SGT James F. O’Laughlin
Source: Fields of Honor
Sergeant (SGT) James F. O’Laughlin of Charlie Company, 326th Airborne Engineer Battalion (AEB), 101st Airborne Division, was born in Mahoning Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, to William L. and Ruby I. (Furlong) O’Laughlin on January 30, 1924. He had two brothers, William B. and Allan J. O’Laughlin, and one sister, Mary A. (O’Laughlin) Dymond.
His brother William served in an anti-aircraft battalion in the Pacific during WWII and was seriously wounded in action, returning home as a totally disabled veteran. William passed away in 1961 at age 41 after battling a 14-year illness.
James enlisted in the United States Army in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 18, 1940, and was assigned to George Company of the 29th Infantry Regiment “Pioneers” at Fort Benning, Georgia. On September 28, 1942, he was transferred to The Parachute School (TPS) at Fort Benning, where he went through paratrooper training. After receiving his wings, he was transferred to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was assigned to Charlie Company, 326th AEB.
On August 7, 1943, shortly before he traveled to England, SGT O’Laughlin was granted a five-day furlough as he had planned a wedding with his sweetheart, 18-year-old Helen Swartzlander. James and Helen were united in marriage in Dillon, South Carolina, on August 11, 1943.
SGT O’Laughlin left Fort Bragg by rail for New York, the port of embarkation, on 30 August. He set sail for England on the SS Samaria six days later, arriving in Liverpool on September 15, 1943. He then travelled by train to Basildon Park, Berkshire, where the 326th AEB was stationed.
On D-Day, he made his first combat jump into Normandy, where he tried to gain a foothold on the east bank of the Douve River at the Brevand Bridges, together with other demolition experts of the 326th AEB, supporting the men of 3rd Battalion, 506th PIR.
SGT O’Laughlin made his second combat jump into the Netherlands on September 17, 1944, at the start of Operation Market Garden. Three days later, he was involved in fighting at yet another bridge near Nuenen. This time, he was defending a vital crossing against an enemy force that had moved close to it with four tanks. While leading his squad in an assault against the Germans, he was mortally wounded. Besides a Purple Heart Medal, SGT O’Laughlin was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his inspirational leadership and gallant actions.
Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅
Source: Find a Grave
SGT James O’Laughlin died at the age of 20 in Brabant, The Netherlands, on September 20, 1944. Two days later, he was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Son at Plot A, Row 8, Grave 145. He was disinterred on June 15, 1948, and moved to the American Cemetery at Margraten, the Netherlands, where he rests eternally at Plot M, Row 2, Grave 14.
May he rest in peace.
Happy Birthday in Heaven, James.
Lest we forget. 🇺🇸
Sources:
Stories behind the Stars
Family Search
NARA