World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
John W. Atkinson, Jr.
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
RANK: 1ST LIEUTENANT. SERVED AS THE REGIMENTAL PERSONNEL OFFICER AND ADJUTANT WITH THE U.S. ARMY 1ST BATTALION REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, 501ST PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 101ST AIRBORNE ‘SCREAMING EAGLES’ DIVISION. HE WAS A PARATROOPER WHO JUMPED INTO FRANCE IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS ON D-DAY, JUNE 6, 1944, THE INVASION OF GERMANY’S FORTRESS EUROPE. KILLED IN ACTION, JUNE 8, 1944 FROM A GERMAN AMBUSH IN THE VICINITY OF LE BARQUETTE, FRANCE. HE IS BURIED AT THE NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY, COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, FRANCE. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL.