PVT Kenneth F. Wiblitzhouser

Today, we honor and remember PVT Kenneth F. Wiblitzhouser of the 101st Airborne Division

Private (PVT) Kenneth Frank Wiblitzhouser of Baker Company, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR), 101st Airborne Division, was born in the District of Columbia to Frank G. and Anne E. (Dalton) Wiblitzhouser on July 20, 1916. He had one older brother, Edmond L. Wiblitzhouser.

Kenneth may have been inspired by his father's service in the U.S. Marine Corps. While still in high school, on July 29, 1932, he enlisted in Company G of the 23rd Reserve Marines Regiment, part of the Sixth Marine Reserve Brigade, headquartered at 458 Indiana Avenue in Washington, D.C. He attended Eastern High School in Washington, D.C., where he graduated in 1934. During his time there, he participated in the JROTC program as a private (cadet) in C Company. Following graduation, Kenneth worked at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing before formally entering military service.

On March 17, 1936, he married Elsie M. Walter in Washington, D.C.

Despite his time with the Marine Corps, Kenneth chose to enlist in the U.S. Army at Fort Myer, Virginia, on December 9, 1943, and after finishing his stateside training, he went overseas in July 1944 and was assigned to Baker Company of the 401st, just before they were deployed to the Netherlands for Operation Market Garden.

On September 18, 1944, the second day of Market Garden, Baker Company arrived by glider in the vicinity of Son, the Netherlands. After they had landed and assembled, they remained in positions in the vicinity of Veghel until the regiment was relieved by the British 2nd Army on October 6th.

The glidermen of Baker Company were then mobilized by truck for Zetten, driving along the famed Hell’s Highway corridor. Upon arrival, they had orders to stay in a reserve position, but in a matter of minutes, new orders came for them to relieve George Company, 506th PIR, and to be in position by 2330 hours. They were to defend the area north of Opheusden’s train station.

On the morning of October 7, the enemy launched an assault with tanks, later determined to be supported by over 300 artillery pieces. After four hours of intense combat, the attack was successfully repelled. Baker Company quickly regrouped and braced for a second wave, which came at 1330 hours. Another fierce engagement followed, and once again, the enemy was driven back. Although withdrawal orders had been issued by their commanding officer, both the officers and enlisted men stood united in their decision to hold their ground.

The following day, it became clear that the Germans were determined to break through Baker Company’s lines. Although several attacks were launched, each was repelled by the determined Baker glidermen, who were resolute in their belief that no enemy would breach their position.

Sadly, on October 9, 1944, during another skirmish with the Germans, PVT Kenneth Wiblitzhouser was killed in action.

Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅

Morning Report (Courtesy of Felipe Jirkal)

The war years were a tragic period for Frank and his wife Anne, as they lost both their sons. On May 4, 1942, Edmond drowned in the Potomac River when the canoe he was fishing from capsized about a mile from Key Bridge. His body was recovered near Three Sisters Islands on May 8, 1942.

PVT Kenneth Wiblitzhouser died at the age of 28. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal.

Kenneth was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Molenhoek, near Nijmegen, the Netherlands, at Block G, Row 4, Grave 79. He was later reburied at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, Margraten. PVT Wiblitzhouser rests eternally at Plot G, Row 2, Grave 14. May he rest in peace.

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Kenneth.

Lest we forget. 🇺🇸