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name
O'BRIEN, Paschal Joseph - Date of
birth
6 January 1918 -
Age
27 - Place of
birth
Ramona, Washington County, Oklahoma -
Hometown
Collins, Erie County, New York
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
32580651 -
Rank
Private -
Function
unknown -
Unit
Medical Detachment,
318th Infantry Regiment,
80th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
21 March 1945 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Clausen, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 44 | 30 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Frank J. O'Brien (father)
Helen (Goodwin) O'Brien (mother)
Frances G. O'Brien (brother)
More information
Pvt Paschal J. O'Brien attended high school for four years and was a baker before he enlisted in Buffalo, New York on 5 November 1942.He was awarded the Silver Medal for actions on the day of his death. The citation reads: On 21 March, Pvt O'Brien served as an Aid Man with the infantry point of an armored column driving into Clausen, Germany. As the point approached the village, heavy enemy fire caused casualties who fell on the road in full view of the enemy. Pvt O'Brien, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, gave assistance to the wounded men in spite of the severe enemy crossfire which mortally wounded him as he performed his duties.
Pvt O'Brien was killed by artillery shell fragments in the side of his body.
Source of information: Leo Minne, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / 1930/1940 Census / U.S. WWII Hospital Admission Card File / U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, www.80thdivision.com
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Major M / James L. Cooper