Paul Franklin Harkleroad
Rank: Captain
Branch: Army
UT Major/Affiliation: Engineering, 1942
Hometown: Kingsport, TN
- Nov. 29, 1913 – June 6, 1944
- Born in Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee
- Engineering 1942, Graduated in 1942
- Captain Army
- 37th Eng Combat Bn, 5th Engineer Special Brigade. KIA (along with the Bn Cdr and another Capt) at Omaha Beach, Normandy, by a mortar shell as soon as they landed.
- Buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France
Paul Franklin Harkleroad (Nov. 29, 1913 – June 6, 1944) was born in Kingsport in Sullivan County, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1942 with an engineering degree. He enlisted in the United States Army after graduation and served in the rank of Captain for the 37th Engineer Combat Battalion, 5th Engineer Special Brigade. He was killed in action on June 6, 1944, during the invasion of Normandy, D-Day. Captain Harkleroad’s Battalion was tasked with clearing the ramparts and fortifications on Omaha Beach. He and his commanding officer, Lt. Colonel Lionel F. Smith, were struck by enemy mortar fire as they exited their landing craft on the beach. Captain Paul F. Harkleroad is buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France.
