Surnames: Banderob, Kronberg, Ropella, Kulwiec

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 09/02/1943

Banderob, Laurel (1 DEC 1918– 29 JUL 1943)

A telegram received by Peter Kronberg last Thursday announced the death of his grandson, Sgt. Laurel "Bud" Banderob, who was killed in action on July 29, 1943, in the north African area. He was with the 45th Division.

Sgt. Banderob joined the army Oct. 27, 1941. He was in training in this country until June 1943, when he was sent overseas.

Harry Banderob, father of Laurel, died in the service of Uncle Sam in England on Sept. 26, 1918, at about the same age. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery and his son visited the grave before embarking overseas.

Sgt. Banderob is survived by one sister, Mrs. Ruby Ropella of Gresham, Wis.

Further details were expected to be received from the government, according to the telegram.

(Follow on in 10/14/1943 Thorp Courier)

Sergeant Laurel E. (Bud) Banderob was born at Thorp, Wis., Dec. 1, 1918, the son of Harry and Nellie Banderob. Bud’s dad died Sept. 26, 1918 while in the service of his country. His mother died 13 days after his birth. Bud grew to manhood on the farm of his grandfather, Peter Kronberg in the town of Thorp. He attended the local grade school and graduated from Thorp High School with the class of 1936. He entered military service Oct. 27, 1941, being stationed in the following camps: Camp Walters and Camp Barkley in Texas; Fort Devens, Mass.; Pine Camp, New York and Camp Pickett, Virginia. He had two furloughs, one in June 1942, coming from Fort Devens and an emergency furlough in Sept. 1942, when his grandfather was laid up with arthritis. Bud left for overseas duty in the early part of June 1943 from Hampton Roads, Va., and arrived in North Africa June 17, 1943.

A message from Washington, D.C., to his grandfather was received Aug. 28, telling of Bud being killed in action fighting heroically for his county on July 29, 1943. On Oct. 4 his grandfather received the Medal of Purple Heart stating it was presented pos-humously for Military Merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death. During Bud’s training he received medals for marksmanship with pistol, rifle, bayonet and hand grenade, besides five "Eager For Duty" Medals.

He leaves to mourn, an only sister, Ruby Ropella of Gresham, Wis.; his grandfather, Peter Kronberg of Thorp; his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Kulwiec of Thorp, and numerous other relatives and friends.