World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
William K. Cole
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Franklin County, Mississippi
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
RANK: PRIVATE. HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY AUGUST 19, 1943 AT CAMP SHELBY, MISSISSIPPI. AFTER PARATROOPER TRAINING, HE SERVED WITH H-COMPANY, 3RD BATTALION, 502ND PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 101ST AIRBORNE ‘SCREAMING EAGLES’ DIVISION. KILLED IN ACTION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1944 IN THE VICINITY OF ST. OEDENRODE DURING THE INVASION OF HOLLAND, CODE NAME: OPERATION MARKET GARDEN. HE IS BURIED IN THE NETHERLANDS AMERICAN CEMETERY LOCATED AT MARGRATEN, NETHERLANDS. DECORATION AND CITATION: AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART FOR HIS SUPREME SACRIFICE IN DEFENSE OF HIS COUNTRY.