Three Screaming Eagles Perish by Friendly Fire in the Battle of the Bulge
Today we honor and remember PVT Charles R. Hunton, PVT Albert C. Gray, and SSGT James W. West, of the 101st Airborne Division who were killed in Bastogne.
The extreme cold weather conditions during the Battle of the Bulge were hardly bearable for the men who were trying to survive in their foxholes on the frontline. Some of the troopers tried to escape those harsh conditions occasionally by going into a house in a nearby town, hoping to find some comfort, warmth, food or drink, and in some cases, anything with alcohol in it!
On January 2, 1945, three men of George Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, went into Recogne, a small town to the northwest of Foy, Belgium. While they were out, the guard of the observation post had changed, and the new paratrooper on duty, a replacement of How Company, was not told about this special arrangement. Later that evening, the three men attempted to return according to the usual deal, but they were halted. As they tried to convince the guard they were Americans by shouting at him from a distance, the replacement opened fire on them because he didn’t believe their story due to Germans occasionally dressing up and acting like Americans.
According to the Morning Report of January 5, 1945, both PVT Charles R. Hunton and SSGT James W. West were killed in action, but PVT Albert C. Gray was listed as missing in action.
PVT Albert Gray’s body must have been found later, as he was initially buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Foy, before being reburied in the American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, at Plot H, Row 11, Grave 39.
PVT Charles Hunton was first buried in the Temporary American Military Cemetery Grand Failly, France, at Section C, Row 4, Grave 87. He now rests eternally at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron, Summit County, Ohio.
SSGT James West was also first buried in the Temporary American Military Cemetery Grand Failly, at Section C, Row 12, Grave 287. He now rests eternally at the Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Cortland, Cortland County, New York.
Unfortunately at the time of his death, an order came down from the 101st Airborne Division giving SSGT West a battlefield commission, promoting him to the rank of second lieutenant. What should have been a personal highlight never materialized because of his tragic death.
Three Screaming Eagles had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅
Lest we forget! 🇺🇸
Thanks Jos,much appreciated 🫡
Gray was found in Germany