1st Lieutenant Arnold W. Bokesch, 117th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, is awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in action on 12 September 1944 in Holland. While his unit was advancing toward an enemy held town, an order came to Lieutenant Bokesch to move his mortar section and two machine gun platoons into support of the rifle companies which had encountered an enemy strong point. Finding that the road given him as the route of advance was under heavy enemy artillery fire, Lieutenant Bokesch first directed his men to cover and then undertook a personal reconnaissance to find an alternate rout of approach. His efforts were successful, despite the enemy shell fire, and he returned to his men, quickly organized them, and led them up to the support positions without casualties. Lieutenant Bokesch’s brave conduct was a profound inspiration to his men and the supporting fire from his weapons materially assisted in eliminating the enemy resistance.

1st Lieutenant Bokesch entered the service from Canton and was a long-time resident of Austintown, Ohio before his passing in 1973. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a 30-year combined career active duty and reserves.