2nd Lt. Joseph Webster Gresham (01032084)

Joe Gresham, from Creston, Iowa, was one of the first men killed in action, a week after arriving in Normandy.

He was one of five officers leading Reconnaissance Troop A.

The After Action report (which rarely named individuals separately from the monthly casualty lists) notes that his loss was hard felt by everyone. The details reveal the intensity of early squadron missions as they moved up the east side of the Cotentin peninsula, supporting the VII Corps right flank during its push to take Cherbourg.

‘On 22 June, the Squadron was attached to the 22nd Infantry Regiment, and at 2100 hours, Troop A, commanded by Captain Brooks O. Norman, was attacked by an estimated company of German infantry. For the next thirty minutes, the entire troop was engaged in repelling the attack. Second Lieutenant Joseph W. Gresham was killed in this engagement. He was the only casualty on our side, and his death was a great loss to the troop. Fifty Germans were killed and two were captured. Company “F”, commanded by Captain John F. Christensen, followed up our advantage with a tank attack westward toward Gonneville. An additional fifty Germans were destroyed in this action.’

Joe had written home to his wife, Frances, the day before.

Dear Frances,

Washed & shaved off 5-days dirt & whiskers and felt so good decided I’d write you a fox-hole letter. It’s rough here, Honey. Wish I was there with you. It’s 10:15 pm now, 2:15 pm where you are. Whatcha doin’ - huh?

I’m afraid I’m going to be thoroughly domesticated after the war - a home-body. Sure like to sit down to a good home-cooked meal and not have to run like hell for a foxhole every 3 minutes. Those 88-millimeter shells are mean.

Are the boys all OK? Are you OK? I dreamed of you this morning. It sure made me lonesome for you. Write real often, Honey. We get mail every day here in the front lines. It means a lot to us here to hear from our loved ones.

Must quit now.

Love,
Joe