15 Facts About Albert Blithe

Albert Blithe was an American career soldier who served as a private first class with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II.

Albert Blithe served again with the Airborne during the Korean War and was twice decorated for gallantry.

Albert Blithe eventually rose to the rank of Master Sergeant in the Army.

Albert Blithe jumped with the rest of Easy Company into occupied France as part of the massive Airborne invasion; however, when he landed, he found himself lost.

Albert Blithe was joined by a number of other paratroopers who were part of the mis-drops.

Albert Blithe recovered and was part of a patrol investigating a farmhouse a few days later, where he was shot in the collar bone by a sniper.

Albert Blithe recovered from the wound and was awarded a Purple Heart on June 25,1944.

Albert Blithe was released from the Army Hospital October 8,1945, which has been verified by his discharge paperwork at the end of World War II.

Albert Blithe attended the first annual reunion of the 101st Airborne Division Association.

Albert Blithe returned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and started a career with Westinghouse Electric.

Albert Blithe served in Korea with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team where he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for jumping behind enemy lines surrounded by a Chinese battalion.

Albert Blithe was later assigned to the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Taiwan.

On December 10,1967, while on active duty in Germany, Albert Blithe felt nauseated when he returned from a weekend at Bastogne, Belgium, where he had taken part in the ceremonies commemorating the Battle of the Bulge.

On December 11,1967, Albert Blithe was taken to the emergency department at Wiesbaden Hospital, Germany, where he was admitted with a diagnosis of a perforated ulcer.

Albert Blithe was portrayed by actor Marc Warren in the popular HBO series Band of Brothers.