PVT Isidore Sherman

PVT Isidore Sherman was born 22 Jul 1921 probably in New York, New York. We believe he was the 2nd of 4 children born to William and Zelda Sherman. William and Zelda were Jewish natives of either Poland or Russia, probably "The Pale", an area to which Russia had exiled its Jewish population. William supported his family as a tailor. The family lived at 141 Legion Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. Isidore married Francis S. Friedman in January 1942 and the couple may have lived at 109 Hertzl Street in Brooklyn. We know that Francis was living there in 1944.

Isidore was drafted in December 1943. After his basic military training he was sent to the European theater and likely arrived in France in late July 1944 or very early in August 1944. PVT Sherman was transferred from the replacement depot to M Company 116th Infantry to serve as a rifleman on 7 Aug 1944 while the unit was near Vire, France. He was with the unit as the Division and Regiment began the attack on German forces near and in Brest, France. PVT Sherman was killed in action on 31 Aug 1944 in Brest.

PVT Sherman was repatriated in 1949 and re-interred in the New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, New York.

SGT Norman Jackson Lloyd

courtesy of Erin Proctor

SGT Norman Jackson Lloyd was born 8 Jul 1917 in Clarke County, Virginia the third of five children of Lawrence Jackson and Louise Elizabeth (Carroll) Lloyd. His father worked as a dairy farm manager and hired hand. In 1940, Norman was working for the state of Virginia "on state land" and reported a 1939 income of $420. 

Norman was drafted in May 1941.  After basic training, he married Ruth Estelle Saunders on 25 Aug 1941. Norman was sent to England and assigned to Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion 116th Infantry where he served as "field wire chief". He trained with the unit for the amphibious assault which was to take place as part of the invasion of France on 6 Jun 1944.  T5 Lloyd continued to serve with the unit through the fighting in the hedgerows helping to ensure land line communications with higher headquarters. He was promoted to SGT on 18 Aug 1944. SGT Lloyd was wounded on 30 Aug 1944 and evacuated to hospital. He died of his wound(s) on 31 Aug 1944.

SGT Lloyd is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

Ruth and Norman had no children together.  In 1946, Ruth re-married and had 4 children with her second husband.  She died in 2014.

PFC Gerald Kay Davis

PFC Gerald Kay Davis was born 28 Nov 1924 in Beaver Creek, Minnesota. He was the youngest of the six children of Harry Irven and Lavina (Hettinger) Davis. His father was a blacksmith who owned his home and business. Gerald or "Jerry" as the family called him, no doubt helped his father.

Jerry probably entered service sometime in 1943.  Trained as a medic and sent overseas he was assigned to Medical Detachment 116th Infantry and then attached to Anti-Tank Company 116th Infantry.  On 1 Jun 1944 he was relieved from attachment and returned to the Medical Detachment and was with that unit on D-Day.  On 11 Jun 1944 he was attached to Headquarters Company 3rd Battalion 116th Infantry to work in their aid station.  On 18 Jul 1944 he was relieved from attachment and returned to Medical Detachment.  PFC Davis was killed in action on 31 Aug 1944. 

PFC Davis is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

TSGT John Stanley Sadowski

courtesy of Patricia Bunyard

TSGT John Stanley Sadowski was born 26 Mar 1909 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He was the 5th of the 6 children born to Stanislaus and Vadislava (Dudek). We apologize if the spellings are incorrect but they were taken from official documents. Both parents were natives of Poland. His father worked in a brass mill in Seymour, Connecticut and as a coal miner in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania to support his family. John's brother Raymond died in 1926 of sarcoma. The family ultimately settled in Duryea, Pennsylvania. John was able to complete high school but he also went into mining to support his family. He married Anna Ruth Anderika in July 1937.

John was drafted in April 1941. At that time draftees were sent to regional training centers and John was likely sent to Fort Meade, Maryland where he was assigned to an infantry company. He would then have trained there before being moved with his unit. SSG Sadowski was transferred from the replacement depot to I Company 116th Infantry on 22 Jul 1944. He was obviously already an experienced combat leader because he was promoted to TSGT just 1 month later and began serving as a platoon sergeant. TSGT Sadowski  was killed in action on 31 Aug 1944 as the regiment attacked German units in Brest, France.

TSGT Sadowski is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

1LT Donald Ray Brill

1LT Donald Ray Brill, b. 29 Jan 1918 - d. 31 Aug 1944. Son of Pearl Ray (aka James Ray) and Floris H (Knoble) Brill of Canton, OH. Donald enlisted 19 Sep 1941 and was ultimately assigned to I Company 116th Infantry on 17 Jul 1944 and then on 26 Jul 1944 to M Company 116th Infantry. He was survived by his parents and a brother and rests in Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton.

PFC William Henry Skerry III

courtesy of Dawn Parker

PFC William Henry Skerry III was born 10 Dec 1909 in Haverstraw, New York. He was the 6th of 7 children born to William Henry and Ann M. (Campbell) Skerry. The senior Skerry was a saloon keeper and a carpenter but by 1940 he was apparently being supported by his children and Ann had died. Young William was working in a rock quarry for the Traprock Corporation in Tomkins Cove, New York.

William was drafted in May 1942. After his basic military training he was sent to England and assigned to A Company 116th Infantry. He trained with the unit for the amphibious assault to take place on the coast of occupied France and took place in that attack. He fought the unit until wounded in sometime in July. Struck in the thigh by an artillery fragment he was evacuated to hospital and returned to the unit before the end of the month. He then continued to fight with unit until killed in action on 31 Aug 1944 in the attack on Brest.

PFC Skerry was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in Saint Peters Cemetery in Haverstraw, New York.

Hugh J. Skerry served in the U.S. Navy as a S1c aboard the USS Merrimack (AO-37) in the Atlantic and South Pacific.

CPL William Charles Merk

courtesy of Historical Passion

CPL William Charles Merk was born 13 Feb 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of the 3 sons born to Joseph Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Ems) Merk. His father was a an operator/motorman for the Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC) and reported a 1939 income of $4000 which was quite good for the time. At the same time William's 2 older brothers were working as bakery assistants and each reported 1939 incomes of $1100.

When William was drafted in January 1943 he had completed 3-years of high school and was working as a clerk. After his initial training he was sent to the European theater. On 7 Aug 1944 he was transferred from the replacement depot to M Company 116th Infantry where he was to serve as a machinegunner. CPL Merk was killed in action on 31 Aug 1944.

CPL Merk was repatriated and re-interred in the Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, New Jersey.

Williams brothers also served in the Army during the war.

CPL John Wilbur Thierauf

courtesy of David King

CPL John Wilbur Thierauf was born 6 Oct 1918 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the eldest of 2 children born to John Henry and Eva Beatrice (Mundie) Thierauf. He was called Wilbur to distinguish him from his father who worked in the dry docks as a paint chipper before becoming a Baltimore City policeman. Wilbur's younger sister wasn't born until 1932. The father was a traffic cop in 1940 and the family was then living at 4713 Pennington Avenue which was valued at $2300. Wilbur was also working, he as a "weigher" for Bethlehem Steel at Sparrow Point, Maryland and earning a reported 1939 income of $1500 while his father earned $2100 for the same period.  

Wilbur was drafted in May 1941. He was likely sent first to Fort George Meade, Maryland before being selected for training as a medic. We don't know when that happened immediately after completing his training but in December 1942 PVT Thierauf was assigned to the 104th Medical Battalion when he fell and broke his jaw on both sides which put him in the hospital for a month. It was likely in early 1943 that he was sent to England and assigned the the 111th Field Artillery which was the 29th Division divisional artillery unit. PVT Thierauf was transferred from the 111th to Medical Detachment 116th Infantry on 26 Jul 1944. He was promoted to CPL on 18 Aug 1944. The division was in the early stages of its participation in the effort to liberate Brest, France. CPL Thierauf was killed in action at Brest on 31 Aug 1944. 

CPL Thierauf was repatriated and re-interred in his family plot in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Brooklyn Park, Maryland.

1SG Marvin Cerebrum Fielding

1SG Marvin Cerebrum Fielding was born 21 Apr 1911 in Augusta County, Virginia to Marvin Booker and Nora Belle (Brightwell) Fielding.  The family of 9 farmed.  About 1936, Marvin married Laura Anderson Payne and they had 1 daughter.  In 1940, Marvin was working as a spinner in a rayon plant and reported a 1939 income of $1740.

When his National Guard unit was federalized in February 1941, Marvin was already a SGT.  As a member of L Company 116th Infantry, Marvin trained with the unit for the D-Day assault on the French beaches in Normandy code-named "Omaha".  After the landing he fought with his unit until he was killed in action on 31 Aug 1944.

1SG Fielding is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.  His name is recorded on a memorial at the Thomas D. Howie Memorial Armory (now Readiness Center) in Staunton, Virginia.

1SG Fielding's grand-nephew also served in a descendant unit of L Company stationed in the Staunton, Virginia armory and attained the rank of 1SG and was deployed in the Global War on Terror. 

PFC Harlan Herman Hermelbracht

PFC Harlan Herman Hermelbracht was born 2 Jul 1924 in Bancroft, Nebraska to Herman Carl and Bertha (Kessinger) Hermelbracht.  His father died the following year.  It is unclear how his mother supported the family (she had 2 boys age 1 and under when her husband died) and she didn't remarry until after 1930.  Harlan's step-father farmed.

After Harlan entered the service he was sent to England and assigned to I Company 116th Infantry.  He trained with that unit for the amphibious assault that would take place at the French beach code-named "Omaha" on 6 Jun 1944.  He made that assault, survived and on 24 Jun 1944 was promoted to PFC.  On 15 Jul 1944 he was wounded and evacuated to a hospital. Harlan returned to the unit from the replacement depot on  13 Aug 1944.  PFC Hermelbracht was killed in action on 31 Aug 1944. 

PFC Hermelbracht rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PVT George Lewis Carson

PVT George Lewis Carson was born 3 Jun 1925 in Connellsville, Pennsylvania to Henry Shaffer and Hazel Lee (Orndorff) Carson. His father worked for the railroad to support his wife and 12 children.  In 1940, with several of the children contributing, the family had an aggregate income of $2456. 

George entered service on 9 Dec 1943.  He was transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry on 10 Aug 1944.  PVT Carson was killed in action 31 Aug 1944. 

PVT Carson is buried in Hill Grove Cemetery in Connellsville, Pennsylvania.

PVT Phillip Fletcher Simmons

PVT Phillip Fletcher Simmons was born 20 Mar 1917 in Francisco, North Carolina. He was the 6th of 7 children born to Fletcher Ausborne and Lula (Tucker) Simmons. His father farmed rented land in the Big Creek area and then bought a farm in the Peters Creek area of Stokes County, North Carolina. Phillip only completed 1-year of high school and farmed for his father until about 1941 when he began working as a carpenter. He had married Lillie Irene Clifton in March 1938 and the couple had a son born prematurely in July that same year. Garland Lane Simmons died after only 2-days. The couple had another son in October 1939.

Phillip was drafted in December 1943. After his basic military training he was sent to the European theater and, on 10 Aug 1944, was transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry. PVT Simmons was killed in action just 21-days later on 31 Aug 1944.

PVT Simmons was repatriated in 1949 and re-interred in the Simmons Cemetery in Big Creek, North Carolina.

Lillie re-married in 1948. The couple's surviving son would serve 4-years in the U.S. Air Force. Phillip is today survived by several great-grandchildren and at least 1 great, great-grandchild.

PVT Walter Richard Starsoneck

courtesy of Miles M.

PVT Walter Richard Starsoneck was born 15 Sep 1917 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the youngest of Richard and Hilda I. (Herald) Starsoneck's 2 children. His father was a butcher. Walter would not go beyond grammar school.

Walter was drafted in December 1943. After his basic military training he was sent to the European theater and transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry on 7 Aug 1944. PVT Starsoneck was killed in action as the regiment fought to liberate Brest on 30 Aug 1944.

PVT Starsoneck was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in the Baltimore National Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland.

PVT Whitnell William Lawrence

PVT Whitnell William Lawrence, "Whit" was born on 6 Nov 1913 in McGehee, Arkansas the son of Marshall Lee Lawrence and Druesilla (Woodside) Lawrence, both of Illinois. Whit's father died in 1920 leaving his mother Druesilla to raise their large family on her own. Whit received his public school education in Desha County, Arkansas.

On 14 Feb 1938, Valentine's Day, Whit married Bessie Jo Roswell in Desha County, Arkansas.

Whit enlisted in the United States Army for the duration of the war on 4 Dec 1943 at Little Rock, Arkansas. After basic training was completed, he was assigned to the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. He participated in the amphibious landing at Omaha Beach, Normandy, the Battle at St. Lo and the battle of Hill 219. Whit and his comrades were then trucked up to Brest, France, and began the siege and eventual capture of this great port city. The regiment commenced their attack on 24 Aug 1944, and the battle with the German garrison lasted nearly a month, until the last defenders finally surrendered on September 18. However, Whit was not there for the victory as he had been killed in action during this battle on 30 Aug 1944.

Private Whitnell W. Lawrence, Sn #38600528, earned the following badges/decorations during his service during World War II:
- Combat Infantryman's Badge
- Bronze Star Medal
- Purple Heart Medal
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- European Theater of Operations Campaign Medal with two battle/campaign stars and assault arrowhead device
- World War II Victory Medal
- Presidential Unit Citation ribbon
- Normandy Commemorative Medal

Whit was survived by his mother Dreusilla, his wife Bessie and their two children who resided in McGehee, and several brothers and sisters in Arkansas and Illinois. Whit's younger brother, William K. Lawrence, Sr, served in the Army in World War II as well. He received the Silver Star Medal for valor (Headquarters, 90th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 199 {1944}). William is buried in the McGehee Cemetery in Desha County, Arkansas, as are his wife Frances and his parents.

PFC Willie Shields

PFC Willie Shields was born 15 May 1924 in Boston, Kentucky to William Henson and Elizabeth May (Hughes) Shields. He was the 2nd of their 5 children and his father supported the family by farming for others in Nelson County, Kentucky. Elizabeth caught pneumonia and died in November 1931 at the age of 29 leaving 5 children age 9 to 9-months. Willie's dad married widow, Alice Mae (Comely) Dezern on 23 Dec 1933 and her 2 daughters joined the family. The family was not living together in 1940, Willie's education didn't progress past the 8th grade and he also worked as a farm hand. He was working for and living with Roy Barnes of Bardstown, Kentucky in 1942.

Willie was drafted in May 1943. After approximately 5-months of basic military training he would have been sent to an infantry unit but we don't know when he went to England. PFC Shields was transferred from the replacement depot to C Company 116th Infantry on 17 Jul 1944 while the unit was in the vicinity of Saint-Lo, France. Very soon after that he was reassigned to A Company 116th Infantry on 23 Jul 1944. He then fought with the unit in the operation to liberate Vire, France and as the regiment moved towards Brest. PFC Shields was "lightly" wounded on 27 Aug 1944 and evacuated to hospital where he died on 30 Aug 1944. 

PFC Shields rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

TSGT George Harold Clarke

TSGT George Harold Clarke was born 28 Aug 1921 in Augusta County, Virginia to Robert L. and Lola Agnes (Gibson) Clarke. His parents divorced in 1922.  In 1940 George was living with his mother in his maternal grandparents' home. 

George was a private in the Staunton, Virginia unit of the National Guard when the unit was federalized in February 1941.  That was L Company 116th Infantry.  He was still with that unit right through to the D-Day landing and beyond.  It is unclear when he was wounded but he died of those wounds on 30 Aug 1944. 

TSGT Clarke is buried in Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia. 

T5 Joseph E. Fortune

T5 Joseph E. Fortune was born in 1914 in Ray County, Missouri to Joseph and Edna Fern (Zehrung) Fortune.  His father died 8 Apr 1914 of pulmonary tuberculosis. His mother died 17 Jun 1926.  In 1930 Joseph was living with his maternal grandmother and her 2nd husband. 

On 27 May 1941, Joseph married Dorothy Mae Danielson.  After Joseph entered the service he was trained and then sent overseas.  On 20 Jun 1944 he was transferred from the replacement depot to Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion 116th Infantry.  On 18 Aug 1944 he was promoted from PVT to T5.  On 30 Aug 1944 T5 Fortune was killed in action. 

T5 Fortune is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery and there is a cenotaph for him in West Lawn Cemetery in Glidden, Iowa.

PVT Bruce George Beghold

Photo his nephew, Peter C. Marr, 2000

PVT Bruce George Beghold was born 3 Apr 1925 in Rochester, New York to Carl Louis and Jessie (Nourse) Beghold.  His father was a high school teacher.

When Bruce was drafted in January 1944, he had completed 1 year of college.  Sent overseas he was moved from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry on 7 Aug 1944.  Wounded on 30 Aug 1944, he was evacuated to hospital and died that same day.

PVT Beghold is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery. 

PFC Richard Lee Nibert

PFC Richard Lee Nibert was born 9 Apr 1923 in Ashton, West Virginia. He was the first of 5 children born to Howard Lyle and Mary Elizabeth (Sharp) Nibert. The family farmed.

Richard was still farming, probably with his father, when he was drafted in February 1943. After basic training he was sent to the European theater and on 4 Jul 1944 was transferred from the replacement depot to I Company 116th Infantry. PFC Nibert was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PFC Nibert rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PVT William Edsel Willard

PVT William Edsel Willard was born 31 May 1925 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Edsel, as he was called to distinguish him from his father, was the oldest of the 3 children born to William Gray and Sarah Elizabeth (Lawter) Willard. His father was a police officer in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. On 29 Oct 1938 he was engaged in a shootout with a suspect and wounded. He died 4 days afterwards leaving 13-year old Edsel as "man of the family". While the family owned their home at 2336 Westfield Avenue in Winston-Salem which was valued at $6000 in 1940, we don't know how Sarah supported her family. Edsel completed 3-years of high school and went to work in a local movie theater. 

Edsel was drafted in November 1943 at the age of 18. After training at Camp Croft, South Carolina and elsewhere he was sent overseas and may have arrived in England in time to be assigned to B Company 116th Infantry prior to the D-Day landings on 6 Jun 1944. His first mention in the unit morning reports is when he is reported as having been MIA on 30 Aug 1944. It was later determined that he had in fact been killed in action on 30 Aug 1944 as the unit attacked German forces holding Brest, France. 

PVT Willard rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

Uncle, Billie Newton Willard, served as a PVT in the 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, and was killed in action in the vicinity of Luppy on 10 Nov 1944. Brother, Jack Leland Willard would retire as a U.S. Army SGM.

SSG John P. Bocchino

SSG John P. Bocchino was born 6 Feb 1923 in Altavilla, Italy to Francesco and Pierina Giovanna Giusep (Savio) Bocchino.  His father was a waiter in a restaurant in New York City.  The family of 6 lived at 1013 58th Street, Brooklyn, NY.

John was drafted in February 1943 and was sent overseas after completing his basic military training.  He was assigned to I Company 116th Infantry before D-Day and participated in the amphibious assault.  On 17 Jun 1944 he was wounded and evacuated.  On 5 Aug 1944 he was returned from the replacement depot to I Company.  On 21 Aug 1944 he was promoted from PFC to SSG.  SSG Bocchino was shot and killed in action on 30 Aug 1944 in the effort to liberate Brest, France.

SSG Bocchino is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery. 

PVT Romuald Joseph Renaud

PVT Romuald Joseph Renaud was born 7 Feb 1908 in Palmer, Massachusetts. He was the 4th of 8 children born to Joseph and Amelia (Labelle) Renaud. The two families had immigrated from Quebec, Canada. Joseph worked in one of the local woolen mills but probably died between 1910 and 1920. Romuald also went to work in the mills and in 1930 was working as a pattern maker and was still working in the industry in 1940 earning $724 in 1939. He married Julia K. Levidge in 1942.The couple were both in their mid-30s.

Romuald was drafted in December 1943. After his military training he was sent to the European theater and was transferred from the replacement depot to I Company 116th Infantry on 7 Aug 1944. PVT Renaud was killed in action during the drive on Brest on 30 Aug 1944.

PVT Renaud was repatriated and re-interred in Saint Anne's Cemetery in Three Rivers, Massachusetts in 1949.

Romuald and Julia had no children. Julia's sister, Albertine Anne Levidge, served as a nurse in the U.S. Navy ending her service as a LCDR. AMVETS Post 74 in Three Rivers, Massachusetts is named for Romuald and is still active.

PFC Charles Savary Jr.

PFC Charles Savary Jr. was born 24 Sep 1924 in Minersville, Pennsylvania. He was the eldest of the 2 sons born to Charles and Mary (Kidora) Savary. Charles was Mary's second husband and she came into the marriage with 3 children by her first husband. His father worked as a carpenter at the Oak Hill Colliery. Young Charles started playing the violin at age 9 and was later in the high school orchestra. Charles went into mining before 1943.

 Charles was drafted in May 1943. After his basic military training he was sent to the European theater. PFC Savary was transferred from the replacement depot to K Company 116th Infantry on 24 Jul 1944. He then fought with the unit in the liberation of Vire before moving with the unit into Brittany. PFC Savary was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944 near La Trinite in the effort to take Brest from the Germans.

PFC Savary rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

Charles' brother, Paul Savary, served in the U.S. Navy during the war.

PVT Walter Lee Gibson

PVT Walter Lee Gibson was born 2 Jul 1925 in Yampa, Colorado to Walter Lawrence and Fannie G. (Adkins) Gibson.  The family farmed.

Walter was drafted in November 1943. Sent to Europe, Walter was transferred from the replacement depot to M Company 116th Infantry on 7 Aug 1944.  PVT Gibson was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PVT Gibson is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PVT Casimer Adam Wasilewski

courtesy of SirromC

PVT Casimer Adam Wasilewski was born in Yonkers, New York on 24 Feb 1911. He was the oldest of the 5 children born to Peter and Sophie Josephine (Jacewicz) Wasilewski. Both parents were natives of Poland. His father worked as a laborer in a sugar refinery, a carpet mill and as a maintenance superintendent of an apartment building. Younger sister Dorothy died before she was 10-years old. Brother Frank died in 1940. Casimer did not attend high school but eventually worked for Chevrolet in the North Tarrytown, New York manufacturing plant and moved to an apartment at 10 Radford Street in Yonkers.

Casimer was drafted in August 1943. After completing his military training he was sent to England. PVT Wasilewski was transferred from the replacement depot to Cannon Company 116th Infantry on 19 Jun 1944 as a gun crewman. He was transferred to A Company 116th Infantry on 16 Aug 1944 as the regiment began its attack towards Brest. PVT Wasilewski was wounded on 27 Aug 1944 and evacuated to a field hospital where he died of his wound(s) on 30 Aug 1944.

PVT Wasilewski rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery. He is also memorialized on his parent's headstone in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Yonkers, New York.

SSG George William Hansen

SSG George William Hansen was born 13 Jan 1923 in Sac City, Iowa to Johann Christian Jurgen and Blance Elizabeth (McKim) Hansen.  His father was a salesman and a truck driver.  George was working in a grocery in 1940 and reported making $75 in 1939.

George went into the army in July 1943.  He shipped to England in January 1944 and was assigned to I Company 116th Infantry.  PVT Hansen landed with his unit on 6 Jun 1944.  On 24 Jun 1944 he was promoted to PFC. On 12 Jul 1944 he was struck by shrapnel in his left eye but remained on duty.  George was promoted again on 25 Jul 1944, this time to SGT.  Less than a month later he was promoted yet again, to SSG, on 21 Aug 1944.  SSG Hansen was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

SSG Hansen is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery. Brothers John Jr., Raymond Franklin, and Forest Clayton all served during the war and survived.

SGT Peter Jacob Swayze

courtesy of Diane

SGT Peter Jacob Swayze was born 18 Jun 1921 in Newark, New Jersey. He was the youngest of 7 children born to John Lowrance and Eva (Couse) Swayze. Peter's father had been personal secretary to Governor Franklin Murphy of New Jersey, Assistant Attorney General of New Jersey, and was General Counsel of the New York Telephone Company when he died of a heart attack in August 1922. Peter was just over 1-year old. The family must have been financially comfortable as Eva did not work but Peter's older siblings all got the benefit of a higher education with one brother attending Harvard and another attending Princeton. The family suffered a great tragedy in January 1933 when Peter's brothers, Henry, Robert and Richard were drowned while skating after falling through the ice. Peter graduated high school and was then accepted at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was living at 106 Long Hall at the university when he registered for the draft. 

It wasn't much later that Peter volunteered for service, enlisting in the army. He was eventually sent to England and on 15 Jul 1944 PFC Swayze was transferred from the replacement depot to F Company 116th Infantry which was in the vicinity of Saint-Lo, France. He fought with the unit through the Vire campaign and was promoted to SGT on 21 Aug 1944. Still serving with the regiment began the campaign to liberate Brest and was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944. 

SGT Swayze was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in the Newton Cemetery in Newton, New Jersey.

Brother, Joseph Couse Swayze, served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during WW2. Grandfather, Joseph P. Couse, served in 3 companies of the 33rd New Jersey Infantry (USA) during the Civil War completing his service as a CPT.

PVT Edward Clarence McCarty

PVT Edward Clarence McCarty was born 21 Aug 1919 in Mount Eden, Kentucky. He was the 2nd of 2 sons born to Edward Clarence and Nannie Pearl (Ashby) McCarty. His father worked as a farm hand, salesman and carpenter. Edward left home and married Lucy B. Curtsinger in 1938. In 1939 they had a daughter, Brenda and in 1940 Edward was working as a laborer for the W.P.A. He reported a 1939 income of $360. At the time they were paying $4 a month in rent.

Edward was living in Louisville, Kentucky when he was drafted in December 1943. There is no record of his transfer from the replacement depot so he must have been assigned directly to K Company 116th Infantry upon arrival in England in May 1944. He would not have had much time for training for the amphibious assault that was part of the invasion of occupied Europe but K Company had a relatively easy time of it and he survived until he was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PVT McCarty was buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

His wife remarried shortly after his death but died at age 37 of pulmonary tuberculosis.

PFC Homer Potts

courtesy of C. Giano

PFC Homer Potts was born in 1912 in London, Ohio. He was the 6th of 7 children born to Henry Potts and his 2nd wife, Julia Victoria (Penwell) Potts . His father farmed and had 8 children by his first wife. Homer's younger sister died 10-days after her birth in 1915. Henry shot and killed Victoria (as his 2nd wife was known) in April 1919 and in August 1919 was sent to the penitentiary where he died in 1920. 7-year old Homer and the other minor children were taken in to be raised by his oldest brother, William. About 1938, Homer married and he and his wife, Dorothy Evelyn, lived at 130 Dayton Avenue in Springfield, Ohio. Homer reported a 1939 income of $1170 working as a punch press operator. The couple had a son in 1939.

Home was drafted in September 1943. After his basic military training PVT Potts was sent to the European theater and transferred from the replacement depot to I Company 116th Infantry on 16 Jul 1944. He was promoted to PFC on 14 Aug 1944. PFC Potts was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944 as the unit attacked Brest, France.

PFC Potts rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PFC Loren Everett Percy

courtesy of L. Young

PFC Loren Everett Percy was born 13 Oct 1925 in Marion, Indiana. He was the 3rd of 3 children born to Raymond Clifford and Jocie (King) Percy. His father worked in an iron foundry reporting a 1939 income of $940 for 52 weeks work. That same year his mother was working as a packer in a "glass house" and reported a 1939 income of $720 for 40 weeks work.

Loren was drafted in December 1943. After his military training he was sent to Europe. We are unsure when, but he was assigned to K Company 116th Infantry. Loren was promoted to PFC on 18 Aug 1944. PFC Percy was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PFC Percy was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in Estates of Serenity in Marion, Indiana.

Loren's older brother, Lester Lamoine Percy, served in the U.S. Army, 1943-1945.

PFC Foster Diebold Vogel

PFC Foster Diebold Vogel was born 25 Sep 1913 just to the west of Monterey, Indiana. He was the 2nd of 3 children born to Martin Luther and Eva L. (Demoss) Vogel. His father farmed just west of Monterey and Foster would eventually farm as well. About 1938 he married Hilda Christine Houghton. 

Foster wasn't drafted until October 1943. After completing his basic military training he was sent to the European theater in July 1944. PVT Vogel was transferred from the replacement depot to F Company 116th Infantry on 23 Jul 1944 to serve as a rifleman. He was with the unit as it moved from Saint-Lo to the liberation of Vire, France. He was promoted to PFC on 15 Aug 1944. F Company together with the rest of the 116th then began the effort to liberate Brest. PFC Vogel was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.  

PFC Foster rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery. 

Grandfather, William J. Demoss, served as a  PVT in H Company 128th Indiana Infantry (USA) in the Civil War.

PFC Thomas Charles Faranda

PFC Thomas Charles Faranda was born 16 Feb 1911 in Manhattan, New York to Charles and Paolina (or Pauline) (Barbita) Faranda.  His mother died in 1940.  His father repaired shoes.  In 1940, Thomas was working as a printer. He married Josephine M. Ragusa, they had one son.

Thomas was drafted in November 1943 leaving work as a machinist.  Sent overseas he was transferred from the replacement depot to H Company 116th Infantry on 22 Jul 1944.  On 11 Aug 1944 he was promoted to PFC.  On 30 Aug 1944 PFC Faranda was killed in action.

PFC Faranda is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.  As far as we can tell, Josephine never re-married and died in 2008.

2LT Joseph Richard Aponte

2LT Joseph Richard Aponte, b. 1919 - d. 30 Aug 1944, son of Jose Diaz and Grace M Aponte of Rochester, New York. Married to Grace Ellen Almy also of Rochester after enlisting. Grace graduated from Madison College in Harrisonburg, Virginia and they were then married in Durham, North Carolina in October1942. Lieutenant Aponte was assigned to K Company 116th Infantry 16 Aug 1944 and was serving with that unit when he was killed. This photo is from his high school annual.  His body was repatriated and he is buried in White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsfold, New York.

PFC George Herbert Leary

PFC George Herbert Leary was born 20 Dec 1909 in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the son of Mary A. (Sullivan) Leary. Mary's husband Timothy Leary with whom she had 11 children had died in 1903. Mary was a native of Ireland and had immigrated as a child. She worked as a housekeeper and laundress to feed her family and the children left school to work or married and moved away. George was working in a print shop at the age of 11, at 21 he was working for a jewelry manufacturer and in 1940 was working for United Wire Supply Company in Cranston, Rhode Island while living at 113 West Clifford Street in Providence. George married Mildred E. in 1942 or early 1943. 

George was drafted in August 1943 and after completing his basic military training he was sent to England. PVT Leary was transferred from the replacement depot to A Company 116th Infantry on 17 Jul 1944. He was promoted to PFC on 11 Aug 1943. PFC Leary was wounded in action on 27 Aug 1944 as the unit advanced on Brest, France and sent to hospital. He died of his wound(s) on 30 Aug 1944. 

PFC Leary rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PFC Rolla Samuel Mullins

courtesy of  John & Peggy Scott

PFC Rolla Samuel Mullins was born 22 Dec 1916 in Webb City, Missouri. He was the 5th of 9 children born to Henry and Bertha Mable (Boyd) Mullins. His father worked in the lead mine and then bought his own farm and the family farmed while he continued to work as a machinist for the mine company. In 1936 his mother died of Uremia and his father died in November 1942 of prostate disease.

Rolla was drafted in January 1942. After some initial training he served with other unit(s) before being transferred from the replacment depot to K Company 116th Infantry on 27 Jul 1944. PVT Mullins was promoted to PFC on 18 Aug 1944. PFC Mullins was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PFC Mullins was repatriated in 1949 and re-interred in Arnhart Cemetery in Purdy, Missouri.

PVT Jesse Douglas Mason

PVT Jesse Douglas Mason was born 24 Oct 1924 in Union County, Kentucky.  He was the son of Leonard E and Mae Louise (Sullivan) Mason. His father was a lineman and was killed in 1930 by a fall from a pole.  His mother was remarried, to Toy Walker Allen, in 1934. His step-father worked in a bakery.

When Jesse was drafted in August 1943 he was apparently working as an "actor" in the Evansville, Indiana area. After his training, Jesse was sent to Europe. On 10 Aug 1944 he was transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry. PVT Mason was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PVT Mason was repatriated and re-interred with family in the Pythian Ridge Cemetery in Sturgis, Kentucky.

PVT Gerald F. Houle

PVT Gerald F. Houle was born 10 Jul 1925 in Stephenson, Michigan to Walter David and Melina Mary (St Peter) Houle. His father farmed and then worked for the W.P.A. in road construction.

Gerald entered the service in December 1943. After his initial training Gerald was sent to Europe and transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry on 26 Jul 1944.  PVT Houle was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PVT Houle was repatriated and is buried in the Stephenson Township Cemetery in Stephenson, Michigan.

2LT Frank Vernon Barnett

2LT Frank Vernon Barnett was born 14 Oct 1917 in El Campo, Texas to Edgar E and Sophia Wilhemenia (Metzger) Barnett.  His father worked or operated a tractor company before the depression and later they farmed, mostly cotton.  His mother had been born in Germany.

After entering the service and attending OCS, Frank was assigned to K Company 116th Infantry on 16 Aug 1944 where he served as a platoon leader.  He was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

2LT Barnett is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery. 

PVT John J Doran

PVT John J. Doran, b. 6 Mar 1923 - d. 30 Aug 1944. Son of Bernard and Mary (Mahoney) Doran of Harrison, New Jersey he had 7 siblings. This photo is John working at a CCC camp in Montana before the war. Entering service in 1942, PVT Doran was assigned to K Company 116th Infantry when killed. A note here, the morning report shows him as in K Company but his family apparently believed he was in M Company and he might have been for a time prior to the D-Day landings.  He is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PFC George Truett Martin

courtesy of Marcus Stanley

PFC George Truett Martin waborn 7 Aug 1925 in Macon County, North Carolina the 8th of 9 children born to Reverend Jefferson Lee and Ila Lee (Haney) Martin. The family farmed.

George was still unemployed when he registered for the draft in 1943. He was drafted soon after in November 1943.  He probably was sent to Europe in late May or June 1944 and transferred from the replacement depot to K Company 116th Infantry in July 1944.  PVT Martin was promoted to PFC on 18 Aug 1944. PFC Martin was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PFC Martin was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in Raleigh National Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina.

PFC John Coolidge Richardson

courtesy of C. Giano

PFC John Coolidge Richardson was born 17 Feb 1924 in Jacksboro, Tennessee. He was the 6th of 9 children born to Lee Roy and Mary Hattie (Gaylor) Richardson. His father farmed on 37 acres in Campbell County raising chickens, cattle and hogs and keeping 2 horses. The 6-room house in which they lived in 1934 had no electricity or running water, and was heated by a fireplace. The family traveled the 20-miles to La Follette, Tennessee about twice a week likely delivering produce, eggs and butter. Older brother Judson worked for the TVA and contributed about $900 annually to the family who lived off what they could produce on the farm. We know this because the family was interviewed in 1934 before being relocated by the Tennessee Valley Authority for the Norris Dam and resulting Norris Lake.

After being drafted, John was sent to England and assigned to K Company 116th Infantry. He trained for and participated in the amphibious attack on D-Day, 6 Jun 1944 at the beach code-named "Omaha". On 18 Aug 1944 he was promoted to PFC. PFC Richardson was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944 as his unit fought in the effort to capture Brest, France.

PFC Richardson rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

Brother Otis Vester Richardson served in U.S. Army 1942-1946, Shields Worth Richardson served in the U.S. Army 1945-1947, Sampson Delano Richardson served in the U.S. Army 1956-1958. Great-grandfather, Herod Overbay, served as a PVT in E Company 2nd Tennessee Infantry (USA) in the Civil War.

2LT Frederick J. Hopkins

 2LT Frederick J. Hopkins was born in 1913 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Ellis Lee and Harriet H. (Rutter) Hopkins.  His father worked as a machinist in a rail road shop.

When drafted in May 1942, Frederick was working in a machine shop.  At some point he was identified as officer "material" and sent to OCS.  After commissioning he was sent to England and assigned to F Company 116th Infantry.  He made the D-Day landing on 6 Jun 1944 and survived the amphibious assault albeit with a wound which got him evacuated to hospital.  After recovery he was returned to the unit from the replacement depot on 11 Aug 1944, again to serve as a platoon leader. 2LT Hopkins was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

2LT Hopkins is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PVT John Verdin Wood

courtesy of Royzee

PVT John Verdin Wood was born 27 Sep 1918 in Huntington, New York on Long Island. He was the only child of John Wilson and Florence Francis (Verdin) Wood. His father, whose right arm was crippled by polio, worked as a salesman in a hardware store, as a traveling salesman, and then back to clerking in a hardware store and then in 1942 for Republic Aircraft Corporation. The family lived at various places in Huntington, renting on Wall Street, owning a $6000 home at 27 Irwin Place, then again renting, this time at the home they had owned. John had managed to complete high school and found work, first as a truck driver and then as a welder and worked for A. S. Pettit and Sons as well as Nassau Suffolk Lumber and Supply Company. He reportedly earned $300 in 1939 and continued to live with his parents. John married Dorothy May Smith in June 1943. A local woman, he may have known her all or most of her life. His mother died in August 1943 at the age of 52. 

John was drafted in January 1944. After completing his basic military training he was sent to the European theater. PVT Wood was transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry on 7 Aug 1944 to serve as a rifleman. The unit was then in the vicinity of Vire, France. He fought with the unit as the regiment approached Brest, France and was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

PVT Wood is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery. 

Dorothy re-married in 1947, the couple had no children. John Wilson Wood died at the age of 58 in 1948.

PVT Joseph Edward Havel

PVT Joseph Edward Havel was born 12 Nov 1917 in Chicago, Illinois to Edward James and Anna (Konopasek) Havel.  On 1 Aug 1940 he married Mary Barbara Patrycka.

After entering the service, probably in 1943, he was sent to Europe and on 9 Aug 1944 he was transferred from the replacement depot to E Company 116th Infantry.  He probably made that move with then PVT Andrew L. Hauser. However, Joseph stayed with E Company and was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944. 

PVT Havel is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.  His wife, Mary, did re-marry after the war.

PVT David Earl Leslie

courtesy of Karl Stelly

PVT David Earl Leslie was born 25 Dec 1916 in Sheffield, Pennsylvania to Guy Edward and Sarah Jane (Simpson) Leslie. His father worked as a truck driver for an oil company and farmed.David and wife Elizabeth apparently had a son in 1937 who died in 1938. In 1940, David was living in Mead, Pennsylvania with his wife Elizabeth A. and working as a laborer in a junkyard.  He reported a 1939 income of $286.  

David was already divorced when he was drafted in November 1943.  He was sent to Europe after his basic training and transferred from the replacement depot to L Company 116th Infantry on 15 Jul 1944. PVT Leslie was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944. 

PVT Leslie was repatriated and re-interred in 1948.  He now rests forever in the Gettysburg National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

T4 Romney Francis Horner

T4 Romney Francis Horner ws born 7 Dec 1913 in Novesta, Michigan to Robert Francis and Ella Catherine (Lewis) Horner. The family farmed. In 1940, Romney was reported on the census as working on the farm.

Romney was working in automobile manufacture and had completed 2-years of college when he was drafted in March 1941. After training as a radio operator he was sent to Europe and on 27 Jul 1944 was transferred from the replacement depot to Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion 116th Infantry Regiment.  T4 Horner was killed in action on 30 Aug 1944.

T4 Horner is buried in Novesta Township Cemetery in Cass City, Michigan.

PVT Eben Clarence Peach

from the Chelsea High School 1941 annual

PVT Eben Clarence Peach was born 20 Oct 1922, the 2nd of 3 children born to Arthur Alfred and Elsie Belle (Butt) Peach. Both parents were natives of Ontario, Canada. His father worked at several jobs including as a pile driver, wrecker, in building construction, and at the Navy Yard annex. He reported a 1939 income of $1200 and paid $20 a month rent on a home at 164 Chester Avenue in Chelsea. Eben graduated from Chelsea High School, that's his senior picture shown here, and started college.

Eben was working as a file clerk and had 2 years of college when he was drafted in February 1943. After completion of his basic military training he was sent to the European theater. PVT Peach was transferred from the replacement depot to A Company 116th Infantry on 11 Aug 1944. PVT Peach was killed in action on 29 Aug 1944 as the regiment began its part in the attack on Brest.

PVT Peach rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PFC Lewis Franklin Miller

courtesy of Kimberly Parker Payne

PFC Lewis Franklin Miller was born 31 Jan 1908 in Vinita, Oklahoma. He was the 4th of 6 children born to Peter Franklin and Cora Dell (Reed) Miller. The family moved to Cooper County, Missouri before 1920 and had settled in Boonville in that county by 1930. His father had farmed but then did odd jobs before farming for somebody else (as did Lewis at the time). About 1935, Lewis was married to Helen L. Watson. The couple would have 2 daughters by 1939. Lewis worked in highway or street construction in 1940 reporting a 1939 income of $333 and paying $6 a month rent for his family of 4.

Lewis was drafted in December 1943. Sent to Europe after his initial military training, he was transferred from the replacement depot to K Company 116th Infantry on 27 Jul 1944. PFC Miller was killed in action on 29 Aug 1944.

PFC Miller was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Missouri where he now rests forever next to Helen.

PVT John D. Di Basco

Cenotaph in Precious Blood Cemetery

PVT John D Di Basco was born in 1920 in Wonsocket, Rhode Island to Narciso and Izola Di Basco.  His father worked as a laborer for the highway department.

When John was drafted in November 1942 he may have been working as a weaver in the textile industry. John was eventually sent overseas and on 9 Aug 1944 he was transferred from the replacement depot to E Company 116th Infantry.  PVT Di Basco was killed in action on 29 Aug 1944.

PVT John D. Di Basco is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.  There is also this cenotaph in the Precious Blood Cemetery in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 

PFC Benjamin Simon Fletcher

courtesy of Frogman

PFC Benjamin Simon Fletcher was born 20 Mar 1917 in Point Deluce, Arkansas to James P. and Dora (Green) Fletcher.  The family farmed.  Benjamin married Colene F. Huckaby on 2 Dec 1939. In 1940 Benjamin was farming as well.

Benjamin voluntarily enlisted in the army in October 1942. He and Colene had a son in January 1944. We don't know what his military experience included but on 9 Aug 1944 he was transferred from the replacement depot to G Company 116th Infantry.  PFC Fletcher was killed in action on 29 Aug 1944.

PFC Fletcher is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.

PFC Raymond Jackson Pauley

PFC Raymond Jackson Pauley was 23 Oct 1917 in Lincoln County, West Virginia. He was the 4th of 5 children born to Willie Edward and Bertha May (Miller) Pauley.The family farmed until some time in the 1930-1935 period when they moved to Huntington, West Virginia and then to Charleston, West Virginia. In 1940 they were living at 709½ Virginia Street in Charleston which they rented for $20 a month. Everyone was working, Willie as a roofer, Bertha as a waitress, and the sons as roofers. The 1939 household income for the 7 adults was reportedly $5340.

Raymond was still working as a roofer when he was drafted in October 1943. Sent to the European theater after completing his basic military training, he was transferred from the replacement depot to A Company 116th Infantry on 17 Jul 1944. PFC Pauley was wounded on 16 Aug 1944 and evacuated to hospital. He returned to the unit via the replacement depot on 22 Aug 1944. PFC Pauley was killed in action on 29 Aug 1944 at the beginning of the unit's attack on Brest.

PFC Pauley was repatriated in 1949 and re-interred in the Forks of Coal Cemetery in Alum Creek, West Virginia.

PFC Bruno H. Pierdos

courtesy of Beverly Winchester

PFC Bruno H. Pierdos was born 3 Jun 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the eldest of the 6 children born to Karol and Mary (Wantuch) Pierdos. Bruno was also known as Bronislaw. His father farmed. In the early 1920s the family moved back to Luszowce, Poland where they lived about 13 years before returning to the U.S. in 1936 and 1938. Bruno was working in a truck factory building truck bodies for which he earned a reported 1939 income of $1800. Bruno married Helen Synal on 24 Mar 1943.

Bruno was not married long before he was drafted, probably about January 1944. After his basic military training he was sent to the European theater and on 11 Aug 1944 was transferred from the replacement depot to A Company 116th Infantry. Initially reported as missing in action he was later confirmed as being killed in action on 29 Aug 1944 in the attack on Brest.

PFC Pierdos was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.

PVT Ira Dayton Beavers

PVT Ira Dayton Beavers, b. 15 Dec 1915 - d. 29 Aug 1944. Son of William Riley and Mary Lou Emma (Rutledge) Beavers. Was born in Belleville, Arkansas but living in California when drafted in January 1944. Ira was serving with L Company 116th Infantry when he was killed. He was survived by his wife, Opal, as well as his parents and 6 siblings. His body was repatriated and he is buried in Grangeville Cemetery, Armona, California.

PVT Raymond J DeBerry

PVT Raymond J. DeBerry was born in Preston County, West Virginia on 4 Jun 1925 to Dewey Chester and Opal Fern (May) DeBerry.  Like most of their neighbors, the family owned and lived off a farm in the county.

Raymond was drafted in November 1943.  Raymond was sent overseas and on 7 Aug 1944 was transferred to I Company 116th Infantry.  On 28 Aug 1944 he was wounded and evacuated to a hospital where he died of his wounds the next day, 29 Aug 1944.

PVT DeBerry was repatriated in 1948 and is now buried in the Terra Alta Cemetery in Terra Alta, West Virginia. 

PFC Hugh Laver Phelps

courtesy of Lisa Johnson Licht

PFC Hugh Laver Phelps was born 28 Jan 1924 in Ogdensburg, Wisconsin. He was the 4th of the 6 children born to Hugh B. and his second wife Anna Hulda (Peterson) Phelps. His father farmed near Saint Lawrence, Wisconsin for many years.

It is unclear when Hugh was drafted but it was most likely in late 1943 or early 1944. After his military training he was sent to the European theater. PFC Phelps was transferred from the replacement depot to A Company 116th Infantry on 11 Aug 1944. He was killed in action on 29 Aug 1944 as the 116th began the attack on German forces at Brest, France.

PFC Phelps was repatriated and re-interred in Ogdensburg Cemetery in Ogdensburg, Wisconsin.

PFC Walter H. Grassell

PFC Walter H. Grassell was born 27 Feb 1919 in Washington County, Pennsylvania to Walter Frank and Hattie (Noble) Grassell. The elder Walter worked in a tile mill and a glass factory. 

Walter was drafted in August 1941.  We don't know where he was until 21 Jul 1944 when he was transferred from the replacement depot to F Company 116th Infantry.  PFC Grassell was killed in action on 28 Aug 1944. 

PFC Grassell is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery. 

PFC Lawrence Albert Stone

courtesy of JC

PFC Lawrence Albert Stone was born 15 Oct 1916 in Jodie, West Virginia.  He was the oldest of the 9 children born to Ira M. and Pearl Seattle (Elkins) Stone. The family lived in Jodie, Falls and Anstead in Fayette County, West Virginia where Ira worked for the Gauley Mountain Coal Company in the mines. Ira died in 1938 at the age of 48 possibly of black lung. Lawrence was 21 with no more than a grammar school education and support of the family with children as young as 3 fell on him and he too was working in the mines for Gauley.

Lawrence was drafted in July 1943 and after completing his basic military training was sent to the European theater. PVT Stone was transferred from the replacement depot to K Company 116th Infantry on 24 Jul 1944. He fought with the unit through Vire and then as it was sent with the regiment on the mission to liberate Brest, France. Promoted on 18 Aug 1944, PFC Stone was killed in action near Guilers, France on 28 Aug 1944.

PFC Stone was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in the Grafton National Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia.

Brother, Scranton Paul Stone, served in the U.S. Army during the war but suffered frostbite so badly that he was discharged.

PFC Sherman L. Laurey

PFC Sherman L. Laurey was born in 1920, probably in Parke County, Indiana.  He had only a grammar school education.  He was married when he enlisted in December 1943.  After basic training he was sent to Europe and transferred from the replacement depot to K Company 116th Infantry on 27 Jul 1944. On 18 Aug 1944 Sherman was promoted to PFC.  PFC Laurey was killed in action on 28 Aug 1944.

Unfortunately we don't know anything else about Sherman and this may be the only recorded narrative about him.  

PFC James Arthur Miller

PFC James Arthur Miller was born 30 May 1925 in Altoona, Iowa. He was the youngest of 3 children born to Ora Arthur and Blanche Addie (Hawkins) Miller. His father sold farm implements. The family lived in a home in Linden, Iowa which was valued at $1000.

James entered the Army in October 1943. After his initial training PVT Miller was sent to the European theater and, on 16 Jun 1944, was transferred from the replacement depot to I Company 116th Infantry. He was promoted to PFC on 1 Aug 1944. PFC Miller was killed in action on 28 Aug 1944.

PFC Miller rests forever in the Brittany American Cemetery. 

Brother, Vernon Gail Miller served in the U.S. Army Air Force 1942-1945.

PVT Charles Lee Cross

PVT Charles Lee Cross was born 13 Jun 1922 in Fall Branch, Tennessee to Samuel Charles and Margaret Elizabeth (Cox) Cross.  He was raised on the family farm along with his 5 siblings. 

"Charlie" entered service in October 1943.  He was assigned to K Company 116th Infantry prior to the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach.  He was killed in action 28 Aug 1944.

PVT Cross was returned to the U.S. and is buried in Double Springs Cemetery in Rock Springs, Tennessee. 

His oldest brother, Paul William Cross, also served in the Army during the war (SGT, 1942-1945). 

PVT Clyde Buckner

PVT Clyde Buckner was born 27 May 1916 in Texas County, Missouri to Silas and Edna Josephine (Wilhite) Buckner.  He married Sarah Ellen Rennick.  They had no children.

After enlistment in the Army, Clyde was assigned to B Company 116th Infantry, possibly before the D-Day amphibious assault.  He was wounded on 6 Aug 1944 and died of his wound(s) in hospital on 27 Aug 1944. 

PVT Buckner is buried in Craddock Cemetery in Licking, Missouri.