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Personal info

Full name
STAPLES, Kenneth Thurston
Date of birth
31 May 1924
Age
20
Place of birth
Westfield, Hampden County, Connecticut
Hometown
Hartford County, Connecticut

Military service

Service number
31312303
Rank
Technician Fifth Grade
Function
unknown
Unit
HQ & HQ Company,
17th Airborne Division
Awards
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
24 March 1945
Place of death
Near Hamminkeln, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
Plot Row Grave
E 5 22

Immediate family

Members
Raymond Staples (father)
Carrie F. Staples (mother)
Donald R. Staples (brother)
Marian Staples (sister)
Robert A. Staples (brother)
Dorothy Staples (sister)

More information

T/5 Kenneth T. Staples graduated from Weaver High School in June 1942.

He enlisted in Hartford, Connecticut on 26 January 1943. In August 1943, he volunteered for the paratroopers. He was sent overseas in August 1944.

According to his buddy Joe Quade, he was killed by German fire before he hit the ground.

He is remembered at the New Rock Landing Cemetery in Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.ww2-airborne.us, www.ancestry.com - 1930/1940 Census, www.fold3.com - WWII Draft Registration Card, www.newspapers.com - Hartford Courant

Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, Frank Bontje, Pat and Billy