Saturday, August 27, 2016

PFC Harry Bernhard Thompson

courtesy of SirromC
PFC Harry Bernhard Thompson was born 1 Sep 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of the 2 sons born to Bernard Emanuel and Alice May (Ekternacht) Thompson. His father worked as electrician for the Philadelphia city school system. The family owned their home at 1726 North Bailey Street and lived there from before 1920. It was valued at $1700 in 1940. Harry's father reported a 1939 income of $1200 with which he supported the family of 4 and his mother who lived with them. Harry completed high school and then found work as a draftsman with the Hugh H. Eby Inc. company at 4700 Stenton Avenue in Philadelphia which made electronic components. 

Harry was drafted in March 1943. After completing his basic military training he was sent overseas probably arriving in England in May 1944. PFC Thompson was transferred from the replacement depot to C Company 116th Infantry on 17 Jul 1944. He fought with the unit in the liberation of Vire, France and participated in the drive to liberate Brest. PFC Thompson was killed in action on 27 Aug 1944. 

PFC Thompson is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery

Harry's father served in WW1 in the U.S. Navy leaving service as an E2c. Younger brother George Edward Thompson served in the U.S. Army 1946-1948.

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