Private First Class Benjamin David Cole was the son of Joseph Samuel Cole and Ella Watts of Troup County, Georgia, and Chambers County, Alabama, USA. He was the eighth of their ten sons.
Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army on 23 December 1942. His service number was 34579870. Assigned to the 47th Infantry Regiment, he fought in Europe, was twice wounded, and lastly killed in action on 13 April 1945.
From a 47th Infantry Regiment, World War II Facebook post:
"In rememberance: Pfc Benjamine D. Cole. On April 13, 1945 'Friday The 13th' Company L was loaded on the backs of 3rd Armored Division tanks. They were rolling into a little town called Ahlsdrof when the local Volksturm ambushed the tank column. Dad and his squad was riding on the fifth tank. Dad was riding backwards leaning against the tank turret. Sound asleep. Standing behind him was Pfc Ben Cole who was hit in the head and rolled off the back of the tank..."
Benjamin was awarded the Purple Heart with 2 oak leaf clusters.
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Enlistment Date: 23 Dec 1942
Enlistment State: Georgia
Enlistment City: Fort Mcpherson Atlanta
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army on 23 December 1942. His service number was 34579870. Assigned to the 47th Infantry Regiment, he fought in Europe, was twice wounded, and lastly killed in action on 13 April 1945.
From a 47th Infantry Regiment, World War II Facebook post:
"In rememberance: Pfc Benjamine D. Cole. On April 13, 1945 'Friday The 13th' Company L was loaded on the backs of 3rd Armored Division tanks. They were rolling into a little town called Ahlsdrof when the local Volksturm ambushed the tank column. Dad and his squad was riding on the fifth tank. Dad was riding backwards leaning against the tank turret. Sound asleep. Standing behind him was Pfc Ben Cole who was hit in the head and rolled off the back of the tank..."
Benjamin was awarded the Purple Heart with 2 oak leaf clusters.
----------
Enlistment Date: 23 Dec 1942
Enlistment State: Georgia
Enlistment City: Fort Mcpherson Atlanta
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Private First Class Benjamin David Cole was the son of Joseph Samuel Cole and Ella Watts of Troup County, Georgia, and Chambers County, Alabama, USA. He was the eighth of their ten sons.
Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army on 23 December 1942. His service number was 34579870. Assigned to the 47th Infantry Regiment, he fought in Europe, was twice wounded, and lastly killed in action on 13 April 1945.
From a 47th Infantry Regiment, World War II Facebook post:
"In rememberance: Pfc Benjamine D. Cole. On April 13, 1945 'Friday The 13th' Company L was loaded on the backs of 3rd Armored Division tanks. They were rolling into a little town called Ahlsdrof when the local Volksturm ambushed the tank column. Dad and his squad was riding on the fifth tank. Dad was riding backwards leaning against the tank turret. Sound asleep. Standing behind him was Pfc Ben Cole who was hit in the head and rolled off the back of the tank..."
Benjamin was awarded the Purple Heart with 2 oak leaf clusters.
----------
Enlistment Date: 23 Dec 1942
Enlistment State: Georgia
Enlistment City: Fort Mcpherson Atlanta
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army on 23 December 1942. His service number was 34579870. Assigned to the 47th Infantry Regiment, he fought in Europe, was twice wounded, and lastly killed in action on 13 April 1945.
From a 47th Infantry Regiment, World War II Facebook post:
"In rememberance: Pfc Benjamine D. Cole. On April 13, 1945 'Friday The 13th' Company L was loaded on the backs of 3rd Armored Division tanks. They were rolling into a little town called Ahlsdrof when the local Volksturm ambushed the tank column. Dad and his squad was riding on the fifth tank. Dad was riding backwards leaning against the tank turret. Sound asleep. Standing behind him was Pfc Ben Cole who was hit in the head and rolled off the back of the tank..."
Benjamin was awarded the Purple Heart with 2 oak leaf clusters.
----------
Enlistment Date: 23 Dec 1942
Enlistment State: Georgia
Enlistment City: Fort Mcpherson Atlanta
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Georgia.
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