Book Synopsis

IVAN PAUL MEHOSKY

THE STORY OF A SOLDIER
Edward S. Mehosky
Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army, Infantry
From Private to Colonel: 1940-1971
WW II * KOREA * VIETNAM

   THE STORY OF A SOLDIER is a compelling account of the life and military exploits of Edward S. Mehosky, a man who rose through the ranks from private to colonel in the United States Army from 1940 to 1971. As a soldier, he knew the value of good training and was a student of tactics and terrain application. Mehosky was a rugged, decisive soldier that forged men to be the best soldiers they could be during three of our country's greatest tests in world combat. He was a fierce competitor and a firm disciplinarian, and instilled in his training the proper attitude for success based on his belief that "You fight like you train!" As a lieutenant, he led one of the finest parachute units into battle during operations in Normandy, France during the Allied Invasion of Europe on 'D-Day,' June 6, 1944. He saw action in Holland during the close of General Montgomery's 'Operation Market Garden,' and then took command of a rifle company, and led them during the epic defense of Bastogne, Belgium, known as the 'Battle Of The Bulge.'

   Edward Mehosky, a Polish-American, grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania during the Great Depression. As a teenager, he soon became a standout athlete in baseball and football that carried over to high school, where he was one of the most notable players in the area in both sports. But his passion was baseball. His hope of playing college or professional baseball was dashed by a freak accident that broke his leg. Mehosky enlisted in the Army on 1 August 1940 and was assigned to the 12th Infantry Regiment in Arlington, Virginia. When the regiment became part of the 4th Motorized Division and relocated to Camp Gordon, Georgia, Mehosky, then a buck sergeant in a weapons platoon, applied for Officer's Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1942. Following graduation as a second lieutenant, Mehosky was assigned to the 85th Infantry Division at Camp Shelby, Mississippi as a platoon leader. Months later, he volunteered and was accepted into the newly activated 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Toccoa, Georgia. Here he commanded 1st Platoon, Company H, 3rd Battalion and became airborne qualified by completing five jumps in one day at Camp Toccoa.

   In 1943, at Camp Mackall, North Carolina, the regiment was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and deployed to England in preparation for the Allied Invasion of Europe.

   In 1944-45, a pivotal year of WW II, Lieutenant Mehosky distinguished himself in combat in Normandy, Holland, and Bastogne, Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge. It was here, at Bastogne, that the 101st made history by holding the town of Bastogne-a key road net and communication center-against numerically superior German Armor and Infantry intent on destroying the Allied Army in the last great German Connter-Offensive of the war during the famous 'Battle of the Bulge." And it was here Mehosky and his Company C flanked a dug-in enemy force that had penetrated the 101st defensive perimeter, and helped save Bastogne!

   After the war, Mehosky got back in the Army through the enlisted ranks, and by 1951, now a captain again, took command of Company A, 508th Regimental Combat Team at Fort Benning, Georgia, and helped forge one of the finest, combat ready units of that era. When the Korean War broke out, he volunteered for combat duty and was assigned to the 40th Infantry Division and was took command of a rifle company on a high ridge facing Chinese positions. Following his promotion to major, Mehosky returned to the States and was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, this time at a staff position as Intelligence Officer. The 11th Airborne deployed to Germany where Mehosky was later assigned to the newly activated 502nd Battle Group as Intelligence Officer. During a major field exercise in 1957 against an elite Green Beret unit, Mehosky and his hand picked men captured the unit and smashed their counter-insurgency plans for southern Germany.

   At the Pentagon, Mehosky was promoted to lieutenant colonel, and in 1963 was assigned to advisory duty in Vietnam. From 1964 to 1966, Colonel Mehosky took command of the 16th Battalion, 4th Training Brigade at Fort Knox, Kentucky, training recruits to be soldiers in preparation for Vietnam. At Fort Ritchie, Maryland, 1966-67, with the Alternate National Military Command Center, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mehosky was promoted to the rank of full colonel, and later, assigned to Mildenhall, England as a team leader with the Alternate Airborne Command. Colonel Mehosky retired in 1971, after 31 years of dedicated, selfless service to his country.

   Edward Mehosky is now an old soldier; one of America's true 'unsung' heroes. His dedication to his men and his leadership qualities are a worthwhile example for future generations. His story is a true testimony to the American spirit to serve, protect and defend this great nation, the United States of America. He was one of the greatest generation's of our country's history.