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name
LARGE, Theodore W - Date of
birth
16 January 1919 -
Age
25 - Place of
birth
Owaneco, Christian County, Illinois -
Hometown
Owaneco, Christian County, Illinois
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-417409 -
Rank
Captain -
Function
Company Commander -
Unit
B Company,
82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion,
2nd Armored Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
2 September 1944 - Place of
death
Landas, France
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Epinal
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 13 | 28 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Kanola G. Large (father)
Martha H. (Wilcox) Large (mother)
Loeva V. Large (sister)
Vera C. Large (sister)
Emma M. Large (sister)
Joseph W. Large (brother)
Donald E. Large (brother)
More information
Capt Theodore W. Large was a member of the University of Illinois’ Cavalry Officers Club and the Hoof and Horn club.On 2 September 1944 the 1st platoon of B Company proceeded through Landas where several hundred of the enemy were encountered. The platoon places fire on the enemy and in the ensuing battle, Capt Large was shot in the back by an enemy rifleman, who was hiding in a house in the village at 09.50 h., killing him instantly. The fight continued until 10.40 h. and an undetermined number of the enemy was killed and wounded. The platoon withdrew to evacuated to body of Capt Large.
In Landas a plaque remembers this tragic day and the sacrifice of Capt Large.
He was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for actions on 27 July 1944.
He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Solers and was transferred to the American War Cemetery Epinal in 1948.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / 1930 -1940 Census / School Yearbook 1940 University of Illinois, After Action Report 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Andy / Jeff Hall, www.ancestry.com - School Yearbook 1940 University of Illinois