Staff Sergeant Walter J Baecker

© Photographed September 1, 2015
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)

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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.

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 

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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.