Memorial 1st Lieutenant Hanford A. Files – 82nd Airborne, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR)

On September 16, 2025, a monument was unveiled in Grave, the Netherlands, in memory of 1st Lieutenant Hanford A. Files. This monument honors his heroic actions on September 17, 1944, during Operation Market Garden.

Hanford A. Files was born on November 17, 1920, in Wahkonsa Township, Webster County, Iowa. He was the son of James R. Files and Anna L. Files, and the brother of Gordon L. Files, Mary N. Files, and Roger B. Files. In 1942, he graduated from the University of California, shortly before entering military service.

He entered active duty on September 23, 1942, and served with E-Company of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. As an officer, he took part in Operation Market Garden. On September 17, 1944, he was killed in action.

For his courage and dedication, he was awarded the Silver Star and posthumously the Purple Heart.

According to accounts, he served as the executive officer and led the main body of E-Company to the hamlet of De Elft along the Bosschebaan. There, a roadblock was established to counter an expected enemy attack from the south.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: RJArmy.nl
• Photos: RJArmy.nl