What a pleasant surprise when Ronald Killingsworth contacted me and asked if he could share a picture of his father, Frederick Douglas Killingsworth, who served in the 365th Infantry Division of the 92nd.
This from Ronald…
Born in Denmark, South Carolina, Fred came to New York City after my Grandfather moved his family to Harlem there. Fred was inducted into the army on the 22 April 1943 in NYC and was a private throughout his service. He departed for the MTO on 1 Oct 44 and served 11 months and 5 days overseas.
Ronald shared with me an interesting twist regarding his father’s service record. Even though his father’s discharge papers say he was in the 365th, his unit is also listed as the 485th Aviation Squadron. And his MOS was a ANTI-TANK GUN CREWMAN 610. He was trained as a crewman on a 57mm antitank gun, and told Ronald’s older brother a story about almost being killed by artillery while operating a 50 cal. machine gun.
It seems that once the war was over, the army sometimes transferred the men to different units rather quickly in order to expedite their discharge rotation!!!
His battles and campaigns are listed as NORTH APENNINES, PO VALLEY, ROME-ARNO.
In addition to the PURPLE HEART his decorations include: the GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN SERVICE MEDAL, AMERICAN SERVICE MEDAL, and the WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL. Also he got his COMBAT INF BADGE GO#6 HQ 365 INF, on 13 Jan 45.
A real war hero !!
Thanks for sharing, appreciate your interest in the 92 Infantry.
Mike Moore
President of the 92nd Infantry Division Association
What a wonderful surprise. I am the founding president of the USCT Institute for Local History and Family Research at Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY. While searching for Marshall H.. Bull (from Oneonta) who photographed “The Buffaloes” during WWII, I came across your site.
I have documented the Killingsworth lineage, of which I am a member. If I am correct, Frederick Douglass Killingsworth was the son of Wade & Lillie Killingsworth; Wade was the son of Willie & Zellie Killingsworth; Willie was the son of Stephen (Steven) Killingsworth.
Stephen and Isaac Killingsworth, Jr. were brothers, the sons of Isaac (Isham) Killingsworth (from the 1870 Census). I am the grandson of Rebecca (Killingsworth) Parler and Richard Parler, Jr. Thus, I am the direct descendant of Isaac Killingsworth, Jr.
I certainly appreciate see the picture of Frederick Douglass Killingsworth.
Feel free to contact me. I am on the internet by name and/or the USCT Institute.
Harry Bradshaw Matthews
You are correct sir. I am one of Fredrick’s sons and a grandson of Wade and Lillie Killingsworth.
Ronald Douglas Killingsworth
Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.
My mother was Lucretia (Parler) Matthews. Her father was Richard Parler, Jr., the Grand Master “West Indian” Mason (by oral history). My grandmother was Rebecca Killingsworth.
I was born in Denmark, but relocated north at about four years of age. Nevertheless, I was taught my family history by my mother.
Harry Bradshaw Matthews
My father, Clarence Campbell, was a staff sergeant with the 365th Infantry of the 92nd. He also has battle stars for combat in the North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns. He awarded a CIB as well as the GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN SERVICE MEDAL, AMERICAN SERVICE MEDAL, and the WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL.
Hello Ronald Killingsworth:
By now you should have received the message via Donald Parler that the Imperial War Museum in London wants to include Frederick Douglas Killingsworth in its exhibit of the 92nd, There is the request for your permission to use your father’s photograph on this site with other information that you can provide. I have already shared some Killingsworth lineage. Please let me know your feelings.
Thanks
Harry Bradshaw Matthews