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name
MARSHALL, Colan Maitland - Date of
birth
30 December 1916 -
Age
28 - Place of
birth
Waterbury, Washington County, Vermont -
Hometown
Windsor, Windsor County, Vermont
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
31339943 -
Rank
Private First Class -
Function
unknown -
Unit
557th Field Artillery Battalion
-
Awards
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Died of Injuries - Date of
death
21 April 1945 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Klötze, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| P | 4 | 5 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Harry L. Marshall (father)
Lena M. (Johnson) Marshall (mother)
Maurice M. Marshall (brother)
Ruth Marshall (sister)
Marion M. (Barrows) Marshall (wife)
Maitland C. Marshall (son)
More information
Pfc Colan M. Marshall enlisted in Rutland, Vermont on 7 June 1944.In the history of the Battalion, the following account can be found:
"Tragedy befell the Battalion on April 16 in its move from Rengerslage to Klötze by the way of Meseberg, Sturbeck, Brunau, Cheinitz and Bruchau. Suddenly over the column appeared four planes! Into a long swift dive they plunged, their firepower directed at vehicles within the column! Suddenly flame and black smoke burst from a Baker Battery M30 ammunition carrier! In a few minutes exploding ammunition had completely demolished the carrier. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, driver Arthur Mondun sought safety for his crew. All had escaped safe, but two, Pfc. Mackey and Pfc. Marshall. With tenacity of purpose and courage, Mondun carried them from the blazing inferno away from further harm. The following day word was sorrowfully received that Mackey and Marshall had passed away."
Probably, due to an administrative carelessness, Pfc Marshall's death was recorded a few days later.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record
www.ancestry.com – various family trees, http://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org – History of the 557th FAB
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet / Daystca