Staff Sergeant Farrell Ray Collins #7082097 US Army was born on the 23rd of December 1922 in Dunbar, Virginia, to Colbert Columbus Collins and Pearl Fay Collins. His siblings included brothers: Lawrence E., Grafton C., Eugene H., Armond D., Randall D., and sisters: Irma N., Wilma S., Mavis I., Ella J., Nancy E., and Jewell L.
He was assigned to the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. The 9th landed at Normandy across Utah beach on 10th of June 1944, (D-Day +4). It then cut across the Cotentin Peninsula, and helped to liberate the port city of Cherbourg, France from the German defenders. Following a rest in July, the 9th attacked the defenses at St-Lo and then moved in to close the Falaise Gap. Continuing with its momentum, it crossed the Marne. It begins the campaign into the area of Saarlautern Germany. It was here that Staff Sergeant Collins was killed in action.
He died on the 22nd of September 1944 at the age of 21. Buried at the Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. Plot C, Row 10, Grave 31.
The Elizabethton Star, 21 August 1944
Ninth Division infantrymen, veterans of the fighting in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy, are now proudly wearing the newly-created Combat Infantryman Badge. The award, which means an increase in pay for the “Queen of Battles,” was presented before the outfit sailed for France by Major General Manton S. Eddy, Commanding General of the 9th. The badge is given for exemplary conduct in action against the enemy. The 9th, which landed on the French beaches with early units of the invasion, was one of the first to enter Cherbourg. Pvt. Collins is a member of the crack fighting unit.
- Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Date of birth: 23 December 1922
- Date of death: 22 September 1944
- County: Carter
- Hometown: Elizabethton
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge
- Burial/Memorial Location: Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre (Neuville-en-Condroz), Belgium
- Location In Memorial: Pillar VII, Middle Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Farrell R. Collins
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