Pfc. Arthur Bayer was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 24, 1924, to John and Pauline Bayer and he had one brother. He grew up in Elmwood Park, Illinois, at 7772 West Elm Grove Drive. Since the suburb was undistracted for high school, he chose to attend Proviso Township High School, Maywood, Illinois, and graduated in 1943. On December 14, 1942, he registered with Selective Service and name his father as his contact person. His family moved to 3124 Earnest Steet, Franklin Park, which was another suburb.
He was inducted into the US Army on June 11, 1943, and trained at Camp Grant, Illinois. His serial number was 36, 670, 256. He was sent to Fort Hood, Texas, where he was assigned to the 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division. The Division was sent to Fort Carson, Colorado, until it was ready to go overseas. At the end of August 1944, the 104th left the United States from Jersey City, New Jersey, and arrived in Cherbourg, France, on September 7, 1944. They remained in Normandy because all the fuel for their trucks was given to General George Patton. When they moved north, the were sent to an area near the border of Belgium and the Holland border and replaced a Polish Division of the 1st Canadian Army and went into combat under Canadian command.
The unit’s first engagement took place in Wuustwezel, Belgium, on October 23, 1944. to November 2, 1944, driving the Germans back to the Mark River in Standderbuiten, Holland. It was stated that the unit lost a great number of men. One reason was when they tried to dig foxholes, the foxholes filled with water, and the Germans were using artillery on them. On November 16th, they took part in the Battle of Stolberg, Germany, and the Battle of Eschweiler, Germany on November 21st. It was said this was a very hard fought engagement and they went from one village to another which the Germans defended fiercely. They also suffered from trench foot.
What is known is that Arthur was part of a scouting party that had been sent ahead of his company that came under fire from a German mortar. Pfc. Arthur Bayer was killed in action near Franz, Germany, on November 26, 1944, when he was hit by shrapnel from a mortar shell. Records show that Arthur was buried on December 10, 1944, in the United States Military Cemetery #1, Henri Chapelle, France. The military, on December 26th, stated that there was enough evidence to confirm that he had died on November 26, 1944. His mother did not receive the telegram informing her that he had been killed in action until December 15, 1944.
PAULINE BAYER
3124 ERNEST STREET FRANKLIN PARK
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEPEST REGRET THAT YOUR SON PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ARTHUR BAYER WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON TWENTY SIX NOVEMBER IN GERMANY LETTER FOLLOWS
ULIO THE ADJUTENT GENERAL
Since Arthur was dead, his father was now his next of kin. A letter, date January 16, 1947, was sent to him the Quartermaster Corps with a picture of the cemetery where he was buried. It also informed him that at a future date, another letter would contain information of his options for Arthur’s final burial. He received the letter, dated March 4, 1947, providing him on where Arthur could be buried. He was asked to fill-out an enclosed form indicating where he wanted Arthur buried. Apparently the first form was not filled out correctly and a second form was sent to his father. The second form was dated April 22, 1947, was returned to the Office of Quartermaster General, Washington DC. His father indicated that Arthur should be buried at an American Military Cemetery.
Pfc. Arthur Bayer was buried at the new United States Military Cemetery, Henri Chapelle, France, on Jul 13, 1948, with full military honors, in Plot A, Row 17, Grave 38. The flag that covered his casket was sent to his father with a letter that was dated September 13, 1948.
Pfc Arthur Bayer, ASN 36 670 256
Plot A, Row 17, Grave 38
Headstone: Cross
Henri-Chapelle U. S. Military Cemetery
Mr. John W. Bayer
3124 Ernst Street
Franklin Park, Illinois
Dear Mr. Bayer
This is to inform you that the remains of your beloved ones have been permanently interred, as the recorded above, side by side with comrades who also gave their lives for their country. Customary military funeral services were conducted over the grave at the time of burial.
After the Department of the Army has completed all final interments, the cemetery will be transferred, as authorized by the Congress, to the care and supervision of the American Battle Monuments Commission. The commission will have the responsibility for permanent construction and beautification of the cemetery, including erection of the permanent headstone. The headstone will be inscribe with the name exactly recorded above, the rank or rating where appropriate, organization, State, and date of death. Any inquiries relative to the type of headstone or the spelling of the name to be inscribed thereon, should be addressed to the American Battle Monuments Commission, the central address of which is 1712 "G" Street, N. W. Washington 25, D. C.
While interment and beautification activities are in progress, the cemetery will not be open to visitors. However, upon completion thereof, due notice will be carried by the press.
You may rest assured that this final interment was conducted with fitting dignity and solemnity and that the graves-site will be carefully and conscientiously maintained in perpetuity by the United States Government.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
THOMAS B. LARKIN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
