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2014 veteran of the Year - Bill SchwertfegerThree months prior to his high school graduation, in March, 1943, Bill left his hometown of Follansbee and enlisted in the Army at the height of World War II. After completing his basic infantry training in Georgia, Bill departed for North Africa and eventually crossed the Mediterranean into Naples, Italy. While in Italy, Bill was involved in combat operations in the Battle of Monte Cassino, the Anzio Beachhead, and the Liberation of RomeOn February 5, 1945, Bill risked his life when he and a comrade crawled ove 100 yards across a field, under heavy artillery fire, to bring a wounded soldier back to safety. For his actions on that day, Sgt. Schwertfeger was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic efforts. Upon returning home from the war, Bill served as a councilman for the city of Follansbee, and on various Boards for the city. He has also served as the Commander of the American Legion Post there as well. He lives in Follansbee with his wife of 61 years, Mary. They have two sons, Mark and John, and three grandchildren, Jesse, Jake and Justin. |
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