hello. I'm trying to find some info on what may have happened to my fathers cousin who was a member of this group. I don't know what his individual unit was. He was killed on Feb. 3rd, '45. I wonder if he was killed during the battle for Kesternich? His name was Harvey Osmon & he was a corporal.

I'm also trying to find out if he's buried in our home town, or if he's still in Europe. Most off the family is gone, & what remain seem to think he didn't come home. Any help would be appreciated.
Mike S

Searching Harvey Osmon came up nill on NARA - AAD - Fielded Search - Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records)

Was Harvey maybe his nickname?

Hello, thanks for the help. His nickname was "Bud", & it is even listed on the headstone. As marked on the stone: Harvey L "Bud" Osmon. I'm beginning to think he is actually buried in the hometown cemetary (Allendale,IL) & that my family's memory is a little fuzzy.

I've found another relative that I'm going to call tonight to see if they can shed any light on him. I'd like to find out if he was indeed at the battle of Kesternich, or if he was somewhere else.
Mike S

Oh, I did find what I think is his serial number: 39951554.
Mike S

Hi,
The (2nd) battle for Kesternich was over on the 1st of February. So we can rule that out.
I think he got killed somewhere allong the attacks on the Schwammenauel Dam. So you have to look East of Kersternich I guess...
Here some more information regarding Kesternich.
Kesternich then and now.

__________________
Eine Lichtung im Walde wo die Sonne scheint.
Eingeschlossen durch Bäume sind wir gefangen,
in dieser Lichtung Gottes...

Looking at this map it must have been near Kesternich... if you see the frontline on 5 febr. is just outside the village.
Wikipedia isn't always right...

__________________
Eine Lichtung im Walde wo die Sonne scheint.
Eingeschlossen durch Bäume sind wir gefangen,
in dieser Lichtung Gottes...

Thanks for the map. Yes, I also think he must have met his end during some mopping up actions just outside the village.

I had already found the "before & after" thread on Kesternich & it was very interesting. In fact, it's provided the best clues so far. I hope to visit with a relative this weekend. I hope they will have a few clues also.
thanks,
Mike S