William John Wolfgram
Encyclopedia
William John Wolfgram was a United States Army
Lieutenant
during World War II
. He served in the army from 1942 until his death in combat in 1945. Wolfgram attended Northwestern Military and Naval Academy
in Wisconsin
. After graduating, he attended Harvard University
for two years until he enlisted in the army in 1942. While enlisted Wolfgram attended Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University
).
In 1944, Wolfgram was sent with the 10th Mountain Division to Italy. One year later he received a Bronze Star
. Wolfgram was killed in battle on Riva Ridge
in April 1945. In 1971, the library at Widener University was dedicated to him and named Wolfgram Memorial Library.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
Lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He served in the army from 1942 until his death in combat in 1945. Wolfgram attended Northwestern Military and Naval Academy
Northwestern Military and Naval Academy
Northwestern Military Academy was a high school in Linn, Wisconsin which was founded by Harlan Page Davidson. Originally located in Highland Park, Illinois, the school was relocated to the town of Linn, Wisconsin on the south shore of Geneva Lake near the city of Lake Geneva in 1915 and was...
in Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. After graduating, he attended Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
for two years until he enlisted in the army in 1942. While enlisted Wolfgram attended Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University
Widener University
Widener University is a private, coeducational university located in Chester, Pennsylvania.Its main campus sits on 108 acres , just southwest of Philadelphia...
).
In 1944, Wolfgram was sent with the 10th Mountain Division to Italy. One year later he received a Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
. Wolfgram was killed in battle on Riva Ridge
Riva Ridge
Riva Ridge was a thoroughbred racehorse, the winner of the 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. A son of First Landing out of Iberia , he was owned and bred by the Meadow Stable of Christopher Chenery. The horse's name came from Chenery's son-in-law, John Tweedy, who was a soldier in World War...
in April 1945. In 1971, the library at Widener University was dedicated to him and named Wolfgram Memorial Library.