Glenn Lee Chrysler (1925 - 1945)

Born 12 Nov 1925 in Endicott, Broome, New York, United States

Ancestors

Died 15 Apr 1945 at age 19 in Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Biography

Killed in the Apennine Mountains, Italy in the offensive known as the "Battle of Po Valley" (Operation Grapeshot) - WW II

Glenn L. Chrysler was a soldier in the 10th Mountain Division, 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, Company L, during WWII. In January 1945, the 10th Mountain Division was sent to Italy for the "Spring Offensive". They landed in Naples and made their way towards Po Valley through the Northern Apennine Mountains considered unpassable because of the German strongholds and incredibly steep and rugged terrain. Shortly after taking Riva Ridge and capturing Mount Belvedere, followed by clearing out Torre Iussi, Glenn's unit was hit by mortar fire while going through a pass near Mount Pigna. Glenn took a direct hit and was killed instantly. Also killed in the attack, was Corp. Mervin H. Lewis. Five other soldiers suffered significant wounds - four of whom were critical and had to be sent back to the states for extended hospital care.

The 10th Mountain Division suffered an incredible amount of casualties during their advance through the Apennines and Po Valley. In a matter of a little over a few weeks time, the 10th Mountain lost nearly a 1,000 men killed and 4,100 wounded...the highest attrition and casualty rate of any Allied division during WWII.

Glenn's body was sent home and was interred in the Riverside Cemetery in Lounsberry, NY in front of his Grandmother Bertha Devine's grave and later joined by his side by his mother Edna Chrysler-Grist in 1970.

Glenn was born at home near the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road and Chrysler Road in Endicott (sectioned off and now known as Endwell) in Broome County, New York where he lived until he was 14 years old. After his parent's divorce, he moved to Tioga County where his mother lived and worked on farms while going to school. He was the second born child and one of three brothers who fought in WWII. His older brother was Staff Sgt. Robert N. Chrysler who participated in the Normandy Invasion and took part in dozens of hard fought battles across France, Belgium, and Germany when he was finally shot in the streets of Geldern, Germany. He survived and continued on toward Berlin with a bullet still lodged in his leg. He was awarded the Purple Heart as well as a Bronze Star. Glenn's younger brother, Eugene L. Chrysler was in the US Navy in the Pacific theater stationed at New Caledonia and later, occupied Japan during WWII.

Obituary printed in the Binghamton Press:

Mrs. Arthur Grist of Campville was advised by the war department last week that her son, Pfc. Glenn Chrysler, aged 19, serving in an infantry outfit, was killed in action in Italy on April 15. He was one of three brothers serving in the armed forces.

In 1941, the family lived in Fairfield, town of Candor on the John Sobel place, thence removing to the village of Candor living there from July 1942.

Private Chrysler worked for different farmers in the vicinity. He also worked in the factory of the Candor glove company and also as a chauffeur in the employ of Dr. A.E. Hilbert.

Private Chrysler was inducted into the Army in February, 1942 and received his basic training at Fort Wheeler, GA. Later, he was transferred to Texas where he trained for mountain infantry fighting.

That training completed, he was sent overseas in January and landed in Naples, where he joined forces of General Mark Clark. His death came about the same time as the "big drive" was started which wiped out all vestige of enemy resistance in Italy.

He was born in Johnson City on Nov. 12 1926 and went to school at Johnson City and later, at Endicott.

His brother, Staff Sgt. Robert Chrysler is with the infantry in Germany. He was wounded in that country some time ago and was awarded the Order of the Purple Heart. He has been overseas for two years.

The other brother is Eugene Chrysler, Seaman 2nd class serving in the Navy in the South Pacific.

Besides his mother and brothers mentioned, he is survived by his father, Raymond Chrysler of Johnson City, one other brother, David and three sisters, Lena, Sybil, and Joan, all at home.

Note:

When PFC Chrysler was killed, a more famous soldier in the 10th Mountain Division (second lieutenant Robert Dole - better known as Senator Bob Dole, Vice Presidential Candidate in 1976, and U.S. Presidential candidate in 1996) was on the same mission and on that same day was gravely wounded about a half mile away from where Glenn was struck and killed. Dole's wounds were so bad he was given zero chance of survival. His incredible story is one everyone should familiar themselves. He epitomizes everything that defines the 10th Mountain soldiers.

Sources

• Family genealogy information compiled by Ric Chrysler, handed down to Zachary Smith.