WW2 Fallen - Norman Penny, Even Driving a Truck is Dangerous

Pvt. Norman Penny, 63rd Infantry Division.
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=38443865&PIpi=18927187

Norman H. Penny never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.

He was born on May 1, 1917 in New York. His mother was born in Norway and his father was born in Canada. His father was a plumber. Norman had an older brother and a young brother. By 1940 Norman had completed four years of high school and was working as a plumber while still living with his parents.

Norman did not enlist in the army until January 11, 1944. By that time he was married. He was assigned as a private in Company H, 2nd Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division.

The 254th Regiment arrived in Southern France in early December 1944. It first saw action in the Colmar area while temporarily attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. By late February it was back with the 63rd Infantry Division attacking the Siegfried Line at Saarbrücken.

On March 17, 1945, Pvt. Penny was driving a truck carrying men, weapons, and supplies when an artillery shell landed nearby. He was killed instantly by shrapnel.

Private Penny was originally buried at at US military cemetery near St. Avold in northeastern France. It is unclear if his remains were returned to America. There is an application for a headstone for Oakwood Cemetery in Bay Shore, NY, but I am uncertain if he was actually reburied there.

Thank you Norman for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Norman.


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