Bernard J. Cahill was born January 1, 1913 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He enlisted on April 24, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was assigned to the Medical Detachment of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division. He was killed in action on February 19, 1943 in Tunisia.
Private Cahill was posthumously cited for gallantry in action by 1st Division General Order No. 15 dated April 7, 1943 as follows: "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Sbida, Tunisia, February 19, 1943. During the initial phase of a heavy enemy artillery barrage, Private Cahill, while assisting in the evacuation of a wounded man through this intense fire, was mortally wounded by an exploding shell. His courage and bravery at the cost of his life reflect great credit to the Service. Residence at enlistment: Fort Dodge, Iowa. Next of kin: Mr. Frank Cahill, Father, Crawford Hotel, Fort Dodge, Iowa." A second identical citation in this order is for Private First Class Robert E. Kassel s/n 12017013 of the Medical Department. So, they were both KIA at the same time assisting a wounded man. This action took place in Kasserine Pass during the height of fighting between the Americans and Germans. GO 27, dated June 1, 1945, from the 18th Infantry HQ lists the men entitled to the Medical Badge including Cahill and Kessel.
Private Cahill's group includes his officially engraved posthumous Purple Heart, edge numbered 188268, and his officially engraved posthumous Silver Star edge numbered 60119, with their respective presentation boxes. Rounding out the group are collar brass, rank stripes, 1st Division patch, and pinback sterling combat medical badge.
According to information received from Connie Leaders, a cousin, 2 of Bernard's cousins were also KIA in WW2. They were Thomas J. Cahill, who died 1945 at sea in the Pacific, and Edward J. Cahill, who died in 1944 at Normandy. (ed. 9/2012). In 2014, a replacement medal group to this man consisting of Silver Star and Bronze Star was seen on the internet.
SOLD to a collector 04-2021
