Recognition and spaghetti supper Saturday for Martin Steinbach
Martin Steinbach was enlisted in the 3rd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II, fighting Nazi Germany near the front lines of the war.
For his service and his dedication to the Veterans of Foreign War, Steinbach will be honored by the VFW Saturday afternoon.
Steinbach, 90, who grew up in Loman and currently lives in International Falls, saw his share of action as a member of a division that fought the war in multiple locations, including among them Africa, Italy, Germany and France.
He and his division were in the war from 1941 to 1945. The 3rd Division suffered among the most combat deaths in World War II compared to other U.S. divisions. Steinbach himself was wounded during the war, receiving injuries to both his hand and face.
Steinbach said that his 3rd Infantry was involved in liberating piles of people from boxcars near Berchtesgaden, Germany, where they were being held near the end of the war by the Nazis before likely facing death in a concentration camp. This was just one of the highlights of the long-ranging service that Steinbach and the 3rd Infantry gave during the war.
He retired from the military as staff sergeant after the war. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
When he returned, Steinbach became involved in the VFW. He has served as the local Eighth District Commander and local post commander, among other positions.
The local VFW Post 2948 will honor Steinbach on Saturday for his service to the VFW and the community. Cake and coffee will be served. Members of the community are encouraged to attend. A spaghetti-supper benefit will also be held Saturday to help cover his medical expenses. Free-will donations will be accepted. The events will run from 3-7 p.m. at the post home.
