Harold Oscar Poulter (23) of Charleston

Harold Oscar Poulter, age 23, of Charleston, IL. was killed in action on February 8, 1945, in Biesdorf, Germany.

A public graveside service with full Military Rites will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday June 4, 2024, in the Janesville Cemetery. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup is assisting the family.

Harold was born on October 17, 1921, in Charleston, IL, the son of Rowe and Bessie Poulter. Harold had four sisters and two brothers: Harley Poulter, Mary Jane, Jean, Helen, Louise, and Jay Poulter.

Survivors include nieces Lynn Graves, Jewel Byrum, Lana Lee; nephews Olin Harley “Bub” Cline, Kenny Poulter, and Bud Decker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, nieces and nephew Mary Moreno, Pam Poulter and Jim Poulter.

Private Harold O. POULTER, service number 35457594, served with Company G, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in the European Theater during the Second World War. Historians at the DPAA report that on 8 February 1945, Private POULTER was killed in action near Biesdorf, Germany. An officer for the regiment submitted a report stating that Private POULTER died by small arms fire after being engaged by enemy forces from an elevated position. A soldier from his unit also witnessed his death. Despite subsequent recovery efforts, his remains were not accounted for during or after the war. Harold was awarded the following medals: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct, American Campaign, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory, Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award, and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.

The family of Harold Poulter, in sincere appreciation, would like to thank the Barkley Funeral Chapel, Doric Products in Marshall, and Rex Vault in Newton for donating their services and stainless-steel Athenian Burial Vault. Online condolences can be expressed by clicking here.