T/5 Frank Edward Ruffolo was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on September 23, 1919, to Matteo Ruffalo and Josephine Gentile-Ruffalo and had a sister. His family moved to Maywood, Illinois, where they resided at 170 South Sixth Avenue and his father worked at Hines Hospital. Frank attended Washington School and Garfield School, and graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1939. After high school, he went to Lewis Institute, Chicago, Illinois, which trained engineers.
When the Selective Service Act became law on October 16, 1940, Frank registered for the draft and named his mother as his contact person. He was inducted into the US Army on June 21, 1941, and received the serial number 36 039 073. He did his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. It is also known that he was at Camp Polk, Louisiana. Since he had received specialized training as a medic, on June 1, 1942, his rank was change from private to Technician Fifth Grade. He would have been called corporal but had no authority to command troops. At some point, he became a member of HQ Company, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division. His division fought in North Africa, fought in Italy, and fought in France.
During the Battle of the Bulge, (December 18, 1944 to January 25, 1944) he was credited with capturing three German soldiers. It was reported that on January 8, 1945, that Frank was hit by enemy fire and died at the 3rd Battalion Aid Station. It appears that he had to have his left leg amputated. On January 10, 1945, he was buried in the United States Military Cemetery #1, Henri Chapelle, France, in Plot YY, Row 4, Grave 75. It is not known when his parents were informed of his death.
His father, who was his legal next of kin, received a letter, dated June 25, 1946, telling him where Frank was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery. He was also informed that at a future date he would receive information on his options for Frank’s final burial. The letter with that information was sent to him, on March 4, 1947, by the Office of the Quartermaster General, asking him to fill-out and return an enclosed form indicating where he wanted Frank to be buried. The completed form was received by the OQMG on April 28, 1947, and indicated that Frank should be buried at an American Military Cemetery overseas.
Another letter, dated September 30, 1948, was sent to his father telling that his wishes had been fulfilled and that Tec 5 Frank E. Ruffalo was buried in an American Military Cemetery. He also received the flag that covered Frank’s casket.
Tec. 5 Frank E. Ruffolo, ASN 36 039 073
Plot D, Row 14, Grave 26
Mr. Matteo Ruffolo Headstone: Cross
1707 South 6th Avenue Henri-Chapelle U. S. Military Cemetery
Maywood, Illinois
Dear Mr. Ruffolo:
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
