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name
SPINKS, Kenneth Ulma "Buddy" - Date of
birth
17 January 1925 -
Age
20 -
Place of birth
Thomasville, Clarke County, Alabama -
Hometown
Thomasville, Clarke County, Alabama
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
34805714 -
Rank
Private -
Function
unknown -
Unit
273rd Infantry Regiment,
69th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Bronze Star
Death
-
Status
Died non-Battle - Date of
death
2 May 1945 - Place of
death
unknown
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 20 | 9 |
Immediate family
-
Members
William R. Spinks (father)
Lucy V. (Hayes) Spinks (mother)
Flora Spinks (sister)
William L. Spinks (brother)
Mary J. Spinks (sister)
Harold H. Spinks (brother)
More information
Pvt Kenneth U. Spinks enlisted at Fort McClennan, Alabama on 11 May 1943.His death was caused by an accidental gun shot wound. He and another soldier were carrying out an order to clean, oil and store all foreign weapons taken from the enemy by their unit when a weapon in the hands of the other soldier accidentaly discharged.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal postumously. The citation cited: For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy for 1 March 1945 to 2 May 1945 in Germany - Pvt Spinks' personal courage, enthusiasm and devotion to duty refelct the highest credit upon humself and the armed forces of the United States.
At the time of his death, his brother William served as a lieutenant with the Army Air Corps in the Pacific. His sister Mary, also a lieutenant served in a hospital at Camp Stewart.
Source of information: André Koch, Astrid van Erp, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - 1930-1940 Census / Family Trees, www.fold3.com - WWII Draft Card, www.newspapers.com - The Clarke County Democrat 4 October 1945
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, www.newspapers.com - The Clarke County Democrat 14 December 1944