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name
KOLB, William Albert Jr - Date of
birth
1 June 1924 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
Eustis, Frontier County, Nebraska -
Hometown
Kern County, California
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
39697240 -
Rank
Private First Class -
Function
unknown -
Unit
H Company,
2nd Battalion,
414th Infantry Regiment,
104th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
25 October 1944 - Place of
death
Zundert, The Netherlands
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| F | 5 | 45 |
Immediate family
-
Members
William A. Kolb (father)
More information
Pfc William A. Kolb Jr. enlisted in Fresno, California on 1 April 1943.Desperate for more ammo and being nearly run over by the Germans, Kolb was ordered to go for more ammunition. Upon his return he observed his men in retreat and taking heavy fire from a German machine gun nest. Kolb jumped into his position and with the fresh ammo, he began giving the Germans a savage return of fire, which served to provide cover for the retreating American force. It was this decision that cost Pvt Kolb his life. For this action, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record
Photo source: Basher82