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Durning, Charles Edward

Date of birth:
February 28th, 1923 (Highland Falls/New York, United States)
Date of death:
December 24th, 2012
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Charles Durning was born February 28th, 1923 in Highland Falls, the son of James Durning and Louise M. Durning. James Durning was an Irish immigrant who had received American citizenship by joining the Army.
During World War Two, Charles Durning served with the 398th Infantry Regiment, the 3rd Army Support Troops and the 386th Anti-aircraft Artillery. He participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6th, 1944. June 15th, he was wounded by a German landmine. He was transferred to 24th Evacuation Hospital by 499 Medical Collection Company. He was sent to 247th General Hospital in England to recuperate. December 6th, 1944 he had recuperated to such an extent that he could return to the front lines where he arrived during the battle of the Bulge. Here he was wounded again by a bajonet. He was one of he few to survive the slaughter at Malmédy on December 16th. With the 398th Infantry Regimnent he pushed deeper into Germany where he was wounded again and this time he was transferred to the US. June 30th, 1946 he was honorably discharged.
After the war, Durning took up acting and played in various movies and television series.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Private 1st Class
Awarded on:
April 2008
Chevalier de l' Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded for his wounds received by a German "S-mine" on June 15th, 1944 at Les Mare des Mares, France.
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded for receiving a wound by a bayonet in December 1944.

Second Purple heart received in the form of a bronze oak laef cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first Purple Heart.
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded for receiving wounds in March 1945 in Germany

Third Purple Hart received in the form of a second bronze oak leaf cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first Purple Heart.
Purple Heart

Sources

Photo