Theron, thank you for the explanation. I figured as much about the "good conduct medal". Your comment about that Anzio would have been given separate credit begs more questions. As I mentioned previously, the 39th Combat Engineers 2nd Battalion was renamed/re-organized into the 643rd. I have read a newspaper clipping indicating my Grandpa was part of the 39th which then goes on to recap all the activities of the 39th (from both battalions). Based on stories my Grandpa told me and timing of the reorg to the 643rd, I am sure he was at Anzio. Is there any other possibility? Do you know of a way to find out which battalion / company my Grandpa served in before the re-org? Would the 2nd battalion have earned the bronze arrowhead if they weren't part of the initial wave?
Sorry my thanks is so late, I forgot to refresh this page even though it was open. :o