Alvin Robert Kniffin
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
KNIFFIN, Alvin Robert
Alvin Robert Kniffin was born on May 9th 1910 to Joseph William & Irene Sarah [Latterel] Kniffin in Foreston, Minnesota.
Mr. Kniffin was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 21st 1943 during WWII. Home at entrey: Hibbing, Minnesota. Before WWII, he married Erna Ethel [Haglund] on October 2nd 1938.
He was a light truck driver with the Medical Detachment, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division in Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe. He rose to the rank of Technician 5th Grade (TEC5).
TEC Kniffin recalls, "...bringing food to the men in the field, many times he was unable to return to base and would be hidden by friendly countryside people until it was safe."
He earned the following merits for his service:
- Good Conduct Medal,
- European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with 3 bronze battle stars,
- American Campaign Medal,
- World War II Victory Medal, -and-
- one overseas service bar.
TEC Kniffin was honorably discharged on December 27th 1945 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. After the war, he returned home to his family.
Mr. Kniffin died on July 31st 1973 at 63 years of age. He is buried at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.
Source(s): Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 148.
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 1 WWII Draft Registration Cards - Fold3
Alvin Robert Kniffin (1910-1973) - Find a Grave Memorial
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 - Ancestry.com
