World War II Honoree

Donat M. Plourde

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Aroostook County, Maine

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK: PRIVATE. INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY SEPTEMBER 18, 1942 AT BANGOR, MAINE. 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. AFTER THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES, HIS REMAINS WERE RETURNED TO MAINE FOR BURIAL, WITH INTERMENT IN A PRIVATE CEMETERY.