Memorial

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James Diel received his education at Newton High School, graduating in 1940. He attended college for 2 years and was an actor before he joined the army.

2nd Lt James L. Diel volunteered for the Army of the United States in Chicago, Illinois on 19 August 1942 as a private.

James Diel was the Company First Sergeant of E Company in Normandy. Just before Operation Market-Garden, Capt Winters recommended him for a battlefield commision. Col Sink approved, so Diel became a 2nd lieutenant and was assigned to A company in the 506th,

2nd Lt James L. Diel was leading the first platoon of A Company that fatal day. On 19 September, at Son bridge, Diel told his men that he had been informed by the Dutch resistance that the German troops were concentrating a few miles from the bridge. The Germans would probably counterattack.

2nd Lt. Diel was killed by a direct hit from a German 88mm shell on the tank he was charging with the famous "Sticky" bomb. He was hit in the head and only his face remained.

He loved explosives and carried some in his pockets when he went into action. There was some bazooka rounds fired at the tank with no effect, so Diel made a charge to blow the tank if he could get to it. The gunner spotted him before he got there and fired directly at him. This was told by the medic who checked his body out after the fight. Diel had made the comment that he was going to win a medal in the Holland fighting.