kanemono Posted June 8, 2017 Share #1 Posted June 8, 2017 Bernard E. Kirkendall was born in Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania on September 15, 1919. He was employed as a barber at Danville State Mental Hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania. Kirkendall enlisted in the Army on February 21, 1942 at New Cumberland Pennsylvania. He received basic training at Fort Meade Maryland and advanced training at Camp Blanding, Florida. Kirkendall was stationed in North Carolina before being sent to England in September of 1942. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant and served as Chief Radio Operator with the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division. Staff Sergeant Kirkendall was killed in action on June 6, 1944 while landing at Omaha Beach on the early morning of D-Day. The Headquarters Company came in on three boats at H plus 40, received one burst of shell-fire on one boat (killing one man) during the approach, but other-wise met nothing but sporadic automatic weapons fire. The Germans held their fire until the men were ready to jump from the boat. When the ramp went down the men dropped down into water averaging 41/2 – 5 feet deep. Kirkendall was immediately killed with most of the Headquarters officers and non-coms by German machine gun fire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanemono Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share #2 Posted June 8, 2017 next Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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268th C.A. Posted June 8, 2017 Share #4 Posted June 8, 2017 When I see this, what do you say? Its a beautiful group but such a horrible and sad story. His life cut short before it really started. God Bless and RIP. Its wonderful that some one has it. That treasures it, and most of all knows what it means! Keeping your memory alive Staff Sgt. Kirkendall. We Remember! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwinter207 Posted June 8, 2017 Share #5 Posted June 8, 2017 The ultimate bravery for a unit in that horrible war. Thank you for your sacrifice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted June 8, 2017 Share #6 Posted June 8, 2017 Thank you for keeping his memory alive. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
everforward Posted June 8, 2017 Share #7 Posted June 8, 2017 Thank you for sharing this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamski Posted June 8, 2017 Share #8 Posted June 8, 2017 A simply stunning group with just about the saddest story possible. Incredible. -Ski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanemono Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share #9 Posted June 8, 2017 Here is a letter and card, there are many to choose from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanemono Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share #10 Posted June 8, 2017 This entire group was saved from a dumpster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catfishcraig Posted June 8, 2017 Share #11 Posted June 8, 2017 Shame on the person throwing this away! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Barickman Posted June 11, 2017 Share #12 Posted June 11, 2017 Amazing group Dick; and saved from a dumpster, nice save. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted June 11, 2017 Share #13 Posted June 11, 2017 Fantastic save, Dick. What a story. This is one that should be sent to Congressman Paul Cook and all co-sponsors of his disgraceful Purple Heart legislation reminding them that the first 20 minutes of the film. "Saving Private Ryan" was more than just a movie and why we military medal collectors do what we do. Thanks for sharing this very poignant group. Rest in Peace, SSgt Kirkendall. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted June 12, 2017 Share #14 Posted June 12, 2017 A very impressive and moving group. Thank you for saving it, and sharing it with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fstop61 Posted June 13, 2017 Share #15 Posted June 13, 2017 Incredible save! Amazes me how someone could throw this group out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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