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name
COPELAND, Albert Ray - Date of
birth
1921 -
Age
unknown - Place of
birth
Richland, Madison County, Arkansas -
Hometown
Elkins, Washington County, Arkansas
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
38446687 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
unknown -
Unit
L Company,
3rd Battalion,
320th Infantry Regiment,
35th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart,
French Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
8 November 1944 - Place of
death
Fôret de Château-Salins, France
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 12 | 55 |
Immediate family
-
Members
John L. Copeland (father)
Minnie A. (Clark) Copeland (mother)
Marie C. Copeland (sister)
Eula M. Copeland (sister)
Garland B. Copeland (brother)
James L. Copeland (brother)
Dale E. Copeland (brother)
Thelma L. (Ballard) Copeland (wife)
Marilin Copeland (daughter)
More information
T/Sgt ALbert R. Copeland was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Limey, France.He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on 9 August 1944. The citation cited: When his company was pinned down by enemy fire, including 88-mm. fire from a tank, Sgt Copeland, armed himself with a bazooka and three rockets, proceeded around the right flank of his company, disabled the tank and with rifle fire killed six enemy soldiers who were protecting the tank. The gallantry of Sgt Copeland, his resourcefulness, and utter disregard for personal safety, were an inspiration to the men of his unit, who resumed the attack with increased confidence.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / The Aspen Grove Tree, After Action Report 35th Infantry Division , www.findagrave.com - Everett Mefford, www.newspapers.com - Northwest Arkansas Times, Arkansas, 26 October 1944.
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Marshall and Mary McIntyre, www.ancestry.com - Ray Copeland