Kenneth R. Cuddeback - Private to Private First Class

Served with distinction in the Hq1 Communications Platoon from July 1944 to November 24, 1945.  

Kenneth Cuddeback was a distinguished member of the  "Greatest of the Greatest Generation." 

Kenneth died March 19, 2000. His beloved wife Marion, family, and WW II comrades contributed information for this summary. 

Kenneth was born January 2, 1925. He graduated from West Chester High School and attended Iowa State University before enlisting in the Army on February 10, 1943.  After basic training Kenneth was sent to Europe as a replacement.

In England, Kenneth Cuddeback volunteered for parachutist training. He qualified as a parachutist and was selected for additional training as a communications specialist. 

Kenneth completed the communications school program and was assigned to the 508^th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) in Nottingham.

The 508^th PIR attached to the 82^nd Airborne Division had parachuted into Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) and was still engaged in combat.

The regiment had sustained significant casualties (2056 men parachuted into Normandy, 1161 became casualties of which 307 were buried in France).  Kenneth Cuddeback and the other casuals were timely replacements.

On July 15, 1944 the battle seasoned 508^th PIR survivors returned to a “heroes” welcome in Nottingham, and Kenneth was assigned to the Hq1 Communications Platoon.

Kenneth and the other replacements were warmly welcomed by the veterans; they provided the means for reconstituting the regiment.

A priceless camaraderie developed among the veterans and the replacements that enhanced Hq1’s  combat readiness.