Drexel Fay Quattlebaum
Drexel Fay Quattlebaum was born April 28, 1925 in Cullman County. His parents were W. M. and Etta Mae (Thornton) Quattlebaum of Cullman. By the age of 18, Drexel was living in Nashville. The talented musician was working for the Milo Twins at WSM in Nashville when he enlisted on July 14, 1943.
Quattlebaum served during World War II with the 66th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division. A letter addressed to his mother from the Division’s chaplain stated, “His company was attacking a fortified position. His platoon bravely crossed an open field in the face of the artillery and small arms fire. One of his squad saw him hit by artillery with death coming instantly. The company was forced back and it was impossible to carry the dead. When the enemy was driven back, your son’s grave was found. Evidently the kind hands of the French civilians had carefully buried him and kept the grave decorated. However, on 10 April 1945, he was removed to the United States Military Cemetery at Bensheim, Germany to rest with his comrades. May God’s guidance be yours.”
The body of Drexel Quattlebaum arrived home in August of 1948 and a service was held for him at the home of his parents. He was just 19 at the time of his death in France. He received the Purple Heart and he is now buried in the Cullman City Cemetery. Quattlebaum is also honored at Cullman’s Veterans Memorial Park.
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