Winfred E Shortt

Pvt Winfred Shortt was killed in action on 16 June 1944, serving with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. On 16 June 1944, the 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry was holding positions in the Caumont sector, where the surrounding days brought active patrolling from both American and German forces. Records covering this period, though not broken down by exact date, describe the battalion's artillery and mortar units maintaining harassing fire around the clock against targets of opportunity, while overcast skies allowed German long-range guns to intermittently shell the battalion's area. Combat and reconnaissance patrols sent out by the battalion during these weeks found that the enemy was dug into strong outpost lines and had laid extensive minefields along the front the battalion faced. Pvt Shortt was killed in action that day; the report does not specify the individual circumstances.