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Most Decorated Soldier in World War II: Matt Urban

by Robert W. Boven

229 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #00-0197; ISBN 1-55212-528-9; US$22.00, C$25.00, EUR18.00, £12.50

The wartime exploits of Matt Urban, the most combat-decorated soldier of World War II.

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about the book      about the author      excerpt      catalogue info

About the Book Matt Urban was the most combat-decorated soldier in World War II. This book depicts his numerous wartime exploits and heroism under fire; his dedication to all those under his command, often with disregard for his personal safety. Urban landed with the first American troops in Africa, leading his battalion in capturing Hill #409 in the Sedjanne Valley. He then single-handedly destroyed one of Rommel's two largest radio transmitters in the world. Urban commanded his troops in six major campaigns in Africa and Europe, receiving his seventh Purple Heart after being shot through the throat in Belgium. He lead the 3rd Army breakout from the hedgerows of France and subsequently was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor.

About the Author Robert Boven fought during World War II in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. He sustained several gunshot wounds while on patrol with the Luxembourg underground. He was assigned to the 43rd squadron, 3rd Cavalry Group, 3rd Army, and fought in four campaigns. Robert Boven is the author of "The International Organ and Tissue Retrieval Directory" which is used in many medical universities and hospitals throughout the world. He traveled extensively in Central and South America, subsequently writing travelogues.

Excerpt

    Because Captain Urban thought up devious ways of infiltrating the enemy in Africa, (such as the time he single-handedly destroyed one of Rommel's world class radios; or when he led the 2nd Battalion through the cork forest without being detected by the Germans); he was therefore chosen --- or perhaps more correct to say he volunteered --- to lead the "silent" march.
    The nighttime march of over 4,000 2nd Battalion men including the 150 men of 'F' Company proceeded into the Sicilian mountain trails from Capizzi. They moved only at night between 2100 and 0500 hours in an attempt to remain undetected. The trails snaked through the mountains of Pelato, Camolato, and Albano, northeast of Capizzi. During the day the men concealed themselves and their mules in the brush along the trail. It was just as necessary for the mules to travel silently on the rocky trails as it was for the troops. The hooves of the mules were wrapped using worn-out clothes the GIs had discarded. Imagine holding a heavily loaded mule with cloth-wrapped feet from bolting and giving away the mission to the enemy! In open country there were trucks to carry food, ammo and supplies, but here it was men and mules that were the beasts of burden. Hopefully, the Germans were oblivious to the encroaching Allies.
    Local herdsmen reported that they saw "ghosts" along the mountain trail. Fortunately, the Germans pooh-poohed these as aimless ramblings!
    The nights in the alpine mountains were freezing cold with only one blanket per man. All measures possible were used to keep the silent march undetected. The days were almost unbearable, being in a crouched position while mosquitoes drilled any exposed flesh. Few civilians would have withstood this punishment for any amount of money. So, only a serviceman knows what a civilian never could know of the life, misery, and death of those who fought for their country day in day out. No country could ever repay servicemen for war misery!
    Captain Urban, as well as every man behind him, felt his way, single-file, along the trail of these high mountains. They were exhausted. Their muscles were so sore that while walking over stones they often tripped, in the dark cloud-covered mountain peaks. They were weighed down with rifles, BARs, bazookas, and 60mm mortars. They were mentally as well as physically weary -- stumbling as if in a dream. One step or slip in the wrong direction and you would plummet 1,000 feet lower than the others.
    Suddenly Matt felt the "nothing" below. Flapping his arms like an albatross taking off, his hand grasped the branch of a lonely bush clinging to the cliff. Shortly, John McChesney, who was following some ten feet behind, realized he was leading the pack. That can't be. Only minutes earlier Urban had cautioned him about the large stone on the trail. Now there was no leader. As the men closed ranks, they whispered the alarm. "Captain, where are you?" The fourth man in line (Bob Rucker) heard the noise and the whisper; "I'm down here!" They realized their captain had tumbled off the cliff and what they needed was a rope. Urban pleaded, "Hurry, get me something to grab." Jim Etue passed the word, "Give me every belt you can get. We'll tie'em together, and damn it! hurry!" In what seemed like an eternity, Urban was able to grab the improvised rope of belts with one hand, then letting go of the bush's root, he was pulled back from imminent, probable death. The good Lord heard his and his men's prayers again. He was still on God's grapevine. "Boy," he said, "What men won't do to win a war!"

Catalogue Information