Vincent Hren
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Vincent Hren entered the Army on February 3, 1942.
He served as a Staff Sergeant with Headquarters Company of the 17th Infantry Regiment and 7th Infantry Division.
The following is from his diary: "Fort Ord, California -- maneuvers in Mohave Desert, destined for Africa. Ended up going to Alaska to rendezvous for the Aleutians campaign. Invaded Attu May 12, 1943. Cold and miserable. Remember waking up one morning with 6 inches of snow on my sleeping bag. Wounded in battle at Attu, May 29, 1943. Then from Attu to Adak. Also participated in invasion of Kiska on August 15. After that, next stop Honolulu, Hawaii. Hospitalized with wound. Participated in invasion of Marshall Islands and Gilbert Islands, January and February of 1944. Remember sleeping on the ground and you would hear a scream when a coconut crab pinched someone. Was sent back to Honolulu, assigned to 15th Base Post Office til war's end. I had nine ocean crossings, was sick on all until last one, on our way home."
Honorably discharged October 22, 1945.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 119.
