The Story
Pfc Cole Plyler was killed in action on 16 June 1944, serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment. On 16 June 1944, the 116th Infantry regiment formed the main effort on the division's left flank, pushing forward at 0800 hours as part of a larger attack aimed at securing the line running through Amy, Les Buteaux, La Luzerne, and La Blotrie. Reinforced with an additional infantry battalion, a chemical company, and a tank company, the regiment ran into heavy resistance from enemy machine guns and 88mm artillery fire. The fighting was sustained and difficult, continuing without pause through the night, though the day's events are documented at the division level rather than broken down by individual company. Pfc Plyler was killed in action that day; the report does not specify the individual circumstances.
Source: NARA