Elroy You Are Our Hero

This weeks hero is Elroy Lieb
*Elroy graduated from Orchard High School and was about 20 years old when drafted in the Army in WW II.
He served in the South Pacific --- his first stop was Guadalcanal.The Japanese bombers bombed their fox holes each evening -- from there he went to Bougainville and marched on towards Manilla.**Elroy and his platoon of 14 men's mission was to go in front of the troops to draw fire to reveal the enemy, at this time he was wounded in the hand. His next time being wounded was searching underground for Japanese, this time Elroy had a punctured ear drum, internal bleeding and burned hair, eye brows and eyes.He was unable to see for several days so he slept and enjoyed being safe from the enemy.
*A few days of healing and on to Bagieo, then to the northern seaport of Luzon. At this time Elroy and his group to were to organize a point and their squad was to move down the highway showing their bodies to the enemy for them to fire upon, therefore protect the main body of troops. On this mission, Elroy was sent out with two scouts --- he was fired upon by a bullet which grazed 3 ribs and his left side which caused him to be paralyzed, and unable to move. After his rescue he was treated and flew to Denver.
*When the Doctor heard his story he said "if the Japanese couldn't get you in three times, it was their last chance, you are going home". The rest of Elroy's life is history, he returned home to his Special Girl, they married have 4 boys and a girl.
*For his service Lieb earned a Purple Heart with 2 Clusters as well as the Bronze Star. -- Elroy said "you don't realize until you are encountered by the enemy "War is Hell".
*Thank you, Elroy for serving our country ---"You are Our Hero"

Our sincere thanks to Jeanne Crumly and her Holt County Veteran's Project -2005 for this information.

If you have a Hero please send their name and a brief story why you want them to be Our Hero of the Week to beth@inebraska.com

You Are Our Hero Award

Nebraska Troop Support is starting something new ----" You are our Hero Award" Each week on Wednesday we will have a new story about a Hero that is nominated for this award. The Hero can be any person that has worn or is wearing a military uniform. (the person's name nominating the Hero will never be mentioned) Send your Hero's name and information to beth@inebraska.com

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Our first Hero Award goes to two young men from the same family-----James Duff, son of Sterling and Shirrale Legate. James graduated from high school at Clearwater, Nebraska in 1985 and joined the Army Reserve soon after. He did a tour of duty in Iraq in 2003. At the present time he is serving the Army Reserves where ever needed.

James's brother, Doug following in his brothers foot steps, joined the army while a senior in high school. Doug graduated in May of 1988 and started his training in August at Fort Binning Georgia. After his training he was sent on 3 missions to Panama. On his 3rd mission he left in December 1989 expecting to be home for Christmas --- his mission was extended ---- January 1st,1990 he was killed by friendly fire.

Sterling and Shirrale, there are no words to take away your hurt, you have given so much.

Jim and Doug Duff are our Heroes this week ---

Both gave some --One gave all.

To these young men and all our military --- Thank you.