Henefield, George L.

Description

George L. Henefield he was born April 11 1914, in Rye to Bernard and Minnie Langeloh Henefield. In Rye his family lived at 743 Boston Post Road and were members of Christ Church. George attended local schools and was graduated from Rye High in 1934.

Shortly after graduation, he entered the textile industry, beginning a career that would span 25 years and take him to several states Although initially based in Manhattan, he later traveled extensively throughout the north and southeast, working in sales management for various firms

World War II interuppted his career, and he spent 3 1/2 years in the U.S. Army, the first two at a radar station in Delaware Beach, and the last years as an infantryman in the European Theater, serving the 310th Infantry Regiment of the 78th Lightning Division.

SGT. HENEFIELD TOOK FOURTEEN GERMAN PRISONERS ON THE RHINE
Technical Sergeant George L. Henefield of the 310th Infantry Regiment.
won his Bronze Star medal by heroic
action on the Rhine when he captured fourteen prisoners as his contribution to the aggressive assault by
he 78th Lightning Division in its overwhelming push Into Germany on
March 11. The 78th Lightning was
the first infantry division to cross the
Rhine.

Official information from army
headquarters stated that he “led his
platoon and three tanks. In conjunction with an assaulting element on
the opposite Bank, across open ground
to relieve the pressure on another
company pinned down by intense rifle,
automatic weapons and 20 mm antiaircraft gun fire. Despite the entrenched positions and intensive fire,
Technical Sergeant Henefield destroyed eight 20 mm guns, neutralized the
automatic weapons fire, and captured
fourteen prisoners. His fearlessness
and heroic conduct, in accordance
with the highest military traditions,
enabled the company to resume its
advance.”
Friday, May 25, 1945 THE RYE CHRONICLE PAGE THREE

George earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct MedaL He was discharged as a sergeant In October 1945. ,.

Returning from the war George resumed his career in the textile industry. Then, in September 1964, he joined the Rye City administration, succeeding retiring City Clerk Fred Talento.

The soft-spoken, cigar smoking George Henefield remained at City Hall for 13 years, a familiar site at City Council meetings, and a helping hand to the constant stream of people asking for directions and applying for licenses and permits. ” I always thought my room the hub of things” he had said year ago, just before retiring.

Honored at a special retirement brunch, George was cited for his hard work, civic pride, dedication and family loyalty. About 140 city officiats and friends joined in the retirmement. celebration, bestowing him with a silver platter embossed with the Rye seal and a special photo collage of assistants in his office.

George was a former member of the Rye Lions Club, the Rye YWCA board, and Christ’s Church. He also was an avid boater and golfer.

George Henefield former city clerk , died unexpectedly Saturday Mat 17, 1980 in Annapolis MD. He was 66, and had lived on Sonn Drive in Rye for many years before retiring to Maryland nine months ago to live near his daughter and grandchildren.

He was survived by his wife, the former Amelia Squarxini of Maryland; a son, Peter of Sarasota, Fl his daughter Linda Skalet of Bethesda, Md., and two grandchildren.

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88569070/obituary-…