PFC James Oscar Kesler

PFC James Oscar Kesler Jr was born 2 Jun 1924 in Roanoke, Virginia, the 4th of 9 children born to James Oscar and Lealar Mae (Arthur) Kesler.  His father worked as a hired hand on a farm and in 1940 for the W.P.A. and James Jr. was working for the county school system.  The family had a total reported 1939 income of $733.

James was drafted in May 1941. After his initial training he was sent to England and assigned to H Company 116th Infantry.  He trained with that unit and was with the unit for the amphibious assault on Omaha Beach, 6 Jun 1944.  PFC Kesler was killed in action on D-Day +12.

PFC Kesler was repatriated and is buried in Tombstone Cemetery in Roanoke County, Virginia.  James' sister, June Phyllis Kesler, enrolled in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps.