Pvt. Francis L Trombly (1923 - 1944) Killed In Action WWII

Question

Francis served as a Private, Company A, 315th Infantry, 79th Infantry Division, U.S. Army during World War II.

He resided in Rutland County, Vermont prior to the war.

He enlisted in the Army on April 7, 1944 at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a Farm Hand and also as Single, without dependents.

Francis was "Killed In Action" during the war and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 31462353.

Need help with sticker and categorizing. Any help on his profile is appreciated. What battle was he killed?

Thank you Wikitree family

Comments

The 315th  Infantry has a Facebook page, maybe they could help.

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Probably killed during Operation Queen , part of the Hurtgenwald battle.

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Sorry Eddie, the 79th did not participate in this campaign. The 78th Div. however did. Operation Queen and the Battle of Hürtgen Forest was north of the Alsace-Lorraine area of operations where the 79th fought.

Answer 1

All done Andrew and added a few sources as well.

I need to create the category for the cemetery and add that as well.

Here is a Cheat Sheet I made up to help with categories like this.  Has some other WikiTree Help Pages too.  Sometimes, they can be a bit tricky to find.  ;)

Comments

Thanks for the Star Andrew, but it is my pleasure to help give our fallen their due.

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From the various records for the 79th Div in WW II, I believe he was killed in the battle for Haguenau in the Bas-Rhim area of France.

See also the section called Command Posts here: Order of Battle of the US Army - WWII - ETO 79th INFANTRY DIVISION

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Thank you this helps out so much!! Very much appreciated :)

Answer 2

Great job on his profile. Thank you for helping to remember this hero!

Answer 3

Here is a great regimental history of the 79th Infantry Division in WWII.  https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/ww_reg_his/39/

It specifically mentions the 315th Regiment.  You could also consider ordering the IDPF (Individual Deceased Personnel File) for Francis. It will take some time to receive. Since you know his service number, you can request it through the National Archives in St. Louis, or you could hire a private researcher to find it for you.    Every WWII casualty who died during World War II should have an IDPF.  It gives a synopsis of how he died, and where, although every file is quite different.   It should also mention his company, so you could research even further.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Comments

Thank you Barbara,

I have a few great uncles I need to get the IDPF for here is another I need https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Gibbs-4834

There is a book which explains his last moments of heroism which is very detailed The Sky Men: A Parachute Rifle Companys Story of the Battle of the Bulge and the Jump Across the Rhine by Kirk B. Ross (see chapter 5 regarding Gibbs)