Leon E. Achenbach

Leon E. Achenbach

Tree Tag: V0001

Presented By/Date: J. Douglas Wenger, Boalsburg, PA, January 28, 2014

Dates of Birth/Death: October 17, 1920 - August 18, 2003

Dates of Military Service: 1940-1945

Service Branch/Stations: US Army, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 26th Regiment (Blue Spaders), 1st Infrantry Division (Big Red One), Light Weapons NCO 1812, Machine Gun & Bazooka Units

Highest Rank: Staff Sargeant

Veterans Hometown: Ephrata, PA

Who is this Veteran? Staff Sgt. Leon Achenbach fought nobly for the "Big Red One" and the "Blue Spaders" during WWII.  Achenbach led machine gun and bazooka units in algeria, French Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sicily, Normandy (D-Day), France, Belgium, and Germany.  He received the Silver Star for gallantry in action.  He and wife Anna later founded Achenbach's Pastries in Leola, PA.  The freedoms he fought  to protect live on through three children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

About this Tribute Tree: American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

Planting Date: This tree was planted in the in Spring of 2014.

Park Location and GPS Coordinates: Oak Hall Regional Park, N 40 47.351, W 077 47.451