Maddox, Kenneth G., 1919-1944.

Maddox was born in Louisville May 6, 1919. He joined the 38th Division's 138th Field Artillery in 1941. He was later assigned to the 28th Division. Following the Normandy invasion, his unit went to the front lines in France in 1944. By October, Maddox was in Germany. Employed on daily missions in the fall and winter campaigns, Maddox's troops moved to Luxembourg in November. Maddox was fatally wounded while commanding an anti-tank crew defending Clervaux, Luxembourg, December 18 in the Battle of the Bulge. He died Christmas Day in a German field hospital.

From the description of Papers, 1830-1990, bulk 1943-1944. (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 28959967

Biographical note: Kenneth G. Maddox was born in Louisville, Kentucky on May 6, 1919. He enlisted in the army in 1941, joining the 138th Field Artillery of the Thrity-Eighth Division. He attended officer training school and graduated as a second lieutenant. He was later assigned to the Twenty-Eighth Division, known as the "Keystone Division," and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.

Maddox was posted to England. Following the Normandy invasion, his unit went to the front lines in France (1944). The division participated in the liberation of Paris. By October 1, Maddox was in Germany. Employed on a mission ever day in the campaigns of that fall and winter, Maddox and his troops moved to Luxembourg in November.

Maddox commanded an anti-tank gun crew defending a bridge to Clervaux, Luxembourg on December 18, in the Battle of the Bulge, which had commenced two days earlier. Maddox alone saw an approaching German soldier coming to attack the crew from the rear. Maddox exchanged fire with the German and both men were hit. According to American witnesses, the German fell down a cliff. The American crew was forced to leave Maddox behind and flee the area by scaling the cliff. Maddox was evacuated to a German field hospital where he died of his wounds or of complications on December 25, 1944.

From the description of Letters, 1830-1990 (bulk 1943-1944). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 191918255