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name
SMELLA, John - Date of
birth
30 November 1919 -
Age
25 - Place of
birth
Pennsylvania -
Hometown
Manhattan, New York County, New York
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
42077168 -
Rank
Private -
Function
Rifleman -
Unit
C Company,
48th Armored Infantry Battalion,
7th Armored Division
-
Awards
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Died of Wounds - Date of
death
9 December 1944 - Place of
death
48th Field Hospital
The Netherlands
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 7 | 26 |
Immediate family
-
Members
John Smella (father)
Christine Smella (mother)
Kristine Smella (sister)
Susan Smella (sister)
Anna Smella (sister)
Olga (Trancheck) Smella (wife)
John Smella Jr. (son)
More information
Private John Smella was previously wounded in France but had rejoined his outfit. He suffered fatal wounds December 6th in Linnich, Germany and died 3 days later. Pvt Smella, former resident of Lansford, entered the service in March, 1944 and went overseas in September. He had been employed at Radio City, New York.
Source of information: NARA, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Social Security Death Index, www.newspapers.com - The Morning Call
Photo source: www.findagrave.com