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| Staff Sergeant James Monroe served in the 85th Infantry Division. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46359353/james-c-monroe http://abmc.nomadmobileguides.com/SicilyRome.php?page=narrative&id=cont-4119 |
James Clifford Monroe never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on January 12, 1920 in Texas. His parents Seburn and Mattie were also both born in Texas(?). I was not able to find census information on the Monroe family. James had one older sister, a younger brother who died at age 8, and another younger brother and sister.
James was drafted into the army in May 1942. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant in the anti-tank company of the 337th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division (nicknamed "Custer Division").
The 85th ID arrived in Italy in March 1944. It was first put in a defensive position across from the Gustav Line in April. It was giving offensive assignments in May and in June it was part of the drive on Rome. During this time, Sgt. Monroe was awarded the Bronze Star. I was not able to locate the citation.
In the fall the 85th ID advanced through mud and rain and reached Firenzoula on October 21.Three days later it reached Mount Mezzano overlooking the Po River Valley. Sgt. Monroe was killed in action the next day on October 25, 1944.
His grave is at Oplin Cemetery in Oplin, Texas.
Last year on this date I profiled Norman Barrett, 9th Infantry Division. You can read about Norman here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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