CPL Clarence C. Greeninger
Today we honor and remember CPL Clarence C. Greeninger of the 101st Airborne Division, who was killed in The Battle of the Bulge
On January 15, 1945, CPL Clarence C. “Connie” Greeninger of Fox Company, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, led a small patrol together with PFC Dan McBride. That morning, he had told Dan McBride about a premonition he had of dying that day. McBride did not understand Greeninger, and said to him, “Don’t bullshit me.” But Greeninger kept insisting he was going to die that day.
The patrol comprised of eight men, and CPL Greeninger and PFC McBride each led a small squad of four men. Every twenty minutes the two squads switched positions at being on point in the patrol. The route they took was in a wooded area that had some open spots.
During a moment when Greeninger’s squad was on point, McBride heard a German machine gun open fire, but it was so far away that he did not associate it with their patrol. As they were going over a small hill, he momentarily lost sight of Greeninger’s squad.
When McBride walked passed the top of the hill, he saw somebody lying on the ground in the snow. When he took a closer look, he suddenly realized it was his good friend Connie Greeninger. It infuriated him so much he wanted to attack the Germans on his own. One of the patrol members managed to tackle Dan, after which two others jumped on him, keeping him on the ground until he calmed down.
Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅
Born in Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, on July 28, 1924, CPL Greeninger died at the age of 20 on January 15, 1945. He left behind his wife, Irene, and a son of less than a year old, Dennis, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Greeninger, and one sister, Dolores.
CPL Greeninger was first buried in the Temporary American Military Cemetery Grand Failly, France, at Section K, Row 7, Grave 159. He now rests eternally in the Riverside Cemetery in his hometown Oshkosh. Clarence Greeninger was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal with Oakleaf Cluster.
Lest we forget! 🇺🇸
Walking point is not the place to be in War-Time.....!
I can imagine Don's reaction seeing Clarence lying there KIA,I think I would do the same!!
Dear Clarence,so many didn't made it home,we in The Netherlands taking care of those who never made it home and rest in Dutch soil...🫶
Rest in Eternal Peace,and thank you for your service and sacrifice 🫡🇺🇸🫡
God Speed Trooper,your now with your fellow comrades in Heaven 🫡🇺🇸🫡