Vincent O'Donnell

Vincent O'Donnell, 92, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Evans Memorial Hospital. He was born in Mendes, Georgia April 5, 1921 to Charles Edward and Bertha Waters O'Donnell and lived here all of his life. Mr. O'Donnell was a U.S. Army Veteran and served with the 28th Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division in World War II. During intense combat on July 12, 1944 he was described as carrying out a "one man war" against German defenders near a bridge over the Ay River which was vital for U.S. armored division to attack in Northern France.
During the action where every man in his machine section had been killed or wounded, Sgt. O'Donnell picked up the machine gun and cradled it in the crook of his left arm and brought fire on the German position. When he ran out of ammunition he continued the attack with his
M-1 Rifle and had grenades. His frontal assault killed two of the German machine crew that had decimated his platoon, and if forced the others to withdraw. During the fight, two bullets went through his shirt sleeve and ripped through his jacket at his shoulders. A month later he was wounded and evacuated to England. He returned to his outfit weeks later and continued the advance into Germany.
He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry for the Ay River action. He was told at the time that he was being recommended for the Medal of Honor and many familiar with his military record believe he had earned that medal. His medals included the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Good Conduct, Purple Heart, European, African, and Middle Eastern Campaign Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation, four Bronze Stars and the Silver Star. He also received the Croix de Guerre Braid and Jubilee of Liberty from the French Government.
Sgt. Vincent O'Donnell was a living definition of Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation". Like so many of his contemporaries, he simply returned home after the war and quietly focused on making a living and providing for his family. He was employed civil service at Ft. Stewart for many years and in the construction industry as a carpenter. He was a member of V.F.W. Post # 8379 and Harmony United Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Edra O'Donnell Brown.
He is survived by, Wife of 66 years, Ruth Adkins O'Donnell of Glennville, Georgia
Son and Daughter and law, Martin and Sharon O'Donnell of Glennville, Georgia
3 Grandchildren, Tracy (Al) Danner, Tammy (David) DeLoach all of Glennville, Erica (Robert) Croft of Orlando, Florida, 5 Great Grandchildren several nieces and nephews also survive.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM, Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the Chapel of Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home with Rev. Ramon Hernandez officiating. Burial will be in Harmony United Methodist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.
Pallbearers: Jerry Branch, Adair Branch, Mike Durrence, Merrell Durrence, Joey Waters, Jeff O'Donnell