World War II Honoree

William E. Barfield

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Savannah, Georgia

Honored By

Jack Downs

Relationship

Friend 101st Division

IN 1942, THE 326TH MEDICAL UNIT WAS FORMED AT FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA WITH HIM IN COMMAND. IN SEPTEMBER 1943 THE DIVISION WAS SHIPPED OUT FOR ENGLAND, SPECIAL UNITS WERE GIVEN PARACHUTE JUMP TRAINING IN MAY TO PREPARE FOR D-DAY 1944. ON JUNE 6, 1944 THE 326TH AIRBORNE MEDICAL COMPANY ARRIVED IN 4 WAVES. HE ARRIVED OVER UTAH BEACH AND SET UP A FIELD HOSPITAL AT THE CHATEAU COLUMBIERRE WITH THE 3RD AUXILIARY SURGICAL TEAM AND SET UP OPERATIONS. THE UNITS STAYED IN FRANCE UNTIL JULY 13, 1944 THEN RETURNED TO ENGLAND FOR REST AND REGROUP. AFTER RESUPPLY THE UNIT WAS SET TO GO TO HOLLAND AND D-DAY ON SEPTEMBER 17 AND 18, 1944 FOR OPERATION MARKET GARDEN. THE 326TH UNIT JUMPED AND ARRIVED BY GLIDER.