PRIVATE FIRST CLASS FRANK SOUZA, JR., MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: March 8, 1926 (New Bedford, MA) – February 24, 1945; 18 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 85 Fulton Street, Bridgeport
ENLISTMENT: January 14, 1944, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 556754
UNIT: Company I, 3rd Battalion, 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0746, Automatic Rifleman

FAMILY: Son of Frank Sr. (1876-1964) and Joaquina “Rose” Souza (1886-1972), both born in Portugal. Youngest of three children. Siblings were Arminda Souza Tabarda (1910-1980), Amelia Souza Gosmes (1911-?), Anna (1914-1985), and Alice Souza Esteves (1919-1973). 1

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in Spring 1944. Infantry training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in the Summer of 1944. His final assignment was to the 3rd Marine Division, 21st Marines, 3rd Battalion, Company I. Frank Souza Jr. of Bridgeport was on all of the same Muster Rolls as Walter Sokoli. They ended up in the same company in the 3rd Marines and were both killed on the same day. 3 The nature of PFC Souza’s wounds is unknown. 2

The photo is attached to PFC Souza’s headstone.

From The Bridgeport Telegram June 10, 1948

Military services for Private First Class Frank Souza Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Souza Sr., of 85 Fulton Street, who was killed in action on February 24, 1945, on Iwo Jima while serving with the U.S. Marines, will take place Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the Richards Funeral Home, 439 Washington Avenue, and at 10 o’clock in St Raphael’s Church. Burial will be in Saint Michael’s Cemetery. Private First Class Souza attended Washington grade school and was a graduate of Central High School. He had been employed at the Burritt Lumber Company and was a member of the Vasco DiGama club. In addition to his parents, he is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Arminda Taborda, Mrs. Alice Esteves, and Miss Anna Souza.

Initially interred in the 3rd Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Row 19, Grave 468. At his father’s request, his remains were repatriated and buried on June 12, 1948, in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 2206 Stratford Avenue, Stratford, Connecticut; Section 11, Lot 309B, Grave 1. 2 Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

Private August Porco, killed in action in the Battle of Iwo Jima on March 10, 1945, is buried just one plot away from PFC Souza.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
3 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE ALDO LOUIE SORCINELLI; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: September 8, 1925 (Saranac Lake, NY) – March 13, 1945; 19 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
ENLISTMENT: May 30, 1944, in Albany, New York
SERVICE NUMBER: 983042
UNIT: Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0746; Automatic Rifleman 5
NOTE: There is no evidence that shows Private Sorcinelli ever lived in Connecticut. His sister Mary and her husband, Joseph Bargnesi, lived at 300 Jefferson Avenue, New London, Connecticut. It’s likely that Private Sorcinelli was added to the Iwo Jima Monument in Connecticut because of a request from his sister, Mary.

FAMILY: Only son of Italian-born parents Giovanni “John” (1886-1950) and Giovanna “Jennie” Sorcinelli (1891-1969). One sister, Maria “Mary” Theresa Sorcinelli Bargnesi (1912-2003). 1 Mary was the Superintendent of Norwich Free Academy. Worked at the Adirondack Daily Enterprise newspaper before the service. 2

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in the Summer of 1944. Assigned to the 17th Replacement Draft after infantry training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His final assignment to the 4th Marine Division, 24th Marines, 1st Battalion came in January 1945. 8 Died of multiple wounds to the face and chest. 6 Private Sorcinelli was in the same company as PFC Lorrin Lane of Norwalk and Private Karl Watcke of Bridgeport. Private Sorcinelli and Private Lane died on the same day, and Private Watcke died 12 days prior.

OTHER: Served in the New York Army National Guard, 6th Regiment, Company L, December 29, 1942 – June 7, 1944. Received an honorable discharge to enter the Armed Forces.

Saranac Lake High School, Class of ’43. Contributed by Michele Tucker, Curator, Adirondack Research Room (ARR), Saranac Lake Free Library.

Saranac Lake High School, Class of ’43. Safety patrol. Contributed by Michele Tucker, Curator, Adirondack Research Room (ARR), Saranac Lake Free Library.

From Ancestry.com, taken in May 1944. 3

From The Enterprise Tuesday, April 8, 1945

Pvt. Aldo Sorcinelli of this village has died of wounds received in action in the Battle of Iwo Jima, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Sorcinelli of 17 James Street, were notified this morning.

Pvt. Sorcinelli, who was fighting with the Marines, was the first Saranac Lake serviceman killed in the Iwo Jima operations. The War Department telegram merely stated that he had died of wounds received in action and that a letter would follow with details.

Pvt. Sorcinelli left Saranac Lake on May 29, 1944, for service with the Marines. He trained at Parris Island, S.C., and Camp Lejeune, New River, N.C.

On completion of his training, he was ordered to join combat troops overseas and, last November left this country for the Pacific Theater of War. The battle of Iwo Jima was the first action in which this Marine had engaged.

He is the third member of the newspaper staff to lose his life in World War II. Pvt. Alfred Vaughn, Jr., was killed in action in Italy, and Seaman Carl Blumenthal died of a virus infection while at his base in Philadelphia, PA.

I used to deliver some of those telegrams by bicycle after school, as did my pal Manny Bernstein. However, thank God, I never had to deliver one where the parents had not already been notified by telephone.

There was then a full-time Western Union Telegraph Company (adjacent today to the Blue Line Sports Shop) office at 90 Main St., operated by Thomas Leahy.

From an unknown newspaper, but likely the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Private Aldo L. Sorcinelli of Saranac Lake lost his life in action while fighting on Iwo Jima with the Marines. He had been in the service since May 29, 1944. At the time of his induction, he was employed as a linotype operator by the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Sorcinelli of 17 James Street.

May 15, 2021, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Howard Riley, Local history columnist; used with permission

WWII STORIES – KILLED IN ACTION

The Enterprise — my inspiration since 1942, when the ink first leaked into my veins — is still the only daily newspaper published in the Adirondacks.

The Enterprise in the 1940s was not just about the brave men and women in service but also stories such as “the Food Sale of the Saranac Lake Women’s Motor Corps,” “Bond, Torch Tour Rally Sparks 5th War Loan Drive,” “7th Bond Sales in Saranac Lake Mount to $180,000” or “The Annual June Festival of the Rouge and Robe Club of the Saranac Lake High School will be held Friday evening, June 10 on the grounds of the school.”

When the war ended in Germany in 1945, I was not yet 15. I did not have close family in the war, so the death of Aldo Sorcinelli hit me hard.

He was working at the Enterprise in the composing room and the circulation department, age 18, and was so friendly and goofing around with us newsboys that we just loved him.

Back then, most 18-year-olds didn’t pay much attention to 13- and 14-year-olds, so when Aldo was killed in his first battle in Iwo Jima, it stunned and saddened a bunch of us newsboys [there were 26 of us] and brought us to a new reality.

I gave a Memorial Day address in Riverside Park in the 1960s when I was mayor and told Aldo’s story.

Initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 1, Row 33, Grave 1629. His father requested his remains be repatriated to a permanent American military cemetery overseas. On February 24, 1949, 7 he was buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, Hawaii; Section O, Site 446; photo from Ancestry.com 4

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
3 – https://ancestry.com
4 – https://findagrave.com
5 – https://1-24thmarines.com/personnel/aldo-l-sorcinelli/
6 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
7 – https://www.interment.net
8 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WALTER SOKOLI; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: March 25, 1926 (Edgewater, NJ) – February 24, 1945; 18 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 5 Church Street, Seymour
ENLISTMENT: January 18, 1944, at 17 years old
SERVICE NUMBER: 556766
UNIT: Company I, 3rd Battalion, 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0746, Automatic Rifleman

FAMILY: Born to Alexander (1890-1940) and Paraskesa Pauline Penkowska Sokoli (1894-1971). Fifth born of six children. Siblings are Andrew (1916-2010), Florence “Tess” Sokoli Zawyer (1918-1980), Anna (1921-1925), Helen Sokoli Ducharme (1924-1997), Irene Sokoli (1930-2021), and Olga Sokoli Uhelsky (1934-2015). 1

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for training. Assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, 21st Marines, 3rd Battalion in October 1944. Died from a gunshot wound to the head. 4 PFC Sokoli was in the same company as PFC Frank Souza Jr. and PFC Edward Matava. PFC Souza died on the same day as PFC Sokoli. PFC Matava died 12 days later.

From the Seymour High School (CT) yearbook in 1941, school newspaper staff. 2

From ancestry.com 3

Initially buried in the 3rd Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Row 5, Grave 116. At his mother’s request, his remains were returned, and he was buried on April 8, 1948, in Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Avenue, East Farmingdale, New York; Section H, Plot 9513. 4Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://classmates.com
3 – https://ancestry.com
4 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
5 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CHARLES ELEVENSTON SMITH; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: January 23, 1924 (Philadelphia, PA) – March 1, 1945; 21 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 1158 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. The house is no longer there.
ENLISTMENT: January 14, 1943, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 801968
UNIT: Company I, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0745, Rifleman

FAMILY: Born to Charles E. Smith (1895-1940) [born in Canada] and Valerie M. Smith (1891-?). PFC Smith’s father was a Staff Sergeant in the Marines and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. 1 One sister, Virginia Smith Giannini (1920-2003). PFC Smith worked at a defense housing project in Elmwood, Connecticut, before the service. 2

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in early 1943. Parachute training at Camp Lejeune, New River, North Carolina, followed. Assigned to the 5th Marine Division, 27th Marines, 3rd Battalion in April of 1944 through the Battle of Iwo Jima. 5 Private Smith was shot in the abdomen. He was evacuated to the USS Samaritan (AH-10), where he passed. 4

From the Connecticut Military Portrait Collection, Connecticut State Library, Identifier: PG570; used with permission

Extract from The Hartford Courant April 6, 1945

Son of Mrs. Valerie M. Smith and the late Charles E. Smith, 1158 New Britain Avenue, Elmwood section of Hartford, was killed March 1 on Iwo Jima, where he was serving with the Fifth Marine Division. The 21-year-old Marine attended William Hall High School and enlisted in January 1943. Following his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he was sent to New River, North Carolina, where he won his paratroopers wings in April 1943. He went overseas in July 1944. His father was a Staff Sergeant in the Marines in World War I. A memorial mass will be celebrated on April 10 at 9 a.m. at St. Bridget’s Church in Elmwood.

Initially buried in the Army, Navy & Marine Cemetery #2, on Guam, Marianas Islands, Row 16, Grave 19, Plot C. At his mother’s request, his remains were repatriated and buried on January 31, 1949, 4 in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, Hawaii; Section B, Site 189. 4 Photo from Ancestry.com. 3

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
3 – https://www.ancestry.com
4 – https://www.interment.net
5 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS VICTOR JOSEPH SKONE; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: May 12, 1910 (Manchester, CT) – March 9, 1945; 34 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Alison MacKinnon (1911-1990).
LOCAL ADDRESS: 27 North School – Rear, Manchester
ENLISTMENT: September 27, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island
SERVICE NUMBER: 896442
UNIT: Company B, 5th Engineer Battalion, 5th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0705, Basic Engineer; and 0359, Engineer Equipment Operator

NOTE: His last name is listed as “Skone” in Marine Corps records; however, Skoneski is his last name by birth.

FAMILY: Born to Victor (1870-1928) and Josephine Polinski Skoneski (1870-1939), both born in Poland. Fifth born of seven children. Siblings are Sophia (1896-?), Victoria (1897-?), Joseph (1900-1988), Anthony (1903-?), William (1905-1974), Freda Skoneski Duffy (1907-1999). 1 Moved to Providence, Rhode Island, and worked at Larson and Winsor in Providence, Rhode Island, prior to the service. 2

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in the Fall of 1943. Assigned to the Reserve Officers School Detachment in Quantico, Virginia, in early 1944. Reassigned to the 5th Marine Division, 5th Engineer Battalion in the Summer of 1944. 4 Died from wounds to the head. 3 PFC Skoneski was in the same company as Corporal John Zwanch of Watertown. They were killed 17 days apart.

Portrait from the book “WWII History of Manchester, Connecticut.”

From the Manchester Evening Herald January 5, 1949

Marine’s Body Here Friday
Remains of PFC Victor J. Skoneski to Arrive at 6:30 p.m.

The remains of Marine Private First Class Victor J. Skoneski, 34, of Providence, Rhode Island, will arrive at the Manchester railroad station Friday night at 6:30. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 8:30 from the John B. Burke Funeral Home, 5 East Center Street, and at 9 o’clock from St. Bridget’s Church. Military rites will be conducted by the Frank J. Mansfield Detachment, Marine Corps League. A native of Manchester, Private First Class Skoneski was educated in local schools. He moved to Providence in 1937 and entered the Marines in October 1944. He went overseas a few weeks later with the 5th Marine Division and was killed in action on March 9, 1945, at Iwo Jima. He leaves a sister, Mrs. Freda Duffy of Manchester, and three brothers, Joseph of this town, Anthony of New York City, and William of Stonington. The funeral home will be open Friday evening at 8 o’clock for the convenience of friends.

From The Manchester Evening Herald January 8, 1949

Funeral services for Private First Class Victor J. Skoneski of Providence, Rhode Island, formerly of this town, were held this morning at 8:30 from the John B. Burke Funeral Home and at 9 o’clock from St. Bridget’s Church. Private First Class Skoneski was killed in Iwo Jima on March 9, 1945. Reverend Robert Carroll celebrated a requiem mass, Reverend Bronislaw Gadarowski was the deacon, and Reverend John Tien of South Coventry was the sub-deacon. Burial was in St. Bridget’s Cemetery. The bearers were James Chaoe, Thomas Johnson, John Dysenchuk, William Johnson, Christopher Totten, and Milton Pacciara. Reverend Carroll conducted the committal services. A firing squad from the National Guard was at the cemetery. A delegation of the Frank J. Mansfield Detachment, Marine Corps League, attended the funeral.

PFC Skone’s final resting place is unknown. PFC Skone was initially buried in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 6, Row 9, Grave 1691. According to an obituary on January 8, 1949, his remains were returned, and he was buried at St. Bridget’s Cemetery, 190 Oakland Street, Manchester, Connecticut. The cemetery is unable to find a record of his burial as Skoneski nor as Skone.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/22383
3 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
4 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS FRANK SENICK; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: March 20, 1923 (Manhattan, NY) – March 2, 1945; 21 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 37 Third Street, Seymour
ENLISTMENT: December 4, 1942, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 505562
UNIT: 31st Replacement Draft, 5th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0522, Basic Marine; also 0746, Automatic Rifleman

FAMILY: Born to John (1895-1962) and Anna Senick (1895-1959). Third born of six children. Siblings are Martha Senick DellaBovi (1922-1969), Mary (1925-1972), Peter (1926-present) [a Battle of Iwo Jima survivor], Louis (1930-1993), and Theresa Senick Farrar (1932-present). 1

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in early 1943. Assigned to the Naval Supply Depot in Bayonne, New Jersey, from April 1943 to April 1944. PFC Robert A. Rotunno of Stamford, Connecticut, was stationed there at the same time. They were both reassigned to different infantry units and ended up dying on the same day in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Died from gunshot wounds to the shoulder and chest on March 2, 1945. 3

Brothers Frank (left) and Peter (right). Peter served in the 3rd Marines on Iwo Jima. Photo contributed by Peter Senick and family.

Frank (left), sister Martha (middle), and Peter (right). Photo contributed by Peter Senick and family.

From The Waterbury Democrat November 3, 1942

The following have been accepted here and will be sent to the Marine headquarters in Springfield, Massachusetts, for final examination: Frank Senick and Frank Kowal of Seymour.

WEBMASTER NOTE: Frank Senick and Frank Kowal lived on the same street, Third Street, in Seymour, Connecticut. Frank Senick lived at #37, and Frank Kowal at #22. They were born a week apart, Kowal on February 24, 1923, and Senick on March 3, 1923. Frank Kowal survived the war and passed on March 25, 1975, at just 52 years old, after a brief illness.

Initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 1, Row 19, Grave 935. At his father’s request, his remains were repatriated and buried on June 14, 1948, in Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Avenue, East Farmingdale, New York; Section H, Plot 9948. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://findagrave.com
3 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
4 – Marine Corps Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT ANTHONY ROTUNNO; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: November 3, 1923 (Rapino, Italy) – March 2, 1945; 21 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 45 Dean Street, Stamford
ENLISTMENT: December 14, 1942, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 505931
UNIT: Company B, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0521, Basic Marine; and 0522, Guard

NOTE: The last name is misspelled in some resources as “Rottunno.”

FAMILY: Born to Carmine (1891-1965) and Maria Amoroso Rotunno (1898-1981), both born in Italy. Siblings are Rose Rotunno Frangione (1926-1994), George (1928-), and Gloria Jean (1942-). 1 Worked at the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad Company in New York City prior to the service. 2

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in early 1943. Assigned to the Naval Supply Depot in Bayonne, New Jersey, from April 1943 to April 1944. PFC Frank Senick from Seymour, Connecticut, was stationed with PFC Rotunno in New Jersey. They would both be reassigned to different infantry units and were killed in the battle on the same day, March 2. 4 Died from wounds to his back. 3

Photo of this painting contributed by Roberta DeCicco.

Photo contributed by Roberta DeCicco.

Telegram contributed by Roberta DeCicco. She said, “Attached is the telegram that a Marine delivered to my grandmother’s house that said her son was killed in Iwo Jima. My father, George Rotunno, saw the Marine walking up the street. He walked past their house, then he came back down the street to my grandmother’s house, and my father met the Marine who then gave him the telegram.

From The Stamford Advocate, March 31, 1945; contributed by Ellen Sullivan, Senior Reader Services Librarian, The Ferguson Library, One Public Library Plaza, Stamford

War casualties announced today include a Stamford Marine killed in action on Iwo Jima… Private First Class Robert A. Rotunno, USMC, 45 Dean Street. The death of Private First Class Rotunno in the historic battle for Iwo Jima has been reported by the War Department to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carmine Rotunno of 45 Dean Street. The Marine was killed on March 2nd. Private Rotunno was born in Italy 21 years ago. He came to Stamford when he was an infant. He attended Rogers School and Stamford High School and took employment with the New Haven Railroad. He was a member of the Italian Choral Club. Rotunno entered the service voluntarily on January 13, 1943, and went first to the Marine Corps training school at Parris Island, where he received basic training. He was then transferred in turn to Bayonne, New Jersey, and New River, North Carolina, finally reaching San Diego from where he left for overseas in June of 1944. The young Marine was a member of the Fourth Division and was a veteran of Saipan and the fighting in the Marshals. A letter written to his mother on January 27th spoke of his being transferred to another theatre of operations, which he could not name. Besides his parents, Private First Class Rotunno is survived by his brother George and three sisters: Rose, Louise, and Gloria Jean Rotunno.

Memorialized on the Stamford Veterans Memorial, 138 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut.

Initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 1, Row 27, Grave 1316. At his mother’s request, his remains were repatriated and buried on April 29, 1948, in St. John’s Cemetery, 191 Hoyt Street, Darien, Connecticut, Block 54, Lot 51. 3 Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

Only one grave separates PFC Rotunno from PFC William Malizewski, who also died in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
3 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
4 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

CORPORAL GEORGE ROTH, JR.; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: May 15, 1919 (Stamford, CT) – February 19, 1945; 25 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 68 Selleck Street, Stamford
ENLISTMENT: May 16, 1941, in New York City
SERVICE NUMBER: 309257
UNIT: Battery A, 1st Battalion, 14th Marines, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0737, Fire Team Leader; and 0761, Scout–Sniper
STATUS: MISSING IN ACTION

FAMILY: Born to George Sr. (1878-1957) and Lena Roth (1880-1935), both born in Hungary. George was an only child. 1 His mother died when he was 16 years old. He worked at Conde Nast in Greenwich before the service. 3

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp and sea school in the Summer of 1941 at Parris Island, South Carolina, and the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia. Assigned to the USS Philadelphia. Had a temporary detail to the USS Yorktown as the Admiral’s Orderly in October 1941. In April 1944, reassigned to the 59th Replacement Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Infantry Training at Camp Lejeune followed in the Fall of 1944. In July 1944, reassigned to the 65th Replacement Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Reassigned again to the 17th Replacement Draft, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California, in October 1944. His final assignment was to the 4th Marine Division, 14th Marines, 1st Battalion in January 1945. 6 Died aboard the USS Mellette (APA-156) of shell fragment wounds to the chest. Buried at sea; latitude 24 degrees, 49 minutes north; longitude 141 degrees, 34 minutes east. 4

From The Stamford Advocate, March 5, 1945; contributed by Ellen Sullivan, Senior Reader Services Librarian, The Ferguson Library, One Public Library Plaza, Stamford

The war casualty list today contained the names of two Stamford soldiers killed in action, another missing in action, and a third wounded in action.

~~~~edit~~~~

Corporal George Roth, USMC, 60 Selleck Street, was killed in action in the Pacific on February 19, the War Department informed his father, George Roth. Corporal Roth is believed to have been among the first Marine casualties in the Battle for Iwo Jima. A veteran of the invasion of Sicily, Corporal Roth was on sea duty for two years and then returned to the United States. He was an instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina, and attended sniper school before leaving for overseas the last time. He enlisted in the Marines on May 16, 1941, at which time he was employed at Conde Nast Publications.

Memorialized on the Stamford Veterans Memorial, 138 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

Memorialized at the Honolulu Memorial, Courts of the Missing, Court 4, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo from ABMC.gov. 2,5

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://findagrave.com
3 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
4 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
5 – https://abmc.gov
6 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

AVIATION RADIOMAN FIRST CLASS CHARLES BERNARDO ROSSI; NAVY

DOB/DOD: July 20, 1920 (Stamford, CT) – February 21, 1945; 24 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 118 Hecker Avenue, Noroton Heights
ENLISTMENT: July 31, 1941
SERVICE NUMBER: 6030138
SHIP ASSIGNED TO: USS Lexington (CV-16), Torpedo Squadron 9
NAVY ENLISTED CLASSIFICATION: RM = Aviation Radioman
STATUS: MISSING IN ACTION (buried at sea)

FAMILY: Born to Bernard Rossi (1870-1973) and Mary Salini Rossi (1878-1952). Both of them were born in Italy. Siblings are Louise Rossi Visciglio (1901-1985), John (1905-1991), Silvio (1907-1986), Yolanda Rossi Brister (1909-2002), Fred (1911-2011), and Alice Rossi Grimm (1922-2004). 1 Graduated from Darien High School, Class of ’39.

From Ancestry.com.

Awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Photo contributed by Tom Grimm.

Charles was working in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, when he entered the Navy. The library’s annual report from June 30, 1945, included a bio of each of the employees that were killed in the war. The entry for ARM1 Rossi:

From Fold3.com, “History of Torpedo Squadron Nine,” pages 134 and 135.

The Lexington retired to refuel on D plus 1 Day, but on D plus 2 Days, the squadron returned to action with two air-support hops. Lt. Stetson led the first and eight-plane predawn takeoff. This time, the target was gun positions on Mount Suribachi, menacing Marine positions on the south flank. Attacking at low altitude, the flight made several runs, dropping bombs and firing rockets. Several rockets found their mark, and the Target Coordinator confirmed that bombs had hit the target “on the nose.” The flight returned with the feeling of having accomplished something. But the elation over the morning success was cut short by tragedy. As the afternoon hop took off, Lt(jg) Walter A. Jacobs, 22, of Chicago, spun-in while joining up to lead the flight. Both he and his crewmen – Theodore S. Malikowski, AOM1c, 23, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and Charles B. Rossi, ARM1c – were killed. Rossi’s body was recovered and buried at sea.

Letter to ARM1 Rossi’s parents dated February 22, 1945. Contributed by Tom Grimm.

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Rossi
118 Hecker Avenue
Noroton Heights, Connecticut

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rossi:

This letter is to amplify the Navy Department telegram on the loss of your son Charles. We all here in the squadron share your bereavement. In so far as security regulations permit, I will relate the circumstances of the accident. On the afternoon of February 21st, Charles was flying in the plane piloted by Lt. (j.g.) Walter A. Jacobs. They had just left the carrier deck and were joining up with other squadron planes for an attack mission against the Japanese. The plane went into a steep bank and hurtled into the water. An accompanying ship, then near the scene, dashed to the spot, only to find no signs of life. After an intensive search, they discovered Charles’ body. He was later buried at sea with appropriate services. The Catholic Chaplain on board held a special memorial mass for your son and Malikowski, who was also on the plane. Many of the squadron personnel attended.

As you perhaps recall, Charles used to be my radioman. He was a conscientious, cheerful, and valuable man in the squadron and will be missed in many ways by all of us. All three of the victims were members of the squadron on the initial cruise. It will be difficult to find anyone who can come up to their high standard.

Charles’ personal effects have been checked by two officers and shipped by the squadron to the Naval Supply Depot at Clearfield, Utah. They should be forwarded from there soon after receipt and ought to reach you in a matter of months.

Our deepest sympathy to you in your great loss.

Sincerely yours,
Byron E. Cooke, Lt-Cmdr., USN

WEBMASTER NOTE: Lt Cmdr Byron E. Cooke was killed in action on March 26, 1945, on Okinawa. He and his crewmate are buried together in Arlington National Cemetery.

Photo from the USS Yorktown, now a museum ship docked at Patriots Point across the river from Charleston, South Carolina. Contributed by John Brister, nephew of ARM1 Rossi.

Photo from the Library of Congress in Washington DC that honors employees who were killed in World War II. Contributed by John Brister, nephew of ARM1c Rossi.

Memorialized at the Honolulu Memorial, Courts of the Missing, Court 1, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo from ABMC.gov. 3

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://findagrave.com
3 – https://abmc.gov

CORPORAL ARMAND JAMES ROBIDOUX; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: February 10, 1922 (Plainville, CT) – February 19, 1945; 23 years old
LOCAL ADDRESS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 73 East Broad Street, Plainville
ENLISTMENT: August 18, 1942, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 442281
UNIT: Recon Company, Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0746, Automatic Rifleman; and 0761, Scout–Sniper
STATUS: MISSING IN ACTON

FAMILY: Born to Joseph (1891-1974) and Rosina Leduc Robidoux (1892-1977). The middle child of three children. Two brothers, Francis (1919-1972) and William (1923-2017). 1 Worked at Trumbull Electric Co. in Plainville prior to the service. 4

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Assigned the 3rd Marine Division, 21st Marines (Reinforced) in early 1943. In April 1943, he was assigned to the 4th Tank Battalion, Company B, in the 24th Marines. That unit was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California. In October of 1943, he was assigned to the 4th Marine Division, Special Troops, Headquarters Battalion, Company D (Scout), and then the Recon Company in the same unit. 7

From MissingMarines.com

Missing in Action and presumed dead on February 19, 1946, exactly one year after he was last seen. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) lists him as “Non-Recoverable.” 3

From The Poplar Bluff (Missouri) Republican July 20, 1944

By Technical Sergeant Martin Kivel, of 476 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, New York, a Marine Corps Combat Correspondent, formerly of the New York Daily News

Naylor Man Gave One Jap Real Surprise

Saipan, Marianas Islands (Delayed). – This is a story about the most embarrassed Jap on this island and how a trio of Marines relieves him of his embarrassment. It was 3 o’clock in the morning when a Japanese soldier sneaked up on a foxhole occupied by Corporal Charles D. Rose, 26, of Naylor, Missouri, and Privates First Class Armand J. Robidoux, 22, of Plainville, Connecticut, and Norman U. McMahan, 22, of Medford, Oregon. The visitor was discovered by Corporal Rose, who, after hearing a rifle bolt rattle, peered into the darkness and discovered that he was looking into the business end of the Jap’s weapon. For some reason, the Jap didn’t fire. The corporal didn’t reason why. He just let loose with his own weapon and was soon joined by his foxhole buddies. In the morning, the Marines discovered why the Jap hadn’t fired. He couldn’t. His rifle was clogged with sand.

Citation to accompany the award of the Silver Star Medal 1

For action during World War II, Marine Corps, Corporal, Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division, General order number 031105, August 16, 1945.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Armand J. Robidoux (MCSN: 442281), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of an Advanced Reconnaissance Team, serving with the Headquarters Battalion, Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 17 February 1945. Assigned the hazardous mission of obtaining information concerning landing beaches and shore installations, Corporal Robidoux unhesitatingly set about the task in the face of withering barrages of hostile artillery and automatic weapons fire and, boldly carrying out the reconnaissance despite grave hazards, succeeded in gaining valuable data and information of the landing beaches which aided materially in saving the lives of other Marines during the assault landing. By his determined perseverance, cool courage, and outstanding ability, Corporal Robidoux contributed immeasurably to the success of his team in the fulfillment of an important mission, and his unswerving devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Story shared via Facebook on the “Plainville Talks” page between Donna Ierardi Petosa of Plainville and Elaine Schieffer, Treasurer and Acting Secretary of the Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation related to the history of “Robidoux Drive” in Plainville CT:

“The area I live in is called Honor Heights, and each street was named after a Plainville WWII veteran who was killed during the war. The area was farmland belonging to my deceased husband’s aunt and uncle, Helen and Tony Lippia. Their son developed the land and built the houses and named the streets, but all are deceased.” 8

Memorialized in a family plot at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, 182 Farmington Avenue, Plainville, Connecticut; Section D, Lot 13. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

Memorialized at the Honolulu Memorial, Courts of the Missing, Court 4, 2177 Puowaina Drive. Honolulu, Hawaii. 6 Photo from FindAGrave.com.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2– https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/42225
3 – https://www.dpaa.mil/Portals/85/Documents/WWIIAccounting/united_states_marine_corps.html
4 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
5 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
6 – https://abmc.gov
7 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/
8 – Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TgN28TUsMexDTRey5