PVT Walter W. Bennett

The Battle of the Bulge is historically known for its extreme weather conditions, which began on December 16, 1944. That day brought cold, dry winds from the east, and snow began to drift in the Eifel hills, making living conditions difficult for the soldiers fighting on the Belgian front lines.

But that was just the beginning of the ordeal the Screaming Eagles had to go through.

On December 28th, the clouds arrived, followed by arctic air from Scandinavia a day later. This brought in heavy snows and blizzards, significantly reducing visibility at ground level.

PVT Walter Willard Bennett of Charlie Company, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, was among the youngest Screaming Eagles who were killed during the Battle of the Bulge. On December 28, 1944, he was wounded by enemy shell fire during a German attack on Charlie Company’s frontline positions. He was first evacuated to the Regimental Aid Station but died of his wounds in a hospital where he was transferred.

Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅

PVT Walter Bennett was born in Pulteney, Steuben, New York, on January 29, 1927. He died at 17, and was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery, Grand Failly, France, at Section D, Row 11, Grave 255. He rests eternally at the Glenview Cemetery in his hometown, Pulteney.

Walter was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal.

Lest we forget! 🇺🇸

Source: The Ardennes: Battle of the Bugle by Hugh M. Cole; Chapter XXV, Epilogue, The Weather