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Personal info

Full name
THURSTON, William
Date of birth
11 May 1908
Age
36
Place of birth
Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Hometown
Woodside, Queens County, New York

Military service

Service number
32996506
Rank
Staff Sergeant
Function
unknown
Unit
314th Infantry Regiment,
79th Infantry Division
Awards
Distinguished Service Cross,
Purple Heart,
French Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
13 November 1944
Place of death
Harbouey, France

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
Plot Row Grave
K 33 27

Immediate family

Members
Joseph Thurston (father)
Salome Thurston (mother)
Gladys H. (Willard) Thurston (wife)

More information

S/Sgt William Thurston was employed at Consolidated Edison before he enlisted in New York City, New York on 9 August 1943.

He was killed by small arms fire to his neck.

He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Epinal, France.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The citation cited: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 July 1944. Pfc Thurston's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 79th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men / Bill Huckabay Family Tree / U.S. WWII Hospital Admission Card, Combat History 314th Infantry Regiment, www.findagrave.com - Albert Ledoux, William Thurston - Recipient - (militarytimes.com)
Photo source: -