Robert Richard Payne

January 9, 2014

When I adopted the grave of Arlo Mathison at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, I got in touch with a relative of Arlo, Tim James. Tim knew I also adopted two graves at the Brittany American Cemetery in Saint James, so in September 2013 he asked me to take a picture of a grave in Saint-James when I would visit it the next time. The grave belongs to the brother of his mother in law, Robert R. Payne. I found it a good idea to enquire if it was already adopted, and on January 9, 2014 I got the message it is adopted by an association that adopted all graves of the 35th Infantry Division at the Cemetery. But they agreed that I would take the adoption on me and so I am proud to introduce to you Robert R. Payne, my third adoption grave at the Brittany American Cemetery in Saint-James, France.





Before the war

Robert Payne was born in Blue Island, Illinois on October 23, 1918 and was a graduate of Midlothian School and Thornton Township High School.

He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Payne. He grew up in Midlothian in Illinois.


Illinois, USA


Midlothian, Illinois


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In the army

He was stationed at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland around May 1, 1944. Private Payne took his basic training camp at Wheeler, Georgia. He landed in England on May 16, 1944.

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Death of Robert Payne

Robert died on August 11, 1944 in France. He died in Le Havre as a result of wounds he sustained in on August 10. He died on the fourth anniversary of his marriage with Lois Drexel.

He is buried at the Brittany American cemetery in Saint-James, France.


Brittany American cemetery, Saint-James, Frankrijk




137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division


137th Infantry Regiment


35th Infantry Division


Private


More information soon.



Contact

More information soon.



Personal information

Private, U.S. Army
Service # 36771867
137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, M Company
Entered service in Illinois

Born: October 23, 1918 in Blue Island, Illinois
Hometown: Midlothian, Illinois

Died: August 11, 1944 in Le Havre, France
Status: killed in action (KIA)

Buried: Plot K, row 18, grave 22, Brittany American Cemetery, Saint-James, France
Awards: Purple Heart


Purple Heart


Family
Wife: Lois Drexel
Father:
Sidney Arthur Payne
Mother: Meta Catherine Jensen
Sister: Beverly



More pictures

Robert Payne


Grave



Brittany American Cemetery



Miscellaneous




Sources

www.abmc.gov
www.wwiimemorial.com NARA
www.wwiimemorial.com overseas American cemeteries
www.wwiimemorial.com honoree
www.findagrave.com
Tim James



Any information you can provide me about this soldier, can be mailed to me (nicklieten at hotmail.com). Thank you!