Vincent H. Wolters of Monterey Tennessee surrounded by family, passed away peacefully at Cookeville Regional Medical Center on July 9, 2023. “Vincent” was a decorated World War II veteran, who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on November 18,1923. During the war, he served as a combat infantryman in the 90th -Texas Oklahoma division, (known as the “Tough Ombres”) in the European theater and fought in all campaigns including the Normandy invasion; Northern France; Ardennes-Alsace (the Battle of the Bulge); Rhineland; and Central Europe.
In one of its actions, his division was ordered to attack and clear the Foret de Mont-Castre, where the Division suffered 5,000 killed, wounded, or captured, one of the highest casualty rates suffered in WW II. In addition, Mr. Wolters and his comrades fought in countless other actions including the closing of the Falaise Gap; the Siege of Metz; and numerous firefights with elite SS units. During his service, Mr. Wolters experienced the many horrors of war – artillery barrages; horrific tree bursts; and freezing weather in the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge) wearing only summer gear. In addition to the fighting, the “Tough Ombres” liberated the Flossenburg concentration camp just before the war’s end, where a memorial at the former camp honors the 90th as its liberators. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his gallantry and was one of the last members of America’s greatest generation who served to remind us of the price of freedom and the many who gave the last full measure to preserve it.
After the war, Vincent, worked as a Stationary Engineer and earned his prized private pilot’s license. Mr. Wolters is survived by his wife Joan, of 49 years, five grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Vincent was the cherished “Uncle Vinnie” to his nephew Jesse P. Williamson and niece April Borda (Williamson) and her husband Albert. He was preceded in death by his son, William V. Wolters, and daughter Arlene Caruso (Wolters).
Arrangements and Care provided by D.M. Goff Funeral Home, Inc., 205 East Cleveland Avenue, Monterey, Tennessee 38574, Phone, 931.839.2311.