Sgt. Bernard Frank Rossi was born in Melrose Park, Illinois, on November 21, 1921, to Frank C. Rossi and Michelina Maeillard-Rossi, and had three sisters. His family resided at 810 North 18th Avenue in Melrose Park, and graduated from Melrose Park School, and later from Proviso Township High School in 1939. After high school, he worked at the American Can Company, Maywood, Illinois.
Bernard registered with Selective Service on February 16, 1942, and named his father as his contact person. He was inducted into the US Army on September 25, 1942, and issued the serial number 36 376 529. It is not known where he did his basic training, but what is known is that at various times he trained at Camp Livingston, Louisiana, at Camp Gordon, Georgia, and in West Virginia. At some point, he was assigned to A Company, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. The division left the United States on October 8, 1943, and arrived in South Wales where it trained.
The 28th Infantry Division left England on July 22, 1944, and landed in Normandy and very quickly was involved in Operation Cobra which was the breakout from the Normandy beaches. The division fought its way through the hedgerows on July 28th, and fought its way through the towns of Percy, Montbray, Montguoray, Gathemo by August 1944. It was on August 5, 1944, that Sgt. Bernard F. Rossi received a gunshot wound to his head that killed him. He was buried on August 6, 1944, at the United States Armed Forces Cemetery #1, Marigny, France. Apparently, Bernard had been promoted to sergeant, but the paperwork had not been processed. On the initial communication between the military and his family, he was referred to as private first class.
His mother received a telegram from the War Department.
MRS MICHELINA ROSSI
4146 ELGIN AVENUE
FOREST PARK ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BERNARD F ROSSI HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION SINCE FIVE AUGUST IN EUROPEAN AREA PERIOD IF FURTHER DETAILS OR OTHER INFORMATION ARE RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIED PERIOD
ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
A telegram was followed by a letter.
Mrs. Michelina Rossi
4146 Elgin Avenue
Forest Park, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Rossi:
This letter is to confirm my recent telegram in which you were regretfully informed that your son, Private First Class Bernard F. Rossi, 36 376 529, infantry, has been reported missing in action since 2 October 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. Also, it is the policy of the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces upon receipt of the “Missing Air Crews Report” to convey to you any details that might be contained in that report.
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.
His status as missing in action was terminated on November 1, 1944, when the Quartermaster Corps received additional information showing he was dead.
MRS MICHELINA ROSSI
4146 ELGIN AVENUE
FOREST PARK ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR ASKS THAT I ASSURE YOU OF HIS DEEP SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR SON. PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BERNARD F ROSSI WHO WAS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION REPORT NOW RECEIVED STATES HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION FIVE AUGUST IN FRANCE CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS=
J A ULIO TTHE ADJUTANT GENERAL
A confirmation letter followed.
Mrs. Michelina Rossi
4146 Elgin Avenue
Forest Park, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Rossi:
It is with profound regret that I confirm the recent telegram informing you of the death of your son, Private First Class Bernard F. Rossi, 36, 376, 529, Infantry, who was previously reported to be missing in action on 5 August 1944 in Europe.
An official message has now been received which 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 realized the burden of the 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
At some point, the Quartermaster Corps corrected his rank to sergeant.
Since Bernard was dead, his father became his next-of-kin. He received a letter telling him where Bernard was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery. Another letter arrived, dated October 27, 1947, telling him of his options for Bernard’s final burial. He was asked to fill-out and return an enclosed form indicating where he wanted his son buried. The form was received by the Office of the Quartermaster General, Washington DC, on November 8, 1947, and indicated that Bernard should be buried at an American Military Cemetery overseas.
On July 1, 1948, Sgt. Bernard F. Rossi’s casket was moved from the temporary cemetery in Marigny, France, to the Brittany American Cemetery, Saint James, France, and buried in Plot F, Row 8, Grave 1. His father was sent another letter dated March 28, 1949.
Sgt Bernard F. Rossi, ASN 36 376 529
Plot F, Row 8, Grave 10
Mr. Frank C. Rossi Headstone: Cross
810 North 18th Avenue St. James (France) U. S. Military Cemetery
Melrose Park, Illinois
Dear Mr. Rossi:
This is to inform you that the remains of your beloved one 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. Your letter should include the full name, rank, serial number, grave location, and name of the cemetery.
While interments and beautification activities are in progress, the cemetery will not be open to visitors. You may be rest assured that this final interment was conducted with fitting dignity and solemnity and that the grave-site will be care-fully and conscientiously maintained in perpetuity by the United States Government.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
W. FELDMAN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
