Memorial

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Pfc James R. Cole graduated from Eaton High School in 1942. He enlisted in Cincinnati, Ohio on 27 February 1943.

Pfc Cole was reported missing in action on 19 August 1944, probably during an enemy artillery barrage in the vicinity of La Celle. It is believed he was wounded and evacuated by French medics.

His remains were discovered at the communal cemetery of La Lavandou, France. According to the mayor of the town, his remains were disinterred and taken to Draguignan Military Cemetery. Further investigation indicated he was reburied at the Temporary American Cemetery of Luynes, France on 4 October 1945 as Unknown X-183.

At that moment it was clear he died at the French Evacuation Hospital #3 that was located in La Lavandou at the time of his death.

However, the assumption that his remains had been exhumed and reburied in Luynes turned out to be incorrect.

On 6 May 1948, the grave of a French colonial soldier named Kennoudi was opened in La Lavandou cemetery, and after comparison with Pfc Cole's tooth chart, it was found that the teeth matched perfectly.

Pfc Cole was reburied in a temporary grave at Ardennes on 11 September 1948. After the cemetery was given a permanent status, he was given his final resting place on 14 April 1950.