PVT Francis Wingler

courtesy of Frogman

PVT Francis Wingler was born 27 Aug 1923 in South Amboy, New Jersey, the first of 8 children born to Michael and Minnie Cora (Slocum) Wingler. Michael worked in a clay mine and then Raritan Arsenal in Metuchen to support his family. They were living at 26 Marguerite Place in Perth Amboy at the time. Francis left school and was working for a ceramics factory in nearby Keasbey, New Jersey. 

Francis was drafted in December 1943. After completing his military training he was sent to the European theater. PVT Wingler was transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry on 7 Aug 1944. At this time the regiment was still in the vicinity of Vire, France and soon after began the operation to liberate Brest. PVT Wingler was killed in action in Brest on 1 Sep 1944.

PVT Wingler rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.