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name
MARELLA, John Edward - Date of
birth
12 January 1917 -
Age
28 - Place of
birth
Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut -
Hometown
Fairfield County, Connecticut
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
31414377 -
Rank
Private -
Function
unknown -
Unit
343rd Infantry Regiment,
86th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
12 April 1945 - Place of
death
Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 6 | 16 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Vito W. Marella (father)
Maria (Petitti) Marella (mother)
Michael Marella (brother)
Anthony Marella (brother)
Nicholas Marella (brother)
Florence (Christiano) Marella (wife)
More information
For gallantry in action in Germany on 12 April 1945. When our forces suffered heavy casualties during the drive toward ***, Germany Private Marella braved a heavy artillery barrage to assist in the evacuation of his comrades. Without regard for his safety and distaining readily available cover, he repeatedly crossed the fire-swept terrain to carry several wounded men to safety. As he was trying to help a fallen soldier, Private Marella was killed when a piece of shrapnel pierced his helmet.His exceptional courage under fire and selfless devotion to the welfare of his comrade are in keeping with the finest traditions in the United States Army.
Source of information: Astrid van Erp, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: www.ancestry.com, www.findagrave.com, Des Philippet