Private Robert Elton Worden
Robert Worden's life was spent back and forth across state lines, between Scipio Township, Allen County, Indiana, and Hicksville, Ohio. He was born to Henry Leroy and Edna Cecelia (Zuber) Worden in Scipio Township on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1921.
He lived on Dixon Avenue in Hicksville village .at the time he applied for his draft card, and he held a job at the Auburn Rubber Company. At the time, he was 5'8" and 125 pounds.
In October 1942, he travelled to Toledo to enlist in the U.S. Army. Robert became part of the 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Army Division, 3rd Battalion. After training in Indiana, off he went overseas to England and then the next stop, Normandy.
 |
| The hedgerows of Normandy |
The attack on Normandy began on June 6, 1944. Private Worden's unit, the 22nd Infantry, assaulted on Utah Beach, landing in small crafts, ready to attack on the 8th. On July 11, 1944, the Third Battalion was preparing to attack the village of Ozeville/Azeville.
An attempt was made to seize Cresberq and Azeville, but the attack was repulsed with heavy losses in the 1st and 2nd Battalion... The third Battalion was brought inland to attack Azeville. They moved up in preparation to attack, but enemy artillery and mortar fire caused a large number of casualties, and the strength of all five battalions was appreciably reduced. These were the conditions when Private Robert Worden lost his life on July 11, 1944.
"ROBERT WORDEN IS KILLED JULY 11
Hicksville Man Participates in Invasion, Loses Life in Normandy
Hicksville, Aug. 10 - Pvt. Robert E. Worden, 23, was killed in action on July 11 in Normandy as a member of the invasion forces, according to the War Department notification that had been received today by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Worden, Dixon Avenue.
He was the 36th from Defiance County to lose his life in service of his country.
In addition to his parents, Private Worden leaves two brothers, Charles and Calvin Worden, Hicksville; and three sisters, Mrs. Florence Trostell, St. Joe, Ind, Mrs. Rose Betz, Grabill, Ind., and Miss Garnet Worden, at home.
Private Worden was inducted from Defiance Oct 12, 1942, while employed at the Wayne Knitting Mills, Fort Wayne. He went to Camp Atterbury, Ind. and later trained in the 22nd Infantry, 3rd Battalion in Tennessee. He went overseas last January, received further training in England and then participated in the invasion.
He was born in Springfield township, Allen County, Indiana, and came to Hicksville with his parents where he grew to manhood."
Defiance Crescent-News, August 10, 1944, page 1
Pvt. Worden was originally buried in France at Sainte Mere, Eglise Cemetery, and it was 1948 before his body was returned from France.
He travelled home on the U.S. Army transport, the Greenville Victory, to New York City. From there he was brought home with a military escort to be buried at Scipio Cemetery in Indiana.
 |
| Scipio Cemetery, Indiana |
In the Defiance Crescent-News on July 15, 1948, pg. 1:
"PVT WORDEN'S RITES SUNDAY
Hicksville Soldier's Body Will Arrive Friday From Europe
Hicksville, July 15 - The body of Pvt. Robert E. Worden, who lost his life July 11, 1944, while serving in the European Theater will arrive in Hicksville on the B & O Friday at 9:19 a.m.
It will be taken to the Perkins and Reeb funeral home where services will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Rev Cleo Roth, Ev. Brethren minister, will officiate and gravesite rites will be conducted at Scipio Cemetery by Edward C. Smart post, American Legion and the VFW.
Pvt Worden was awarded the Silver Star posthumously, for gallantry in action.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Worden, 311 Dixon Street. He also leaves two brothers, Charles and Calvin Worden, Hicksville, and three sisters: Mrs. Florence Trostel, Butler, Ind., Mrs. Rose Betts, Harlan, Ind., and Garnet Worden, at home.
He was born December 24, 1921 in Scipio tp., Allen county, Indiana. He was graduated from Harlan high school and then was employed in Auburn and Ft. Wayne.
He was inducted into service Oct. 25, 1942, going to Camp Atterbury. He went overseas in January 1944 and was in England before entering combat service in the continent."
He also received the Purple Heart and the World War II Victory Medal.
Dianne Kline, Researcher
