Sergeant Harvey- First Special Service Force Marker
Details:
The boulder where the marker is mounted is below a copse of trees and is is above the farm road to the left about 100 meters (at about 800m in elevation).
A white inscribed marble marker about 2 feet by 2 feet.
The marker marks the location where Staff Sergeant Frank Harvey was killed while conducting a patrol on January 8, 1944. Staff Sergeant Harvey was part of the Joint US-Canadian First Special Service Force.
From the FSSF Website:
Harvey, Frank A. A/S/Sergeant (G32781) Mention in Despatches (Posthumous)
"In the early morning of 4 Jan 44, S/Sgt Harvey's Section led a company attack on Hill 1025, between Mt. Majo and Summucro, Italy. After destroying an outpost MG position, the section was pinned down by three MG's and rifle and MP fire. with complete disregard for his own safety S/Sgt Harvey moved about among his men, assuring them and instructing them for an assault on the enemy positions. The terrain was barren rock with little or no cover, his only concealment being the darkness of the night. The enemy on the other hand was well dug in and concealed in the brush and projecting rocks, about 200 yards up the hill. Despite these unfavorable conditions, he rose and charged the nearest position, firing his TSMG. About 15 feet away from the position he tossed a had grenade into the nest and put the gun out of action. Still under fire from the remaining two (2) positions and a considerable number of rifles he quickly mustered his remaining men and charges another position in a similar manner, successfully putting it out of action. By this time his section was disorganized in the darkness, each man engaging his own target. There was still one MG nest firing continuously and keeping the greater part of the company pinned down. With dauntless courage he charge this position, firing is TSMG. He was cut down within 10 feet of the position suffering mortal wounds in the abdomen and groin, but succeeded in knocking it out.
S/Sgt. Harvey's conspicuous gallantry not only resulted in his destruction of three well fortified enemy MG positions, but he so inspired the Company that they soon captured Hill 1025."
Monument Text:
IN MEMORY OF
S.SGT FRANK A. HARVEY
Volunteer from Moncton, New Brunswick, CANADA
1stCompany, 3rdRegiment
of the First Special Service Force
Died here at 27 years old on 8 Jan 1944
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“Dearest cousin, son brother, brave devoted soldier
you do not lie forgotten and alone miles from home.
Your spirit lives on in us who remember and honor you
And live free by your sacrifice. THANK YOU”
Symbols below the text of the First Special Service Force and the Winter Line Museum Venafro
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
1st Special Service Force
5th Army
Canadian Army
First Special Service Force (FSSF)
Wars:
WWII
Battles:
Cassino
Italian Campaign
Other images :