ARmy Rumour SErvice

How do you know it is a grave for a yank?

Strange he died in 1949...

It doesn't look like a typical WWII US grave stone. Most of them were shaped in the representation of denominational symbols(usually cross or star of David, but other shapes were included). The shape is similar to a commonwealth war grave stone, but it is unusual to not have the cap badge and the regimental number on it. The text is also not quite as is usually seen. It may be a private marker chosen to be like a CWG marker for soemeone who served, survived and died later.

Just searched CWG website - Not found for that name or date of death so is not likeley to be an official marker.

Originally Posted by chocolate_frog

How do you know it is a grave for a yank?

Strange he died in 1949...

The lay out of it and mention of 1 div it may also be that he died due to injury or illness obtained during service.

If he was born in 1928 he would have been 17 when the war ended.

It is an official marker. You'll see exactly this type of headstone in Arlington National Cemetery among others.

18th Infantry Regiment, US 1 Infantry Division...... Wouldn't be the first 16 year old to lie about his age.

Originally Posted by Mr Tweedy

It doesn't look like a typical WWII US grave stone. Most of them were shaped in the representation of denominational symbols(usually cross or star of David, but other shapes were included). The shape is similar to a commonwealth war grave stone, but it is unusual to not have the cap badge and the regimental number on it. The text is also not quite as is usually seen. It may be a private marker chosen to be like a CWG marker for soemeone who served, survived and died later.

Actually it is a US gov headstone like seen at Arlington. Typically the Cross type is used Overseas (Normandy as example)

Here's Audie Murphys at arlington
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/audielmu.htm

Recruit is an odd inscription though. Usually it would read Private 16th INF 1st Division

Apologies - thought that those type were only used in CONUS - I should have been more specific. I have never seen that type overseas, but then there are always exceptions. I stand corrected. Would be interested to know if there are any rules etc. for US grave markers, like there are for CWGC one. Do you have any source of info?