PFC Rufus G. Rushton
Today we honor and remember PFC Rufus G. Rushton of the 101st Airborne Division, who was killed in The Battle of the Bulge.
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 wounded. 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 WWII1. 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! 🇺🇸