157th Infantry Regiment 45th Infantry Division


If the date really is 1945 and in Germany, not Italy, then the
circumstances of Taylor's death would be as follows:
(During January and February 1945, the 45th Division was engaged
in very heavy fighting near the Bitchie Pocket-Wingen-Althorn
section of the Southern Rhineland. The 157th suffered heavy
casualties at Reipertsweller and the division pulled back and
defended the Rothbach Rau-Moder River Line against heavy German
counter-attacks during which battles Taylor was killed).





THOMAS, Paul Franklin


BATTERY C, 116TH FIELD ARTILLERY
(Hillsborough County)

Born: 1 September 1919 Plant City, Florida.

Thomas had completed two years of high school, lived in Tampa and
worked as a truck driver earning $10 per week when he enlisted in
Battery C, 116th Field Artillery 18 September 1940. He was
inducted into federal service 25 November 1940. Later he was
assigned to the 757TH TANK BATTALION. He was a Corporal at the
time of his death.

His next of kin included Linnie Thomas, mother, Tampa, Florida.

DIED OF WOUNDS; 23 May 1944 Ausonia, Italy.

757th Tank Battalion


(the 23rd of May was the first day of the massive Allied
offensive to break the months-long deadlock in Italy.
Simultaneously, attacks were mounted against the Hitler Line near
Monte Cassino and from Allied positions in the Anzio Beachhead.
The attacks were successful and Rome was liberated within two
weeks. Thomas died of wounds received that first day).





TILLIS, Wiley Wilbur


COMPANY D, 124TH INFANTRY
(Seminole County)

Born: 2 April 1916 Sanford, Florida.