Hi folks, I've been doing some family research and I was hoping someone here might be able to shed some light. I remember my mom talking about her cousin that was killed during D-Day. Another cousin of mine seems to remember him taking part in the assault on Point du Hoc and falling on a grenade. I eventually found his headstone at Arlington and his death certificate from the Army. He was PFC. Stanley E. Price 294 Engr. Cmbt. Bn. Company C. His death certificate has his date of death as 20 June 1944 in St. Mere Eglise. I've not found any record of the 294th taking part in the landings, so I doubt he was part of that. But I'm hoping that maybe someone remembers him or knows something about what Company C did during the early part of the invasion up to June 20. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Don.

This is from earlier in this topic. This was posted by Joe Izzillo, who began as a 294th Engineer and later went onto a topographic engineer unit.

...the 294th went up to Wales and from there sailed to Normandy in the Susan B. Anthony to Utah Beach on June 7, 1944. As they approached the beach, the ship hit two mines and sank. Destroyers came alongside and were able to rescue all the men on board. They lost all of their equipment. Later, they were reequipped and went on with the war...

BTW, welcome to the forum. I'm sure we can help you find out even more. This topic of discussion is filled with tidbits.

Sent to me today:

Sgt Donald J Walsh

T/5 Francis X Gallagher

T/5 Warren F Frapp

T/5 Lawrence C Sbaratta

PFC Francis J Murphy

PFC Martin A Norton

PVT Charles W Brinkofski

PVT Robert M Bucella

PVT Edward D Chiarieri

PVT Anthony Cutrone

PVT John P Deevy

PVT John W Gadek

PVT Robert Gladen Jr

PVT George E Gundy

PVT Harry B Hanschka

PVT Joseph B Henning

PVT Leonard B Kerr

PVT Stephen E Kisiorowski

PVT Roger E Kroeger

PVT Leo A Lyon

PVT John J Mc Hugh

PVT Thomas S Nicol

PVT Conrad Propp

PVT Robert J Ready

PVT Anthony T Russo

PVT Andrew T Waarbeek

PVT Fred C Tracey

PVT J Zanelli

Regards Martin

A new member wrote to me and asked if I could upload the info on his father and the 294th. I just uploaded it to the main site this morning and am sharing it with you here.

 

Dear Marion

Thank you for the WW2 work you are doing. I appreciate the opportunity to join the community.

My name is James Calabrese. My father was Joseph Anthony (Joey/Tony) Calabrese. He served in WW2 as a member of the 294^th Combat Engineers. He died at age 48 (I was 21) before I had a chance to take him to Normandy and hear his history, one of my greatest regrets. I have been to Normandy six times and have studied Utah Beach and the battle extensively.

While my dad was stationed in Sherborne, the town of the mine explosion, he met and married my mom, Daphne Hanney. Mom was born in Sherborne and lived there all her life before she moved to New York City in 1946 as a WW2 War Bride. My dad met my mom’s brothers, my uncles, John and Rex Hanney members of the Dorset Regiment, both of whom served in WW2. Although an American, I have been honored to become an Associate Member of the Dorset Regiment.

As a boy I lived in England, and visited my grandmother in Sherborne. She took me to see the 294^th Plaque .

I have been trying to find out what Company my dad was in, so far no luck. I noticed a photo of Company B in your thread. I remember my dad talking about John Bott, his nickname “Swede” being in his unit, I think that he might be in the photo. (He became a contractor and built our first house, that was in New Jersey ). If Swede is in the photo, then I think that I see my dad in it. My dad talked about Lt. Donahoe, also in the unit.

I hope to find out all the information I wish I had asked my father.

If invited to join I believe that I will become a contributing member of the Community. Thank you…..james calabrese

 

https://ww2combatengineers.com/wp-content/uploads/docs/Engineers/Joseph%20Anthony%20Calabrese%20-%20294th.pdf

Hey all,

I am trying to find out as much information as possible about the 294th, and especially about Company A. A friend of mine's grandfather served with this unit, and asked if I could try and find as much information as possible about the man and the company he was in. The most I know is that the man was from Brooklyn, NY, and was aboard the USS Susan B Anthony, which struck a mine and caused him to miss the initial D-day landings. He was present for D-day +1, but beyond this, I am not too sure. I also know that he had both a German and a Japanese bayonet, but I imagine he might have come into the latter through trading with a buddy.

Anything you guys can give me on Company A would be tremendously appreciated, and I just want to say thanks in advance, and I hope to hear from you guys soon!

- Ray

The individual in question, if it helps, was Pvt. Charles Giglio, from Brooklyn, New York. I hope this helps some!

Welcome to the forum.

Everything that we have on the 294th has been posted here and on the main site, but that doesn't mean someone else won't chime in, and add to our information on this unit.

I have to go back through this thread to refresh my memory with all the posts.

If anyone has additional info on CO A, please share your info with Ray.

Thanks Marion!

Marion, please relay my deepest thanks to Mr. Calabrese. His collection on the 294th has been truly invaluable to my research, and I honestly don't know where I would be without him. If it is possible, is there a way to get in touch with him?

Thank you again for everything!

Sure thing. I am sending you a private message via the forum, with his email address.