World War II Honoree

Claude L. Edwards

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

West Springfield, Massachusetts

Honored By

Ms. Darlene Greaney

Relationship

Daughter

DRAFTED ON JULY 2, 1943 AND ASSIGNED TO COMPANY B, 513TH PARACHUTE REGIMENT, 17TH AIRBORNE DIVISION. HE ENTERED COMBAT AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE IN THE BELGIUM ARDENNES ON DECEMBER 25, 1944. HIS DIVISION WAS ASSIGNED TO GENERAL PATTON'S 3RD ARMY. WHILE TAKING PART IN THE ATTACK AGAINST GERMAN ARMIES IN BASTOGNE, HE WAS CAPTURED BY GERMAN SOLDIERS ON JANUARY 4, 1945. AFTER BEING HELD A POW FOR 3 MONTHS IN LIMBURG, GERMANY (STALAG 12A), HE ESCAPED FROM A TRAIN BOXCAR WHILE BEING TRANSFERRED FURTHER INTO GERMAN TERRITORY. HE WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR 3 WEEKS IN NANCY, FRANCE. SENT TO PARIS ON MAY 10, 1945, V-E DAY, THEN TO NEW JERSEY ON JUNE 6, 1945. HE WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON DECEMBER 18, 1945.