Tribute to Wilbur W. Wagner
Branch of Service: US Army
Unit: 756th Tank Battalion
Specialty: Tank Driver, M4 Sherman Tank
Rank: Technician, Fourth Grade
Wilbur Wagner, from Viola, Kansas, served in the United States Army from October 1942 until September 1945 with the 2nd Armored Division, 756th Tank Battalion, attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. He held the rank of Technician, Fourth Grade (officially abbreviated as T/4) and was rated as a Tank Driver, M4 Sherman, Medium Tank. Wilbur Wagner earned a Good Conduct Medal, a Bronze Star and a Presidential Unit Citation. (Awards pictured below).
The Battalion supported the 34th Infantry Division on the first and second attempts at crossing the Rapido River in Italy, the second of which on January 29th, was successful. The 756th was the first Allied unit into Cassino. The Battalion continued in close support of the 34th Infantry Division until February 22nd, when it was relieved after having suffered heavy casualties in personnel and tanks.
During the period from May 11, 1944 to June 10, the Battalion was attached no less than eleven times, each one for combat. It participated in all phases of the drive on Rome. It was not relieved until June 10, six days after the fall of Rome.
The 756th Tank Battalion was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division at Qualiano, near Naples on June 19, as the Division was preparing for its part in the invasion of southern France.
Except for two brief periods with the 103rd Infantry Division, the 756th remained with the 3rd Division for the rest of the war. Its hardest fight came during the Colmar Pocket battle, in which accurate enemy panzerfaust, bazooka, and tank destroyer fire accounted for much of its armor. The Battalion in turn, however, exacted a heavy toll in enemy armor and personnel.
From D-Day, August 15, 1944, until May 8, 1945, the Battalion was continuously in action except for one ten-day period.
The 756th earned Combat Streamers for Naples, Rome, Southern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. The Battalion also received a Presidential Unit Citation for its roll in the Colmar Pocket.
If you knew only one thing about Wilbur Wagner, it was that he was a member of the 756th!
Submitted by Darren McGuire (friend)
Updated 10/17/08