In Memoriam
38th Armored Infantry Battalion
Deaths in Europe
Photographs
Bookmark this page as http://www.7thArmdDiv.org/38deapho.htm
Last updated: April 8, 2024 - What's New?

This page contains the photographs of members of 38 AIB who died overseas in World War II, plus one 38 AIB man who later died in Korea.
For the complete list of all 38 AIB overseas deaths, click here.

Spare a minute
to think
of the young who didn't grow up,
and how young they looked when they died,
and how no one will ever remember them looking tired and middle-aged
or even be bored by tiresome recitals of the time of their youth.

- - - - Russell Baker "How to Observe Dec. 7" (NY Times, Dec. 1965)


Please Help to Tell These Men's Stories and Preserve Their Memory!

PLEASE contact Wesley Johnston at the address below if you have any information on any man of the unit who died overseas, such as:

  • photos
  • information on any of these men's deaths
  • information on what platoon and squad they were in
  • know of any men who died but are not on the list
  • Wesley Johnston
    Send e-mail to wwjohnston@aol.com.
    For ALL other e-mail matters, please click here for information about contacting me.
    So they will not be Forgot
    There is a word
    Which bears a sword
    It hurls its barbed syllables,-
    At once is mute again.
    But where it fell
    The saved will tell
    On patriotic day,
    Some epauletted brother
    Gave his breath away.
    Wherever runs the breathless sun,
    Wherever roams the day,
    There is its noiseless onset,
    There is its victory!
    Behold the keenest marksman!
    The most accomplished shot!
    Time s sublimest target
    Is a soul forgot !
    ----- Emily Dickinson


    Since I am limited on space, these images are going to be small. Even at 3K each, 246 of them will take about 750K, which is almost half of the space I have available for all my web pages.
    If you have a better quality photo of any of these men, please contact me.

    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
    This page contains only those men for whom I have photographs.
    For the complete list of all 38th AIB overseas deaths, click here.

    Pvt. Gayther Odell Adams (34 254 168) - Company C
    KIA August 16, 1944 at la c te de la Villette, near St. Prest, France - Age: 38y 5m 23d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Jonesville, NC - Buried at: Fall Creek Baptist Church; Jonesville, North Carolina
    Photo provided by nephew Harold Adams

    Pvt. Mitchell Amis (35 074 351) - Company C
    KIA November 3, 1944 at Winnerstraat, Netherlands - Age: 28y 7m 2d
    MOS: 745 (Rifelman) - Home Town: Hamilton, OH (originally from Crocketsville, KY) - Buried at: Rose Hill Burial Park; R. R. #8, Princeton Pike; Hamilton, OH
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by sister-in-law Betty Amis, thanks to Niek Hendrix

    T/Sgt Leo L. Anderson (37 010 965) - Company A, 3rd Platoon - Platoon Sergeant
    KIA September 17, 1944 in the vicinity of Sillegny, France - Age: 28y 2m 30d
    MOS: 651 (Platoon Sergeant) - Home Town: Doniphan, KS - Buried at: Mt. Calvary Cemetery; Atchison, KS
    Photo from collection of A/38 veteran Ken Terwilliger by his great grand niece Karen Calderone

    Pfc. Clifford M. Armstrong (34 788 317) - Company C
    Died November 4, 1944 at the 48th Field Hospital of wounds suffered November 3, 1944 at Winnerstraat, Netherlands - Age: 20y 7m 11d
    MOS: 745 - Home Town: Jacksonville, FL - Buried at: Oakland Cemetery; Tallahassee, Florida
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by granddaughter Laura Graham

    Pfc. John Fremon Baker (36 886 851) - Company B, probably in a rifle platoon
    KIA December 21, 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 23y 10m 3d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Farm 4 miles from Clay, KY - Buried at: International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery; Clay, KY
    Photo provided by brother Robert A. Baker

    Pvt. William Judson "Jud" Baker (39 048 642) - Company C
    Died October 20, 1944 of wounds suffered October 18, 1944 attacking Griendtsveen, Netherlands - Age: 19y 5m 3d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Berkeley, CA - Buried at: Sunset View Cemetery; El Cerrito, CA Block B-1, Row 770, Grave 5
    Photo provided by Becky Owens, wife of Jud's cousin

    Pfc. George Louis Bailey (34 263 587) - Company C
    KIA September 6, 1944 at Gravelotte, France - Age: 24y 2m 17d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Augusta, GA - Buried at: Westover Memorial Park; Augusta, GA
    Photo provided by Kathleen Bailey, wife of the soldier's nephew

    S/Sgt. Marvin Albert "Bud" Baldwin (39 462 118) - Company A
    KIA March 29, 1945 at Kirchain, Germany - Age: 32y 9m 12d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Pomeroy, WA - Buried at: Netherlands USMC (Margraten, Netherlands) B-2-28
    Photo provided by cousin Janice Ruckert, thanks to Dick Collier of AT/B/38

    Pfc. Morris Blattman (32 343 470) - Company C
    KIA October 14, 1944 at Meijel, Netherlands - Age: 31y 6m 11d
    MOS: 521 - Home Town: Brooklyn, NY - Buried at: Mt. Lebanon Cemetery; Queens, NY
    Photo provided by Anthony Snipas of C/38

    Pvt. Paul Grey Blankenship (33 652 284) - Company B
    KIA October 7, 1944 just north of Overloon, Netherlands - Age: 19y 7m 1d
    MOS: 521 - Home Town: Christiansburg, VA - Buried at: Sunset Cemetery; Christiansburg, VA (originally on Wall of the Missing at Margraten, Netherlands, US Military Cemetery until recovered in 1959

    originally only on Wall of the Missing at Margraten, Netherlands, US Military Cemetery until recovered in 1959 Photo from Find A Grave (1959 Recovery)
    Find A Grave (original Missing)

    Sgt. Samuel Henry "Tack" Bolton (38 562 367) - Company B
    KIA January 25, 1945 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 35y 10m 21d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Red Rock, TX - Buried at: High Grove Cemetery; Dale, TX
    Note that the official records carry him as Henry S. Bolton. He once won National Bull Riding Championship in Madison Square Garden, sometime in the 1930's.
    Photo provided by nephew Gerald Roberts

    Pfc. Kenneth D. Bowers (38 562 367) - Company B, Anti-tank Platoon
    KIA December 19, 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 20y 3m 26d
    MOS: 531 (Cannoneer) - Home Town: Waukegan, IL - Buried at: Henri-Chapelle, Belgium USMC F-11-18
    Photo provided by nephew David Kinkade

    S/Sgt. Joseph F. Brennan (33 153 588) - Company A
    KIA September 19, 1944 at Sillegny, France (official date of death 10 October 1944 is in error) - Age: 24y 6m 0d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Jeannette, PA - Buried at: Jeannette Memorial Cemetery; Jeannette, PA
    Photo from A/38 veteran Ken Terwilliger collection provided by Ken's daughter Karen Calderone, identified by A/38 veteran Peter Gorman

    Pvt. Otis Franklin Brisendine (35 431 018) - Company A, Anti-Tank Platoon (at time of sailing to Europe)
    KIA November 7, 1944, vicinity of Horik and Ospel, Netherlands - Age: 25y 8m 21d
    MOS: 504 (Ammunition Handler) - Home Town: Walton, WV - Buried at: Harper Cemetery; Roane County, WV
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by sister Mary Foreman, thanks to Bill Brisendine and Niek Hendrix

    Sgt. Harold E. Bruesewitz (16 095 193) - Company B
    KIA January 25, 1945, hillside east of St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 24y 0m 5d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Spencer, WI - Buried at: West Spencer Cemetery; Spencer, WI
    Photo thanks to Wisconsin VFW Post Names Researcher Marc Storch

    Pvt. Claudius H. Chappell (35 813 903) - Company C
    Died November 9, 1944 of wounds suffered November 3, 1944 at vicinity of Winnerstraat, Netherlands - Age: 33y 0m 6d
    MOS: 607 (Light Mortar Crewman) - Home Town: Paducah, KY - Buried at: Netherlands USMC (Margraten, Netherlands) F-6-2
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Newspaper photo provided by Niek Hendrix

    Pfc. Riley Edward Clark (35 479 489) - Company A
    Captured December 21, 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium; Died as POW at Leipzig, Germany April 6, 1945 (official date April 7, 1945, on grave stone is erroneous) - Age: 31y 1m 19d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Louisville, KY - Buried at: Zachary Taylor National Cemetery (Louisville, KY) C-237
    Click here for FindAGrave entry.
    Photo thanks to his 1st cousin, twice removed, D. J. Kelly

    T/5 Luther J. Coleman (34 254 819) - Company A; 2d Platoon; 2d Squad - squad's half-track driver
    KIA September 17, 1944 at Sillegny, France - Age: 25y 10m 8d
    MOS: 734 (Half-track driver) - Home Town: Unaka, NC - Buried at: Ogreeta Cemetery; Cherokee County, NC
    Photo provided by his squad leader, Peter Gorman

    Pvt. Angelo Croce (31 132 551) - Company A
    KIA August 25, 1944 at Melun, France - Age: 24y 4m 3d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Brockton, MA - Buried at: Calvary Cemetery; 163 N. Clay St; Brockton, MA
    Photo provided by brother Annibale Croce

    Pfc. Marshall Roy Cross (38 402 645) - Company B, probably the anti-tank platoon since he was a cannoneer
    Died December 22, 1944 at 56th General Hospital in Li ge, Belgium of wounds suffered December 21, 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 20y 5m 8d
    MOS: 531 (Cannoneer) - Home Town: Oklahoma City, OK - Buried at: Henri-Chapelle, Beligum USMC G-9-5
    Photo provided by Rita Meistrel, daughter-in-law of his first cousin

    S/Sgt. Thomas Alfred Despot (35 897 231) - Company A; Anti-Tank Platoon
    Died of wounds as POW October 5, 1944 at Stalag VI J D sseldorf-Gerresheim, Germany (wounded October 4, 1944 when captured at Overloon, Netherlands) - Age: 28y 9m 8d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader, earlier 610, anti-tank gun crewman) - Home Town: Indianapolis, IN - Buried at: Netherlands USMC (Margraten, Netherlands) K-17-9
    Photo provided by granddaughter Jennifer Clary

    S/Sgt. Robert H. Dietz (12 060 443) - Company A; 1st Platoon; 1st Squad Co-Squad Leader (had earlier been in 2nd Platoon)
    KIA March 29, 1945 at Kirchain, Germany - Age: 24y 2m 7d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Kingston, NY - Buried at: Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery; Pine Grove Ave.; Kingston, NY
    Left photo provided by John Durba of 7th Armored Division CCA; Right photo from "Soldiers Online" April 1999

    Robert Dietz was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, based on citation in 7th Armored Division General Order Number 119 on 17 December 1945:
    "He was a squad leader when the task force to which his unit was attached encountered resistance in its advance on Kirchain, Germany. Between the town's outlying buildings 300 yards distant, and the stalled armored column were a minefield and 2 bridges defended by German rocket-launching teams and riflemen. From the town itself came heavy small-arms fire. Moving forward with his men to protect engineers while they removed the minefield and the demolition charges attached to the bridges, S/Sgt. Dietz came under intense fire. On his own initiative he advanced alone, scorning the bullets which struck all around him, until he was able to kill the bazooka team defending the first bridge. He continued ahead and had killed another bazooka team, bayoneted an enemy soldier armed with a panzerfaust and shot 2 Germans when he was knocked to the ground by another blast of another panzerfaust. He quickly recovered, killed the man who had fired at him and then jumped into waist-deep water under the second bridge to disconnect the demolition charges. His work was completed; but as he stood up to signal that the route was clear, he was killed by another enemy volley from the left flank. S/Sgt. Dietz by his intrepidity and valiant effort on his self-imposed mission, single-handedly opened the road for the capture of Kirchain and left with his comrades an inspiring example of gallantry in the face of formidable odds."

    Pfc. Ned Nolan Dildine (14 022 286) - Company A
    KIA August 18, 1944 at Ois me, France - Age: 22y 8m 17d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Athens, AL - Buried at: Sandling Cemetery; Limestone County, AL
    Photo provided by brother Wayman Dildine

    Pvt. Timothy Joseph Donovan (14 022 286) - Company A
    Captured December 21, 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium; died 3 Mar 1945 as PW at Wolfenbuettel, Germany - Age: 19y 7m 12d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Roxbury, MA - Never recovered and identified
    Photo from Boston "Globe" 28 Sep 1945, p 25, thanks to Terry Hirsch

    Pvt. Myer "Mike" Epstein (33 749 676) - Company A
    KIA October 5, 1944 at Overloon, Netherlands - Age: 32y 0m 28d
    MOS: 504 (Ammunition Handler) - Home Town: Washington, DC - Buried at: Arlington National Cemetery; Section 67, Grave 2497
    Photo thanks to daughter Phyllis Louis

    1st Lt. Alban M. Eull (O-1 311 135) - Company C
    Captured vicinity of Pierreville, France September 14, 1944
    Died of wounds as POW October 16, 1944 at Obermassfeld (bei Meiningen), Germany (was at Stalag IX-C at Bad Sulza) - Age: 28y 2m 23d
    MOS: 1560 (AIB officer) - Home Town: Austin, MN - Buried at: Fort Snelling National Cemetery; Minneapolis, MN; Section C, Block 3, Grave 7904
    Photo thanks to distant cousin Bill Eull

    Pvt. Frank Stanford Eva (36 989 468) - Company B
    Died January 11, 1945 at 128th Evacuation Hospital in Belgium of accidental wounds suffered January 2, 1945 at Harze or Awan, Belgium - Age: 19y 1m 25d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Milwaukee, WI - Buried at: Henri-Chapelle, Belgium USMC; E-2-11
    Photo thanks to brother Thomas L. Eva

    Pvt. Stephen Preston Faircloth (34 857 662) - Company C
    Killed in action September 19, 1944 (official date September 20, 1944) at Sillegny, France - Age: 25y 9m 20d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Goldsboro, NC - Buried at: Faircloth Family Cemetery; Rt. #4; Goldsboro, NC
    Photo thanks to daughter Betty Lou

    Pfc. Robert Roy Force (32 882 063) - Company A
    Killed in action April 15, 1944 at Hennen, Germany - Age: 23y 3m 7d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Brooklyn, NY - Buried at: Netherlands U. S. Military Cemetery; Margraten, Netherlands; I-15-10
    Photo thanks to cousin Ken Gruschow

    Pvt. Alphonse John Francavillo (42 069 155) - Company B; rifle platoon (1st, 2nd, or 3rd)
    KIA December 21, 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 25y 5m 7d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Brooklyn, NY - Buried at: Long Island National Cemetery; Section J Grave 14235; Farmingdale, NY
    Photo thanks to son John Francavillo

    Cpl. Toulman Y. Freeman (34 583 738) - Company A
    Died November 4, 1944 of wounds suffered November 3, 1944 in vicinity of Ospel, Netherlands - Age: 22y 3m 20d
    MOS: 610 (Anti-tank Gun Crewman) - Home Town: Crane Hill, AL - Buried at: Bethany Cemetery; Crane Hill, AL
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by sister Willie Elizabeth Freeman Butts, thanks to Capt. Zachariah Fike (Member of the Order of the Purple Heart, who sought out the family to return Cpl. Freeman's Purple Heart after it was found in a washer/dryer in an Alabama retirement home)

    S/Sgt. George M. Frey (42 124 582) - Company B
    KIA December 21, 1944 (probable actual date; official date is December 23, 1944) at or near St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 32y 1m 2d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Bronx, NY - Buried at: Woodlawn Cemetery; Bronx, NY
    Photo provided by grandson Robert Myers

    Sgt. Harold W. Gess (39 309 550) - Company C
    KIA November 7, 1944 near vicinity of Winnerstraat, Netherlands - Age: 22y 4m 27d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Dairy, OR - Buried at: Henri-Chapelle, Belgium USMC E-12-4
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photos provided by Anthony Snipas of C/38 (left) and niece Roxann Gess Smith (right, thanks to Joost Evertson)
    Click here to see his obituary on Roxann Gess Smith's web page.

    Pvt. Perle C. Godby (35 073 529) - Company C
    KIA November 7, 1944 near vicinity of Winnerstraat, Netherlands - Age: 24y 4m 13d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Dayton, OH but originally KY - Buried at: Mill Springs National Cemetery; Nancy, KY; G-0-31
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by Great-nephew Darren Godby

    Pfc. Thomas Anthony Hanrahan, Jr. (33 154 407) - Company B
    Died April 7, 1945 of wounds, apparently suffered same day, either at Oberkirchen or more likely Niedersorpe, Germany - Age: 19y 10m 4d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Washington, DC - Buried at: Netherlands USMC (Margraten, Netherlands) A-9-17
    Photo thanks to niece Judith Durnbaugh

    Pvt. Ralph W. Hicks (33 154 407) - Company B
    KIA December 18, 1944, probably on the Pr merberg, east of St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 32y 2m 14d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Warm Springs, VA - Buried at: Henri-Chapelle, Belgium USMC A-6-37
    Photo thanks to Niek Hendrix of Ospel, Netherlands (photo taken near Ospel 9 Oct 1944)

    S/Sgt. Daniel Hogan, Jr. (32 249 446) - Company B, 3rd Platoon, Machine Gun Squad Leader
    KIA December 18, 1944 on the Pr merberg, east of St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 26y 4m 10d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Newark, NJ - Buried at: Henri-Chapelle, Belgium USMC E-16-65
    Photo provided by nephew George Keckeisen

    2d Lt. Benjamin Edwin Jones, Jr. (33 172 563) - Company C, 1st Platoon Leader
    Died of wounds as POW December 3, 1944 at Hospital of Stalag VI-A at Dorsten, Westfalia, Germany, following capture November 6, 1944 in vicinity of Winnerstraat, Netherlands - Age: 25y 10m 0d
    MOS: 1560 (Armored Infantry Officer) - Home Town: Bismarck, ND - Buried at: Ardennes (Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium) USMC B-42-27
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by nephew Tom Sollenbarger

    Sgt. Robert Karnes (33 172 563) - Headquarters Company
    Died as POW March 26, 1944 at Duderstadt, Germany, following capture December 22, 1944 at Krombach or St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 27y 9m 14d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Catawissa, PA - Buried at: Margraten, Netherlands USMC C-10-26
    Photo provided by Columbia County, PA researcher Eileen Owsiany

    Pvt. Paul Francis Kearns (32 249 446) - Company C
    KIA November 3, 1944 near Winnerstraat, Netherlands - Age: 21y 2m 20d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: New Castle, PA - Buried at: St. Mary's Cemetery; New Castle, PA
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by sister Tish Kauffman, thanks to Niek Hendrix

    Pfc. Francis Anthony Klassen (35 111 727) - Company A
    KIA August 25, 1944 at Melun, France - Age: 33y 3m 11d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Hammond, IN - Buried at: Brittany USMC (St. James, France) B-5-12
    Photo provided by (left) nephew James Berdine and (right) his son Thomas Berdine

    Pfc. Richard Allan Knott (14 120 856) - Company B, Anti-tank Platoon, Jeep Driver
    Died in accidental shooting November 27, 1944 at the Brull Family home in Ransdaal, Netherlands - Age: 23y 11m 9d
    MOS: 675 (he was a jeep driver) - Home Town: Winchester, TN - Buried at: Netherlands USMC (Margraten, Netherlands) F-20-13
    Right two photos provided by niece Joyce Hilliard; Left photo provided by niece Suzanne Barry (thanks to Jerry Limbaugh and Niek Hendrix)
    Click here for plaque in his honor at Ransdaal, Netherlands.

    Pvt. Godon D. Loomis (31 452 220) - Company "A"
    Died November 5, 1944, apparently at 47th Field Hospital of wounds suffered same day in vicinity of Horik and Ospel, Netherlands - Age: 19y 4m 1d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Haydenville, MA - Buried at: Haydenville Congregational Cemetery; Haydenville, MA
    Photo thanks to Dan Nye, historian at the Williamsburg Massachusetts Historical Society
    Commemorated on the Ospel, Netherlands, Monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there

    Sgt. Leo Lawrence Lackey (36 972 450) - Company "B"
    Died April 27, 1945 at 56th General Hospital at Li ge, Belgium of wounds suffered April 8, 1945, probably at Holthausen, Germany - Age: 29y 11m 7d
    MOS: 653 (Squad Leader) - Home Town: Birds, IL - Buried at: Lawrenceville Cemetery; Lawrenceville, IL
    Photo provided by grandson Rory Lackey

    Pfc. John E. Masterson (33 148 586) - Headquarters Company
    KIA December 22, 1944 at Krombach, Belgium - Age: 24y 8m 2d
    MOS: 345 - Home Town: Harrisburg, PA - Buried at: East Harrisburg Cemetery; Harrisburg, PA
    Photo provided by Carl Mattocks of HQ Company/38

    Pvt. Lewis Tony Meshishnek (39 175 406) - Headquarters Company; 81mm Heavy Mortar Platoon
    Captured December 21, 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium
    Died of illness as POW March 1, 1945 at Hohenstein, Germany (Stalag IV A at Burg Hohenstein) - Age: 40y 4m 11d
    MOS: 607 - Home Town: Valley, WA - Buried at: Ardennes USMC; Neupre, Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium; B-26-4
    Photos: left thanks to nephew Damond Meshishnek; right from captured German POW files (in Individual Deceased Personnel File)

    Pvt. Homer Israel Mitchell (37 698 625) - Company "B"; one of the three Rifle Platoons
    Died Janurary 26, 1945 at the 96th Evacuation Hospital in Spa, Belgium of wounds suffered January 25, 1945 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 27y 11m 29d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Davenport, Iowa - Buried at: Evergreen Cemetery; Tipton, Iowa
    Photo thanks to daughter Sandra Pennington and granddaughter Kyla Riedesel

    Pvt. Andrew Miller (13 069 517) - Company "C"
    KIA September 6, 1944 at Gravelotte, France - Age: 26y 5m 28d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Lonaconing, Maryland - Buried at: Arlington National Cemetery; Section 34 Grave 2673
    Photo thanks to niece Andrea Miller

    Capt. Edwin Warren Moise, Jr. (O-304 549) - Commanding Officer of Company B
    Died August 26, 1944 of wounds suffered August 23, 1944 at Melun, France - Age: 33y 3m 30d
    MOS: 1560 - Home Town: Sumter, SC - Buried at: Brittany USMC; St. James, France; B-17-7
    Photo provided by grand-niece Sarah Mikell, thanks to the help of W. A. McElveen, Jr.

    Pvt. Harold Mousseau (36 988 505) - Company B
    KIA January 23, 1945 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 25y 1m 14d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Wayne, MI - Buried at: Holy Cross Cemetery; Alpena, MI
    Photo thanks to nephew Robert Mousseau

    Pvt. Jacob Nevala (36 965 690) - Company C
    KIA November 7, 1944 at Nederweerterdijk, Netherlands - Age: 32y 2m 15d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Marquette, MI - Buried at: Park Cemetery; Marquette, MI - Lot 154, Liberty A, Space 1
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by son Michael Nevala, thanks to Niek Hendrix and Bill Malandrone

    Pvt. Louis Joseph Oalmann (34 230 849) - Headquarters Company
    DOW: Died December 11, 1944 at 4152nd US Army Hospital at Rotherfield, Peppard, Oxon, England of wounds suffered September 17, 1944 in vic. of Marieulles, France - Age: 25y 11m 28d
    MOS: 504 (Ammunition Handler) - Home Town: New Orleans, LA - Buried at: St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery No. 3; 1322 Louisa St.; New Orleans, LA
    Photo thanks to niece Mary Ann Oalmann Sison

    Pvt. Philip Orlando (42 133 517) - Company B
    DOW: Died April 9, 1945 at Bad Berleburg, Germany of wounds suffered April 7, 1945 in vic. of Neidersorpe and Holthausen, Germany - Age: 19y 2m 10d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Bronx, NY - Buried at: St. Raymond's Cemetery; Bronx, NY
    Photo thanks to grand nephew Dario Shore

    Preder, Pvt. Rolland Garret "Jack" (36 845 044) - Company B - Second Youngest Man to Die in the Battalion
    KIA April 7, 1945 at Niedersorpe, Germany - Age: 18y 10m 11d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Sheboygan Falls, WI - Buried at: Margraten, Netherlands USMC B-19-8
    Photo thanks to nephew Roland J. and Sue Preder
    NOTE: His brother Gerald H. Preder was KIA September 11, 1943 in Italy (179th Inf Reg; 45th Inf Div) and is buried at the Nettuno, Italy USMC.

    Priest, Tec 5 Grady Pitts (34 192 098) - Medical Detachment
    KIA November 6, 1944 in vicinity of Ospel, Netherlands - Age: 28y 8m 4d
    MOS: 861 (Surgical Technician) - Home Town: Trimble, TN - Buried at: Memphis National Cemetery; Memphis, TN; Section H, Grave 5672 - Find A Grave information & grave photo
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by nephew Steven Priest, thanks to Christina Boody (great grand-daughter of Lt. Franklin Bramwell Hepworth of HQ/Co, 40th Tank Battalion (Assault Gun Platoon leader)

    2nd Lt. Earl Lee Rainbow (O-526 962) - Company B; Anti-Tank Platoon Leader
    KIA November 2, 1944 near Ospel, Netherlands - Age: 23y 5m 8d
    MOS: 1560 - Home Town: Oklahoma City, OK - Buried at: Sunny Lane Cemetery; SE 29th St.; Oklahoma City, OK - Section 4 Block 7 Row 2 Position 3
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by niece Edna Hackler

    Pvt. John Rainick (Jan Rajnik) (32 306 872) - Company A
    KIA August 25, 1944 at Melun, France - Age: 36y 10m 1d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Newark, NJ (originally Liptovský Svätý Mikuláš, Slovakia) - Buried at: Brittany USMC (St. James, France) B-17-8
    Photo provided by nephew Jan Rajnik via grand-niece Janka Rajniková, with thanks to Michal Razus

    Maj. Curtice Hayden Rankin (O-292 919) - Battalion Executive Officer, acting Battalion Commander at time of death
    KIA September 19, 1944 at Sillegny, France - Age: 34y 7m 15d
    MOS: 1560 - Home Town: Kingsport, TN (originally Pottsville, AR) - Buried at: Little Rock National Cemetery; Section 12 Grave 7487; Little Rock, AR
    Photo provided by son David Rankin

    Pvt. Frank Rudolph Rauth (36 258 067) - Company A
    KIA October 5, 1944 at Overloon, Netherlands - Age: 23y 5m 1d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Milwaukee, WI - Buried at: Henri-Chapelle, Belgium USMC; B-6-38
    Photo provided by brother John Rauth

    Pvt. Willis Ray (37 683 446) - Company C
    KIA November 7, 1944 at Nederweerterdijk, Netherlands - Age: 34y 2m 28d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Parnell, MO - Buried at: Isadora Cemetery; Sheridan, Missouri
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by nephew Fred Ray, thanks to Niek Hendrix and Bud Allee (mayor of Sheridan, MO)

    Pvt. Harry H. Retort (13 085 672) - Company C
    KIA August 19, 1944 at St. Prest or La Villette, France - Age: 21y 4m 30d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Edinburg, PA - Buried at: Oak Park Cemetery; New Castle, Pennsylvania
    Photo provided by Simon Joy, husband of niece of C/38 KIA Andrew Slavik

    Pfc. Wesley L. Safford (12 079 068) - Company C
    KIA November 7, 1944 at Nederweerterdijk, Netherlands - Age: 35y 2m 28d
    MOS: 745 (Rifleman) - Home Town: Malone, NY - Buried at: Malone or Chasm Falls, New York (possibly Morningside Cemetery in Malone, New York)
    Honored on the Ospel, Netherlands, monument to 7th Armored Division men killed there
    Photo provided by Town of Moira Historian Joyce M. Ranieri, thanks to Niek Hendrix

    2nd Lt. Albert Scanland (O-526 983) - Company A; 1st Platoon Leader
    KIA September 22, 1944 at Sillegny, France - Age: 24y 3m 25d
    Entered Service: 1943-Sept-17 - MOS at death: 1560 (Armored Infantry Unit Commander)
    Home Town: Oklahoma City, OK - Buried at: Lorraine USMC; St. Avold, France; C-21-15
    Photo provided by neice of Earl Rainbow, Edna Hackler

    Pvt. John Henry Scarberough (38 517 925) - Company C
    DOW: Died September 21, 1944 of wounds suffered September 19, 1944 at Sillegny, France - Age: 31y 8m 2d
    Entered Service: 1943-Oct-16 - MOS at death: 734 (Half-track driver)
    Home Town: McCrory, AR - Buried at: Lorraine USMC; St. Avold, France; K-31-30
    Photo provided by grandson Kevin & Sommer Scarberough

    Pfc. Philip Seifried (32 100 186) - Company B
    Died April 20, 1945, at hospital at unknown location (possibly Holthausen or Holzhausen, Germany), of wounds suffered April 10, 1945, probably at Mailar (possibly at Fredeburg or en route to Mailar from Fredeburg), Germany - Age: 26y 10m 22d
    Entered Service: 1941-Aug-21 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Little Falls, NY - Buried at: Netherlands USMC (Margraten, Netherlands) B-7-24
    Photo provided by buyer of scrapbook, Rod Golay

    2nd Lt. Warren B. Sewell (O-526 985) - Company B
    KIA September 11, 1944 near Pierrevilliers, France - Age: 23y 6m 5d
    Entered Service: 1943-Sept-17 - MOS at death: 1560 (Armored Infantry Unit Commander)
    Home Town: Sayre, OK - Buried at: Sayre Doxey Cemetery; Sayre, OK
    Photo provided by neice of Earl Rainbow, Edna Hackler

    S/Sgt Charles William "Bill" Shenk (33 154 539) - Headquarters Company
    Died as POW September 20, 1944 at German field hospital 9 miles ENE of Sillegny, France of wounds September 19 at Sillegny - Age: 30y 10m 16d
    Entered Service: 1942-Mar-06 - MOS at death: 812 (Supply Sergeant)
    Home Town: Berryville, VA - Never recovered and identified - On wall of missing at Lorraine USMC (St. Avold, France) and plaque at Greenhill Cemetery in Berryville, VA
    Photo thanks to niece Diane Williams via Barbara Geisler

    Pfc. John Joseph Sherwood (32 257 054) - Headquarters Company
    KIA September 17, 1944 at Arry or Lorry, France - Age: 28y 6m 14d
    Entered Service: 1943-Mar-13 - MOS at death: 604 (Light Machine Gunner)
    Home Town: Jersey City, NJ - Buried at: Holy Name Cemetery; Westside Ave.; Jersey City, NJ Block D, Row A, Grave 1
    Photo provided by Carl Mattocks of HQ Company/38

    Pvt. Fred Monroe Shilling (33 764 590) - Company B
    Captured September 22, 1944 in vicinity of Sillegny, France; Died as Stalag II-A POW February 26, 1945 at Neu Brandenburg, Germany - Age: 19y 6m 27d
    Entered Service: 1943-Aug-23 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Lewiston, PA - Buried at: Ardennes USMC; Neupr -en-Condroz, Belgium; A-8-9
    Photos thanks to brother's son Mikel Shilling

    T/5 Andrew Joseph Slavik (35 306 808) - Company C
    KIA August 16, 1944 at la c te de la Villette, near St. Prest, France - Age: 35y 9m 0d
    Entered Service: 1942-May-21 - MOS at death: 734 (Half-track driver)
    Home Town: Lakewood, OH - Buried at: Normandy USMC; Colleville-sur-Mer, France; D-9-32
    Photo thanks to Anthony Snipas of C/38

    S/Sgt Raymond Smalheiser (32 227 352) - Company A - HQ Supply Sergeant
    KIA December 21, 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 26y 6m 17d
    Entered Service: 1942-March-13 - MOS at death: 821 (Supply Sergeant)
    Home Town: Peekskill, NY - Buried at: Riverside Cemetery; Rochelle Park, New Jersey
    Photo thanks to Connor Darrow

    Pvt. Alan H. Smith (11 108 370) - Company B - Youngest Man to Die in the Battalion
    Died: 1944-Aug-23 at Melun, France - Age: 18y 10m 4d
    Entered Service: 1943-Oct-13 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Millbury, MA - Buried at: Oak Grove Cemetery; Hyannis, MA
    Photo provided by Tim Skaggs, son of Farris L. Skaggs of Company "C" 48th Armored Infantry Battalion

    Pvt. Malcolm Hugee Smith (34 836 582) - Company B
    Died January 31, 1945 of wounds suffered January 29, 1945 at St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 23y 5m 28d
    Entered Service: 1944-June-20 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Chattanooga, TN - Buried at: Chattanooga National Cemetery; Section Y Grave 265; Chattanooga, TN
    Photo provided by daughter Joyce Bridges

    Pfc. Edward Albert Swanson (37 196 342) - Company C
    KIA August 16, 1944 at la c te de la Villette, near St. Prest, France - Age: 28y 0m 16d
    Entered Service: 1942-May-21 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman - was assistant driver to Andrew Slavik)
    Home Town: Ogden, IA - Buried at: Prairie Lawn Cemetery.; Boxholm, Iowa
    Photo provided by brother Donald Swanson

    Pvt. Joseph Tkacz (36 168 048) - Company C
    KIA September 6, 1944 at Gravelotte, France - Age: 27y 8m 16d
    Entered Service: 1942-Jan-23 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Detroit, MI - Buried at: Epinal USMC; Epinal, France; A-21-68
    Photo provided by nephew Don Nemeth

    Pvt. Maurice A. Venne (31 109 266) - Company B, possibly 3rd Platoon
    KIA September 11, 1944 1 mile southeast of Pierrevillers, France - Age: 29y 8m 29d
    Entered Service: 1942-Jun-1 - MOS at death: 504 (Ammunition Handler [was in machine gun team])
    Home Town: Concord, NH - Buried at Lorraine USMC; St. Avold, France: Section C - Row 3 - Grave 72
    Photo provided by Barry Wante, husband of grand-daughter of sister
    Find A Grave

    Tec 5 Vivian L. Ward (38 090 157) - Battalion Headquarters
    KIA August 21, 1944, somewhere in France within the recovery area of the temporary US Military Cemetery at St Andre [He was not with 38 AIB when killed. He was on special duty with 8th Armored Group.] - Age: 25y 9m 14d
    Entered Service: 1942-Feb-10 - MOS at death: 345 (Truck Driver, Light)
    Home Town: Austin, TX - Buried at Normandy USMC; Coleville-sur-Mer, France: Section J - Row 14 - Grave 11
    Photo provided by son Rodney L. (Ward) Duderstadt

    Maj. Thomas Henry Wells (O-392 480) - Battalion S-3 (Operations) Officer, acting Battalion Commanding Officer at time of death
    KIA September 19, 1944 at Sillegny, France - Age: 26y 5m 16d
    Entered Service: 1940-Aug-25 - MOS at death: 1560 (Armored Infantry Unit Commander)
    Home Town: New Orleans, LA - Body never recovered/identified - Lorraine USMC; St. Avold, France: Wall of Missing - Also Cemetery monument at Plaucheville, Louisiana
    Photo provided by daughter Kay Hallberg

    Pvt. Morley Jones West (33 148 891) - Company A
    KIA September 19, 1944 at Sillegny, France - Age: 30y 2m 8d
    Entered Service: 1942-Feb-7 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Ashley, PA - Buried at: Luxembourg USMC; Hamm, Luxembourg: Section H - Row 14 - Grave 51 - Also memorial to him in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
    Photo provided by nephew Jim West
    The nephews and nieces of Morley West would like to hear from any survivors who knew him. Contact Jim West at jim@rmwsolutions.net.

    Pvt. Bynon Wilkerson (34 583 191) - Company C
    KIA September 6, 1944 at Gravelotte, France - Age: 21y 10m 18d
    Entered Service: 1942-Dec-1 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Carbon Hill, AL - Buried at: Mobile National Cemetery; Mobile, AL; Section 7, Grave 2215
    Photo provided by Angie Wilkerson, wife of James Wilkerson, great nephew of Bynon Wilkerson

    Pvt. Arlond Rudolph Williams (38 633 681) - Company B
    Died 27 Mar 1945 of wounds suffered 26 Mar 1945 at Kleinseelheim, Germany - Age: 19y 10m 7d
    Entered Service: 1942-Feb-7 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Grand Saline, TX - Buried at: Shady Grove Cemetery; Bald Knob, AR
    Photo thanks to by Lana Maxfield, grand-daughter of soldier's remarried widow

    Pvt. Donald P. Williams (38 731 766) - Company B
    KIA 30 Mar 1945 somewhere from Kleinseelheim to Edersee, Germany - Age: 19y 0m 22d
    Entered Service: 1944-Aug-25 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Springdale, AR - Buried at: Netherlands USMC (Margraten, Netherlands) A-1-12
    Photo thanks to Kevin Maestri whose son did an Eagle Scout project on those of the town who died in service

    Tec 5 Crawford Henry Wise (34 010 315) - Company A
    KIA 28 Jan 1945 vicinty of St. Vith, Belgium - Age: 33y 5m 0d
    Entered Service: 1941-Jan-14 - MOS at death: 345 (Truck Driver, Light [jeep])
    Home Town: Lowry, SC - Buried at: Henri-Chapelle, Belgium USMC H-1-16
    Photo thanks to sister's granddaughter Amy Jones

    Pvt. James Vaco Yates (34 898 122) - Company C
    KIA September 14, 1944 attacking Marengo, France - Age: 26y 4m 17d
    Entered Service: 1943-Dec-31 - MOS at death: 745 (Rifleman)
    Home Town: Southport, NC - Buried at: Lorraine USMC; St. Avold, France; J-18-21
    Photo provided by sister Florence Ashley


    World War II 38 AIB Men Later Killed in Korea
    2nd Lt. Monell Van Fradenburg (O-0540782) - Platoon Leader of 2nd Platoon of Company "B"
    KIA September 25, 1951 at Heartbreak Ridge, Korea - Age: 26y
    Photo provided by daughter Chris Bybee

  • In World War II, he was captured at St. Vith, Belgium December 21 or 22, 1944.
  • In Korea, he was killed in action on September 25, 1951 at Heartbreak Ridge, while serving as a First Lieutenant, as Executive Officer of Company "E" of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Click here to go to a web page at "Return to Heartbreak Ridge", in which one of Lt. Van Fradenburg's men tells of an incident in their combat in Korea and here for another page, in which the man mis-remembers Van Fradenburg's first name.
  • Click here for his FindAGrave web pages. He is buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, in Section O Site 287.

    Here is the text of his entry on the American Battle Monuments Commission Korean War Honor Roll.


    Mon Van Fradenburg

    Rio Blanco, Colorado
    Born 1925
    First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
    Service Number O-540782
    Killed in Action
    Died September 25, 1951 in Korea

    First Lieutenant Van Fradenburg was a member of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on September 25, 1951. First Lieutenant Van Fradenburg was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.


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