World War II Honoree

Robert Elmo DeLoach

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Valdosta, Georgia

Honored By

Frances C. Bagley & Ann Bagley

Relationship

Wife & Friend

DRAFTED INTO THE ARMY IN OCTOBER 1941. SENT TO CAMP CROFT, SOUTH CAROLINA FOR TRAINING. ASSIGNED TO COMPANY B, 121ST INFANTRY REGIMENT, 8TH DIVISION, FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA. DURING FIGHTING IN NORMANDY, HE WAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR HEROIC SERVICES AS A SQUAD LEADER AGAINST THE ENEMY ON JULY 13, 1944. HE LEAD HIS PLATOON ACROSS AN OPEN FIELD THROUGH MACHINE GUN FIRE FROM THREE SIDES. HE WAS CREDITED WITH SINGLE HANDEDLY WIPING OUT FOUR GERMAN MACHINE GUN POSITIONS. HE WAS WOUNDED IN THIS ACTION AND RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART. RETURNED TO DUTY WITH HIS UNIT ENGAGED AT ST. LO. HE WAS KILLED ON AUGUST 31, 1944 AT AGE 24. HE IS INTERRED AT BRITTANY AMERICAN CEMETERY, SAINT JAMES, MANCHE, FRANCE.