Warren Edward Wagner
Warren Edward Wagner
Born: 13 Jul 1926 Cincinnati OH
Died: 15 Aug 1944 Mediterranean Sea, Invasion of Southern France
Article from a Williamson West Virginia Newspaper
Clipping with no date listed
"WARREN WAGNER PRESUMED DEAD"
Mrs. Anna C. Wagner o Cincinnati, O. who, with her six children,
formerly resided in Williamson, received word September 1 from the Navy
Department, advising her that her son, Warren Edward Wagner, Motor Machinist's
Mate Second Class, has been presumed dead.
Young Wagner, who attended the East End grade school when the
family resided at 437 Peter Street and the local high school when the family
moved to 125 West Sixth Avenue, lost his life on August 15, 1944 while
his vessel, an LST, was participating in the Allied Invasion of the beaches
and coastal areas of Southern France.
The LST on which Wagner served was transporting troops to beaches
in August, '44. During its run for the beach, the LST was struck by a glider
bomb launched from an enemy bomber. Wagner was at his battle station
in the engineer's room at the time. The LST burst into flames, grounded
and burned. Friendly vessels assisted in rescuing the survivors but
Wagner was not among those saved.
Motor Machinist Wagner enlisted in the Navy on December 14, 1942
at the age of 17 years. He left Williamson (WV) for boot camp the following
January. Upon completion of this training he was assigned to the
diesel engine course at Solomons Branch, Washington, D.C. From there he
went into advanced diesel engine school at Norfolk, Va.
In October, '43 he was assigned to the USS LST 282 and shortly
after, the vessel began its journey at Pittsburgh down the Ohio, anchoring
one night a few miles below his home in Cincinnati. He spent a last
few hours at his home. The LST continued to an overseas destination and
in August, '44, Wagner gave his life.
While a student in Williamson high school, young Wagner was an
active and popular member o the Newman Club and Troop No. 12 o the Boy
Scouts. Before entering the Navy he was employed by Sam Thabit, businessman.
Besides his mother, Wagner leaves four sisters, Dolores, Margaret,
Janet and Mrs. Frank Schilling, and a brother, Forrest, all of Cincinnati.
