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name
CLIFFORD, William James "Bill" - Date of
birth
13 May 1913 -
Age
31 - Place of
birth
Ludlow, Hampden County, Massachusetts -
Hometown
Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
42125511 -
Rank
Private -
Function
unknown -
Unit
B Company,
53rd Armored Infantry Battalion,
4th Armored Division
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
24 December 1944 - Place of
death
Bigonville, Redange, Luxembourg
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Luxembourg
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 8 | 37 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Thomas Clifford (father)
Margaret R. (Gethins) Clifford (mother)
Helen L. (Michalski) Clifford (wife)
More information
Pvt William J. Clifford enlisted at Camp Upton, New York on 21 March 1944.Pvt Clifford had been in combat about three days, when he was hit by enemy fire. Medics rushed to him and tried to save his life, but it was too late.
From a letter of George L. Jacques, Lt Col. 53rd Armd Inf Bn, Commanding:
"In losing him we feel that we have not only lost an excellent soldier and man, but also a friend who can never be replaced. William was buried in an Army cemetery in Eastern France; a U.S. Army Chaplain of Catholic Faith officiated at the burial ceremony. No words that I can use would ease your sorrow. However, as William’s battalion commander, I want you to know that his comrades in this battalion feel his loss most keenly. We are proud to have served with one who has contributed so much to the final victory that shall be ours."
He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Grand Failly, France.
The picture of his wife and daughter is taken somewhere in 1943, Brooklyn, New York.
Source of information: André Koch, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - 1920 Census / Headstone and Interment Records / Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988, After action report, 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion, Fourth Armored Division, July 44 thru May 1945, www.facebook.com - Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge - CEBA
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, www.facebook.com - Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge - CEBA