WASHINGTON, D.C. — New Jersey resident and World War II Army Ranger veteran John Wardell was among the heroes honored Thursday during a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol, recognizing the legendary United States Army Rangers of World War II for their extraordinary service.
“John Wardell and his fellow Army Rangers fought with unmatched courage and tenacity under the most difficult conditions, meeting the enemy head-on and overcoming ferocious defenses to lead the invasion of Europe,” said Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who represents both Wardell and the Kwasnicki/Clarke family in Congress. “We are forever grateful to these heroes and their extended family members for their sacrifice and service to our Nation.”
Wardell’s military service included arriving on Omaha Beach on June 18, 1944, joining E Company of the 2nd Ranger Battalion. He fought through the Normandy campaign, the Battle of Brest, and the brutal Battle of the Hürtgen Forest. In December 1944, during the battle for Hill 400 in Bergstein, Germany — known among Rangers as “The Last Hill” — Wardell was wounded but later rejoined his company on Christmas Day. He was honorably discharged in October 1945 and went on to build businesses, serve his community, and raise a family with his wife, Nancy.
Also attending Thursday’s ceremony was Middletown Committeeman Ryan Clarke, who joined his family in honoring the memory of his wife Kristen’s grandfather, the late PFC William Henry Kwasnicki, another WWII Ranger.
Kwasnicki, born in Mahwah, New Jersey, served in the 2nd Infantry Ranger Battalion and landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He helped destroy German artillery positions, was wounded three times, and earned the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, a Bronze Star, and the Silver Star for gallantry in action. The entire Ranger unit also received the Presidential Unit Citation for their heroic efforts.
Pictured above is Rep. Chris Smith in the center, with the family of the late PFC William Henry Kwasnicki, a WWII Ranger.
According to the Kwasnicki grandchildren they knew that their grandfather served in the Army and that he landed on D-Day, but they say the particulars of his service were never discussed with them.
“We discovered that he was an Army Ranger and was with the 2nd Battalion Company A after he passed away in 1975,” commented William Thomas Kwasnicki, the grandson of William Henry Kwasnicki. ”We then realized that he was a Purple Heart, (with 2 oak leaf clusters) recipient, and a Silver Star recipient for gallantry in action on D-Day.”
Kwasnicki added, “I believe that this award would have meant the world to him. Not only for him, but for all his brother Rangers. The true heroes never came home. We are incredibly proud of his service and the man he was. I was named after my grandfather, which is an honor in and of itself. If I could live my life to be even half the man he was, I would be doing something right.”
Also paying tribute was Renee Lomell, daughter of Toms River war hero Second Lieutenant Leonard “Bud” Lomell, who attended the ceremony on behalf of her family and her late father. As a First Sergeant, Lomell landed at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, on D-Day and successfully scaled the 100-foot cliffs under fierce German fire. Lomell and fellow Ranger Sergeant Jack Kuhn discovered the German guns undefended atop the cliffs. With Kuhn providing cover, Lomell destroyed the artillery pieces with thermite grenades and smashed their sights with his rifle butt, preventing the guns from threatening Allied forces on the beaches below. For his valor, Lomell received a battlefield promotion to Second Lieutenant and was awarded some of the Army’s highest honors, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, and Silver Star.
In 2022, Congress passed legislation (S. 1872, now Public Law 117-132) mandating the Congressional Gold Medal for Army Rangers who served during World War II. Congressman Smith was among those who strongly supported the measure to recognize the Rangers’ vital contributions to Allied victory and global freedom.
“The United States is especially indebted to the service, bravery, and heroism of those who defended freedom in World War II,” Smith said. “Today, we honor not just the soldiers but the legacy they leave behind for generations.”
WWII Army Rangers Honored with Congressional Gold Medal: NJ Veteran John Wardell, Local Families Pay Tribute in Capitol Ceremony, Including Middletown Committeeman Ryan Clarke Honoring his Wife’s Late Grandfather, a World War II Army Ranger. | Middletown, NJ News TAPinto | TAPinto
