William R. Noland
William Roy Noland
US Army
Private
#34188298
169th Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division
Born January 7, 1919 to Virginia Belle Corum, Ackerson Creek, TN
Died August 21, 1943
Noland, a farmhand and CCC (Civilian Conservarion Corps) employee enlisted February 12, 1942 at Fort Oglethorpe, GA. He was attached to the 43rd Infantry Division, the "Winged Victory", and did his basic training at Camp Shelby, MS.
In September 1942 the 169th Regiment left San Francisco and sailed to New Zealand and there continued their training until November 1942. In late November they arrived in Noumea, New Caledonia and garrisoned the island while conducting intensive jungle warfare training, as well as guarding Japanese prisoners.
Operation "Toenails" or the Invasion of Georgia was the next mission - they were to seize Rendova Island to take Munda Airfield. However progress if any was slow, as the troops were exhausted after spending nights shooting at real and imaged enemy patrols. In addition the combat casualties, fatigue, jungle diseases and continuous rain took a toll on the men. Just west of Munda Point they met heavy resistance - much stronger than anticipated. Finally with the assistance of the 172nd Infantry they managed to secure Monda Airfield and held it until January 1944. However the casualities were high and among them was Pvt. Noland who was killed in action on August 21, 1943.
He was awarded the Purple Heart and is buried in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Boniofacio, Manila, Philippines
US Army
Private
#34188298
169th Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division
Born January 7, 1919 to Virginia Belle Corum, Ackerson Creek, TN
Died August 21, 1943
Noland, a farmhand and CCC (Civilian Conservarion Corps) employee enlisted February 12, 1942 at Fort Oglethorpe, GA. He was attached to the 43rd Infantry Division, the "Winged Victory", and did his basic training at Camp Shelby, MS.
In September 1942 the 169th Regiment left San Francisco and sailed to New Zealand and there continued their training until November 1942. In late November they arrived in Noumea, New Caledonia and garrisoned the island while conducting intensive jungle warfare training, as well as guarding Japanese prisoners.
Operation "Toenails" or the Invasion of Georgia was the next mission - they were to seize Rendova Island to take Munda Airfield. However progress if any was slow, as the troops were exhausted after spending nights shooting at real and imaged enemy patrols. In addition the combat casualties, fatigue, jungle diseases and continuous rain took a toll on the men. Just west of Munda Point they met heavy resistance - much stronger than anticipated. Finally with the assistance of the 172nd Infantry they managed to secure Monda Airfield and held it until January 1944. However the casualities were high and among them was Pvt. Noland who was killed in action on August 21, 1943.
He was awarded the Purple Heart and is buried in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Boniofacio, Manila, Philippines
|
|