Theodore Kenneth Mister was born on May 23, 1922, in Baltimore City, Maryland. He was the son of Walton R. Mister and Ethel I. Mister. He was the husband of Anna Z. Zegzdryn Mister. They had a daughter namely Caroly Mister. He enlisted in the Army on September 22, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed in the building of transportation equipment.
Mister served in Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, as a Private First Class during World War II. He was Killed in Action on June 13, 1944, during the Battle of the Moulin des Rondelles in France. Theodore's headstone is in error as he actually died on June 13, 1944. PFC Mister was buried at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart.
Distinguished Service Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Theodore Mister (ASN: 13103725), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 13 June 1944. On that date, near Min-des-Rondelles, France, an attacking company had moved forward until two of its platoons were stopped in a dry stream bed by severe machine gun fire. Hostile mortars started to adjust their fire on the halted platoons. Sensing the danger of the situation and realizing the mortar fire would soon be falling on the platoons, Private Mister, a company runner, moved among the men, urging them to move out and continue their advance. Shouting "Come on, follow me," Private Mister charged up an embankment and dashed straight toward the enemy. Inspired and given courage by the dynamic actions of Private Mister, the two platoons surged forward in response to his gallant example. Though Private Mister never reached the objective, his life was not given in vain. The men he led fought on and successfully accomplished their mission. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Private Mister reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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