 |
| Lt. David Ackerman was a combat engineer with the 90th Infantry Division in Normandy. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/105971817/david-g-ackerman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILpawv823ro |
David was born February 1, 1919 in South Bend, Indiana. His parents Milen and Laura were also born in Indiana. His father worked as a foreman in a factory and passed away in 1926. David had two older sisters. In 1940, he had completed four years of high school and was living with his widowed mother in South Bend, Indiana and working as a bookkeeper.
David enlisted in the Army Corps of Engineers in January 1941 and completed officer training and was assigned as a 2nd Lieutenant to the 315th Combat Engineer Battalion, 90th Infantry Division. During World War II, US Army combat engineers were at the spearhead of fighting in all theaters and repeatedly proved to be vital components to Allied victory on all fronts. The operations conducted by the combat engineers included breaching obstacles, destroying enemy strongpoints, constructing roads and bridges, laying minefields, constructing fortifications for defending troops, or blowing bridges to stop enemy attacks.
The 90th Infantry Division deployed to England in April 1944 and continued training for the invasion of Europe. When the 90th ID went ashore at Utah Beach on D-Day, the combat engineers of the 315th cleared a path through German fortifications to help the soldiers escape the murderous enemy fire and move beyond the beach. Over the next week, the 90th ID battled its way across the Merderet River to take Pont l'Abbe in heavy fighting. 2nd Lt. Ackerman was killed on June 13, 1944, likely while providing engineering support for the attack on Pont l’Abbe.
David G. Ackerman is buried in Riverview Cemetery in South Bend, Indiana.
Thank you Lt. Ackerman for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for David.
_____
This profile was written by Bob Fuerst. "I’m a NASA engineer, B-17 Flying Fortress enthusiast, and amateur genealogist so this kind of research is an ideal outlet for me. But more than anything, it’s a way to express my sincere appreciation for The Greatest Generation and the sacrifices that they made, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They should never be forgotten and I’m grateful to Don for allowing me to play a small part in honoring them."
Last year on this date I profiled Paul Dooley of the US Army 3rd Armored Division. You can read about Paul 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.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
WW2 Fallen 100 is supported by
The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation
“Where Every Day is Memorial Day”
This is a wonderful tribute to Lt. Ackerman and a great service that Mr. Milne is providing in keeping the history of these men and women alive.
ReplyDeleteMy father C.C. Cooper fortunately survived the war while serving as a fellow officer in the 315th Combat Engineer Battalion and was a very good friend of Lt. Ackermans. They trained together prior to deployment and my parents spoke often and very kindly of him. I am trying to piece together a unit history so if anyone has any info on the 315th that they could share you can reach me at jcaengr@gmail.com
Best regards to all the families that lost members. May they RIP.
JC