Samuel Bruce ABNEY

     Samuel Bruce ABNEY, son of Willie F. ABNEY and Myrtle Orphelia Northcutt, was born on 16 September 1925 in Emory, Rains County, Texas.¹

During World War II, Samuel Bruce ABNEY enlisted in Company F, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103rd Infantry Division, U. S. Army. On 2 Jan 1945 in Behren, France, about six miles east of Saarbrucken, Germany, PFC Samuel Abney was given the mission of furnishing protection for a group of tank destroyers. While advancing toward the enemy lines, the entire task force was subjected to intense enemy fire, pinning them to the ground and necessitating their withdrawal. It is believed that Samuel was wounded and unable to withdraw when the order was given. As this action took place in enemy territory, a search for Samuel could not be made. A few days later, this territory was taken by our troops, but Samuel could not be found.

Samuel Bruce ABNEY died on 2 January 1945 in Behren, France, at age 19. He was buried in Smyrna Church Cemetery, Emory, Rains County, Texas.