Harold James Enstice

Harold James Enstice is a decorated war hero of the Second World War. Near Thann, his company, part of the 142nd Infantry Regiment, ran into fierce resistance. Enstice’s platoon fought admirably and survived under his leadership.

While studying at Union College, Mr. Enstice enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1942 and attended Camp Wheeler in Macon, Georgia. In January 1944, he sailed to southern Italy for a mission to move the Axis line northward, from Salerno to Cassino and Rome. After two weeks on the front lines, new troops relieved his Division in order to start a new mission, an invasion of Southern France.

After training in Summer 1944, his unit entered France by sea in Higgins’ boats and secured Red Beach from the rear. He and his troops would liberate more than 20 cities and towns throughout France as part of Operation Dragoon. This operation, along with another in the northern part of the country, played a major role in defeating the Nazi army and ultimately ending the war in Europe. From October 1942 to December 1945, Mr. Enstice served in Africa, Italy, France and Germany.

Mr. Enstice is the recipient of two Bronze Stars, the Silver Service Star, the NYS Medal of Merit, the NYS Conspicuous Service Star and the NYS Combat Infantry Badge. During his service in Germany, he received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in battle.

Like so many of America’s Greatest Generation, Mr. Enstice returned home to complete his education and start a career and family. He worked as a business executive in the consumer product and life insurance industries, and is an active member of the community, involved in the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, Clarence Historical Society and Clarence American Legion.

Mr. Enstice and his wife, Rosemary, have been married for almost 70 years. They have three children, Kevin, Keith and Mary, as well as nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.