PVT Anthony S. DiLeo

After the Germans had made a strong effort to push through the 101st Airborne Division’s positions at Longchamps on January 3, 1945, General Taylor decided to form a Task Force with tank destroyers of the 705th TDB, additional airborne engineer capacity from the 326th AEB, and men of the 327th GIR. The 1st Battalion of the 327th relieved the 1st Battalion of the 502nd PIR at Champs. General Taylor assigned the Task Force to General Higgins, the Assistant Division Commander.

During the German assault of January 4, 1945, the weight of the attack landed hardest on 1st Battalion, 327th GIR, at Champs. The losses of the 327th on that day were comparable to the 502nd on January 3rd. Charlie Company lost 30 men, and Able Company had 41 casualties. One of which was PVT DiLeo.

PVT Anthony S. DiLeo must have been among the oldest privates within the 101st Airborne who made the ultimate sacrifice at Bastogne. 🦅

Born in Palermo, Italy, on October 21, 1907, he was killed in action at the age of 37, which was 20 years older than PVT Rosenberg, who died at the age of 17 the day before. He was the only son of Mr. Mariano and Mrs. Rosalia (Trizzino) DiLeo.

PVT Anthony S. DiLeo was first buried in the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Foy, Belgium. He now rests eternally in the American War Cemetery Henri Chapelle, Belgium, at Plot F, Row 15, Grave 41.

DiLeo was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Lest we forget! 🇺🇸

Source: Rendezvous With Destiny, Bastogne, the First Eight Days (p. 626-629)