Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Theodore
Richards
Ellsworth
POW (WWII)
January 10, 1918

–

September 30, 1986

Home:

Dubuque

, 

Iowa

Buried: 

Dubuque

, 

Iowa

Cemetery:

Linwood Cemetery

In 1942 during World War II, Theodore Ellsworth was one of two young men accepted by the United States Army for liaison work. After attending school, they were commissioned infantry officers. He served as an officer in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps of the British Army before transferring to the American Third Army. After the war Ellsworth he was the first Republican Representative ever elected from Dubuque County in regular election. He served in the Iowa House from January 13, 1969 to January 7, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    317th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 2 – 4, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-European Theater, General Orders No. 286 (October 11, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Theodore Richards Ellsworth, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in at Sivry, France, from 2 to 4 October 1944. First Lieutenant Ellsworth’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 80th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    October 5, 1944 – May 1945

    First Lieutenant (Infantry) Theodore Richards Ellsworth, United States Army, was captured by German forces during fighting on or about 5 October 1944 and was held as a prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.