Korean War

Biographies for the Leominster Korean War Memorial

Sergeant William L. Antonucci, Reported as Died in Service as a result of an airplane crash in Korea on 29 May 1952. He served in the United States Marine Corps, serving with Headquarters Squadron, 1st Marine Air Wing. He was born in Leominster and resided at 321 Lancaster Street. He graduated from LHS. He is buried in St. Leo's cemetery. He was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Corporal Francis B. Burns, Reported Killed in Action in Korea on 8 June 1951. He served in the United States Marine Corps with the Air Navy Gunfire Liaison Company, 1st Signal Battalion, First Marine Division. He resided at 62 Boutelle Street. He is buried in St Leo's cemetery. His awards include: The Bronze Star Medal with V for Valor, Two Purple Heart Medal's, the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Commendation, United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Major Charles R. Dufort, Reported Died in Service as a result of Cerebral Hemorrhage at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina on 20 February 1954. He served in the United States Air Force. He resided at 227 Spruce Street. He is buried in St. Cecilia's cemetery.

Private Norman P. Dufrense, Reported as Missing In Action in Korea on 30 July 1950. He served in the United States Army with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He resided at 126th 8th Street. He attended St Cecilia's parochial school and Sexton Trade School. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Sergeant First Class Henry F. Duplease, Reported as Killed in Action in Korea on 27 May 1951. A U.S. Navy Veteran of WW II, he transferred to the U.S. Army and was serving with the 187th Airborne Infantry Regimental Combat Team. He attended LHS. He is buried in St. Leo's Cemetery. He was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Private First Class Frederick T. Johnson Jr, Reported Died in Service as a result of an auto accident in Geneva, NY on 25 June, 1951. He served in the United States Air Force with the 3651st Food Service Squadron, 3650th Air Force Indoctrination Wing. He was born in Leominster and resided at 872 Main Street. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Private Antonio V.P. Lastella, Reported Killed in Action in Korea on 24 July, 1950. He served in the United States Army with the 5th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division. He attended LHS. He resided at 30 Pleasant Street. He is buried in St. Leo's cemetery. He was awarded the Purple Heart medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Private First Class Earle C. Newton Jr., Reported Missing in Action and died while a Prisoner of War in Korea on 1 November 1951. A veteran of WW II, he was recalled from the reserve list and was serving with in the United States Army with the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He resided at 31 Orchard Street. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Sterling.

First Lieutenant Joseph T. O'Donnell, Reported Killed in Action during the assault on Hill 1220 (Heartbreak Ridge) in Korea on 13 October 1951. A Veteran of WW II, he was serving in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. He resided at 57th 4th Street. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Seaman 1st Class Roland H. Pothier, Reported Died in Service in the Atlantic in the vicinity of Korea on 26 April, 1952 as a result of a ship collision. He was serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Hobson. He was born in Leominster and graduated from LHS. He resided at 11 Grand Street. He was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. His remains were never recovered.

First Lieutenant Robert M. Rehor, Reported Died of Wounds received in Korea on 21 July 1950. He was a Veteran of WW II and was serving in the United States Army with the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was commissioned from enlisted status. He resided at 32 Cottage Street. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. He was awarded the Purple Heart medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Seaman 1st Class Leo G. Tatro, Reported Died in Service in an accident while in French Morocco on 26 June 1954. He was serving in the United States Navy as an interpreter and purchasing agent. He was born in Leominster and resided at 155 mechanics Street. He was a graduate of LHS. He was a member of the Leominster Aerie of Eagles. He is buried in St. Cecilia's Cemetery

Corporal David L Therrien, Reported Killed in Action in Korea on 18 September 1950. He was serving in the United States Army with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regimental Combat Team. He was born in Leominster and resided at 327 West Street. He attended Saxton Trade School. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. He is buried in St Cecilia's Cemetery.

Sergeant First Class Leo. B. Yelle, Reported as Missing in Action in Korea on 2 November 1950. He was serving in the United States Army with Company B, 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion. He was born in Leominster and resided at 863 Merriam Avenue He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. His remains were never recovered.

Airman 1st Class Karl W Hammare, Reported Died in Service at the base hospital in Hunter Air Force Base, Savanna, GA on 24 September 1952. He was an Army Veteran of WW II and was serving in the United States Air Force. He resided at Willow Street extension in Leominster. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Electricians Mate 2nd Class Ralph Langlois, Reported Died in Service as a result of a ship collision off the cost of California on 25 August 1950. He was a WW II Navy Veteran, serving in Submarines. He served in the U.S. Navy on the hospital Ship USS Benevolence (AH 13). He was born in Leominster and resided at 17 Hope Street. He was awarded the He is buried in Rochester, NY.