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name
ECKENRODE, Richard J - Date of
birth
20 February 1924 -
Age
21 -
Place of birth
Stark County, Ohio -
Hometown
Jackson, Stark County, Ohio -
Ethnicity
White
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
35599973 -
Rank
Corporal -
Function
unknown -
Unit
C Company,
736th Tank Battalion
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
14 April 1945 - Place of
death
Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| K | 7 | 21 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Walter F. Eckenrode (father)
Grace M. (Knouse) Eckenrode (mother)
Adelaide (Eckenrode) Ehmer (sister)
Sylvester F. Eckenrode (brother)
Walter M. Eckenrode (brother)
Annabeth E. Eckenrode (sister)
Robert I. Eckenrode (brother)
Rita M. Eckenrode (sister)
Mary A. Eckenrode (sister)
Isabel M. Eckenrode (sister)
More information
Cpl Richard J. Eckenrode enlisted in Akron, Ohio on 22 January 1943.He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action on 24 March 1945, in Germany. When extremely heavy enemy fire halted the attack of their platoon, Cpl Eckenrode and three comrades voluntarily took two machine guns and ammunition through a deluge of fire to the top of an embankment, where they set up the guns and opened fire on the enemy. Although they were subjected to very heavy mortar and sniper fire, they gallantly remained in the hazardous position until their ammunition was expended. Their heroic efforts enabled the platoon to drive the enemy out of their positions.
Source of information: André Koch, Massillon Public Library, Jeanne Harbaugh (niece), www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov – WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - 1920/1930/1940 Census, www.newspapers.com - The Evening Independent
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, Jeanne Harbaugh (niece)