Capt. Kenneth P. Stemmons
CO. B, 157TH INFANTRY REGIMENT • 45TH INFANTRY DIVISION
Organization: Company B, 157 Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division
Battles & Campaigns: Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Southern France, Alsace
Decorations & Citations: Silver Star
History: By the time the 45th reached Alsace in late 1944, they were a battle-hardened division that had already fought through Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio. Stemmons served during a period where the division was transitioning from the liberation of France to the defense against Germany’s last major offensives in the West.
Task Force Krieger: Formed in response to the critical situation in Alsace during Operation Nordwind, this provisional unit was composed of elements of the 157th Infantry. Their mission was to hold a defensive line in the rugged Northern Vosges Mountains near Philippsbourg.
Conditions: Facing elite German Mountain troops (SS-Gebirgsjäger) in sub-zero temperatures, the fighting was hand-to-hand and characterized by extreme isolation.
Subject in winter gear. Note the distinctive split in the white cloth cover, identical to the relic headgear shown in the Service Headgear study.
Capt. Stemmons wearing the netted and covered M1 during the defensive holdout against Operation Nordwind, Winter 1944-45.
Verified Historical Archive
World War Two Helmets • Preservation Division • California, USA
