Alan L. Lambert

Private First Class, U.S. Army Service #37266597

88th Engineer Heavy Pontoon Battalion

Entered the Service from: Nebraska

Died: 20 Oct 44; Buried at : Plot C Row 16 Grave 8 Lorraine American Cemetery St. Avold, France

#2-Enterprise 16 Nov 1944

Pfc. Lambert’s Fate is Known

The following from the War Department which was received by Mrs. Myrle lambert explains the tragic death of her husband, Alan Lambert:

11 November, 1944

Mrs. Myrle Lambert 209 West Colfax Blair, Nebraska

Dear Mrs. Lambert:

It is with deep regret that I confirm the telegram of recent date informing you of the death of your husband, Private First Class Alan L. Lambert, 37,266,597, Corps of Engineers.

The official casualty report states that your husband died on 20 October 1944 in Pierre-la-Treiche, France, as a result of drowning when the small boat capsized in a stream while he was hauling equipment.

I fully understand your desire to learn as much as possible regarding the circumstances leading to his death and I wish that there was more information to give you. Unfortunately, reports of this nature contain only the briefest details as they are prepared under battle conditions and the means for their transmission are limited. I assure you, however, that if more information is received it will be transmitted to you at once.

I sincerely regret that this message must carry so much sorrow into your home and I hope that in time you may find sustaining comfort in knowing that he served his country honorably.

My deepest sympathy is extended to you in your bereavement.

Sincerely yours, J. A. ULIO, Major General, The Adjutant General

#3-Pilot Tribune 9 Nov 1944

Drowning Fate of PFC Alan Lambert

Overseas Seven Months, PFC Alan Lambert Died In France

Private First Class Alan Lambert, 37, died in France on October 20, according to a war department telegram received Sunday evening by his wife, Mrs. Myrle French Lambert of Blair.

“The secretary of war assures you of his deep sympathy in the loss of your husband, Pfc. Alan Lambert,” the official missive consoled Mrs. Lambert. “Reports received state that he died on October 20 in France, as the result of drowning.”

Further details it was promised, will follow in a letter. Pvt. Lambert was a member of an engineering Battalion, and it is believed that he probably met death while assisting in the construction of a military bridge.

In civilian life, Pvt. Lambert was a farmer, a contractor, and at the time of his induction in October, 1942, he was construction foreman for the J. J. Connor Co. of Blair and Onawa, Ia.

He took his basic training at Ft. Warren, Wyo. Later he was stationed at Camp Stockton, Calif., Yuma, Ariz., and Camp Swift, Tex. He had been overseas since early in April.

Surviving Pvt. Lambert are his wife, Mrs. Myrle French Lambert, deputy to County Judge Henry Mencke; his father; W. J. Lambert; and his sister, Mrs. Harry Jordan and family, all of Blair.

#4-Enterprise 9 Nov 1944

(Photo)

Alan Lambert Gives Life For His Country

Drowned In France, Is Text Of Telegram Received Sunday

Had Lived In Blair For Past 8 Years

Pfc. Alan Lambert was drowned on October 20th in France, according to a report received last Sunday evening by his wife, Mrs. Myrle Lambert.

Deceased was well known in Blair where he had resided for the past eight years. Before going into the armed forces he was employed by the J. J. Connor Construction Company as construction foreman.

Deceased was born in Carleton, Nebraska, April 26, 1907, where he grew to manhood and received his education in the Carleton High School.

On May 11th, 1942, he was married to Miss Myrle French of Blair and for a time they resided in Onawa, Iowa. Later, they moved to Blair and after he joined the armed forces, the wife found employment in the County Judge’s office which position she now holds.

Besides the wife, he leaves his father, W. J. Lambert, and one sister, Mrs. Harry Jordan, and two nieces, all of whom grieve deeply his tragic death.

No details of his death have been received but will undoubtedly be sent at a later date.

#5-Pilot Tribune 16 Nov 1944

Details of Soldier’s Death Told

PFC. Alan Lambert Died When Boat Capsized In France

Further details concerning the death of Private First Class Alan L. Lambert, who died in France on October 20 were received this week by his widow, Mrs. Myrle French Lambert of Blair.

According to the war department letter, Pfc. Lambert died in Pierre-la-Treihe, France, “as the result of drowning when the small boat capsized in a stream while he was hauling equipment.” Other circumstances leading to Pvt. Lambert’s death are unavailable, however, as the official casualty reports contain only the briefest detail, are prepared under battle conditions, and means of their transmission are limited.

Major General J. A. Ulio, who reported the final details to Mrs. Lambert, wrote, “I sincerely regret that this message must carry so much sorrow into your home and I hope that in time you may find sustaining comfort in knowing that he served his country honorable.”

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~