At the age of nearly 24, Josph Lipsius, native of Atlanta, GA, but newly of Montgomery, AL, became PVT Lipsius, US Army, having been sworn in at Ft.McClellan, AL, the aftermath of being drafted for 1 year. He wound up at a newly built Infantry Replacement Training Center (IRTC), Camp Croft, SC, in Co C 32nd Infantry Training Battalion, for basic infantry training. Since Joe was of slight build (5'5" and 115 lbs) he wound up at the end his squad's marching line. His physical stature, proved to be of no deterrent in his determination to be a good soldier.

Dec 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, the beginning of WWII for the US, changed Army life dramatically for Joe. He was in the Army for the duration. Shortly, he was recommended for Infantry Officer Candidate School (OCS) and graduated as a 2nd Lieut July 2, 1942. His first Unit assignment was as a Platoon leader Company E 2nd Battalion 383rd Infantry Regiment 96th Infantry Division, being activated at Camp Adair, OR. One of his first major responsibilities was to develope a RBA plan (Receiving, Billeting and Assignent) for some 3,000 incoming newly sworn pivates who were to become members of the 383rd. The success of his plan led to his being given a Staff job position as S-2 (Intelligence) of the 2nd Battalion and soon a promotion to 1st Lieutenant.

As the war widened, the demand for Infantry Divisions increased. The 96th Division was called on to furnish the cadre for a new 69th Infantry Division to be activated at Camp Shelby, MS in early 1943 Even though still a 1st Lieut, Joe was selected to be the 272nd Infantry Regiment's S-2 which carried the rank of Major. Shortly he became the S-3 (Plans and Training - Operations ) and soon promoted to Captain although the job entitlement was the rank of a Major.

In about September, 1944, with the 69th preparing to go overseas, destination unknown, because of an influx of Majors to the Division, Joe was transferred to the 272nd's Cannon Company as its Commander. December, 1944, found the 69th in England; February 1945, on the Siefgried Line, facing the Nazis. About March 3, 1945, Joe was recalled to be the 272nd's S-2, once again, as it moved across Germany. The 69th was first to meet the Russians, April 25, 1945.

Joe was promoted to Major, June 1, 1945. Not being eligble to return home or discharge, nor wishing to be a part of the occupation of Germany, and the war against Japan still going on, Joe requested a transfer to a Unit destined for the Pacific. His assignment was the 311th Inf Rgt 78th Inf Div stationed in and around Kassel, Germany. At first, he was Executive Editor of the "Combat Journal," a history being prepared of the 311th's WWII involvement. Soon VJ Day ended WWII, and the 78th's destination to the far east. Joe became commander of the 3rd Battalion, 311th Inf Rgt just before it departed for Bremerhaven, Germany from the Kassel area. In January 1946, he returned to the States to become Mr. Joe Lipsius, leaving behind an exemplary and outstanding military achievement in the service of his country. He was discharge, Feb 19, 1946.

Note: The complete story on Joseph Lipsius' military career is contained on this Website: www.69th-infantry-division.com