World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
John C. Berlin
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
RANK: TECHNICIAN 5TH CLASS. INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY DECEMBER 8, 1942 AT NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. HE WAS A PARATROOPER ASSIGNED TO GOLF COMPANY, 3RD BATTALION, 501ST PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 101ST AIRBORNE ‘SCREAMING EAGLES’ DIVISION. KILLED IN ACTION ON D-DAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 1944 IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS DURING THE BATTLE OF NORMANDY, THE INVASION OF GERMANY’S FORTRESS EUROPE, OPERATION OVERLORD. HE DIED ALONG WITH 16 OTHER PARATROOPERS AND ALL 4 AIRCREW MEN WHEN THE AIRCRAFT, A C-47 ‘SKYTRAIN’ TROOP CARRIER EXPLODED IN MIDAIR AFTER ENCOUNTERING HEAVY ARTILLERY FLAK WHILE APPROACHING THE DESIGNATED DROP ZONE IN THE PICAUVILLE AREA ON THE FRENCH COTENTIN PENINSULA. REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1945 AND IS MEMORIALIZED AT THE NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY LOCATED AT COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, FRANCE. DECORATIONS AND MEDALS: BRONZE STAR AND THE PURPLE HEART. THE BRONZE STAR WAS AWARDED TO THE SOLDIER FOR BRAVERY, ACT OF MERIT AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE.