Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering and honoring people who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The holiday, which is currently observed every year on the last Monday of May.
Honoring My Uncle – A True Hero that died in combat fighting for his country.
Died at the age of 20 years old.
Steve F Briglovich
His birth name was spelled
(Brigljevic on birth certificate)
PFC 83 CML MORTAR BN
WORLD WAR ll
Enlisted 17 March 1943
Went overseas in October 1943
Died 21 JUNE 1945 WEER ,AUSTRIA but his body did not return home to the USA until November 1948 and his official funeral was January 1949 at Saints Peter and Paul Croatian Church in Youngstown Ohio.
Steve was only 20 years old when he died – He fought in 5 campaigns; Africa,Italy, Belgium, Germany and Austria .
He was in the chemical warfare service.
Military Branch – US Army
Sadly he wrote to his family on June 10 , 1945 stating he would be heading home later that month. his letter said to my grandmother Anna
” Mom I have fought in 5 campaigns and I am coming home the way you sent me.”
Unfortunately on July 7 less than a month later the family received a telegram announcing his death.
No cause was given and I have been searching for answers.
Before entering the service he worked for Carbon Limestone in Lowellville,Ohio and Republic Steel Youngstown, Ohio.
RIP I wish I would have known you
But I feel like I do know you, since researching our family history.
Thank You for your service and your bravery.
❤️
Love your niece
Deborah Briglovich Andio
ChronicallyGratefulDebla.com
The sad part is my poor grandmother waited for her sons body to return home to the USA.
It finally did in 17 November 1948 – 3 years after he was killed.
Info on the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion
When the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion was deactivated on November 26, 1945, at Camp Myles Standish, Taunton, Massachusetts, their record read: 3 Distinguished Service Crosses (all posthumously), 5 Legions of Merit (one posthumous), 9 Soldiers Medals, 39 Silver Stars, 97 Bronze Stars, 5 Croix de Guerre, and 876 Purple Hearts and 91 Oak Leaf Clusters. 3 Unit Citations, 508 days in combat, and an estimated 500,000 rounds fired. They also supported 17 infantry divisions, 3 armored divisions, 2 airborne divisions, and numerous task forces, including Rangers and British commandos, and fought under 6 American Corps, 1 French Corps, 2 American armies, and 1 French Army. They fought on two continents and participated in 6 campaigns, including amphibious and glider assaults.
Their firepower was felt in Sicily, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. Places such as Gela, San Pietro, Ceppagna, Anzio, Minturno, Venafro, Briancon, the Vosges, Colmar Pocket, Zellenberg, and Riquewihr saw them at their best. The battalion also lost nearly half their number in the sinking of LST 422, one of the worst naval tragedies of World War II. And after all this they were classified as Service Forces not entitled to wear the combat badge they repeatedly earned.
A great book to read is
Bastard Battalion: A History of the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II
And never forget the movie Hacksaw Ridge.
.
An Honor No Family Wants
Gold Star families (or Gold Star American families) are the relatives of US military members who died in battle.
Joint Purpose 
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