Thomas Meehan III
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| Thomas Meehan III | |
|---|---|
| Unknown - 6 June 1944 | |
| Image:Meehan.jpg |
|
| Place of death | Over Cotentin Peninsula, France |
| Years of service | 1943-1944 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Company E 506 P.I.R., 101st Airborne Division |
| Awards | World War II Victory Medal Purple Heart |
Lieutenant Thomas Meehan III was an officer in the United States Army during World War II who commanded Company "E" of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. After serving in Company "B" of that regiment after they arrived in the United Kingdom, Meehan transferred to Company "E" to replace Captain Herbert Sobel, who transferred to command a jump school for divisional officers.
On June 6, 1944, Meehan was killed when the C-47 aircraft he was in was damaged by anti-aircraft fire over the Cotentin Peninsula. The plane crashed, killing the crew and paratroopers aboard, including the entire company headquarters group of Company "E".
Before takeoff on D-Day, Meehan wrote a letter and handed it out the door of the C-47 to be sent to his wife:
Dearest Anne:
In a few hours I'm going to take the best company of men in the world into France. We'll give the bastards hell. Strangely, I'm not particularly scared. But in my heart is a terrific longing to hold you in my arms. I love you Sweetheart-forever. Tom
On June 6, 2000, a memorial was dedicated to Meehan and the other men that were killed when the plane was shot down. [1]
Thomas Meehan is portrayed by actor Jason O'Mara in the TV series Band of Brothers.
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![[1]](http://www.101airborneww2.com/Beuzplaque.jpg){kind=link}