 |
| Cpl. William Atkinson, 14th Cavalry Group, was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his heroism during the Battle of the Bulge. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52132466/william-d_-atkinson https://14cavalrygroup.wordpress.com |
William D. Atkinson never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on January 28, 1919 in Florida. His parents Oscar and Bessie were also both born in Florida. His father worked as a saw mill laborer and later as a post office janitor. William had an older sister, two younger brothers, and one younger sister. By the time of the 1940 census, William had moved out. He completed four years of high school and worked as a salesman. His enlistment record says he was married but I could not find any additional information about this.
He was drafted into the army on May 13, 1943. He became a Tec 5 radio operator for Troop B, 32nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 14th Cavalry Group. It was equipped with M8 armored cars. The 14 CG arrived in France at the end of September 1944. The 32nd CRS was attached to the 83rd Infantry Division. By December, the 14th CG was again an autonomous unit sent to the peaceful Ardennes segment of the line.
On December 16, 1944 the 14th CG received the full brunt of the German attack that would be known as the Battle of the Bulge. The 32nd CRS was being attacked by German tanks the next day. It pulled back time and again to try to find defensible positions. The protracted withdrawal in front of superior forces was costly with many men killed or captured.
By December 22, 1944 the remnants of the 32nd CRS were in the village of Crombach, Belgium. Around midnight, a report came in that up to six Tiger tanks were approaching the village. Men started withdrawing, even without orders. Recognizing the village could not be defended anymore, the unit commander ordered a withdrawal. Cpl. Atkinson stayed behind to provide cover fire for his platoon. It cost him his life.
He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. His citation reads as follows:
Technician Fifth Grade Atkinson voluntarily assumed command of an armored car during an attack by enemy infantrymen and tanks upon his platoon command post. As his platoon withdrew upon orders, he remained behind to cover the movement. During the engagement, he accounted for nineteen German dead and inflicted innumerable casualties upon the attacking force. By his gallant actions, his entire platoon withdrew without loss of life or equipment.
His grave is at Oakland Cemetery, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Last year on this date I profiled James Hartley, 29th Infantry Division. You can read about James here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
No comments:
Post a Comment