PVT Billy G. Christain
Today we honor and remember PVT Billy G. Christain of the 101st Airborne Division.
Private (PVT) Billy Godfrey Christain of Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), was born in Sulligent, Lamar County, Alabama, to Thomas L. and Julia A. (Butler) Christain on January 25, 1925. He had five brothers, Edward E., Gurley C., Tildon G., John T., and Bobby B. Christain, and four sisters, Artie L., Dorothy L., Nancy E., and Mary V. Christain.
Billy signed up for the draft when he turned 18 in Vernon, the largest city in Lamar County, on January 25, 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at Ft. McClellan, Calhoun County, Alabama, on April 9, 1943, and became part of the 506th PIR.
PVT Christain participated in the D-Day jump and was killed in action on the same day, June 6, 1944. The exact circumstances concerning his death are unknown.
Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅
Just two weeks before he would die in combat, Billy had met his brother, SGT Tildon Christian in England. After receiving the message that his brother was killed in action, this meeting must have meant a lot for Tildon and his family, as it was the final moments these brothers spent together in each other’s presence.
PVT Billy Christain died at 19 years old. He was initially buried in a temporary military cemetery in Normandy, France. He was reburied at Fairview Cemetery, Lamar County, Alabama, in the spring of 1948.
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Billy.
Lest we forget! 🇺🇸
Source: Family Search
God Speed Billy 🫡🇺🇸🫡