Robert Joseph Cole was born on January 26, 1926 in Traverse City, Michigan and raised there as the son of the late Dward D. (1892-1984) and Clarabell (Potrafka) Cole (1899-1938). He married Cora Elenor Sheffer (1928-2010) on December 21, 1944. He lived in Traverse City when he enlisted the service (#36989760). The After Action Reports from May 1945, listed him as recipient of the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action and disregard for personal safety displayed on April 6, 1945 in Germany. At that time, Company G was attacking over open and rolling terrain, alternating the 1st and 3rd Platoons as resistance was met advanced through the town of Schwalenburg at 0800 against light resistance and then proceeded through the heavy woods on the East of Rischenau to assist Co. E in the capture of the town. At 0800 the motorized 2nd Platoon attacked and captured Kannade. In the afternoon the company rejoined Task Force Ritchie and moved to the town of Hohe against a few fanatical enemy, a distance of 54 kilometers. There they captured 2 and killed 7 Germans. During this drive the troops rarely got more than three hours sleep a night, sometime less.

After the war Robert Cole, together with his brother owned a business called Cole Brothers on 8th Street, in Traverse City, Michigan. The business was a John Deere dealership and was located where Brick Wheels is today.

Robert Cole passed away on September 5, 1995 and is burried at the Solon Township Cemetery, Solon, Leelanau County, Michigan.

If somebody has some more information on Robert J. Cole, please don't hesitate to contact me!!

Sources:
After Action Reports, 331st Inf.Div. on 83rdinfdivdocs.org
www.findagrave.com
www.ancestry.com