Frederick Heyliger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Heyliger
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| Nickname(s) | Moose |
| Born | June 23, 1916 Acton, Massachusetts, US |
| Died | November 3, 2001 (aged 85) Concord, Massachusetts, US |
| Buried |
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1947 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | E Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart Military Cross (United Kingdom) |
| Spouse(s) | Mary, Evelyn |
Frederick 'Moose' Heyliger (born 1916, died 2001) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He served during World War II. He was part of a special group called Easy Company. They belonged to the 101st Airborne Division. He helped during important events like D-Day and Operation Market Garden. You might know him from the TV show Band of Brothers. An actor played him in the series.
Early Life
Frederick Heyliger was born in Concord, Massachusetts. When he was young, he worked on a farm. He finished high school in 1937. He also studied at college for three years.
Military Service in World War II
Heyliger joined the Army before his unit left the United States. He was first a leader for a mortar platoon. Later, he became the commander of Easy Company. This happened after Richard Winters moved to a different role.
Heyliger led Easy Company during an important mission. It was called Operation Pegasus on October 23, 1944. During this mission, he helped rescue British soldiers. These soldiers were from the British 1st Airborne Division. They were stuck behind enemy lines. This happened after a big battle called Operation Market Garden.
The rescue mission was a success. They saved 138 British soldiers. For his bravery, Heyliger received the Military Cross from the United Kingdom. A few days later, on October 31, 1944, he was accidentally shot. One of his own men shot him by mistake. This happened while he was on patrol. He was talking with Richard Winters at the time. Heyliger had to have surgery for his injuries. He left the Army in February 1947.
Later Years and Passing
After the war, Heyliger went back home to Massachusetts. He studied at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 1950, he earned a degree in ornamental horticulture. This means he studied how to grow plants and flowers.
Frederick Heyliger passed away on November 3, 2001. He was 85 years old. He died in Concord, Massachusetts. His passing was just one day before the final episode of Band of Brothers aired. He is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts.
