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name
OWENS, Chester William - Date of
birth
26 July 1916 -
Age
28 - Place of
birth
Hermann, Craighead County, Arkansas -
Hometown
Arizona
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
38002552 -
Rank
Private -
Function
Firefighter -
Unit
1219th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
24 December 1944 - Place of
death
Malmedy, Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| E | 12 | 44 |
Immediate family
-
Members
William Owens (father)
Girlie (Broyles) Stallings (mother)
Charles Stallings (stepfather)
Ollie Owens (sister)
Cecil B. Stallings (stepbrother)
Carl W. Stallings (stepbrother)
Ruby M. Stallings (stepsister)
Burley Stallings (stepbrother)
Eugene Stallings (stepbrother)
More information
Following the 9th Army and setting up fire stations as needed and where directed the 1219th set up a fire station close by Malmédy, Belgium in the days.On 24 December 1944, units of the 1219th responded to fires in Malmédy alledgedly set by aerial strikes by Allied aircraft. Whether going to, returning from or fighting the fire is unknown as all records around that date, if created, no longer exist. During the going, the returning or the fire fighting, Pvt Chester W. Owens was killed. His autopsy report says "massive internal injuries due to concussion". Whether a mortar or artillery round or a major vehicle mishap was the cause of his death is unknown.
Source of information: Leo Minne, Raf Dyckmans, Terry Hirsch, Carla Mans, www.ancestry.com - WWII Draft Cards Young Men / 1930/1940 Census / Headstone and Interment Record, www.abmc.gov, http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com/engforum/index.php?showtopic=7395
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet / Aad van der Horst