Roger Anton Steers

Roger Steers, 93, of Albuquerque passed away at the New Mexico Veteran's home in Truth or Consequences on Friday 26 February 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Steers and Linda Huss; and wife, Shirley Steers. Roger is survived by five children, Ruth Coates and husband Jim, Nancy Cottle and husband Larry, Terry Dejong and Wife Susan, Becky Van Rooyan and husband Larry, and Jeanne Plantenberg; grandchildren, Dawn Dee Ostberg, Danny Waldeck, Tracy Fenstermacher, and Steven Coates; great grandchildren, Jessica Logan, Travis Logan, Emily Waldeck, Casey Waldeck, Ethan Fenstenmacher, Ella Fenstermacher and Ethan Ware; and one great great granddaughter, Leeanna Lynne Sprigs.
Roger was born on 12 November 1922 in Kinsley, Iowa. He enlisted as an infantry rifleman in the Iowa Army National Guard, K Company, 133rd Infantry one month after graduating from high school. He was mobilized on 27 February 1941 and sent to Camp Claiborne, LA. The 133rd was one of the first American units deployed to Europe for WWII. He arrived in Ireland in January 1942. In December 1943 he was in the Invasion of North Africa. While in North Africa he participated in several hostile actions to include Pichon, Fondouk Pass (Hill 306), Djebel Trozza, Hill 609, Eddekhila and Chougui Pass. Next was the Invasion of Salerno (Operation Avalanche). During his time in Italy he made three combat crossings of the Volturno River, saw continuous combat, earning his first Purple Heart at Benevento; and Purple Heart 2 at the battle of Mt. Marrone. He also participated in the Battle at Cassino and the Invasion at Anzio. After 18 months of continuous front line combat action he was rotated back to the States in June 1944 for infantry training duty at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.
In December 1944 he was sent back to Europe again as a rifleman in B Company, 276th Infantry. He landed in France just as the Battle of the Bulge started. He was immediately sent to the Southern Front of the Battle of the Bulge in Northern France. As part of Tasks Force Herren he was caught up in the last German Offensive, Operation Nordwind. The German 6th SS Mountain Division launched an attack at Wingen-Sur-Moder and overran Roger's unit. During the action, Roger was captured and held as a POW in the Catholic Church in Wingen. Fortunately The American's counterattacked and saved Roger and over 100 other American GI's being held in the church. Purple Heart 3 was then earned at Wingen.
This time Roger was evacuated back to England to recover from his wounds. With his long combat service he was entitled to an early release. He was discharged in June 1945.
Awards and decorations for his military service include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, three Purple Hearts Medals, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, (Allied) awards includes the French Croix de Guerre, and in 2005 he was awarded France's highest award the Legion of Honor Chevalier De La Legion D'Honneur, five overseas service bars, Combat Service Patch for the 34th Infantry Division (SSI), and Combat Service Patch (SSI) 70th Infantry Division.
After the war, Roger assisted his father with the Kaiser-Frazer dealership in Kingsley, Iowa. He also operated dray service and worked a short time as a TV repairman. He relocated to Albuquerque where he worked for and retired from the Post office.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at FRENCH - University. A graveside service will be Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.