Franklin Paddock in 1944
Franklin Paddock (br. 17 September 1923) was a US Army Sergeant who served in the 502nd Pathfinders, 2nd Squad during World War II.
Biography[]
Paddock was born is Wichita, Kansas in 1923 along with a sister (who spent a lot of time on her back), Paddock is an abrupt, reckless and arrogant farmer with a very strong southern accent. He barely got into the airborne because of being a loud-mouthed hothead, but after he joined the 101st Airborne Division and his problems with authorities ceased.
On June 6 1944, Paddock and his squad were flown over the Normandy countryside. As a result of foggy weather, the paratroopers were incorrectly dropped, but Paddock was one of the few of his unit to reach their destination and met Corporals Hartostock and Doyle with whom he joined a group of paratroopers led by Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick F. Cassidy. In the morning, Paddock found one of his unit, Dean Winchell. Together with him and Corporal Hartosck, they captured the village of St. Martin.
Apart from Paddock and Winchell, James Marsh survived from their unit. Everyone else, including the commander, died on D-Day and the unit had to be reorganized. The three survivors of the first detachment joined the unit, and Joseph Harstock was promoted to commander. The Unit fought in the Battle of Carentan and Allied attack on St. Sauveur.
In September 1944, the platoon took part in Operation Market Garden, which ultimately ended in failure.
During Market Garden, Troop 2 Commander Joseph Hartstock was paralyzed and Paddock became the new Sergeant. After the war, he returned to Kansas where he still lives today.