Charles M. Stoneman was born in 1917, son of Albert and Bertha Stoneman. He was from Marion County, Ohio.

His niece, Penny Fraley Richardson, writes: "His nickname was "Pete". Pete was one of the first men drafted from Marion County and his name appeared in the November 14, 1940 edition of the Marion Star. He lived at 629 Ballentine with his parents, Albert LeRoy and Bertha Alberta Healey Stoneman. Pete was one of six children.  His brother James also fought in the War. 

Pete loved children and lavished gifts on his nieces and nephews. Before he left for the war he bought one niece a red wagon." 

He enlisted into the Army on December 9, 1942 in Columbus, Ohio. At the time he was employed as either a truck driver or chauffeur.

309th Engineer Combat Battalion

84th Infantry Division

Pete joined the 309th Engineer Combat Battalion, which was part of the 84th Infantry Division, known as "the Railsplitters". He was a member of Headquarters and Service Company and Medical Detachment. He went overseas with them and late November the division found themselves in Germany. Shortly after the Germans launched their massive offensive, which would later be known as 'The Battle of the Bulge" on December 16 1944, the division was ordered to the town of Marche in Luxembourg.

On December 19, while he was in the mess hall, the German Lufwaffe attacked the area were the 309th Engineers were camped out. A bomb hit the mess hall, killing and wounding an unknown number of men, including Pfc Stoneman.

Pfc Charles Stoneman is buried at Margraten American Military Cemetery, Plot O Row 19 Grave 6.

Margraten, The Netherlands

See also:
Johnie W. Barrett

Sources and Acknowledgements:
Mrs. Penny Fraley Richardson


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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