Photo shows Cotton receiving his WWII medals from Bart Stupak, 1997.
See Also
Roster
- 36th Infantry Division (new window)
Military Decorations and Awards
Bronze Star Medal awarded for superior service or bravery. This
medal was awarded for having qualified for the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Army Good Conduct Medal presented to enlisted soldiers for three
continuous years of honorable service.
American Campaign Medal given to members of the Armed Forces for
service in the American Theater of Operations during a specific campaign
period.
World War II Victory Medal presented by a grateful nation to all who
participated in bringing about victory in World War II.
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars.
Combat Infantryman Badge.
The Honorable Service Lapel Button - World War II.
The Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.
The Marksman Badge with Tank Bar.
The medals indicate the quality and commitment of Van Haute's 13 months of
service, but they don't reveal the variety of tasks he performed, including
night patrols, serving as a guard on a prisoner transport, and being part
of the first wave at Salerno in Italy.
ALLIES LANDED 55 YEARS AGO - Today marks the 55th anniversary of Allied forces
landing at Salerno, Italy during World War II. Cotton Van Haute of Aurora,
a member of the 36th Army Infantry Division, was among the first wave of
American troops making the initial landing in occupied territory during the
war. "It was rough," Van Haute said in recalling the historic invasion. It
was reported that half of the 36th Division was killed or wounded in the
battle, he said.
"Letters From Boys in the Service":
somewhere in Italy, Oct. 28, 1943 - Dear Friends and Folks Back at Home:-
Haven't seen Edward Meyer or Joe (John) Brey since leaving Africa. Joe may
be here. Ted Cook, Albert Hoaglund and Henry Van Haute are with me. They
have seen action and plenty of it.
Van Haute came through with flying colors (he should, as being one of my
boys, ahem). He and another good soldier of my gang, single handed, destroyed
two machine gun nests while under heavy fire, which included everything but
the kitchen sink. They have been recommended for the silver star for gallantry
and bravery in action. Looks as though its on the way. Hope they get it.
Hats off to Mrs. Van Haute and his folks, they have someone to be proud of.
Fourth of July came late for the boys, but with plenty of interest. Mail
has been coming good for the boys, sorry we can't return the favor more often.
We sure will miss our deer hunting this fall, but the type of hunting we
do, saves us a whole sum of $2.50 for a license and no bag limit, horns or
no horns. Love to all from the boys over here,
Cpl. John J. Vross, 36236460
APO--36, % Postmaster,
New York, NY
Photo, L-R: Cotton, Ray, Leonard Van Haute, WWII Veterans
 |
| Photos from Quinnesec, Michigan Breitung Township Cemetery, Memorial Day 2004 |
 |
 |
 |
(open in new browser windows)
email: vanhautes@netzero.com