Pfc. Edmund John Rowe Jr. was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on November 1, 1924, to Edmund J. Rowe Sr. and Anna Vignola-Rowe, and had a sister and a brother. His family resided at 1625 South 17th Avenue, Maywood, Illinois. His father passed away in 1938. Edmund graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1942, and worked at the Massachusetts Bonding and Insurance Company, Chicago, Illinois.
He registered with Selective Service on December 26, 1942, and named his mother as his contact person. He was inducted into the US Army on April 7, 1943, and was issued the serial number 36 657 722. He trained at Camp Forrest, Tennessee; Camp Laguna, Arizona, July 19, 1943. There he became a member of the Medical Detachment, 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division. He was next at Camp Young, California, August 17, 1943; Camp Phillips, Kansas, December 4, 1943; and finally was sent to Camp Miles Standish, Massachusetts as the 79th Infantry Division prepared to go overseas on April 7, 1944.
The division arrived in Liverpool, England on April 16, 1944, and trained for amphibious landings. The 79th landed on Utah Beach from June 12th to 14th and received time to organize, before it went into combat, on June 19th, in the Battle of Cherbourg, The 79th took part in various battles including the following: La Haye-du-Puits, July 8, 1944; Neufchateau, September 13, 1944; Lunville, September 13, 1944; Embermenil, October 3, 1944. It captured Fremonville on November 19th, and took part in the Battle of Hagenau, France on December 9th. It was on December 9, 1944, that Pfc. Edmund J. Rowe was killed in action when he was hit by shrapnel in his face and abdomen near Weitbrunch, France. He was buried on December 31, 1944, at the United States Military Cemetery, Niederbronn, France, in a shroud, in Plot 0, Row 9, Grave 392, in a wooden coffin.
What is known is that his mother received a telegram from the War Department.
MRS ANNA ROWE
1625 SOUTH 17TH AVENUE
MAYWOOD ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON PRIVATE EDMUND J ROWE HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION SINCE NINE DECEMBER IN FRANCE PERIOD IF FURTHER DETAILS OR OTHER INFORMATION ARE RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIED PERIOD
ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
A letter followed the telegram.
Mrs. Anna Rowe
1625 South 17th Avenue
Maywood, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Rowe:
This letter is to confirm my recent telegram in which you were regretfully informed that your son, Private Edmund J. Rowe, 36 657 722, Infantry, has been reported missing in action since 9 December 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 January 10, 1945.
MRS ANNA ROWE
1625 SOUTH 17TH AVENUE
MAYWOOD ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR ASKS THAT I ASSURE YOU OF HIS DEEP SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR SON PRIVATE EDMUND J ROWE WHO WAS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION REPORT NOW RECEIVED STATES HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION NINE DECEMBER IN FRANCE CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS=
J A ULIO TTHE ADJUTANT GENERAL
His mother next received a letter from the War Department.
Mrs. Anna Rowe
1625 South 17th Avenue
Maywood, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Rowe:
It is with profound regret that I confirm the recent telegrams informing you of the death of your son, Private Edmund J. Rowe, 36 657 722, Infantry, who was previously reported missing in action on 9 December 1944 in France.
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 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.
At some point, Edmund’s rank was corrected to Private First Class. On November 15, 1945, his remains were reburied at the American Military Cemetery, Saint Avold, France, in Pot UU, Row 9, Grave 104. This was done because the American Graves Registration Service was consolidating burials to one permanent location.
His mother received a letter, dated October 7, 1946, telling her where Edmund was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery. She was told another letter about his final burial. Over a year later, a letter dated October 17, 1947, informed her of her options for Edmund’s final burial. She was asked to return an enclosed form, to the Office of the Quartermaster General, Washington DC, indicating where she wanted Edmund buried. The completed form was received by the OQMG on November 25, 1947, indicating that she wanted Edmund buried at an American Military Cemetery overseas.
Pfc. Edmund J. Rowe was buried at the Lorriane American Cemetery, St. Avold, France, in Plot D, Row 14, Grave 15, on December 21, 1945. His mother – who had moved to Texas in December 1947 – since his brother had moved there. She was sent the flag that had covered his casket with a letter.
Pfc. Edmund J. Rowe, ASN 36 657 722
Plot D, Row 14, Grave 15
Mrs. Anna V. Rowe Headstone: Cross
5918 Richmond Avenue St. Avold, U. S. Military Cemetery
Dallas, Texas
Dear Mrs. Rowe:
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 also 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, Washington 25, D. C. Your letter should include the full name, rank, serial number, grave location, and name of the cemetery.
While interment and beautification activities are in progress, the cemetery will not be open to visitors. You may rest assured that this final interment was conducted with fitting dignity and solemnity and that the grave-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
