Find A Grave photo courtesy of Eric White

Remember... Eston Cameron Kuhn 1921-1944 "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt

Eston Cameron Kuhn was born May 27, 1919, in Bim, Boone County, West Virginia. Eston was the son of Ernest Minnis Kuhn (1893- 1979) and Nora Belle Vance Kuhn (1900-1976). He had five siblings: Lester Douglas Kuhn (1918-1991), Elson Merrill Kuhn (1921-2003), Velmer Dallas Kuhn (1926-1977), Gene Kuhn (1928-2009), and Darlene Kuhn McKenzie (1930-2021) and one half-sibling, Fairy Kuhn Workman (1912-1990).

Bim is an unincorporated community and coal town in Boone County, West Virginia. It is about 12 miles southeast of Madison. The community was named after Bim Gump, a cartoon character. Eston graduated from Van High School in 1936. He then married Bertie Maxine Totten on August 20, 1942.

Among their mementos is the program from Eston's high school graduation, 1936. Courtesy Kuhn family

World War II started September 1, 1939, and continued through September 2, 1945. Eston served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was a second lieutenant in the unit 434th Troop Carrier Group, 71st Squadron. His service ID was 0-683029.

A vintage poster was created by French artist DOZ for all ABMC cemeteries and five monuments and memorials to mark ABMC's centennial. Courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission

On June 6, 1944, Eston was killed in action in Normandy, France, during the largest invasion of the war. Despite the losses, the invasion led the way for the Allies to win the war. He is buried at Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-James, Departement de la Manche, Basse-Normandie, France, Plot M, Row 4, Grave 7.

Eston Kuhn is my first cousin, three times removed. George Calvin Coon is my third great grandfather and was his grandfather. I am proud to be related to a West Virginia veteran who fought during the wars of their time. Since June 6, 1944, we will always remember the veterans who lost their lives and remember it as D-Day. Eston was awarded the Air Medal and the Purple Heart.

Article prepared by Caroline Kuhn
February 2024

Honor...

West Virginia Archives and History welcomes any additional information that can be provided about these veterans, including photographs, family names, letters and other relevant personal history.

Veterans Memorial Database

West Virginia Veterans Memorial

West Virginia Archives and History