Pfc Ernsberger was born in 1916 in Indiana and was killed in action on Wednesday, June 7, 1944 during the Airborne invasion of Normandy.
Pfc Ernsberger is the son of Howard B Ernsberger [b, 10/05/1884 in Indiana and died May, 1966] a truck farmer and the son of Ruth H Ernsberger [b. 1888 in Indiana and died unknown].
The 1930 US Census for Baugo, Elkhart County, Indiana shows Howard residing with his parents and 5 brothers, William C. [b. 5/9/1908 in IN and died Nov. 1970, a plumber] Wilford L [b. 7/27/1915 in IN and died unknown] Harold B [b. 8/16/1914 in IN and died 4/18/1972] Kenneth A [b. 1924 in IN and died unknown] and Robert [b. 1926 in IN ] and 3 sisters Ruth E [b. 1920 in IN] Kathryn G [b. 1924 in IN] and Mary [b. 1928 in IN].
Pfc Ernsberger enlisted in the Army on March 7, 1942 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN. His enlistment records states Howard was 5’5’’ 125lbs , had completed High school and was single.
Pfc Ernsberger was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the Croix de Guerre Unit Citation [French], the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal, WWII Honorable Service Lapel Button, Parachute Badge.
Pfc Ernsberger is interred at the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France at Plot ‘E’ Row “5’ Grave ‘5’.
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