Francis G Pennell

2nd Lt Francis Pennell was killed in action on 12 June 1944, serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 115th Infantry Regiment. On 12 June 1944, the 3rd Battalion, 115th Infantry moved forward alongside the 1st Battalion in an attack across the Elle River. Combat engineers and infantry worked to clear a minefield near the bridge at le Moulin l'Eveque so that tanks could push across in support, but German self-propelled guns turned back the effort before it could take hold. Unable to hold their gains on the far bank, the battalion pulled back to the northern side of the river, setting the stage for another attempt to cross the following day. 2nd Lt Pennell was killed in action that day; the report does not specify the individual circumstances.