- From Frank Miles Column, April 26, Carroll
Sgt. Roman G. Hazel, Le Mars, of the 133rd infantry, crawled nine hours on his stomach clearing a path through a dangerous minefield, which enabled a tank-supported infantry company to attack strategic Monte Belmonte. Hazel operated a mine detector and two other GIs with him detonated each mine found. The jerries poured mortar and machine gun bullets at them. The probing machine was knocked out by shell fragments before they reached the end of their route. The completed the job using trench knives as detectors. Hazel has the purple heart for wounds received in action. and the combat infantryman badge. A brother, Francis Hazel, is an artilleryman in the Pacific.
Source: Carroll Daily Times Herald, April 26, 1945
- From Frank Miles Column, May 10, Carroll
The Fifth army in North Italy has decorated Iowans: [excerpt]
Silver Star -- Sgt. Roman G. Hazel, Le Mars
Sergeant Hazel displayed gallantry in action when, in the face of intense fire, he and comrades cleared a path through a heavily mined field to half an enemy advance.
Source: Carroll Daily Times Herald, May 10, 1945
Roman G. Hazel 1919-2003
Roman Hazel, 84, died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at the Sioux Rapids Care Center in Sioux Rapids.
Roman George Hazel was born Jan. 25, 1919, in Le Mars, the son of Joseph and Clara (Kolker) Hazel. He was raised and educated in the Le Mars area. Roman was inducted into the United States Army on Feb. 10, 1941. He served overseas during World War II and was decorated with a Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, a Silver Star and the Good Conduct Medal. Roman was honorably discharged having attained the rank of sergeant on June 12, 1945. He returned to Le Mars following the service.
On Jan. 27, 1947, Roman and Marjorie Ann Riter were united in marriage at Le Mars. Roman worked for Wells' Dairy and also worked construction. He began work for Central Telephone Company in 1954. The family lived various places until settling in Sac City. Roman retired in 1981. Marjorie died Nov. 11, 1993. Roman moved to Sioux Rapids, and remained there until his death.
Roman was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and camping. In his spare time he also enjoyed construction, remodeling and wiring projects through the years. He was an active member of the V.F.W. in Sac City and belonged to the American Legion in Sioux Rapids.
Survivors include a son, Raymond of Sioux Rapids; a daughter, Karen Peters and her husband, Gerry Handy, of Gillett Grove; a granddaughter, Tracy Brown and her husband, Karl, of Omaha, Neb.; two great-grandsons, Roman and Henry of Omaha, Neb.; a brother Frances "Shorty" Hazel of Akron; and numerous other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Marjorie; and a son-in-law, Kenny Peters.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home of Le Mars. V.F.W. Chaplain Frank Pontious will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. The V.F.W. Post #590 of Sac City, will provide military honors. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home with the family present from 6 to 7 p.m. Visitation will resume at 9 a.m. on Friday and continue until the funeral service.
Source: LeMars Daily Sentinel, December 10, 2003
