Feb 26, 2013 2 min read

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy remembered a local World War II hero Tuesday on the floor of the U.S. House.

Canonsburg native Wayne Alderson died Friday. During his service in Europe as a U.S. Army private first class, he led a historic charge during the Rhineland campaign that earned him the distinction of being the first American to cross into German territory across the heavily fortified Siegfried Line March 15, 1945.

“Wayne was a member of our greatest generation and a great American,” said Murphy, R-18th District. “This son of Southwestern Pennsylvania lived a life of purpose and sacrifice and remains an inspiration to those who knew him.”

Wayne was presented with the military’s top honor, the Silver Star, and was inducted into the Hall of Valor at the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum in Pittsburgh in 2007.

Wayne was credited with leading an outnumbered charge into enemy lines that forced the Germans to retreat. He and two fellow soldiers were credited with causing 35 casualties on Nazi forces after a fierce firefight that left Wayne with permanent shrapnel injuries to his face. “Wayne Alderson always put his country first,” Murphy said. “Now it is time for Pfc. Alderson’s country to recognize his bravery and place him among the first rank of those Americans who helped liberate Europe and beat back the twin scourges of fascism and Nazism.”

Wayne died at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy, daughter Nancy McDonnell and grandson Patrick Wayne McDonnell. Murphy’s tribute can be viewed on his website at http://murphy.house.gov.