Copy of newspaper article: Greer Man Gets Award As Hero · Greer Heritage Museum collection

Title: Copy of newspaper article: Greer Man Gets Award As Hero
Accession Number: 2026.49.7.7
Accession Date: 6 October 2026
Accession Creator: Sophie Pendergraft
Depositor: Melanie Copeland Shaner
Description: Copy of newspaper article titled "Greer Man Gets Awarded As Hero"
Date: 29 January
Storage Location: Box 82, Folder 2
Text: PFC. John G. Copeland

GREER MAN GETS AWARD AS HERO

GREER, Jan. 29–Pfc. John G. Copeland, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Copeland of Greer, recently, was awarded a Silver Star for heroic action in the Allied Campaign in Italy. The War department citation follows: “John G. Copeland, 204494-95, private first class, Battery “A”, Field Artillery, For Gallantry in Action. On *** November 1943, near ***, Italy, during an attack by four enemy planes, a net covering a truck loaded with projectiles, powders, fuzes and primers was set on fire by enemy 20 mm shells. Without hesitation, and at great risk to his life, Private Copeland, accompanied by three other enlisted men, rushed across an open field, while the enemy planes were still overhead, grabbed the burning net, dragged it from the truck and assisted in extinguishing the flames. His cool and deliberate action resulted in the saving of valuable government property, and is exemplary of the high standard of mental alertness and courage of the members of the Army of the United States.”

Private Copeland has been overseas for about 18 months.