Private Edward F. Danz
Pte. Edward Danz was born on December 8, 1913 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He left school early at the age of 14 after his father died as a result of a drowning accident. It was a tough time for him and his family, so he worked several jobs such as pin boy at a local bowling alley, bell hop at the Windsor Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie and miner at Park Hill Gold Mines. Danz was married with 3 children and actively played several organized sports such as baseball and hockey. He was living at 88 Grace Street, Sault Ste. Marie and working as a crane operator for Algoma Steel Corporation when he enlisted on November 2, 1943.
At the time of his enlistment it was noted he was 5’4” and 130 lbs. Danz completed his basic training at No. 24 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre in Brampton, Ontario where he received a favourable report from his training officer, "Should develop into an excellent soldier – alert, keen, willing, cheerful type." He is described as hard-working and a good reliable soldier with an excellent Army attitude.
Danz volunteered for the Paratroops and was recommended for this training by the Recruiting Medical Officer and the Personnel Selection Officer. His wife was also supportive of his strong desire to become a Paratrooper. He was sent to the A-35 Canadian Parachute Training Centre at Camp Shilo, Manitoba and graduated on April 4, 1944. He was granted PARA pay immediately after.
Danz embarked for the UK on July 19, 1944 and reported for duty at 1 Canadian General Reinforcement Unit. He was taken on strength with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Training Company and shortly thereafter joined the seaborne reinforcement unit that disembarked into Normandy on August 29, 1944. He saw action in France, Belgium and Holland. He was wounded in the right buttock on January 3, 1945 while serving in Belgium. Danz survived the war and returned to Canada in October of 1945. He continued to live in Sault Ste. Marie with his wife Edna where they raised their family. Edward Danz passed away peacefully in his 97th year on January 15, 2010.
