Tribute to Pfc. Clyde G. Wilkinson Jr.
Born on May 23, 1911, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Clyde G. Wilkinson Jr. dedicated much of his life to his family and his country.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served with the 26th Infantry Division—the famous "Yankee Division." Assigned as a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) gunner in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 104th Infantry Regiment, he fought under the command of the Third Army.
In November 1944, during fierce clashes in Lorraine—specifically at Vic-sur-Seille, Morville-lès-Vic, Hampont, and in the Moncourt Woods...
He was captured, along with many of his comrades, by German forces at Rodalbe, Moselle (France).
The fighting was extremely intense, casualties were heavy, and survival on the front lines was uncertain.
Held at Stalag II-A, he endured six months of captivity, during which he was forced to work—including throughout the winter. On May 1, 1945, he was liberated by Soviet troops. He then undertook a journey of nearly 160 kilometers across a devastated Germany, traveling on foot and by makeshift means alongside other prisoners until he regained his freedom.
His journey took him to England before he returned to the United States in June 1945. He was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal.
His brother, Edward A. Wilkinson, had passed away earlier due to complications from illnesses contracted in the South Pacific during the war.
Clyde G. Wilkinson Jr. passed away on December 13, 2003, leaving behind the memory of a courageous man deeply devoted to his family and his values.
The story of Pfc. The story of Clyde G. Wilkinson Jr. is that of a man who endured the trial by fire, the harshness of captivity, and the uncertainty of war before returning to his loved ones.
His courage, like that of his comrades, remains etched in memory.

Source: espace mémoriel morhange