Italy to honor Minnesota's 'fighting fool' WWII hero A Park Rapids soldier who joined the Red Bulls will travel to an Italian city for a war commemoration. By BOB VON STERNBERG Star Tribune AUGUST 7, 2009 — 12:17AM JEAN RUZICKA – PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE Sixty-five years after Don Singlestad helped liberate Italy from the Nazis, he's returning to be honored for that long-past feat. One of the most-decorated noncommissioned officers of the Army's famed Red Bulls during World War II, Singlestad, 92, will travel next month from his home in Park Rapids, Minn., to the northern Italian city of Vernio. There, he and other representatives of the 34th Infantry Division will officially commemorate a highway that honors the Red Bull Division's role during the war. "I guess they wanted me to go because of the decorations I got, but I didn't go over there to win medals," Singlestad said. "I went to fight Hitler, the craziest fool who's ever lived in this world." Singlestad's wartime odyssey began in 1940, when he joined the Minnesota National Guard to -- he thought -- avoid the military draft that was looming. "I was in business with my dad and was 24, so I figured when I turned 25, I wouldn't have to worry about the draft," he said. "It didn't work that way, and I got hooked into the Army." He was activated in early 1941, and when he shipped out for Europe the next year, "I figured that's the last I'd see of the United States," he said. Singlestad took part in the invasion of Africa, only to be captured and imprisoned by the Vichy French. Freed when France joined the Allied forces, he rejoined the Red Bulls, now part of the Fifth Army, which was poised to invade Italy. On Feb. 4, 1944, he took part in a fight against a German force that would earn him a Distinguished Service Cross, given for "extraordinary heroism in action." The citation accompanying the medal gave this account of that day: Patrolling near Cairo, Italy, Singlestad's platoon was attacked by the Germans and he and his squad were surrounded. "Technical Sergeant Singlestad fought his way free by moving toward and through the enemy, throwing hand grenades as he advanced," according to the citation. "He killed at least six of the enemy and wounded several others. When he had expended all his ammunition, he used his rifle as a club against the enemy who surrounded him. "Coming face to face with two Germans, he felled them both with his rifle butt, dived over a rock wall, seized another rifle and continued his advance to the company command post." He was able to give his commanding officer information about the Germans' strength and helped direct the counterattack that eventually repulsed the enemy. A few days before Rome was liberated in June 1944, he set up a communications system that helped direct air and artillery bombardments away from the Vatican and the city's other architectural treasures. That act earned him the Italian Military Medal of Valor -- he became one of just a few American servicemen to earn the honor equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Honor. It also earned him an audience with Pope Pius XII. "He blessed us for the liberation of Rome," Singlestad said, noting that he told the pope he was a Lutheran. "He blessed me anyway." He returned home, spent his career as a clothier and only recently turned his attention back to his wartime memories. "I couldn't start thinking back about all of it in my '70s and early '80s," he said. "I just couldn't open up. But then I was going to so many funerals of all these guys who were never able to tell what they went through. And they went through hell." He assembled his recollections into a just-published book titled "Fighting Fool." "Well, the fact is, I was a fighting fool," he said. "I went over there not expecting to come back, but I did." He also has been involved in the Red Bull Division's veterans' association, serving last year as its president. In that capacity, he welcomed the mayor of Vernio, who presented the association with a commemorative highway sign. And the division, legendary for its service in several wars, is still fighting, with Minnesota National Guard soldiers currently serving in Iraq. "I'm hoping one of the generals who's over there can come to Italy for a day and help me cut the ribbon," Singlestad said. "It's the division that's being honored." OBITUARY: . "Don" Singlestad, 93, of Park Rapids, MN died on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the St. Joseph's Area Health Services in Park Rapids, MN. Don was born on May 9, 1917 to Sever and Ida (Dahl) Singlestad in Emmons, Minnesota. As a small child, Don moved with his family to a farm near Waseca, MN. He attended country school near Waseca. As a young man, Don helped his father with his farming enterprises, trucking company and meat market. At age 18 Don ventured to California where he gained employment with the Golden Guernsey Dairy. During his time there he opened up many new dairy delivery routes throughout the greater Los Angles area. After two years, Don returned home to help his father's trucking company. In 1939, Don enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country for a period of six years in some of the most intense fighting of World War II. Don served as a Tech Sergeant, Active 1st Sergeant and later as Fire Direction Chief in the 135th Infantry in the European Theater of War. During his faithful service to his country, Don received the Distinguished Service Cross, The Silver Star, The Bronze Star, and The Purple Heart. From the Italian government Don received the Gold Cross which is equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Honor and the Bronze Cross which is equivalent to the U.S. Silver Star plus numerous Unit Citations. He was blessed by Pope Paul in a special ceremony for working to keep Rome an open city. He had the honor of carrying the American Flag in the Victory Parade in North Africa. Don was united in marriage to Florence L. Schroeder on February 14, 1942 in a military ceremony at Fort Dix, New Jersey. This union was blessed with one daughter, Deborah Rae. Following his honorable discharge on August 4, 1945, Don gained employment managing a grain business which had elevators and grain processing facilities in Cherokee, Harlen and Everly, Iowa. In 1947, Don and his young wife moved to Montana where he spent time working for the National Forest Service doing animal counts in the Montana wilderness. In 1948 he purchased a restaurant in Litchfield, Minnesota. He later built a larger restaurant facility in Litchfield known as "The Log Home". In 1953 Don and Florence started a clothing business in Litchfield called the "Prom To Prom Shop". In 1955 they moved the clothing store to Bloomington, MN and Don would commute between the two businesses. In 1958, they sold the restaurant, giving Don more time to assist in the management of their clothing store. Don traveled to New York and Chicago on regular buying trips for the store. In 1959 he went on the road representing several clothing lines for the manufactures. In 1960 Don and Florence built a new home on the St. Croix River near Hudson, WI. In 1971, due to his wife's health, Don and Flo moved to Sun City, AZ, where he worked in retail for 15 years. In 1986 they moved to Grand Junction, CO, where he worked with his daughter in her mortgage company. In 1994 Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife. In 1995, Don retired to a home on Long Lake near Park Rapids, MN where he enjoyed living until 2008 when he moved into Heritage Manor in Park Rapids, MN. He was a lifetime member of the Legion of Valor of the USA and served as a member of its board for six years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, the Disabled American Veterans and was a past Commander, and is member of the Purple Heart Association of the USA and is also a yearly member of the American Legion. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN. In his spare time Don enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Deb (Mike) Sharkey of Park Rapids, MN: a grandson, Danny: a granddaughter, Holly Sharkey: one sister: Ruth Johnson of Sun City, AZ one brother, Geb (Ilene) Singlestad and Waseca, MN as well as numerous nieces, nephews and others relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Florence and sister Senora. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN. Pastor Stephen Norby will officiate. Organist is Martha Thompson and Pastor Stephen Norby will be the soloist singing "God Bless America". Congregational Hymns are "Amazing Grace and "The Old Rugged Cross". Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Military Honors provided by The Star Of The North Marines Corps League. Ray Vaadeland will play taps. Dan Aird will play the Bag Pipes. A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the services. Honorary Casket bearer is Jerry Wagnor and Active Casketbearers are Don Jorgensen, John Johnson, Chuck Johnson, Randy Johnson, Bruce Johnson and Mike Singlestad. Interment will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 11:00 AM with full military honors. Don's family suggests memorials be made to the All Veterans Memorial in Park Rapids, MN. Obituary and photo from Cease Funeral Home. DSC Citation The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Sylvester Donald Singlestad, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 February 1944, near Cairo, Italy. Technical Sergeant Singlestad's platoon was attacked by a large force of Germans. In the fierce fight which followed, he and one of his squads were surrounded and cut off from the rest of the company. Technical Sergeant Singlestad fought his way free by moving toward and through the enemy, throwing hand grenades as he advanced. He killed at least six of the enemy and wounded several others. When he had expended all his ammunition, he used his rifle as a club against the enemy who surrounded him. Coming face to face with two Germans, he felled them both with his rifle butt, dived over a rock wall, seized another rifle and continued his advance to the company command post. Technical Sergeant Singlestad gave his commanding officer valuable information regarding the enemy's strength, disposition and armament. He then reorganized his platoon and assisted in directing the fire to repulse the enemy attack. The courage, fighting determination, and resourcefulness displayed by Technical Sergeant Singlestad set an inspiring example for his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.