The distinctive unit insignia (DUI) of the 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Division 

Current Rank Badge for a Private First Class

Robert Parks enlisted in Harrisburg on October 21st, 1942, served in the 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division,  trained at Camp Atterberg, Indiana, and rose to the Rank of Private First Class sometime between 1942 and 1944.  As a Private First Class, his main duty was to carry out and follow orders given to him by his commanding officers.  A private of his rank would have most likely carried a rifle, cartridge belt, a haversack, an entrenching tool, a bayonet, and a gas mask.  Additionally, Parks also carried some hygiene products, a wrist watch, and a ring.

 

Rank Badge For a Private First Class during WWII

Newspaper clipping about Robert coming to visit while training at Camp Atterberg

His regiment departed New York for England on April 6th, 1944, where they ended up being used in the invasion of Normandy.  They landed on Omaha Beach on Jun 23rd and started their attack on July 4th. 

They attacked continuously for 23 days fighting from Normandy to the Edle River.  Unfortunately, in the midst of the attack, Robert was injured and died on the 22nd of July, 1944.  He was interned at The U.S Military Cemetery, block M, row 3, grave 59, in Sainte. Mere Eglise, and at the request of his wife was buried in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

All Photos taken of the 330th Infantry at and on their way to Normandy