WORLD WAR II - PFC Richard A. Siler

 

Private First Class
Richard Adam Siler 

A young Richard Siler

Born in Defiance, Ohio on July 12, 1918, Richard was the son of Joseph D. and Adelia (Haslem) Siler. Adelia was born in England, and she died sometime before 1940, leaving sons John, Edwin and Richard.

 

Richard finished 8th grade and went to work after his schooling.  He filled out his draft card at the age of 22, and soon after, he traveled to Fort Hayes in Columbus, Ohio, to enlist in the U.S. Army on December 6, 1940.  He was 5'6" and 134 pounds when he entered the service, listing his occupation as electrician.

Insignia patch "Old Ironsides

Richard joined Company G, 6th Army Infantry of the 1st Armored Division or 

"Old Ironsides," as they were known. He was in one of the first groups to go overseas, landing in Ireland on May 16, 1942.

In November 1942, the First Armored Division saw its first combat as part of the Allied invasion of North Africa, called Operation Torch. The 6th Infantry Regiment, a part of this division, landed at Oran, Algeria on November 8th.

They were to capture the La Senia airport, but they were delayed by French anti-tank guns. It was during this first day of the operation that Private First Class Richard A. Siler was killed.  As was usual, he was first reported Missing in Action.

The Crescent-News, December 31, 1942, p 1

Later he was confirmed as deceased, and his family was notified.

From the Crescent-News, May 1, 1943, page 1:

"RICHARD A. SILER KILLED IN AFRICA

Defiance Youth, Previously Listed Missing,

Victim of Action November 8

Notification that Pfc Richard A. Siler, 24, was killed in action Nov. 8 in the Northwest African area was received here by his father, Joseph Siler, 349 Gray street. Word came by telegram from the adjutant general's office. Pfc. Siler volunteered for induction and entered the service on December 6, 1940.

Besides the father here, Pfc Siler has a brother, Edwin D. Siler, who the father said was last heard from June 5, 1942, when he was in the armed services stationed in China, and another brother, John, Lima.

PFC Siler was buried in the North Africa American Cemetery among the ruins of ancient Carthage, just outside of Tunis. It is the final resting place for more than 2,800 Americans, most of whom lost their lives in the North African campaigns of World War II. 

North Africa American Cemetery

Mary Williams, Researcher