Derrick McConnel (21 December 1924-?) was a US Army Private who served in the 502nd Pathfinders, 1st Squad and 2nd Squad during World War II.
Biography[]
Derrick McConnel was born is Florida. In 1942, McConnel joined the 101st Airborne Division and was moved to England with the rest of his unit to train for the initial invasion of Normandy, "Operation Overlord." At this time McConnel was a Private and was part of 1st Squad. He was a close friend of William Paige.
McConnell landed on June 6 near the town of Saint-Martin-de-Vatteville. He found a corporal from his unit, Jacob Campbell, and Paige. He and the remnants of 1st Platoon reach the headquarters where Lt. Col. Cassidy was staying. He then helped hold Saint-Martin-de-Vatteville.
The next day, McConnell and his troops came under the command of Colonel Johnson of the 501st.
By June 13, only three men from the first platoon survived, including McConnell.
On June 14, at Carentan, the remnants of the 1st Platoon officially joined the 2nd Platoon. platoon, whose commander was promoted to Sergeant Joe Hartsock. During the German counterattack on the city, McConnell participated in the capture of the station, warehouse, depot, and finally in the destruction of enemy mortar crews. Half an hour later, street fighting continued, although with less intensity. Eventually, the paratroopers drove the infantry out of the city, but they ran into an enemy tank. It was successfully destroyed by "Red" using a Faust cartridge.
On June 15, the retreating enemy fortified itself at Herdzhou, among the green hedgerows, and began to deploy the 88th Division there. The 2nd Platoon managed to eliminate 88.
Next day. McConnell and the second team helped Sgt. Doyle and the 82nd Division to capture and clear the strategically important town of St. Sauveur in France. During the Battle of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte. McConnell's friend Paige is killed.
McConnell is taking part in Operation Market Garden. When in St. Sauveur, his best friend Paige, has died and begins to remain silent He doesn't take much part in fights and often falls behind. However, it takes part in the fighting in the east Koevering. McConnell survived Market Garden and the rest of the war. After the war he kept in touch with Campbell, Paddock, Roselli, as well as with Baker and the rest of his platoon.