More About Harry E Sutton, My Step Grandmother's First Husband
Members of the 555th (Triple Nickel) Parachute Infantry Battalion are
briefed before takeoff from Fort Dix in New Jersey in 1947
Image courtesy of the National Archives
Image courtesy of the National Archives
Okay, so if you missed my post about my step grandmother Vadnie Harrison, you may want to go back and read that one first. Here's the link: And Then...That Was When I Felt It.
Vadnie was married to a Harry Earl Sutton before she married my maternal grandfather Lemuel Harrison. Sadly, my grandmother became a widow when Harry died in the Korean War. Let's take a look at some of the things I found on Harry.
Images courtesy of Ancestry.com
Now when I came across this I said "Say what?!" He was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army back in 1951. That's extraordinary! I realized this guy was a real hero, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I had to know more so I did some Googling.
I came across something on Wikipedia next. This was listed under the history of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (United States):
It turns out that Harry was a member of "The Triple Nickles", an all black parachute battalion. You can learn more about the battalion's history if you visit this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/555th_Parachute_Infantry_Battalion_(United_States)
Take a look at this excerpt from the Wikipedia entry:
Disbandment
On 22 August 1950 the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion was disbanded. Many of its former members later fought in the Korean War, in other units. First Lieutenant Harry Sutton, one of the battalion's former officers, died leading a rearguard action during the Hungnam Evacuation and was decorated posthumously with the Silver Star.
I've been all over the internet today trying to see if I would be lucky enough to find a picture of Harry, to see if my mother's description of him was somewhat accurate. She told me that he reminded her of Harry Belafonte. Well, I found a picture!
Tell me what you think? Do you think my mother's description was accurate.
To see a picture of Harry Sutton and to learn more about the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalian, click on this link: http://www.metroherald.com/metroherald.data/SmartObjects/PDF%20files/02-17-06%20archive.pdf
I came across something on Wikipedia next. This was listed under the history of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (United States):
It turns out that Harry was a member of "The Triple Nickles", an all black parachute battalion. You can learn more about the battalion's history if you visit this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/555th_Parachute_Infantry_Battalion_(United_States)
Take a look at this excerpt from the Wikipedia entry:
Disbandment
On 22 August 1950 the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion was disbanded. Many of its former members later fought in the Korean War, in other units. First Lieutenant Harry Sutton, one of the battalion's former officers, died leading a rearguard action during the Hungnam Evacuation and was decorated posthumously with the Silver Star.
I've been all over the internet today trying to see if I would be lucky enough to find a picture of Harry, to see if my mother's description of him was somewhat accurate. She told me that he reminded her of Harry Belafonte. Well, I found a picture!
Tell me what you think? Do you think my mother's description was accurate.
To see a picture of Harry Sutton and to learn more about the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalian, click on this link: http://www.metroherald.com/metroherald.data/SmartObjects/PDF%20files/02-17-06%20archive.pdf
Very sweet of you to honor Mr. Sutton Andrea! What honorable service to pay tribute to. And Grandma got it right -- Mr. Harry was a cutie!:)
ReplyDeleteYes he was a cutie and a very brave man! Thanks for your kind comments.
DeleteGreat find in the article and picture!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteStephani
Yes indeed! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteA great read Andrea! I really enjoy your blog :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Cecelia!
DeleteGreat Piece of History that needs to be told more. This was great! We Army Folks hold the "Triple Nickel" with Great Regard!
ReplyDeleteI am just amazed at the folks that I have found in my family. So much history in family history. I wish I could go back in time now and talk to my grandmother and ask her about Harry..
DeleteHow sweet it would have been had Harry been asked to star in a movie mad of his life.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great movie.
DeleteYes, I agree with your mother that your Harry has a similar look to Harry Belafonte. 2nd Lt. Harry Sutton has a charming smile.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by LindaRe :)
DeleteI think he looks better than Harry . . . I'm just saying! Wonderful find and coverage about your step-grandfather! I hope that you will be adding him to the Honor Wall in celebration of Veteran's Day Monday!
ReplyDeleteYes Liv, you're right, I think he looks better than Mr. Belafonte. I have to add his information to the Honor Wall. Thanks for the suggestion.
DeleteWow, Andrea! You’re quite lucky to have a few veterans that you can call family! And seeing how you honor your step grandmother's first husband is amazing. I wish people will come across your blog more, so they can also have a chance to get a glimpse of their own heritage, and see if they too have veterans in their lineage. I hope to read more from you. Good day!
ReplyDeleteBrad Post @ JanDils.com
Thanks for your kind comment and for stopping by to read my blog! It's important to honor those who have come before us.
Delete