PFC Glen Hayward Cosner (WWII)


Remembering PFC Glen Hayward Cosner (Grant Town)

October 22, 1922 - January 13, 1945

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Note: Some records show Glen's name as Glen, and others say Glenn. We're going to use Glen in this mini-biography as it is what is recorded on his birth record and on his gravestone.

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PFC Glen Hayward Cosner (Service #35747205) was born in Philippi, West Virginia on October 22, 1922, the son of Leslie and Goldie (Marsh) Cosner. When Glen was born, his parents were living in Midland, West Virginia, and his father was working as an engineer (WV Birth Record).

By 1930, the Cosner family had moved to Grant Town in Marion County, where Leslie worked at the coal mine as a foreman (1930 Census) and later a section boss (1940 Census).

Glen graduated from Fairview High School in 1941, where he participated in Varsity Club, Pep Club, Glee Club, Baseball, and Basketball. His senior yearbook gave his nickname as "Caswell."

Military Service:

PFC Glen Cosner entered the draft on June 30, 1942 at age 19. At the time, he was working for the United States Aluminum Company in Fairfield, Connecticut. He was 5'7 1/2" and 150 lbs, with brown hair, brown eyes, and dark skin (WWII Draft Card).

He enlisted December 28, 1942 in Clarksburg, WV. At the time, he was single with no dependents.

On October 22, 1943, Glen became a father to his only child, Rick Hayward Radcliff. Unfortunately, baby Rick, born premature, died on November 27, 1943 of pulmonary edema and broncho-pneumonia. He was only one month and five days old (WV Death Certificate).

Time Overseas:

Glen was a member of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Company I ("Item Company"). Glen, then known as PVT Glen Cosner, was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge on June 15, 1944 (June 1944 CIB Roster).

During Glen's service with the 506th, the 506th participated in Operation Overlord (D-Day), Operation Market Garden (The Netherlands), and the Battle of the Bulge.

Company I  served alongside Company E, known as Easy Company, made famous through the book and TV series Band of Brothers. On January 13, 1945, Company I and Company E worked together during the Attack on Foy. 

Liberation Route Europe writes: "In difficult weather conditions on 13 January 1945, the 506th PIR attacked Foy, which was still occupied by German troops. Company ‘E’ and ‘I’ were tasked with leading the assault on the village under covering fire to definitively repel the enemy out, once and for all. Despite having to go house-to-house to clear out snipers, Foy was successfully captured with dozens of German soldiers taken prisoner" (The Attack on Foy- 13 January 1945)

Glen was killed in action that day by a gunshot wound to the chest (IDPF). He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his service. 

Legacy and Survivors:


Originally interred at the Hamm Cemetery in Luxembourg, Glen reached his final resting place at the Grafton National Cemetery on July 21, 1948 (National Cemetery Interment Control Form).

PFC Glen Hayward Cosner was survived by his parents and five siblings (two sisters, three brothers). Glen's older brother, PFC Rex Cosner, served in the military (Army) during WWII and Korea and is also a Purple Heart recipient. His younger brother, Keith Cosner, also served in the AAC during WWII.

He is honored on the "Marion County Veterans Killed in Action" Memorial at Veterans Square in Fairmont, WV, and at the  West Virginia Veterans Memorial in Charleston, WV. 

Sources and More Information:

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