World War II veteran US Army MSgt. Richard Gard turns 100 years old on April 6-family and friends encouraging the local community to send birthday cards.
Help celebrate WWII Veteran's 100th Birthday
A World War II Veteran, Master Sergeant Richard Gard honorably served his country. A recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star he gave so much of himself so generations of Americans could be free. Now for his 100th birthday, is the opportunity to give back to Gard by sending him a card in celebration of reaching the century mark.
Drafted in 1943, Gard departed Union City, Ohio for basic training at Camp Polk, Louisiana. After being deployed, Gard was active in four of the five major battles in Europe during World War II. As staff sergeant for the U.S. Army in the 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, Gardon arrived in Normandy just three days after D- Day. He was assigned the task of leading his platoon into France and Belgium.
During the Battle of the Bulge, Gard earned his Silver Star for heroic actions. On January 4, 1945 in Belgium; through heavy artillery and mortar fire, he led his depleted platoon to an area of the woods. Despite a strong counterattack, Gard moved forward 100 yards to treat and evacuate a wounded man on outpost duty.
Gard was wounded in Belgium in 1945, and the war ended before he was able to rejoin his division. He went on to serve in the Army Reserves for two years.
Originally from Union City, Gard and his wife Gladys have lived in West Carrollton since 1950. They will celebrate their 79th wedding anniversary on June 12.
Three events are planned to celebrate Gard's 100th birthday. On Saturday, April 1, Gard will be honored as a Hometown Hero at the Cincinnati Reds game. On Thursday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m., the West Carrollton and Centerville VFW Post 9550 will conduct a parade through his neighborhood. Featured in the parade will be the West Carrollton Police and Fire, Montgomery County Sheriffs, the West Carrollton High School Marching Band, and a 1943 PT-19A Cornell flyover by the Butler County Warbirds. Finally, on Saturday, April 8 from 3-6 p.m. there will be a birthday celebration at the West Carrollton VFW Post 3438 on Marna Drive.
Send MSgt. Richard Gard a birthday card
To give something back to a true American hero, please send a birthday card to MSgt. Richard Gard, c/o 70 Pine Street, Franklin, OH 45005
