Jess J Barton

Pvt Jess Barton was killed in action on 11 June 1944, serving with Anti-Tank Company, 175th Infantry Regiment. On this date the 175th Infantry Regiment, operating in the vicinity of Lison, kept its units engaged in active patrolling as it worked to maintain contact with enemy forces and secure the surrounding area. That night, the regiment organized a task force built around Companies C and E, reinforced with heavy machine gun and 81mm mortar sections, under the command of Major Miller, the 1st Battalion's executive officer. This force was ordered to cross the Vire River, push toward Montmartin-en-Graignes, and seize the Vire-et-Taute canal crossing in the face of expected armored resistance, with Brigadier General Cota, the division's assistant commander, accompanying the effort. While it is not certain what specific role Regimental Troops played in these operations, the broader regiment was clearly engaged in this push during the period in question. Pvt Barton was killed in action that day; the report does not specify the individual circumstances.