Pvt. Joseph Sarny was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 8, 1920, to Rocco Sarny and Amelia Granato-Sarny, and had a sister and two brothers. The family resided at 421 West Madison Street, Maywood, Illinois. He graduated from Emerson School and attended Proviso Township High School for three years. At the end of his junior year, his family moved to Los Angeles, California, and resided at 430 East Avenue 28. He did not finish high school and went to work as an automotive mechanic at Harry Seeley’s Auto Service in Los Angeles.
He registered with Selective Service on October 16, 1940, when the draft act became law and named his mother as his contact person. On May 11, 1944, he was drafted into the army and gave his address as 3006 Johnston Avenue, Los Angeles. What is known about his army training is he was at Fort McArthur, California, and received the serial number 36 585 613. He was sent overseas, where he was assigned to Company E, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. When he joined his unit, it appears to have been fighting in Belgium and then Luxembourg.
On December 3, 1944, Pvt. Joseph Sarny was killed in action near Hutenwald, Germany, when he was hit by shrapnel. He was buried in the United States Military Cemetery #1, Henri Chapelle, in Plot FF, Row 5, Grave 95. His parents received a telegram from the War Department.
His mother received a telegram from the War Department.
MRS AMELIA SARNY
3006 JOHNSTON AVENUE
LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON PRIVATE JOSEPH SARNY HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION SINCE THREE 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. His status as missing in action was terminated on December 20, 1944, when the Quartermaster Corps received additional information showing he was dead. His parents were not informed of his death until February 26, 1945.
MRS AMELIA SARNY
3006 JOHNSTON AVENUE
LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
THE SECRETARY OF WAR ASKS THAT I ASSURE YOU OF HIS DEEP SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR SON. PRIVATE JOSEPH SARNY 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. Amelia Sarny
306 Johnston Avenue
Los Angeles, California
Dear Mrs. Sarny:
It is with profound regret that I confirm the recent telegrams informing you of the death of your son, Private Joseph Sarny, 36 585 613, Infantry, who was previously reported missing in action on 3 December 1944 in Germany.
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.
Since Joseph’s death had been confirmed, his father was considered his next of kin. All communication from the Office of the Quartermaster General was now addressed to him. On June 16, 1946, Rocco Sarny received a letter from the OQMG telling him where Joseph was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery. He was informed that in another letter he would received information about Joseph’s final burial. That letter, dated March 4, 1947 was sent to him but was discovered he had moved. It appears that contact was not reestablished with him until March 1949.
The same letter sent in March 1947, was sent again on June 9, 1949. In it Joseph’s father was provided information on his options for his son’s final burial. He was asked to fill-out and return an enclosed form, to the Office of the Quartermaster General, Washington DC, indicating where he wanted Joseph buried. The completed for was received by the OQMG indicating that Joseph should be buried in an American Military Cemetery Overseas. As it turned out, the American Graves Registration Service had been consolidating the dead into major US Cemeteries. The cemetery Joseph had been buried in became the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery. It appears that his remains were casketed and buried in a new grave at the cemetery. His father was sent the flag that covered his casket and a letter.
Pvt Joseph Sarny, ASN 39 585 613
Plot G, Row 1, Grave 60
Headstone: Cross
Henri-Chapelle (Belgium)
U. S. Military Cemetery
Mr. Roco Sarny
5723 Merdian Street
Highland Park, California
Dear Mr. Sarny:
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)
H. FELDMAN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
