Cpl. Clifford L. DUCKETT 1921-1945

DUCKETT, ROSENSTIEL

Posted By: Andrew BROWN (email)
Date: 10/29/2010 at 12:41:37

Cpl. Clifford L. DUCKETT

Stanley (Ia) – Mr. & Mrs. Fred Duckett have received word from the government that their son, Corporal Clifford L. Duckett T/5, was killed in action in Luxembourg Feb. 10, 1945.

He was reported missing in action. Corporal Duckett entered the service Nov. 27, 1942. He received his basic training in Camp Robinson, Arkansas, Ft. Meade, Maryland, A. P. Hill, Virginia, and Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. The last time he wrote home was Nov. 26, 1944. The next day he went to New York. He spent Christmas in England.

An official message has now been received which states that he was killed in action on the date he was reported missing in action.

Data has been assembled by the military authorities which reveals information concerning the circumstances surrounding the death of Corporal Duckett.

It is revealed that on the evening of Feb. 10, 1945 Company “A” of the 301st Engineer Battalion was assigned the task of building a foot bridge across the Sauer river in the vicinity of Echternach, Luxembourg. Corporal Duckett with five other soldiers, was in an M-2 assault boat attempting to establish a bridge-head on the far shore of the river. Due to the heavy rain, the Sauer was swollen with a swift current. A ¾ inch rope was tied to the boat to be used as an anchor cable. When the men were upstream the pulling of rope, together with the swift current caused the assault boat to capsize spilling all of the men into the river. Of the six men operating the boat, two men survived. Corporal Duckett had his pockets filled with tools.

Corporal Duckett was with Co. A. 201st Engr. 76 In.

Before his induction he was employed with a foundry in Keokuk, Iowa.

Clifford was born Sept. 1, 1921 east of Stanley (Ia). He leaves to mourn his death, father; step-mother, one sister, Della Joice(?Joyce); four brothers, Calvin, Harold, and Howard at home, and Clarence, S 2/c, who is in the navy and located at Minneapolis, Minn.; his maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rosenstiel, of Oelwein (Ia), and maternal grandmother, Mrs. Maggie Duckett, of Stanley, and other relatives and freinds.

Preceeding him in death were his mother (Daisy Mae Rosenstiel) and one brother and grandfather.

Corporal Duckett was awarded the purple heart and silver star.

(Oelwein IA Daily Register 03APR1946)