| Though we
may never lay affection's token
On his last resting place far o'er the sea,
Lord, let him sleep in peace, his rest unbroken,
Till we shall join him forever with Thee.
NOTE: Lt. Hennig is not buried here. This stone is merely a marker to
commemorate him. To date, have not been able to find out where he is
buried. It is possible that his body was never found.
Forest Park Cemetery - Fort Smith, Arkansas
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In the early hours of the morning of the 6th June 1944, C-47 aircraft
42-101025, serial number 54 of the 301st Troop Carrier Squadron, 441st
Troop Carrier Group left Merryfield airfield in Somerset, England and
was making its way in tight formation with other troop carriers across
the English Channel to Normandy, France. On board were a crew of four
and a passenger load of 18 paratroopers of the 2nd Battalion 501st
Parachute Infantry Regiment plus equipment (wire, ammunition, and rafts)
heading for drop zone D in Normandy France.
All units were to fly across the English Channel and drop into Normandy,
five hours prior to the famous seaborne landing. The 501st drop zones
were north and east of the town of Carentan. Two battalions were to
seize key canal locks at La Barquette and destroy the bridges over the
Douve River.
As the aircraft reached the coast of France, heavy cloud and fog
scattered their formations while intensive flak barrages added to the
confusion. On this night, many would not return home, among these, the
brave crew of this C-47 and their eighteen passengers. Shot down out of
the sky, their plane crashed in Bois de Limors with all personnel on
board. There were no survivors.
Rest in Peace -
2nd Lieutenant Eugene F. Hennig (Pilot) from Fort Smith, Arkansas, died
on June 6, 1944.
2nd Lieutenant Albert A. Dorrance, Jr. (Co-Pilot) of California died on
June 6, 1944 and lies buried at Colleville sur Mer, Normandy in Plot F,
Row 15, Grave 6.
Technical Sergeant Dave Kramer (Crew Chief) from Wisconsin died on June
6, 1944 and lies buried at Colleville sur Mer, Normandy in Plot D, Row
19, Grave 14.
Corporal James E. Davison (Radio Operator) from Montana died on June 6,
1944 and lies buried at Colleville sur Mer, Normandy in Plot C, Row 8,
Grave14.
And 18 paratroopers of the 2nd Battalion 501st Parachute Infantry
Regiment, died on June 6, 1944.
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