Jack L (Lee) Burley 33 133 438

PFC Jack L Burley: DOB 16 Feb 1920 & died 20 Sept 1983, enlisted CP Lee Virginia. Buried Amherst, Virginia. Looking for any unit information to narrow down his whereabouts in June/July 1944. The lady doesn't have separation papers. She is trying to help a gentlemen figure out if this man was his father. If anyone can figure out what theater or any units he served in, she would be very appreciative. I don't have a Fold 3 account at this time. Thanks!

 

Electronic Enlistment record for Jack L. Burley. His VA BIRLS Death File (according to Ancestry.com) confirms that he died 29 Sept 1983. Here is his Memorial page on Find-A-Grave. At the time of his death, he was living in Madison Heights, Amherst County, Virginia. I didn't find anything indicating his unit during WWII, but the local historical society may have some info that may help.

 

Thanks! Any and all help is appreciated. I'll pass the info along.

 

I came across this website which seems to have a PDF from the Amherst County Museum and Historical Society. The PDF has a line item that reads: "Burley; Jack Lee; PFC; (not an obituary); 7/20/1944; Survived D-Day - In action - as reported by Willie Burley of Amherst". It's possible that they may have more information that may be very helpful.

 

Question: If he was present D Day (June 6, 1944), is it likely he was still in the ETO come July, or did any of the men head home afterwards? Pardon my ignorance of the ETO. I'm normally researching the CBI. Thank you so much! I think we are looking at June and July as the conception time frame. It looks likely he could be ruled out?

 

I've directed her to the courthouse to hopefully get a copy of the separation papers. Return date will be on there...

 

I should have added the caveat that info from family members is not always accurate. Also, I presume the info I quoted was a summary of what they have, so it is at least 3rd hand information. Often times "landed at Omaha (or Utah) Beach" morphs into "Landed on D-Day", which is not necessarily the same thing. Many soldiers landed on Omaha Beach weeks after 6 June 1944. The date of 20 July 1944 could be the day his unit landed in France, or it may not. What it does tell us is that he was in France around June/July 1944 rather than in Italy or the Pacific. It also suggests that there may be more information at the ACM&HS.

Great idea to refer her to the county courthouse to see about getting his separation papers. If she is successful, post a copy here and we'll see what we can make of it.

 

Good deal! The Willie mentioned was his father.