Leslie Glen Gusler (1918-1944)
Leslie Glen Gusler was a farm boy from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, the oldest of four sons. He was born on January 29, 1918. During the Great Depression, Gusler’s father took him and his second oldest brother out of school so that they could help the family make ends meet. Besides farming, Gusler learned the electrical trade from his father and grandfather, who built the first commercial electrical power plant in New Mexico. The two oldest Gusler boys had hoped to join the army for a hitch before returning home to start and run an electrical service company.
Leslie Gusler was drafted into the US Army January 15, 1941, and was assigned to the 45th Infantry Division, Bill Mauldin’s division. He trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Pickett, Virginia, and Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia. Gusler rose to rank of technical sergeant and was attached to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry, where he became the wire chief in the communications section. His regiment arrived in the vicinity of Oran, North Africa, on June 21, 1943. He took part in the Sicilian Campaign, Invasion of Italy, Anzio Beachhead, and combat in Southern France. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart Medals and Combat Infantry Badge. Leslie Glen Gusler was killed in action in southern France on August 17, 1944.
Gusler was awarded the Silver Star Medal in December 1943. The text below is taken from the citation:
“LESLIE G. GUSLER 38010405, Sergeant, Headquarters Company, First Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 21 September 1943, near Oliveto, Italy. A heavy concentration of German artillery fire had forced the men at a forward observation post to withdraw, when Sergeant Gusler, wire chief, who was checking the wire from the command post to the observation post, discovered the phone at the forward position unattended. Realizing the need of friendly artillery support, he contacted battalion headquarters and assumed the duties of artillery observer. For almost an hour, while under continual enemy shelling, he directed artillery fire on the enemy by crawling to the crest of the hill and returning to telephone to report results. The unusual courage and ability displayed by Sergeant Gusler in his gallant actions reflect the high ideals of the military service.
(Signed) W.W. Eagles, Brigadier General, U.S. Army Commanding”
A fuller description of Leslie Gusler’s life can be found at his Find a Grave page.