Not much is known about Thomas L. Rea. He was born in 1914 in Illinois. He moved to California, where he worked as a receiving or shipping checker. He joined the US Army in Los Angeles on 13 March 1941.

He volunteered for the paratroopers and after basic training became an officer with B Company, 517th Regimental Combat Team.

Early February found the 517th RCT in the Huertgen Forest, a densely wooded area which will live in the minds of all that fought in it. The battle of the Huertgen forest was part of the Allied attempt to cross the Rhine River and capture three important dams in German hands.

B Company

517th Regimental Combat Team

On February 9, the 517th was taken off the line and marched back to Kleinhau for rest and reinforcements. The losses during the fighting in the Huertgen Forest were appaling and the 517th would not be committed to combat again.

1Lt Rea was killed on the 9th of February. It is not known under which circumstances he died.

1Lt Thomas Rea is buried at Margraten American Military Cemetery, Plot L Row 3 Grave 16.

Margraten, The Netherlands

 

See also:
Other casualties of the 517th Regimental Combat Team buried in The Netherlands

Sources:
Ben, of the 517th RCT website (unit crest courtesy of the website)
www.aad.archives.gov

Directions to Margraten American Military Cemetery

If you have any suggestions, comments or additional information, please contact me.

This website is dedicated to the men and women who died and/or are buried in The Netherlands during World War II.

 

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