Memorial Day Tribute

"In grateful memory of Private Carl G. Salmon, who died in the service of his country in the European Area, August 17, 1944. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live, and grow, and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives --in a way that humbles the understaking of most men." Franklin Roosevelt, President of the United States.
Carl was a paratro0per who died at age 20. On the 15th of August, 1944, he was in Comany "C" and took part in the invasion of Southern France, coming in by parachute before dawn. The day of the 15th was spent in moving into position and preparing for the German counterattack. The attack came at noontime on the 16th and began with enemy artillery "giving our lines a terrible pounding". Carl's platoon was holding a central part of that line, and was subject to heavy fire. A large shell made a direct hit and Pvt. Salmon died instantly and without pain. He was buried with full Military Honors and now lies in an American Military Cemetery in France.
For courageous action taken without orders, in Italy, which saved the lives of all men in his platoon, he recieved the Bronze Star. He was also awarded a Silver Star and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. A fellow paratrooper who was lying right next to Carl when he was mortally wounded, says "he was about as nice a kid as I've ever known and all the guys took it pretty hard that knew him".
Carl Salmon is my husband's uncle, whom he was named after. We have also named our youngest son after him. On Memorial day , we pay tribute to him and express love and appreciation for him and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.