DOB/DOD: January 3, 1913 (Berlin, NH) – May 30, 1944; 31 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Helen M. Micknak (1917-2005) in Waterbury, Connecticut, on January 21, 1937. Helen remarried to Frank J. Labbance in 1945.
LOCAL ADDRESS: 100 East Avenue, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: September 28, 1943
SERVICE NUMBER: 31406511
UNIT: 3rd Battalion, 259th Infantry
FAMILY: Born to Charles E. (1871-?) and Martha Melonson O’Brien (1883-?). Both parents were born in Canada. Brothers James (1897-1962), Amos (1901-1978), Edgar (1908-1970), and Alfred (1911-?). Sisters Pralene (1900-?), Marguerite (1903-?), Isabella O’Brien Rosenbeck (1905-1979), and Pearl (1915-?).
From The Clarion-Ledger, Jackson Mississippi June 1, 1944
Hit-Run Driver Crashes Into Column Of Troops At Shelby, Killing One
Hattiesburg, May 31 — Civilian officers and military police in several southeastern states searched today for a hit-and-run driver who crashed into a column of Camp Shelby soldiers last night, killing one, and injuring two, one seriously. Major Carl Henne, Camp Shelby area Provost Marshall, said the car was a black sedan, and that the right headlight was broken in the collision with the marching troops who were on a military problem. The collision occurred about two miles south of the camp entrance on Highway 4. PFC William O’Brien, 100 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut, was killed instantly. Private Waldemar E. Spitzer, RFD 1, Kenosha, Wisconsin, was seriously injured and Private Clifton Coones, Mellenville New York, suffered fractures.
From The Norwalk Hour June 1, 1944
Mrs. Helen O’Brien of 100 East Avenue has received word that her husband, Private First Class William O’Brien, 31, was killed in an auto accident at Camp Shelby, Mississippi on Tuesday night. He was formerly of Waterbury. Before enlisting, he worked for Heim Company of Fairfield. He leaves besides his wife, brothers, and sisters in Waterbury. The funeral will be held in Waterbury Saturday morning in St. Ann’s church.
Buried in Cavalry Cemetery, 2324 E. Main Street, Waterbury, Connecticut; Section 15. Photo from FindAGrave.com.
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