Darling, Douglas R. 1925-1945

DARLING

Posted By: Errin Wilker
Date: 12/2/2016 at 12:16:17

Killed in Action in Ruhr Valley, Germany

Douglas Ray Darling was born June 22, 1925, in Jefferson Township, Houston County, Minnesota. His family subsequently moved to New Albin, and Douglas attended the New Albin Consolidated School.

He was eighteen years old when he was inducted into the United States Army on September 29, 1943. He completed Basic Training at Camp Fannon in Texas with the 101st Infantry Regiment, which would subsequently be assigned to the 26th Infantry Division, knows as the "Yankee Division."

In August 1944, the 26th Infantry shipped out for Europe and entered combat on October 7, 1944, at Arracourt, France. The division would have contact with the enemy virtually every day as it worked its way across France and Luxembourg and into Germany.

On March 16, 1945, the 19-year-old sergeant was reported Missing in Action in the Ruhr Valley in Germany. "I remember that day," said Douglas's nephew, Alvin Darling. "I was ten years old. The telegram came to the railroad depot and the depot agent brought it to my father, Melvin."

Four and a half years passed before it was confirmed, September 29, 1949, that Douglas had been killed in action and was buried in the United States Military Cemetery near Liege, Belgium.

In April 1950, a funeral was held in new Albin, and Douglas Ray Darling was laid to rest in the New Albin Cemetery. He left behind his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lysander Darling; five brothers, Vernon, Melvin, Bob, Tom and Elton; and five sisters, Vivian, Elsie, Bonnie, Virginia and Belva.

Source: Allamakee Journal, Lansing, IA, May 2002

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See his entry on the Allamakee co. IAGenWeb WWII Honor Roll for more info. & a photo

Allamakee co. IAGenWeb
 

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