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World War II Honoree

Killed in World War II

Francis X. Coakley

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Honored By

Leo Coakley

Relationship

Cousin

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

264TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 66TH INFANTRY DIVISION. WHILE TRANSPORTED ACROSS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL ON THE SS LEOPOLDVILLE, IT WAS TORPEDOED AND SUNK ON DECEMBER 24, 1944. HE REPORTEDLY GAVE UP HIS LIFE VEST AND WORKED TO SAVE OTHERS BEFORE HE PERISHED. THE SHIP REMAINS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CHANNEL OFF THE COAST OF FRANCE. HE WAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR AND PURPLE HEART.