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name
BEELE, George Francis - Date of
birth
11 June 1915 -
Age
29 - Place of
birth
Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts -
Hometown
Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-1322875 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
Company Commander -
Unit
B Company,
1st Battalion,
407th Infantry Regiment,
102nd Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
26 February 1945 - Place of
death
Near Erkelenz, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| F | 8 | 3 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Julian G. Beele (father)
Ellen E. (Dunne) Beele (mother)
Philip Beele (brother)
Robert Beele (brother)
Margaret A. (Glynn) Beele (wife)
Patricia Beele (daughter)
More information
1st Lt George F. Beele graduated from Springfield Technical High School and was employed as a salesman at the National Biscuit Company.He enlisted in September 1942 and received his commission in 1944 at Fort Benning.
Near Gereonsweiler, Germany, he rescued much needed equipment and ammunition. He drove a burning ammunition truck to a safe area, thereby saving many lives. For this action he was awarded the Silver Star Medal a first time.
Later, near Welz, he assumed command of his company, leading his men through intense artillery fire to rout the enemy. He rendered first aid to the wounded, reorganized his company and captured another village. For this action he was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster with the Silver Star Medal.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Patricia Beele O'Connor (daughter), www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - U.S., Headstone and Interment Records for U.S. Military Cemeteries on Foreign Soil
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Patricia Beele O'Connor (daughter) via Harry H.M. Beckers, Springfield Evening Union 10 March 1945