Glenn Mason West was born April 26, 1922 in Cullman County Alabama. In October 1943, at the age of 20, West enlisted in the United States Army and served during World War II with Company A, 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division. Before leaving for the war in Europe, he married Ruth Lovelace.
When he enlisted, Glenn and Ruth were living in Florence and had started a family. They had a daughter, Peggy Sue. He was working at Reynolds Alloy Company at the time, according to his draft card.
On September 18, 1944, the 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion faced German armored forces in the Battle of Arracourt in the town of Arracourt, Lorraine, France. The battle lasted for 11 days and was a fierce tank battle.
On day eight of the battle, historian Arnold Blumberg writes, “The 11th Panzer Division made a minor attack from Moyenvic. Larger assaults were at Juvelize, Lezey and Ley. By this time, the 4th Armored Division was in the process of shortening its defensive line by pulling back to Rechicourt-Arracourt.” The fighting continued on September 26 despite bad weather as the two sides exchanged artillery fire.
On September 26, 1944, PFC Glenn M. West was wounded in action and died in Lorraine, France. He was buried in France until his body was able to return to Cullman County in October of 1948. West is now buried in Fairview West Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. He is also honored on the World War II monument at Veterans Memorial Park in Cullman.
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