way to the injured man to administer medical aid. Later Private First Class Hook returned to the mined area to render aid to another comrade who had been severely wounded while clearing the field. He had reached the injured man when an exploding mine caused Private First Class Hock fatal injuries. His outstanding courage, diligence, and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 101 (December 11, 1944)
Action Date: November 10, 1944
Service: Army
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Medical Detachment
Division: 80th Infantry Division.

SAGINAW NEWS: Thursday, November 30, 1944 (1); Tuesday, August 10, 1948 (2); Thursday, August 12, 1948 (39)