World War II Honoree

Charles A. Downs

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Penns Neck (Princeton), New Jersey

Honored By

Frank and Susie Bitsko and children

Relationship

Cousins

EARLY 1942 VOLUNTEERED FOR THE AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE WITH THE BRITISH 8TH ARMY IN NORTH AFRICA IN THE AMBULANCE CORPS. ENTERED THE UNITED STATE ARMY AUGUST 24, 1943 AS A MEMEBER OF THE US TANK CORPS. AFTER TRAINING WAS SENT TO ENGLAND IN EARLY 1944. ENTERED FRANCE SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER 'D-DAY' AS A MEMEBER OF COMPANY B, 82ND RECONNAISANCE BATTALION, 2ND ARMORED DIVISION AND SERVED AS A MOTORCYLCE SCOUT. WHILE FIGHTING IN FRANCE, HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION NEAR SAINT LO, NORMANDY, FRANCE ON AUGUST 7, 1944. HE RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART.