• 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion Overseas Deaths in World War II

• Battalion Headquarters (Bn HQ/440)
  
• Headquarters Battery (HQ Btry/440)
• Battery "A" (A/440)
• Battery "B" (B/440)
• Battery "C" (C/440)
• Service Battery (SV/440)
• Medical Detachment (Med/440)

Battalion Headquarters

• Commanding Officer
  • Lt. Col. Norman E. Hart (States - 11 September 1944 - 30 September 1944 - ??)
    Sources: 7AD Sep 44 After Action Report
    CCB Sep 44 After Action Report: served as interim commander of CCB on 11-12 September 1944
• Executive Officer
  • Maj. Bayless G. Householder (??? - 10 August 1944 - 1 December 1944 - ??)
    Sources: Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    7AD GO #26 (30 Jan 45) p. 3 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "MAJOR BAYLESS G. HOUSEHOLDER (Army Serial Number 0307202), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United states Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the UNited States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 10 August 1944 to 1 December 1944. Entered the military service from Kentucky."
• S-1 (Personnel Officer)
  • 1st Lt. Robert L. Freeland (??? - 21 January 1945 - 16 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 7AD GO #73 (3 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT L. FREELAND (Army Serial Number 0514566), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Belgium and Germany, from 21 January 1945 to 16 April 1945. Entered the military service from Texas."
• S-2 (Intelligence Officer)
  • Capt. Paul A. Burgeois (??? - 10 September 1944 - 18 April 1945 - ???)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 7AD GO #72 (2 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN PAUL A. BOURGEOIS (Army Serial Number 01166441), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 10 September 1944 to 18 April 1945. Entered the military service from Louisiana."
• S-3 (Operations Officer)
  • Capt., later Maj., Richard H. Levinson (??? - 12 August 1944 - 18 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 7AD GO #72 (2 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "MAJOR (then CAPTAIN and MAJOR) RICHARD H. LEVINSON (Army Serial Number 0353659), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 12 August 1944 to 18 April 1945. Entered the military service from Florida."
• S-4 (Supply Officer)
  • 1st Lt., later Capt., Lloyd W. Goeppert, Jr. (??? - 12 August 1944 - 1 May 1945 -??)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 7AD GO #95 (9 Jun 45) p. 1 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN (then FIRST LIEUTENANT and CAPTAIN) LLOYD W. GOEPPERT, JR. (Army Serial Number 0443956), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 12 August 1944 to 1 May 1945. Entered the military service from California."
• Communications Officer
  • 1st Lt. Henry C. Schulz (??? - 12 August 1944 - 18 April 1945 - ???)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 7AD GO #72 (2 May 45) p. 3 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT HENRY C. SCHULZ (Army Serial Number 01166175), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 12 August 1944 to 18 April 1945. Entered the military service from Texas."
• Liaison and Survey Officer
  • Capt. John J. McGuinness, Jr. (??? - 18 December 1944 - 20 December 1944 -??)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #42 (8 Sep 44) p. 3 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN JOHN J. McGUINNESS, JR. (Army Serial Number 01168813), Field Artillery, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France from 22 August to 24 August 1944. Entered the military service from Connecticut."
    • 7AD GO #22 (21 Jan 45) p. 7 Award of Oak-Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN JOHN J. MCGUINNESS, JR. (Army Serial Number 01168813), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Belgium, from 18 December 1944 to 20 December 1944. Entered the military service from Connecticut."
• Reconnaisance Officer: ???
• Pilots
  • S/Sgt. Epifanio "Pete" Vasquez (??? - 28 October 1944, killed by German bombing and strafing of airfield near Behelp, Netherlands)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 440 AFAB After Action Report (Oct 44 p. 4): "This was followed by 2048 rounds in 57 missions on October 28th but still the enemy pushed on. Nightfall came and with it tragedy for two of our batteries, Headquarters and Service. At 1830 [28 Oct 44] an enemy reconnaissance plane bombed and strafed our air strip killing one of our pilots, S/Sgt Epifanio Vasquez, and wounding Lts. Sumter and Vasicek, pilot and air observer respectively as well as three other men of the section. One plane after being hit took fire and became totally destroyed and our other plane was badly damaged. T/Sgt. Schoeff, Tec 4 Garner, and Radio Operator Lynch of Service Battery were also wounded in this general strafing of our area.""
  • Lt. Sumter (??? - 28 October 1944, wounded by German bombing and strafing of airfield near Behelp, Netherlands)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 440 AFAB After Action Report (Oct 44 p. 4): "This was followed by 2048 rounds in 57 missions on October 28th but still the enemy pushed on. Nightfall came and with it tragedy for two of our batteries, Headquarters and Service. At 1830 [28 Oct 44] an enemy reconnaissance plane bombed and strafed our air strip killing one of our pilots, S/Sgt Epifanio Vasquez, and wounding Lts. Sumter and Vasicek, pilot and air observer respectively as well as three other men of the section. One plane after being hit took fire and became totally destroyed and our other plane was badly damaged. T/Sgt. Schoeff, Tec 4 Garner, and Radio Operator Lynch of Service Battery were also wounded in this general strafing of our area.""
• Motor Officer
  • Capt. Fred W. Moye, Jr. (??? - 15 August 1944 - 30 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 7AD GO #90 (4 Jun 45) p. 1 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN FRED W. MOYE, JR. (Army Serial Number 0394753), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 15 August 1944 to 30 April 1945. Entered the military service from Illinois."
• Officers whose Battery is not yet Known
  • 1st Lt., later Capt., Thurman N. Carpenter (??? - 3 September 1944 - 18 April 1945 - ???)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #72 (2 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN (then FIRST LIEUTENANT and CAPTAIN) THURMAN N. CARPENTER (Army Serial Number 0423155), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 3 September 1944 to 18 April 1945. Entered the military service from Arkansas."
  • 2nd Lt., later 1st Lt., William B. Eskridge (??? - 15 August 1944 - 15 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources: 7AD GO #87 (30 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT (then SECOND LIEUTENANT and FIRST LIEUTENANT) WILLIAM H. ESKRIDGE (Army Serial Number 01183284), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 15 August 1944 to 15 April 1945. Entered the military service from North Carolina."
  • 1st Lt. William K. Harris (??? - 15 October 1944 - 1 May 1945 -??)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #146 (9 Sep 45) p. 1 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM K. HARRIS (Army Serial Number 01172053), Field Artillery, formerly 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 15 October 1944 to 1 May 1945. Entered the military service from New York."
  • 1st Lt., later Capt., Fred G. Konersman, Jr. (??? - 17 August 1944 - 18 April 1945 - ???)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #72 (2 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN (then FIRST LIEUTENANT and CAPTAIN) FRED G. KONERSMAN, JR (Army Serial Number 0432769), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 17 August 1944 to 18 April 1945. Entered the military service from Kentucky."
• Forward Observers whose Battery is not yet Known
  • 2nd Lt., later 1st Lt., David Crockatt (??? - 27 January 1945 - 2 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources: 7AD GO #88 (31 May 45) p. 3 Award of Oak-Leaf Cluster to Air Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT (then SECOND LIEUTENANT and FIRST LIEUTENANT) DAVID CROCKATT (Army Serial Number 0516996), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Belgium and Germany, from 27 January 1945 to 2 April 1945. Entered the military service from Illinois."
  • 1st Lt. Marvin L. Graff (??? - 17 March 1945 - 15 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources: 7AD GO #86 (28 May 45) p. 4 Award of Oak-Leaf Cluster to Air Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT MARVIN L. GRAFF (Army Serial Number 0542419), Field Artillery, formerly 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Germany, from 17 March 1945 to 15 April 1945. Entered the military service from Wisconsin."
  • 1st Lt. Joseph Hoffman (??? - 4 April 1945 - 3 May 1945 - ??)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #111 (11 Jul 45) p. 7 Award of Oak-Leaf Cluster to Air Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT JOSEPH HOFFMAN (Army Serial Number 0464652), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Germany, from 4 April 1945 to 3 May 1945. Entered the military service from New York."
  • 2nd Lt. Richard E. Vasicek (??? - 11 October 1944 - 10 April 1945 - ??) "Air Observer"
    Sources:
    • 440 AFAB After Action Report (Oct 44 p. 4): "This was followed by 2048 rounds in 57 missions on October 28th but still the enemy pushed on. Nightfall came and with it tragedy for two of our batteries, Headquarters and Service. At 1830 [28 Oct 44] an enemy reconnaissance plane bombed and strafed our air strip killing one of our pilots, S/Sgt Epifanio Vasquez, and wounding Lts. Sumter and Vasicek, pilot and air observer respectively as well as three other men of the section. One plane after being hit took fire and became totally destroyed and our other plane was badly damaged. T/Sgt. Schoeff, Tec 4 Garner, and Radio Operator Lynch of Service Battery were also wounded in this general strafing of our area.""
    • 7AD GO #86 (28 May 45) p. 4 Award of Oak-Leaf Cluster to Air Medal: "SECOND LIEUTENANT RICHARD E. VASICEK (Army Serial Number 01181790), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 11 October 1944 to 10 April 1945. Entered the military service from Nebraska."

• Battery Commander
  • Capt. David H. "Dick" Traynham (??? - 17 December 1944 - 21 December 1944 - ??)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 7AD GO #100 (15 Jun 45) p. 1 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN DAVID J. TRAYNHAM (Army Serial Number 01168954), Field Artillery, 440th armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Belgium, from 17 December 1944 to 21 December 1944. Entered the military service from Virginia."
    • 7AD GO #102 (19 Jun 45) p. 1 Award of Purple Heart: "CAPTAIN DAVID J. TRAYNHAM (Army Serial Number 01168954), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. United States Army, for wounds received as a result of enemy action on 22 December 1944, in the Salmchateau Area, Belgium. Entered the military service from Virginia."
• Executive Officer: ???
• Communications Officer: ???
• Forward Observers (in 3 tanks, each supporting one of the tank battalions)
  • 1st Lt. Ode Odems (??? - 28 November 1944 - 30 November 1944 -??)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #99 (14 Jun 45) p. 1 Award of Silver Star: "FIRST LIEUTENANT ODE ODEMS (Army Serial Number 01174091), Field Artillery, formerly 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by gallantry in action in Germany, from 28 November 1944 to 30 November 1944. Entered the military service from South Dakota."
  • 2nd Lt., later 1st Lt., Albert C. Welling (??? - 12 August 1944 - 30 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources: 7AD GO #87 (30 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT (then SECOND LIEUTENANT and FIRST LIEUTENANT) ALBERT C. WELLING (Army Serial Number 01170244), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against ann enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 12 August 1944 to 30 April 1945. Entered the military service from New York."

• Battery Commander
  • Capt. David H. "Dick" Traynham (??? - became CO of HQ Battery)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440) - remembers that Traynham was CO of A/440 for a short time and then became CO of HQ Battery
  • ???
• Executive Officer: ???
• ??? Lt.'s ???

• Battery Commander
  • 1st Lt. Joseph B. Crooks (??? - 12 August 1944 - 1 May 1945 -??)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #95 (9 Jun 45) p. 1 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT JOSEPH B. CROOKS (Army Serial Number 0379247), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 12 August 1944 to 1 May 1945. Entered the military service from California."
• Executive Officer: ???
• Lieutenants
  • 1st Lt. Harry S. Reiter (??? - 6 December 1944 - 1 January 1945 - ??)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #23 (23 Jan 45) p. 4 Award of Oak-Leaf Cluster to Air Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT HARRY S. REITER (Army Serial Number 01166164), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Filed Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Germany and Belgium, from 6 December 1944 to 1 January 1945. Entered the military service from New York."

• Battery Commander
  • Capt. Lee J. Farrell, Jr. (??? - 12 August 1944 - 18 April 1945 - ???)
    Sources:
    • Memory of Henry Schulz (Bn HQ/440)
    • 7AD GO #72 (2 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN LEE J. FARRELL, JR. (Army Serial Number 0379594), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 12 August 1944 to 18 April 1945. Entered the military service from Michigan."
    • 14 April 1945 Statement of Executive Officer 1st Lt. John C. Hipson in IDPF of Walter G. Henry, C/440 KIA (PDF p 15): "When it was possible to return to the area [near Salmchateau, Belgium], Capt. Lee J. Farrell the battery commander, made an investigation but could not ascertain the extent of damages due to the fact that the ground was covered by three feet of snow."
• Executive Officer
  • 1st Lt. John C. Hipson (??? - 15 September 1944 - 15 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources:
    • 10 April 1945 Statement on PDF p 14 of IDPF of Walter G. Henry
    • 7AD GO #87 (30 May 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN C. HIPSON (Army Serial Number 01173644), Field Artillery, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 15 September 1944 to 15 April 1945. Entered the military service from New Jersey."
• Lieutenants
  • 2nd Lt. Denis J. Regan (??? - 30 October 1944, Captured)
    Sources:
    • Ninth US Army GO #68 (14 Dec 44) Award of Distinguished Service Cross: for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy. From 27 October 1944 to 30 October 1944, Lieutenant Regan remained with the forward elements of the infantry under constant fire of enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms. By accurately placing close-in barrages, he was able to effectively cover several withdrawals of the unit he was supporting when it was outflanked by vastly superior enemy forces. Lieutenant Regan without regard for his own personal safety, moved forward numerious times to high points of terrain for observation. It was from such a point that he covered the final withdrawal of the infantry. In so doing he was entirely cut off by the enemy and the last words from him were, "They are on me - give all possible fire in this area, I must destroy my radio." The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Lieutant Regan reglect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered military service from New York. "

• Battery Commander: See Battalion HQ - S-4 Officer
• Motor Officer: See Battalion HQ - Motor Officer
• Lieutenants and Warrant Officers
  • CWO Jack B. Holt (??? - 12 August 1944 - 1 May 1945 -??)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #95 (9 Jun 45) p. 1 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER JACK H. HOLT (Army Serial Number W2110511), NMB, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 12 August 1944 to 1 May 1945. Entered the military service from Oklahoma."

• Detachment Commander - Battalion Surgeon
  • Capt. Harold E. Everett (??? - 23 Marcy 1945 - 15 April 1945 - ??)
    Sources:
    • 7AD GO #22 (21 Jan 45) p. 2 Award of Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN HAROLD E. EVERETT (Army Serial Number 01695854), Medical Corps, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 10 August 1944 to 30 November 1944. Entered the military service from Pennsylvania."
    • 7AD GO #99 (14 Jun 45) p. 9 Award of Oak-Leaf Cluster to Bronze Star Medal: "CAPTAIN HAROLD E. EVERETT (Army Serial Number 01695854), Medical Corps, 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in Germany, from 23 March 1945 to 15 April 1945. Entered the military service from Pennsylvania."

• 440th Armored Field Artillery Battalion After Action Reports: Thanks to 440 AFAB daughter Vicki Nichols, who sent the first batch of these reports, transcriptions of the 440 AFAB After Action Reports are now in the 7th Armored Division Document Repository. Click on the link and then scroll down to find the months for which the transcription is done.

• Defense of St. Vith, Belgium: December 17-21, 1944
  • US Army Armored School Research and Evaluation Division. The Defense of St. Vith, Belgium 17-23 December 1944: An historical example of armor in the defense. Fort Knox: Armored School. (Click here for information on this book.)