Corporal George E. Ware, Combat Medic

Men of the 78th - Euskirchen, Germany March, 1945

Corporal George E. Ware,
ASN 34609577 was born in Cleveland County, North Carolina in 1923 and enlisted in the Army March 16, 1943. Ware grew up on a farm but was chosen to attend a course to become a combat medic. Ware joined the 309th Regimental Combat Team of the 78th "Lightning" Division, where he would continue to serve for most of the war. Cpl Ware was destined to fight a great battle. But he would not fight with a weapon. His fight would be to retrieve our wounded and give first aid on the battle field under fire.

George E. Ware

309th Combat Team wins Meritorious Citation

the 78th Division's path through Europe

Cpl. Ware proved a leader amongst his peers and became the medical section leader for his company; a position usually reserved for Sergeants or above. Ware's unit moved into the line in December, 1944 and prepared for their first combat just before Christmas, 1944.

Ware's green Section leader stripe

 As the 309th moved into battle, the pushed through Belgium then into Germany just before the Battle of the Bulge commenced, relieving the 1st Infantry Division. Ware's first combat was along the Siegfried Line. They continued to fight through Germany until they reached the Rhine. The 78th became one of the first units to cross the Ludendorff Bridge and continued pushing through Germany on the road to Berlin until the German Army finally capitulated. Somewhere during the 125 days of combat, Ware was wounded in action. Ware was recognized for his actions during his 4 campaigns in Europe, receiving a citation from Major General Edwin P Parker, JR. stating "Corporal Ware has fulfilled his duties as medical section leader in an outstanding fashion at all times, and has repeatedly volunteered to assist in the evacuation of the wounded from the front"Ware finished his occupation duty with the 29th Division, serving on duty in the Bremen Enclave. After the war, George Ware returned to North Carolina and had two daughters opened an auto body shop with his brother which he operated until his retirement. Ware passed away in June, 2009