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508th Vet Dies After
Long Illness
Frank Sirovica, 508, died Dec. 5, 1973
 Frank Sirovica, who became a
paratrooper in August 1941 with Co C. 502, died December 5, 1973 after a
pro-longed illness. He exemplified the civilian who served his country
in World War II and when discharged in August 1945 returned home, in
this instance Gloversville, New York.
As a cadreman to the Third Battalion 508 upon its
activation in the fall of 1942, Frank was esteemed by the recruits
apprehensively looking forward to Fort Benning Jump School in March
1943. He was platoon sergeant for the Second Platoon Co G from its
formation until he left for home. Frank looked after his men not only
with respect to their physical well being but also spiritually. Many of
his men emulated his regular attendance at Mass.
Frank well earned the DSC which he was awarded for the
significant part he played in the Regimental attack on Thier DuMont,
Belgium on January 7, 1945. With the Second Platoon Co G spearheading
the attack, his leadership was again displayed when in the face of
point blank "88" fire he urged his men on to overrun the enemy
positions thereby averting a massacre. His courage had been evidenced
in the fierce fighting in Normandy and in Holland, notably in the attack
on Thorensche Molen.
Several years ago, with his wife Sybil, he revisited
these battlefields which had returned to their peaceful existence when
they were liberated from their German conquerors.
Typical of his modesty, he repeatedly declined the
First Sergeancy as well as a battlefield commission lest he be separated
from his second platoon men.
We who remember Frank mourn his loss, along with Sybil,
his wife.
(Source may have been 82nd Airborne Division
magazine) |
 Frank Sirovica, 59, of 9 Seventh Avenue died
about 3:30 yesterday afternoon at Littauer Hospital, where he was a
patient since Monday. He had been in ill health for several years.
He was born July 24, 1914, in Gloversville and was a lifelong area
resident. He last was employed by the Hagaman Manufacturing Company and
previously by Wood and Hyde leather Company.
He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church.
Mr. Sirovica had served with the Army Paratrooper 82nd Airborne
Division during World War II in its European landings in France and
Holland. Among decorations he received were the Distinguished Service
Cross, the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.
He was a member and past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus
Council, a member and past president of the Croatian Club and a member
of the VFW and DAV Posts.
He is survived by his wife, the former Sybil Weaver; one brother,
Charles Sirovica, of Gloversville: five sisters, Miss Anne Sirovica of
Gloversville, Mrs. Pauline Henry of Mayfield, Mrs. Shirley Hill of Los
Alamitos, Calif., Mrs. Irene Ermie of Whitesboro, Oneida County, and
Mrs. Joan Kindl of Saratoga Springs, several nieces and nephews.
(Source unnamed newspaper) |
