Grouping, A Battery, 519th AAA Gn Bn

Identified to Paul K. Reed #O-1059915

Some personal affairs belonging to Captain Paul K. Reed of A Battery, 519th AAA Gun Battalion. This grouping contains among other things two overseas caps, a copy of 'The Story of Antwerp X', a pocket calendar and several medals, ribbons and rank insignia. The pocket calendar is stamped 'Christmas 1944 – Westerloo'. Inside is another message of gratitude from the people of Westerlo to the liberators. Presumably this was a Christmas gift given by the locals. Also of note is the small letter A on the American Campaign Medal ribbon. This letter A is the 'Atlantic Device' which was authorized to be worn by members of the different branches serving in the Atlantic Fleet between June 22 and December 7, 1941. This was to recognize those that assisted the British war convoys and fought against the German U-boats.

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Capt Paul K. Reed

Paul Kennedy Reed was born on May 21, 1910, in Braddock, Pennsylvania to Elizabeth Kennedy and John S. Reed.

He joined the army as a volunteer (#16068961) and attended Officer Candidate School, receiving his commission as a 2nd Lt with the AAA in September 1943. His first assignment was with the 517th AAA Gun Battalion and in February 1944 he transferred to A Battery, 519th AAA Gun Battalion. On August 12, 1944 he promoted to 1st Lt. while in Blosville, Normandy, France. Promoted to Captain on December 30, 1945.

Paul K. Reed died on February 6, 1985. He was married with Alice Marguerite Reed (1920-1993).