Paul L Hetz

1st Lt Paul Hetz was killed in action on 26 June 1944, serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. On 26 June 1944, the 2nd Battalion, 26th Infantry was holding positions in the Caumont sector, where records covering this period describe both sides pushing active patrols forward. The battalion's artillery and mortars kept up harassing fire day and night against targets of opportunity, while overcast skies allowed German long-range guns to move up, bringing intermittent shelling onto the battalion's positions. Combat and reconnaissance patrols sent out during this stretch found the enemy holding firm outpost lines and laying extensive minefields along the battalion's front. The unit's own records for this stretch of June were kept as a single combined entry rather than broken down by exact day, so this account reflects the general situation the battalion faced around that time rather than events specific to the 26th alone. 1st Lt Hetz was killed in action that day; the report does not specify the individual circumstances.