© Photographed September 1, 2015
Dedicated 2000 by Friends, Jim Sentry & Family
Dedicated 2000 by Friends, Jim Sentry & Family
Arcadia Memorial Park
Arcadia, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
44.244142,-91.498145 (memorial walkway)
44.244188,-91.497426 (parking lot to access park)
STAFF SERGEANT WALTER J BAECKER
One of the Greatest Generation
2nd Armored Divn., Co A 66 Armored Regiment, U.S. Army
"Hell on Wheels" The Army's most famous armored division
Walter Baecker unselfishly and voluntarily served his country from
1941 to 1945, rising to tank commander and tank platoon leader. His
service took him to North Africa against Rommel's elite African
Corps., to Sicily, to Italy, to the Normandy invasion through
France, the Sengfried Line, into Germany and the Battle of the Bulge.
[See Staff Sergeant Baecker's awards below]
During Walt's four years of armored campaign, three tanks were
"shot out from under him", yet he escaped unwounded. A tank turret
cotter pin tore open his knee causing walk to limp the rest of his
life, yet he would not accept any disability payment as he thought
he should have avoided the injury himself. Such was the character
and commitment of Walk Baecker and our other American fighting men.
They gave for their country, their families, their freedom -- and
yours. Not just for themselves. May you who read this reflect on
the sacrifice of this American patriot, and the millions of other
men and women like him, who gave so much so we could be free to
stand here today, to reflect on their sacrifices, and may we be
ever grateful for so much that we have because of so many of them.
The memorial is located at Arcadia Memorial Park on Memorial Park Drive, at its intersection with South Washington Street / County Highway J and Gaveny Drive, Arcadia, Wisconsin 54612.
NOTE: Arcadia Memorial Park is bordered by and accessible from three streets, northwestbound Reit Lane, northbound South Washington Street / County Highway J, and eastbound Gaveny Road. The park is accessible from all three streets.
Wikipedia: 2nd Armored Division (United States)
2nd US Armored Division in WWII Facebook Page
Welcome to Soldiers Walk Memorial Park
Soldiers Walk Memorial Park Facebook Page
Click here to view all memorials visited at Arcadia Memorial Park.
Wikipedia: 2nd Armored Division (United States)
2nd US Armored Division in WWII Facebook Page
Welcome to Soldiers Walk Memorial Park
Soldiers Walk Memorial Park Facebook Page
Click here to view all memorials visited at Arcadia Memorial Park.
Walt received numerous decorations for service and bravery beyond the call of duty:
Distinguished Service Cross 1945
Silver Star for Gallantry 1944
Silver Star with 5 Bronze Service Stars 1941-1945
American Campaign Medal 1944
American Defense Service Medal 1945
Army Good Conduct Medal 1945
European-American-Middle East Campaign Medal 1945
Sharpshooter Badge, Rifle and Pistol 1941
Presidential Unit Citation 1945
Victory Medal WWII 1945
VFW Organization Pen 1950
This media file in the public domain.
A tribute to George Washington, at the north entrance
to Arcadia Memorial Park.
The memorial is located at Memorial Park.
The memorial is located in Arcadia, Wisconsin.
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