LAPIDOOS, Ezra
PFC
32177394
New York
 21 April 1945
Negros
N
3
92

NEGROS: 3d platoon under Lt. Watkins, attacked and secured ridge to left front of company. No resistance encountered but intense mortar fire was received killing platoon sgt. Rabe, wounding Lt. Preston in the leg, and Pvt Ladig suffered shell shock. The platoon was forced to withdraw. At 1330 the 1st Platoon, under Lt Nikle and the platoon leader Lt. Mara secured the hill and advanced to the next hill  on the right front. Only mild resistance was encountered on the assault but as soon as the hill was secured the enemy countered with very intensive machine gun and small arms fire from the front and both flanks supplemented by accurate mortar fire.

A mortar shell killed Lt. Nickle, amputated T/4 Upchurch's leg causing him to bleed to death, and slightly wounding Pfc. McLaughlin. Pfc Huerter was lightly wounded in a few minutes by mortar fragments, and Lt. David, in command of attached MG platoon, was killed by an enemy sniper. Lt David's body was on the forward slope in an exposed position and Pfc Schupp and Pfc. Fisher were wounded by enemy fire while trying to recover the body. Pvt. Lapidus received a bullet wound in the neck causing his death two days later. At 1400 the 2nd platoon joined the 1st; one squad under Sgt. Minor aided in securing the ridge acid the other two squads under Sgts. Evleth and Stowe acted as litter bearers. Lt Collins assumed command of the Co.

"D" Co. History
20 April 1945

Pvt. Lapidoos' entry in the Honor Roll

Pvt. Lapidoos' circumstances of death, in context.

 

 

 ©2007 Corregidor Historic Society - all rights reserved