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name
BOEGLIN, Richard W - Date of
birth
4 December 1917 -
Age
27 - Place of
birth
New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts -
Hometown
Coventry, Kent County, Rhode Island
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
31445393 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Section Leader -
Unit
I Company,
3rd Battalion,
261st Infantry Regiment,
65th Infantry Division,
Heavy Weapons Platoon - Machine Gun Section
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
7 April 1945 - Place of
death
Dörna, west of Hollenbach, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 12 | 23 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Edward H.J. Boeglin (father)
Caroline (Wyss) Boeglin (mother)
Edward H. Boeglin Jr. (brother)
Eve Boeglin (sister)
Herman C. Boeglin (brother)
Hermina C. Boeglin (sister)
Alfred R. Boeglin (brother)
Marcel F. Boeglin (brother)
Doris L. (Beaudoin) Boeglin (wife)
More information
S/Sgt Richard W. Boeglin enlisted in Providence, Rhode Island on 29 September 1943.He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for an action on 7 April 1945. The citation stated: "For galantry in action at Dorna, Germany, on 7 April 1945. When forced to withdraw from outpost positions as a result of enemy attack, Sergeant Boeglin, a light machine-gun section leader, saw that his men lacked time to prepare adequate defenses. Without regard to his own life, Sergeant Boeglin left his protected position and, singlehandedly, engaged the enemy in a duel of fire. By diverting the enemy in this matter, his men were afforded the necessary time to fortify their positions and continue a rear guard action. During the operation Sergeant Boeglin was mortally wounded. His outstanding valor and courageous leadership reflect the higest credit upon Sergeant Boeglin and the military service."
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, Wil Urselmann, Alan Osberg, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record,
http://www.65thdiv.com/lev1/kia.html
Photo source: www.findagrave.com, Des Philippet, Wll Urselmann