🇺🇸 Honoring Henry Joseph Hirtzer — WWII Bronze Star Recipient and POW 🇺🇸

As our community prepares for Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 13 at noon at Lafayette Cemetery, the Acalanes Chapter DAR proudly honors Henry Joseph Hirtzer, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II whose courage and endurance exemplify the strength of America’s Greatest Generation.
Born July 31, 1924, Henry served in the U.S. Army during the European Theater of Operations and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic or meritorious achievement in combat. During the war, he was captured by Nazi forces and spent four months as a prisoner of war before being liberated in May 1945, near the end of hostilities in Europe.
Henry’s story reflects the profound resilience of those who served with honor in the face of unimaginable hardship. He returned home to live a long and meaningful life, passing away on July 19, 2005, at the age of 80.
He now rests among nearly 350 veterans interred at Lafayette Cemetery, where each December volunteers gather to place a wreath and speak every veteran’s name aloud — ensuring that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.