Edward Tipper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Joseph Tipper Jr.
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 3 August 1921 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | 1 February 2017 (aged 95) Lakewood, Colorado, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart |
Edward Joseph Tipper Jr. (born August 3, 1921 – died February 1, 2017) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He served during World War II in a famous group called Easy Company. This company was part of the 101st Airborne Division, known for its paratroopers. Tipper was one of the first 140 soldiers to join Easy Company at Camp Toccoa. His story was even shown in the HBO TV series Band of Brothers, where he was played by Bart Ruspoli.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Edward Tipper was born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 3, 1921. His parents were Lucy and Edward Tipper. When he was three years old, his family moved to Ireland. Later, they came back to the United States. Edward finished school in Detroit in 1939. After school, he worked at a department store.
Joining the Military
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, many Americans wanted to help their country. Edward Tipper tried to join the United States Marine Corps (USMC). However, he was not accepted because of a problem with his teeth. So, he decided to volunteer for the paratroopers instead.
He was sent to Toccoa, Georgia, for training. There, he joined Easy Company. His first commander was Captain Herbert Sobel. During training, Tipper helped Captain Sobel by being his "runner." This meant he would help Sobel find his maps or compass when they were needed. Tipper also trained with Easy Company in Aldbourne, United Kingdom.
World War II Service
Edward Tipper made his first combat jump into Normandy, France, on D-Day. This was a very important day in World War II. He met up with other paratroopers, including Frank Mellet from Easy Company. They had a small fight with German soldiers. Later, they attacked a place called Marmion Farm. The soldiers held the farm until they could join their own units.
Tipper also fought in a battle at Carentan. After clearing a house, a mortar shell exploded close to him while he was standing in a doorway. He was badly hurt. His right eye was damaged, and his legs were broken. Two other soldiers from Easy Company helped him to a nearby aid station. Tipper was then sent to a hospital in England, where his right eye had to be removed. After that, he was sent back to the United States for more care.
Life After the War
Edward Tipper spent about a year in army hospitals. He was discharged from the army in August 1945. At first, he needed a cane to walk and wore an eyepatch over his missing eye. He remembered how kind people were to soldiers coming home. For example, people would often pay for his meal at a restaurant.
Tipper went to the University of Michigan. He then earned a master's degree in English from the University of Northern Colorado. After his studies, he became a teacher. In 1961, he received a special award called the John Hay Fellowship from the University of California at Berkeley.
When Edward Tipper was 61 years old, he met Rosie. They got married on February 12, 1983. Ten months later, their daughter, Kerry Christina Tipper, was born. Edward Tipper passed away on February 1, 2017, at the age of 95.
Medals and Awards
Edward Tipper received several medals and awards for his service in the war:
 |
Combat Infantryman Badge |
 |
Parachutist Badge with one Combat Jump Device |
 |
Bronze Star |
 |
Purple Heart |
 |
Presidential Unit Citation |
 |
Good Conduct Medal |
 |
American Campaign Medal |
  |
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Arrowhead Device |
 |
World War II Victory Medal |
 |
Croix de Guerre with palm |
