Private Donald L Carmel 31286054 US Army.

One afternoon around this time, he opened a C ration can and found part of a human index finger in it. Disgusted, he went out and shot several large jackrabbits for dinner with his new Lee-Enfield (ref photo) and shared them with his squad.
One afternoon around this time, he opened a C ration can and found part of a human index finger in it. Disgusted, he went out and shot several large jackrabbits for dinner with his new Lee-Enfield (ref photo) and shared them with his squad.

Private Donald L Carmel 31286054 US Army. He was born on May 28, 1921, the son of Catherine and William Carmel of Dalton, Mass and brother of Sgt. William Carmel, Marge Carmel and John Carmel.  Donald was raised Catholic, and graduated from Colgate University in 1943. He entered the US Army on February 27, 1943 at the age of 21 in Springfield Mass. After completing basic training, he was made a Fire Director Operator, Artillery (645).  He was initially shipped to North Africa and served in Tunisia. He was subsequently shipped to Naples Italy where he became part of the initial Anzio beachhead landings, directing artillery fire for the duration of the battle (Unit unknown).  On one occasion, a fuel tank or engine from a German V-type rocket landed next to his foxhole.  Because no one knew what this peculiar looking thing was (some thought it was a giant bomb that was a dud) – it was quickly reported over the radio.

 It was removed later that day by intelligence personnel who were eager to collect information on these new German weapons.  Another time, in a letter home, he described how German artillery destroyed a massive Ammo Dump near or on the Anzio beach, saying the explosions were ‘’a million times more incredible than the best fireworks display back home.’’  This explosion was recorded in news-reel movies of Anzio.  When US troops broke through the German lines at Monte Casino, the Anzio perimeter opened up and Pvt Carmel moved through Rome (June 1944) to Piambino Italy, where US troops were staging for Operation Dragoon, the Invasion of Southern France.  The landings accomplished and once in Marseille, he was ordered to report to the Theater Reception Depot (54th Replacement Battalion).  

He was told they didn’t need more Fire Control Operators where he was going.  It was around this time that he was assigned to Company C, 255th Infantry, 63rd Infantry Division.  He then traveled up the ‘Route de Napoleon’ into the Saar Area of Operations.  

During the final days of the war, he received severe trench foot and hepatitis, both of which were acquired during the Ardennes Counteroffensive. He was hospitalized for a short period of time in Nancy France and returned to the states at the end of May 1945 on a ship that took 8 days to cross the Atlantic.  He was discharged from the Army in September 15, 1945.

After World War Two he married Olga Marie,  on November 10, 1951. He joined IBM Corp, and raised a family which now includes 9 grandchildren.He Died on April 7 2001, of Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 79.

He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge; Bronze Star Medal (BSM) Good Conduct Medal; European, African, Middle Eastern Theater of Operations Medals with 3 Bronze Battle Stars (Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland); World War II Victory Medal.

Sources:

1- Photograph and Information Donald L Carmel Jr

2- https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=1&cat=all&tf=F&q=31286054&bc=sd&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=2467678

3- 63rd Infantry Division Rosters