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| Pfc. Virgil Sowders served in the 45th Infantry Division in Italy in 1943. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14518445/virgil-clark-sowders http://spiritualpilgrim.net/03_The-World-since-1900/07_World-War-Two/07g_N-Africa+Italy.htm |
Virgil Clark Sowders never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on August 2, 1918 in Texas. His parents Virgil and Martha were also both born in Texas. His father worked as a cotton farmer. Virgil had an older sister, three older brothers and a younger brother. Three of his brothers died at a young age, ranging from 16 to 21. His father died in 1939. By 1940 Virgil had completed eight years of schooling and was working as a farm laborer while living at home.
He was drafted into the army on December 2, 1942. He became a private first class in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division.
The 45th Infantry Division was one of the workhorse division that carried a disproportionate share of the fighting in Europe. It fought in Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio taking heavy casualties that required constant replacements such as Pfc. Sowders.
In early November 1943 the 45th ID cross the Volturno River to face the Germans in the mountainous Gustav Line. Pfc. Sowders was killed in action on December 1, 1943, one day shy of his one year enlistment anniversary. One source claims that Pfc. Sowders earned a Silver Star. I was not able to find any additional information about this.
His grave is at Eutaw Cemetery in Kosse, Italy.
Last year on this date I profiled Navy Cross hero Gust Swenning, whose selfless actions helped keep the cruiser USS New Orleans from sinking. One of my favorite profiles. You can read about Gust 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
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