Sgt. Albert August Semper was born in Forest Park, Illinois, on December 30, 1923, to Helmuth E. Semper and Lila J. Mary Lawrence-Semper and had two sisters and two brothers. One sister died as a child. His family resided at 1529 South Elgin Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois. Albert graduated from Field-Stevenson School and Proviso Township High School in 1941.
He registered with Selective Service on June 26, 1942, named his father as his contact person, and stated he worked at a drug store. Knowing that he would be drafted, he enlisted in the Army on November 23, 1942. He was issued the serial number 16 147 553. He did his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. What is known that he trained with tanks. It is not known when, but he was assigned to D Company, 191st Tank Battalion, 34th Infantry Division as a replacement.
What is known is that he fought in Italy and took part in the Anzio Landings in January 1944. which was said to be a living nightmare because the German shelled the beach head day and night. After the breakout from Anzio, the 191st was pulled out of the battle and began training for Operation Dragoon which was the code name for the invasion of southern France on August 15, 1944. During this time, Albert rose in rank to sergeant and became at tank commander.
On October 16, 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyere, France, while he was standing in the open turret of his tank drinking tea, a shell burst over his tank killing him. It was reported he had a penetrating shell fragment wound to his chest. Records indicate he was buried in Plot E, Row 2, Grave 592 in the United States Military Cemetery, Epinal, France.
On November 2, 1944, his father received a telegram from the War Department.
MR HELMUTH SEMPER
7446 MADISON STREET
FOREST PARK ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON SERGEANT ALBERT M SEMPER HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION SINCE SIXTEEN OCTOBER IN FRANCE PERIOD IF FURTHER DETAILS OR OTHER INFORMATION ARE RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIED PERIOD
ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
Another telegram arrived around December 22, 1944.
MR HELMUTH SEMPER
7446 MADISON STREET
FOREST PARK ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR ASKS THAT I ASSURE YOU OF HIS DEEP SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR SON SERGEANT ALBERT M SEMPER WHO WAS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION REPORT NOW RECEIVED STATES HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION SIXTEEN OCTOBER IN FRANCE CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS=
J A ULIO TTHE ADJUTANT GENERAL
The content of the confirmation letter is not known. It also should be noted that the wrong middle initial was used. This was corrected at some point.
A letter was sent to his father on October 16, 1946, telling him where Albert was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery. He was also informed that another letter would arrive asking him about where he wanted Albert buried. That letter, dated July 15, 1947, arrived from the Officer of the Quartermaster General, Washington DC, telling him of his options for Albert’s final burial. He was asked to complete an enclosed form and return it to the OQMG indicating where he wanted Albert buried. The form was not returned until the Red Cross contacted Helmut Semper. When the form was received on March 30, 1948, it indicated that Albert should be buried in a American Military Cemetery overseas.
Sgt. Albert A. Semper was exhumed and buried in a new grave at the US Military Cemetery, Epinal, France. His father received the flag that covered Albert’s casket and a letter.
Sgt Albert A. Semper, ASN 16 147 553
Plot F, Row 8, Grave 10
Mr. Helmuth E. Semper Headstone: Cross
7446 Madison Street Epinal U. S. Military Cemetery
Forest Park, Illinois
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, 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)
THOMAS W. LARKIN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
