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 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 Jul 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
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.
There was numerous letters to Ida Leo about Andrew’s personnel effects being returned to her. His wife received another letter from the Office of the Quartermaster General telling her where Andrew was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery. She was also informed that she would be receiving another letter providing her with her options for Andrew’s final burial. 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 in Washington DC 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.
