Niland brothers

The Niland brothers were four American brothers of Irish descent from Tonawanda, New York, serving in the military during World War II. Of the four, two survived the war, but for a time it was believed that only one, Frederick "Fritz" Niland, had survived. After the reported deaths of his three brothers, Fritz was sent back to the United States to complete his service and only later learned that his brother Edward, missing and presumed dead, was actually captive in a Japanese POW camp in Burma. Steven Spielberg's 1998 film Saving Private Ryan is loosely based on the brothers' story.

There were also two sisters: Clarissa Marie Niland (February 15, 1910 - January 25, 1996), and Margaret Niland (1916 - 1986). Clarissa was the oldest of the six Niland siblings and, as typical during the time, played a strong role in raising her younger siblings. The loss of her brothers was devastating to her and greatly affected her. She became a nurse at the local DeGraff Memorial hospital and was well-liked by all that met her. While she never married or had children of her own, she was affectionately known as "Aunt Clarie" by many and shared stories of her brothers and family until her passing in 1996. Margaret married Stuart McRae and had one son.

Preston T. Niland's grave marker at the American Cemetery near Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France.

Robert J. Niland lies next to his brother Preston in the American Cemetery.

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