Edward Ray Gondolf
Private Edward Ray Gondolf, Company I, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Private Edward Ray Gondolf was born on October 26, 1912, to Gus and Winifred T. “Winnie” Gondolf, in New Jersey. His paternal grandfather Edward had owned and operated the Temple Bar and Hotel at 407–409 Market Street in Camden from 1900 to 1918. By April of 1930 the Gus Gondolf family had purchased a home at 1462 Belleview Avenue, in the Parkside neighborhood of Camden, NJ. His father at that time was superintendent of a garage; he was later employed by the N.J. Department of Motor Vehicles. In 1930 there were two other brothers at home, Donald, and Gus Jr. Edward Gondolf graduated from Camden High School.
Edward Gondolf operated a gas station on the Airport Circle in Pennsauken, NJ, prior to being inducted into the United States Army. He also worked in the C & R Department at a DuPont Corporation plant in Philadelphia, PA. He and his wife Sallie lived at 302 Rosedale Avenue, in the Westfield Acres Housing Project in Camden, NJ, which was built in 1938. Called up in December of 1943, he was assigned to Company I, 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division. Another man from East Camden, Staff Sergeant Joseph Galiazzi, was assigned to Company A, 399th Infantry. He served with the 399th at Fort Bragg, NC, until the unit went overseas by way of Camp Kilmer, NJ, and the New York Port of Embarkation on October 6, 1944. Private Gondolf and his unit arrived at Marseilles, France, on October 20, 1944. After arriving in Europe, Edward Gondolf had the opportunity to meet and visit with his brother Gus Jr.
Elements of the 100th Infantry Division went into combat at St. Remy in the Vosges Mountains on November 1, 1944. On November 12, the 399th Infantry and brother regiment the 397th attacked across the Meurthe River at Baccarat to outflank Raon-l’Etape. Defeating a German counter-attack, the 100th Division took Raon-l’Etape on November 18. The division took Moyonmoutier without opposition on November 21, and overran St. Blaise on November 23, and fought in the Vosges for three more days before halting its attacks on November 26. From November 27 through December 2, the division held defensive positions in the Saarebourg sector and held the Severne Gap Bridgehead while rehabilitating.
The 100th Infantry Division began the drive on the heavily fortified town of Bitche, Germany on December 3, 1944. After clearing Meisenthal and surrounding Mouterhouse by December 6, the 399th Infantry began its assault on Lemberg, on December 7, 1944.
Private Edward Gondolf’s passing was reported in the Camden Courier-Post January 3, 1945 edition. He was survived by his wife Sallie, of the Rosedale Avenue address; his parents Gus and Winifred Gondolf Sr. of 1462 Belleview Avenue, Camden, NJ; and his two brothers, Donald, a government employee in Washington, DC, and Gus Jr., who was in the infantry in Europe; and his grandmother, Jennie Gondolf. On October 24, 1945, Edward Gondolf was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for his gallantry at the Battle for Lemberg. In 1948, Edward Gondolf was returned to the United States, and he was buried at Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, NJ, on December 10, 1948. His brother, Gus Gondolf Jr., owned Mickey’s Grille in Magnolia, NJ, in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Battle for Lemberg
Sherman of the 781st Tank Battalion damaged in the 100th’s assault on Lemberg, December 1944
Lemberg was defended by the German 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Regiment 951 of the 361st Volks-Grenadier Division. On this day Third Battalion, 399th Infantry Regiment, won a Distinguished Unit Citation. On this day also, Private Edward Gondolf of Camden, NJ, won the Silver Star for gallantry, while losing his life in service of his country.
“For gallantry in action on December 7, in the vicinity of Lemberg, France. During our attack towards high ground outside Lemberg, Private Gondolf, who had been commissioned to guard the spearhead platoon’s left flank with a rocket launcher, crawled 300 yards under concentrated hostile small arms fire to engage single-handedly a German self propelled weapon that was firing directly into the platoon. His close range, accurate shooting forced the weapon to withdraw in haste, and thus, his platoon was able to renew the attack. Later, as Private Gondolf was still protecting the flank, he was killed by enemy small arms fire. His gallant action was instrumental in his platoon’s capture of important high ground and the subsequent fall of Lemberg.”
Hail and Farewell
DuPont Philadelphia Works
Gondolf—In loving memory of our dear son, Edward Ray Gondolf, who gave his life at Lemberg, France on December 7, 1944.
This In Memoriam notice appeared in the local press recently and we offer our tribute to a hero who was well known to many of us at Philadelphia Works. Ed Gondolf was an employee of the C & R Department before joining the Army in December 1943. One of the characteristics which appealed to his work mates here was his readiness to extend a helping hand to those who needed aid. He had a fine outlook on life and his character and example are worthy of emulation by us all.
Private Gondolf’s service in the Army and the donning of the uniform of a combat soldier did not change his high concept of duty and responsibility, and his steadfast conviction that he was fighting for right and decency. The following citation and posthumous award of the silver star speak for themselves.
In Memoriam
Camden Courier-Post —
GONDOLF—In sad and loving memory of Edward R. Gondolf, who was killed 3 years ago, December 7, 1944.
My heart cannot tell what to say;
God alone knows how I miss him.
In a home that is lonesome today.
The depths of sorrow I cannot tell;
And while he sleeps a peaceful sleep,
His memory I shall always keep.
Sadly missed by his wife, Sally Gondolf.
GONDOLF—Private Edward Ray. In loving memory of our dear son, Edward, who gave his life at Lemburg, France on December 7, 1944. “In our hearts he lives always.” Deeply missed by Mother and Dad, Don and Gus and Grandma Gondolf.
1462 Belleview Avenue, Camden, NJ
1462 Belleview Avenue, Camden, NJ — November 2002. Edward Ray Gondolf and his brothers grew up in this house, in Camden’s Parkside neighborhood, not far from Camden High School and Farnham Park.
The Gondolf Family
Private Edward Ray Gondolf standing in front of 302 Rosedale Avenue, Westfield Acres Public Housing Project, Camden, NJ, 1944
The Gondolf family in the 1940s. Left: Ed Gondolf with father Gus Gondolf Sr. and brother Gus Gondolf Jr. Right: Gus Gondolf Jr., Gus Gondolf Sr., Winnie Gondolf, & Donald Gondolf.
Grave
Beverly National Cemetery, Beverly, NJ — Plot C O 1930
Gus and Winifred Gondolf rest together at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, NJ.