Leonard Edgar Abernathy

Leonard Edgar Abernathy
20405709

Conflict: World War II
Branch of Service: U. S.Army
Rank: Private First Class
Unit: 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division (one source gives his unit as Co. H, 118th Infantry, 30th Divison)
Date of Death: 1 August 1944 in St. Lo., France
Cemetery: Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-mer, France, Plot G, Row 6, Grave 25
Medals / Citations / Awards: Purple Heart

Leonard E. Abernathy was a son of Charles Abernathy and Quinney Seals. He was born 10 November 1918 in Zion Hill, S.C. He had at least three brothers (names unknown) and two sisters: Margarita and Minnie. He also had at least one Uncle named Edward Abernathy. In the 1920 census, they are listed as living on the “National Highway” in Spartanburg. His enlistment records give R.F.D. 1, Pauline, S.C. as his residence and his religion as “Protestant”.
He enlisted 17 September 1940. His draft registration card indicates that he had finished grammar school, had blue eyes, brown hair, ruddy complexion, was 74 inches tall and weighed 155 lbs. He gave his civil occupation as “automobile serviceman” and also as “farmer”. Leonard was classified as a deserter in 19 August 1942 at Ft. Jackson. He was apprehended in Spartanburg 13 October 1942 and returned to the military at Camp Croft. Charges of desertion were removed as having been erroneously made per letter 13 January 1943. Transferred to Ft. Benning, Columbus, Ga., in March 1943.
At the time of his death, he and his wife Doris Louise (maiden name unknown) had one daughter: Mary Ann. They lived at 788 Taylor St., Spartanburg, S.C.
He was wounded in the arm in July, 1944. He returned to duty and was initially listed as Missing in Action on 1 August 1944 at St. Lo, France. It was later determined that was his date of death. His reported effects included a wallet, snapshots, and souvenir coins. He was buried in the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-mer, France, Plot G, Row 6, Grave 25.

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Photograph of Leonard Edgar Abernathy.