A Corporal Once

About the Book

A Corporal Once is an account of four years, two months, twenty-five days and five and a half hours of military service written to preserve for those coming after him details of his wartime experiences -- in contrast to the almost complete lack of information about the military service of the father and the two grandfathers who preceded him.

Most of his service was with the famous 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion -- .the first USA paratroop  organization to go into action as the leading element in the invasion of North Africa where they  jumped to seize vital airports near Oran, Algeria and Youks les Bains in Tunisa.  Later, to disrupt German traffic and the flow of supplies to the enemy’s front,  the battalion made  parachute drops behind enemy lines during the successful Allied landings at Salerno, Italy.

The battalion was committed as infantry in the mountains south of Rome to secure the left flank of the advancing 45th Division  Again, as infantry it led. the assault landings at Anzio where the Author was seriously enough wounded so as to terminate active duty with the paratroops.  Mr Inglesby was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge  and the Purple Heart.

About the Author

The author was drafted into the Army in 1941 from his birthplace in Philadelphia. He survived a wartime tour through four hard-fought campaigns in Africa and Italy as a paratrooper in the very distinguished 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion. Wounded on the Anzio beachhead in Italy, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. He is married to the former Eileen F. Kennedy, the father of five and the grandfather of thirteen..