George Strickle Baragona was born on July 24, 1919, in Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. He was the son of Joseph Scott Baragona and Clara Mack Baragona. He was married to Pauline Russ Baragona Cook-Shores.

George served in the 507th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, as a Private during World War II. Paratrooper George landed with fellow paratroopers on D-Day near Graignes, France, the villagers courageously hid and aided the soldiers. Nearly a week later, he was Killed in Action on June 12, 1944, when German forces overran the village, killing many, including citizens, soldiers, and the town priest. Baragona’s body was found in a mass grave with 24 French and American soldiers, all of whom died defending the town. Although his official date of death is June 6, 1944, it is believed he was among those killed later. He was buried at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, USA, and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Source of information: wgno.com