Image: The 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron in Europe, Dec. 1944
Military Life
Image: 38th Cavalry Crest, Maloney's unit
Image: This is the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron after they landed and fought at Omaha Beach. As Edward V. Maloney never survived the push past Normandy, it is likely he died during one of these battles or a similar one close by (also in Normandy). One of these men could even be Maloney.
Image: Omaha beach as Maloney would have seen it, versus as how it looks in present day.
Edward Maloney enlisted on 14 Feb 1940, where he was assigned to the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in Europe. He died as a Staff Sergeant on 26 Jul 1944. His remains are interred in the Normandy National Cemetary.
Unit History during WWII (up until his death): The 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron played a crucial role in Europe during World War 2, providing intelligence, security, and operational support for the Allied forces. The squadron was activated on November 15, 1942, at Fort Bliss, Texas and trained extensively before heading overseas. In November 1943, the unit was assigned to the 102nd Cavalry Regiment (Mechanized) and the squadron embarked from the New York Port of Embarkation and arrived in Scotland five days later (disembarked at the Firth of Clyde). After months of training in England, the unit landed in France on June 12, 1944, just days after the D-Day invasion. Following their arrival in Normandy, the squadron was attached to the 1st U.S. Infantry Division and tasked with reconnaissance and securing key roads leading out of Caumont. Troop A spearheaded reconnaissance missions and Troop C protected the division's right flank. The unit was vital in identifying enemy positions and ensuring the mobility of the Allied forces as they moved inland. After breaking out from Normandy, the squadron participated in the liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944, and became one of the first American units to enter the city. They continued their advance and reached Belgium on September 4, 1944, Germany on March 30, 1945, and Czechoslovakia in August of 1945. However, these feats occurred following Maloney's death on July 26, 1944. Due to the timing of his death, it is likely Maloney was killed in action during the intense fighting that followed the Allied push beyond Normandy. Before his death, however, he would have been instrumental in operations with the Normandy campaign, securing vital intelligence and maintaining communication between the Allied forces.
Staff Sergeant Responsibilities:
Technical Duties
Leadership and Training
Communication
Logistics
Reconnaissance (gathering intelligence, reports, observations)
Operations
General Equipment issued to Maloney:
M1 Carbine
M1911A1 pistol
M2 1/2-inch grenade
M2 1/4-inch grenade
M1917 trench knife
Standard Army knife
M1916 bayonet
SCR-528
Standard issue equipment
Canteen
Rations
Haversack
First-aid kit
Entrenching tool
Gas mask
Standard issue cavalry boots and hat