Memorial

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Thomas A. Despot graduated from Emmerich Manual Training High School and was employed by the Stewart-Warner Company.

He enlisted in Indianapolis, Indiana on 23 October 1943 and was sent overseas in June 1944.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. The citation cited: Sgt Despot, who was with the Seventh Armored Division distinguished himself by heroic service in connection against the enemy on 23 August 1944 in the area of Melun, France. In the fiercely contested battle for the city of Melun, Pvt (he was later advanced) Despot's company was assigned the mission of occupying an island in the Seine River. The crossing of the river had to be accomplished in the face of enemy automatic weapons which made any advance extremely dangerous. His attempts to eliminate enemy gun positions were conspicuous for their boldness. Moving daringly at the head of his company he was one of the first to reach the island. His gallant behavior in the presence of the enemy was a shining example and inspiration which spurred his comrades to their best efforts.

S/Sgt Depot died of his wounds in POW Lazaret VI-J.

He was initially buried at a cemetery in Düsseldorf. After being disinterred he was reburied in a temporary grave at Margraten on 15 August 1945. After the cemetery was given a permanent status, he was given his final resting place in February 1949.