Melvin J. Monsaas
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Photo 1: Front row: Dan Irino, Lonis Haller, Bill Moore; Back row: Clarence Foucault, Mel Monsaas, Bob Irino, Rudy Lapinski
Melvin J. Monsaas of Duluth, Minnesota entered the Army national Guard in October, 1936. He was with Battery A in the 125th Field Artillery Battalion. His unit entered federal service on February 10, 1941.
He was in North Ireland in May, 1942 and in Oran, Algeria on January 3, 1943. He was chief of the gun section through the Tunisian Campaign and battles of Sbeitla, Fondouk and Hill 609. He landed in Salerno, Italy on D-plus-9: Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley.
"Made three crossings of Volturno river, battles of Mt. Pantano, San Vittorio, Casino, Anzio, Leghorn, Pisa, Pta Pass, Livergano, Mt. Belmonte, liberation of Rome."
He was promoted to first sergeant after Anzio. He was wounded in action on November 29, 1943 and February 6, 1944 in the Mediterranean Theater.
Mr. Monsaas received the: Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle East Campaign Service Medal with five bronze battle stars, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and, six overseas service bars.
He was discharged on September 1, 1945.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 211.
