Robert E. Nurse

Rang: Private

Overlijdensdatum: 20 September 1944

Legeronderdeel: 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division

Laatste rustplaats: Amerikaanse Begraafplaats Margraten

Triangle of Tribute locatie: Nijmegen, Reinaldstraat

obert E. Nurse was born on December 28, 1922, in Somerville, Massachusetts. He served with E Company, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. On September 23, 1944, he was killed in action in Nijmegen at the age of 21. Robert was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on September 20, 1944. His citation reads: “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Robert E. Nurse (ASN: 11086809), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944, at ****, Holland. Private Nurse, BAR Gunner of Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in the attack on ****, took up an outpost position which covered the southeastern approach to the bridge over the Waal River. He made an effort to cut off the enemy's retreat as the battalion moved into position for the attack on the bridge under a stream of rapid fire from enemy self-propelled artillery about four hundred yards from his position. Despite this fire, Private Nurse clung tenaciously to his position and covered the approach to the bridge with a devastating band of fire that denied the enemy that avenue of escape. One of the enemy artillery shells burst at point blank range of his position killing him instantly. The loss of Private Nurse was felt deeply among the men of his company. As a direct result of his action the battalion succeeded in the attack on the bridge with a minimum of casualties, and was able to take many prisoners who could have escaped over the bridge except for his actions. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.”