Pvt. Andrew Joseph Leo was born in Melrose Park, Illinois, on November 15, 1919, to Carl Leo and Josephine Militello-Leo, and had one brother. His family resided at 1406 North 20th Avenue in Melrose Park, and he graduated from Stevenson School and then from Proviso Township High School in 1937. After high school, he worked as a branch manager for the Chicago Herald American newspaper. He registered with Selective Service on July 1, 1941, and named his father as his contact person. On September 3, 1941, he married Ida Orfei, became the father of a daughter, and his family resided at 1318 North 20th Avenue, Melrose Park.
On October 9, 1943, he was inducted in the US Army and given the serial number 36 397 419. It is not know where he did his basic training, but it is known he was assigned to the 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. The 115th Regiment arrived in England in October 1942 and landed on Omaha Beach in the first wave on D-Day at 6:30 am. It is not known if he took part in the landings at Normandy or if he was a replacement since the 29th Division had lost many men during the landings. What is known is the 115th took part in Operation Cobra which was the breakout from Normandy. His regiment took part in the Battle of St. Lo from July 8th to 17th. It was during the battle that Andrew volunteered to carry a message to the 129th’s Headquarters while under heavy fire. Records show he was killed, on July 12, 1944, when he was hit by enemy fire in his back. On July 17, 1944, he was buried in the La Cambe Cemetery, La Cambe, France, in Plot P, Row 9, Grave 89.
At some point, his wife received a telegram from the War Department.
MRS IDA LEO=
1380 NORTH 20TH AVENUE MELROSE PARK IL
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR HUSBAND PRIVATE ANDREW J LEO HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION SINCE TWELVE JULY IN FRANCE IF FURTHER DETAILS OR OTHER INFORMATION ARE RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIFIED=
ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
A letter followed the telegram verifying his status of missing in action. The immediate commanding officers often wrote letters to the families.
Mrs. Ida Leo
1380 North 20th Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Leo:
This letter is to confirm my recent telegram in which you were regretfully informed that your son, Private Andrew J. Leo 36, 397, 419, Infantry, has been reported missing in action since 12 July 1944 in France.
I know that added distress is caused by failure to receive some information or details. Therefore, I wish to assure you that at any time additional information is received it will be transmitted to you without delay, and, if in the meantime no additional information is received, I will again communicate with you at the expiration of three months.
The term “missing in action” is used only to indicate that the whereabouts or status of an individual is not immediately known. It is not intended to convey the impression that the case in closed. I wish to emphasize that every effort is exerted continuously to clear up the status of our personnel. Under war conditions this is a difficult task as you must readily realize. Experience has shown that many persons reported missing in action are subsequently reported prisoners of war, but as this information is furnished by countries with which we are at war, the War Department is helpless to expedite such reports. However, in order to relieve financial worry, Congress has enacted legislation which contains in force pay, allowances and allotments to dependents of the personnel being carried in a missing status.
Permit me to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy during this period of uncertainty.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
J. A. ULIO
Major General
The Adjutant General.
In September 1944, his wife received a telegram from the War Department
MRS IDA LEO
1380 NORTH 20TH AVENUE
MELROSE PARK ILLINOIS
THE SECREATARY OF WAR ASKS THAT I ASSURE YOU OF HIS DEEP SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND PRIVATE ANDREW J LEO WHO PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION REPORT NOW RECEIVED THAT HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION TWELVE JULY IN FRANCE CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS=
J A ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
The telegram was followed by a letter.
Mrs. Ida Leo
1380 North 20th Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Leo:
It is with profound regret that I confirm that recent telegram informing you of the death of your husband, Private Andrew J. Leo, 36 397 419, Infantry, who was previously reported missing in action on 12 July 1944 in France.
An official message has now been received that states that he was killed in action on the date he was previously reported missing in action. Recently provisions were made whereby there will be sent directly to the emergency addressee or the next of kin a letter containing further information about each person who dies overseas in the service of our country, and if this letter has not already been received, it may be expected soon.
I realize the burden of anxiety that has been yours since he was first reported missing in action and deeply regret the sorrow this later report brings you. May the knowledge that he made the supreme sacrifice for his home and country be a source of sustaining comfort.
My sympathy is with you in this time of great sorrow.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
J. A. ULIO
Major General
The Adjutant General.
Another letter was sent to Ida Leo telling her where Andrew was buried.
27 November 1946
Mrs. Ida O. Leo
1318 North 20th Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Leo:
The War Department is most desirous that you be furnished information regarding the burial location of your husband, the late Private Andrew J. Leo, A.S.N. 36 697 419.
The records of this office disclose that his remains are interred in the U. S. Military Cemetery, La Combe, plot F, row 9, grave 89. You may be assured that the identification and interment have been accomplished with dignity and solemnity.
This cemetery is located seventeen miles north of St. Lo, France, and is under the constant care and supervision of the United States military personnel.
The War Department has now been authorized to comply, at Government expense, with the feasible wishes of the next of kin regarding final interment, here or abroad, of the remains of your loved one. At a later date, this office will, without any action on your part, provide the next of kin with full information and solicit his detailed desires.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in your great loss.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
T. B. LARKIN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
A letter, dated July 31, 1947, informed her of where Andrew could be buried. She was asked to fill-out an enclosed form and return it to the OQMG indicating where she wanted Andrew buried. The OQMG received the form, on September 8, 1947, but it was not completely filled- out. In a letter dated November 18, 1947, it was returned to her and she was asked to complete the form. The form was again received by the OQMG on December 8, 1947. This time his wife indicated that she wanted Andrew’s remains to be returned to Illinois.
While this was going on, Andrew’s remains were disinterred, on November 12, 1947, from what was called the United States Military Cemetery, La Cambe, France, and sent to Casketing Point B, Laurent, France. It appears that his casket remained there until April 26, 1948, when his casket was sent to the Port Unit Cherbourg, France, and placed on the USAT Lawrence Victory which sailed the same day. The ship arrived at the New York Port of Entry on May 7th and was sent by train, on May 9th, to the Quartermaster Corps Distribution Center #8, Chicago, arriving on May 11th
In a government hearse, on June 9, 1948, Andrew’s casket was taken, with a military escort, to the Edward Prignano Funeral Home in Melrose Park. That same day, Pvt. Andrew J. Leo was buried for the final time in the Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois, in Section 12, Block 5-B, Grave 6. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Ida Leo would remarry.
