Camille E. Gagne

Rang: Private

Overlijdensdatum: 20 September 1944

Legeronderdeel: 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division

Laatste rustplaats: Amerikaanse Begraafplaats Margraten

Triangle of Tribute locatie: Nijmegen, Reinaldstraat

Camille was born on December 31, 1919, in Quebec, Canada. After joining the U.S. Army, he was assigned to E Company, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. For his actions on September 20, 1944, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. His citation reads: “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Camille E. Gagne (ASN: 37314456), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944, at ****, Holland. Private Gagne, Grenadier, Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in the attack on ****, took up an outpost position covering the southeastern approach to the bridge over the Waal River in an effort to cut off the enemy retreat while the battalion moved into position. Under fire from a self-propelled gun about four hundred yards from him, Private Gagne clung tenaciously to his position. With deadly accuracy he fired grenade after grenade at the enemy's light and heavy mortar positions and denied them direct observation to lay down fire on our own men in the streets. Enemy artillery shells bursting at point blank range killed him. As a direct result of his actions the battalion successfully attacked the bridge with minimum casualties and was able to take many prisoners who could have made their escape over the bridge. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.” Camille was killed in action at the age of 24.