HOMETOWN HERO–A banner honoring local veteran Sylvester J. Hunter is currently on display by the Red Bud VFW Post. Pictured with the banner are his family: Ervin and Ann Roscow, Roger and Bonita Roscow, and Bonnie and William Sauer.
The latest Hometown Hero featured by the Red Bud VFW Post 6632 is Sylvester J. Hunter.
Born in Prairie du Rocher on April 13, 1918, Hunter enlisted in the United States Army Infantry in 1941. For his extraordinary heroism in action during World War II, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
On Feb. 6, 1944, Hunter led a platoon of 18 riflemen in an assault up a rocky hill held by enemies near Cassino, Italy. They advanced in the face of machine gun and mortar fire until Hunter and his men reached a rock wall near the top of the hill. With eight remaining riflemen, they held this position for two days during six major attacks by the enemy until reinforcements arrived.
For more on Hunter, please see this week’s print edition.