PVT Clayton R. Bills 81st CEB

[andrej]

I am looking for information about Private Clayton R. Bills. He was in the 81st Combat Engineer Battalion when he was killed on 19 December 1944.

We have him in our database listed at Henric-Chapelle Cemetery but would be interested to add some more information.

www.adoptiegraven-database.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8920:bills-clayton-r&catid=98:american-war-cemetery-henri-chapelle-b&Itemid=78

André Jans

[connie]

I appreciate your inquiry. I visited the cemetery a few years ago during the "adopt a grave" ceremony. It was a deeply moving ceremony and is touching to know that so many soldiers graves are adopted by individuals and school classes.

If you checked out the Site Soldier Index on this message board you saw that Clayton Bill's name was there already. Another 106th relative with connections to the 81st video taped the graves of all members of the 81st Combat Infantry Battalion she found there.

I have no further information on this soldier but will make some inquiries. And... there is always the chance that a family member searching may happen on this site.

Thank you for the work you are doing.

Connie

[andrej]

Hi Connie,

thank you for your post. I'll check out the thread you mentioned. I did try the search function in this forum but the name didn't show up.

André

[connie]

Hi, André,

The Site Soldier Index mentioned has lists by unit as well as from the whole division. You've probably already found it. But here's the direct link to those mentioned on this board from the 81st engineers: 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=index&action=display&thread=423

The search engine on the board is limited because it only allows you to search the more recent posts.

You will note that a good number of those from the engineering battalion listed have names and info taken from the posted video taken at Henri Chapelle. So new info for you is limited.

There are two other sites that may also be helpful to you.
1) The Indiana Military site which includes a growing roster and personal accounts submitted by members of the 106th. Jim West, who keeps this site for divisions that came out of Camp Atterbury in Indiana (including the 106th ID) also was the founder of this discussion board.
Searchable Roster (incomplete; work in progress) on Indiana Military Site:
www.indianamilitary.org/106ID/Rosters/RosterZOHO.htm
Link to all 106th Info on Indiana Military Site:
www.IndianaMilitary.org/106ID/SoThinkMenu/106thSTART.htm

2) Carl's Wouter's site on the 106th. Carl co-facilitates this discussion board. www.freewebs.com/106thinfantry/

Connie

[connie]

Time to bring this thread to the top again... in the hopes of catching someone's eye.

I should also note that the memorial day ceremonies at these American Battle Monuments Cemeteries are impressive. Our soldiers are remembered.

Connie