Description
He is considered to be the last member of the United States Armed forces to be killed in combat in Europe. He was on reconnaissance patrol in what was then Czechoslovakia on May 7, 1945 when he and his comrades were ambushed. The gunfire from the concealed German positions killed Private Havlat only minutes after a cease fire order had been implement, which both the American patrol and the German soldiers were unaware of. Only a few hours after the ambush Germany formally surrendered unconditionally to the Allied Forces, ending World War II in Europe.
He was posthumusly awarded a Purple Heart Medal.
Details of AoW
- Operation Overlord
- Battle of Huertgen Forest
- Battle of the Bulge
Links
- https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55869619/charley-havlat
- https://www.fold3.com/page/529887775-charley-havlat
Photos
Charles Havlat
Personal information
| Other names | Charley |
| Gender | Man |
| Date of Birth | 11/10/1910 |
| Date of Death | 05/07/1945 |
| Place of Birth | Dorchester, Saline County, NE |
| Place of Death | Vimperk, Czech republic |
| Immigration | Born to at least one Czech-born parent. |
| Could speak Czech | Not identified |
| Parents | Anton Merkut Havlat and Antonia (Nemec) Havlat |
Military information
| Area of War | Europe |
| Rank | Pfc. |
| Branch | Army |
| Detail of Service | 803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion |
| Killed in action | |
| Award |