PFC Rufus G. Rushton

On January 3rd, 1945, the Germans launched an attack directed at Longchamps, Belgium, where the men of the 101st Airborne Division were holding the frontlines. The attack had devastating results!

The paratroopers of Dog Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd PIR, suffered 48 casualties that day; 13 men were killed in action, 10 men were seriously wounded in action, and 11 men were considered lightly injured. One of the men who sustained combat injuries in the battle was PFC Rufus G. Rushton.

PFC Rufus G. Rushton suffered an abdominal wound, which had a mortality rate of 53% during WWI, but had dropped to 18-36% by the end of WWII. Although he was considered lightly wounded according to the company’s morning report, PFC Rushton tragically did not survive his injury and died.

Another Screaming Eagle soared to the ultimate height. 🦅

Born on October 28, 1919, in Keowee, Oconee County, South Carolina, PFC Rushton died at 25 years old on January 7, 1945. He left behind his wife, Mildred C. Rushton, his father, Mr. Christopher C. Rushton, four brothers, and two sisters. One sister died in infancy. His mother, Martha (Sanders) Rushton, had passed away on March 1, 1930..

PFC Rushton was first buried in the Temporary American Military Cemetery, Grand Failly, France, at Plot F, Row 9, Grave 220. He now rests eternally in Graceland West Cemetery and Mausoleum, Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal.

Lest we forget! 🇺🇸