SSG Lawrence Albert Martin

courtesy of Mike and Bushy Hartman

SSG Lawrence Albert Martin was born 15 May 1919 in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.  He was the 7th of 8 children, of whom only 2 were girls, born to Joseph Michael and Irma Veronica (Chinchilla) Martin.  His father was a native of Slovakia and worked as a pipe-fitter. Lawrence was working in a steel mill in 1940.

Lawrence was drafted in May 1941.  After his basic training he was likely assigned to  D Company 116th Infantry, perhaps before they left Camp Meade, Maryland for Camp Blanding, Florida.  Promoted to SSG, Lawrence had likely demonstrated competence and leadership ability during the train-up for the amphibious assault on the French coast. SSG Lawrence was killed in action on 6 Jun 1944.

SSG Lawrence rests forever in the Normandy American Cemetery.

3 of Lawrence's brothers also served in the war. Andrew Albert Martin, served from 1942 to 1945. Frank Thomas Martin also served, 1942-1946. Regis Richard Martin served 1943-1946.