PFC Charles J Biegenwald 101st Airborne 502 PIR
Charles or “Chuck” Biegenwald enlisted into the Army in January 1942. He went straight into the Airborne and gained his jump wings in June 1942.
He was assigned to the 502nd PIR and completed Non-commissioned officer leadership training in August 1942.
Chuck jumped into Normandy with the 502nd PIR early on D-Day morning. He gained his Combat infantry badge in Normandy.
He was injured on the 10th June in or around the St Come du Mont area, this date is remembered by the 502nd as they suffered heavy injuries and losses for the battle of the Carantan Causeway or Purple Heart Lane as it has become known. Chuck was one of the many who gained their Purple Heart on this date.
He missed the jump in Holland but re- joined the 502nd in time for the offensive in the Ardennes and into Germany.
Please take a minute to study the 2 portrait pictures in the grouping, the first was taken in Pittsburgh just after he gained his jump wings, the 2nd was taken near the end of the war in Germany. In the 2nd picture he looks really battle worn and tired, you can see the toll the war has taken on him.