John Keys

ASN: 35291470

HEADQUARTERS

319TH GLIDER FIELD ARTILLERY BN

APO 469, FM, NY NY

 

                                                                        August 27, 1945

 

Subject;        Missing In Action Personnel

To:                  82nd  Airborne Division, APO 469

 

1.    In compliance with Ltr, File AG 704 GAB-ASO, Subject; European Casualty Clearance Plan, HQ U.S. F.E. T. dated August 6, 1945.

 

b. Airborne Personnel

 

(1)  Glider landed in enemy held territory. Anti-Aircraft fire, small arms fire and flak was heavy.

(2)  It is believed the glider landed between Wyler and Zuefflich, Germany – Map Groesbeck, Holland N 5144ZS43 5X17 GSG54427, Sheet 12 NW – in enemy territory.

(3)  Capt Doherty – Bn Surgeon

1st Lt Gracie – Asst Comm O

Tec 4 Keys – Headquarters Clerk

Pfc Mills – Driver

Pvt Lane – Btry Aid Man

(4)  No knowledge of accident as gliders landed in enemy territory.

(5)  Not applicable.

(6)  Unknown.

(7)  It was believed at the time of the incident that the personnel were

captured by the enemy. However, since no reports have ever been received on the status of these men it is believed that they have been killed. Pfc Edwin Y. Webb, 34255290, formerly a member of this organization, landed in a glider in Germany during the same operation and was captured by the enemy. He was released several months ago by the Russians who had overrun the territory in which he was being held and visited the Battalion CP which was situated in the area where he was interred. Pfc Webb informed us that the information he had, from hearsay, was to the effect that Lt Gracie, Pfc Mills, Pvt Lane and T/4 Keys had been killed. However, he was unable to submit definite proof of this fact other than hearsay evidence. He had no information whatever on Captain Doherty.

 

                                                            For the Commanding Officer:

                                                                        Wayne E. Child, WOJG, USA, PERS O.

John Keys

ASN: 35291470

  1. Induction and Enlistment: April 5, 1942

  2. Training: Camp Claiborne and Fort Bragg, North Carolina

  3. Military Occupation (MOS) 055, Rank: Tec 4

  4. Battles/Campaigns: Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Normandy, Holland

  5. Service Dates: April 5, 1942 – September 18, 1944

  6. Status: Killed in Action (KIA) reported on September 18, 1944, in Holland

  7. Decorations and Citations: European African Middle Eastern Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Unit Citation Badge, Four Battle Stars, Purple Heart

  8. Separation Date/Place from the Service: September 18, 1944

STL Archives (see below)

News articles (see below)

Excerpts from Chaplain Reid’s diary locating John Keys grave and recovery (see below)