Review of Circumstances Surrounding the Disappearance of Private Omar S. Ostoich, 39571990, Parachute Infantry

1. Private Omar S. Ostoich, 39571990, Parachute Infantry, was reported missing in action 15 June 1944, in France, while on jump status, by Casualty Shipment So. 128, E20, and. was presumed dead as of 16 June 1945, under the provisions of Section 5, Missing Persons Act.

2. A letter of inquiry, AOPC-S 201 (26 Mar 45), requesting facts and circumstances surrounding the disappearance of this soldier was sent to the Commanding General, ETO, on 26 March 1945. Fourth Indorsement to this basic letter of inquiry, dated 15 April 1945, at Headquarters, 508th Parachute Infect ry Regiment, shows as follows:

Private Omar S. Ostrich, 39571990, former member of Co, ‘G’, this organization, was assigned the mission of a night patrol (recon. and combat) on 15 June 1944. The patrol left Goigny, France, destined for rear sector of enemy lines to harass and reconnoiter. After penetration of German line, the patrol observed an artillery target, and Private Ostolch was ordered to return to point of departure with message, while the patrol continued to move further to the rear of enemy lines, Private Ostoich never returned with message. According to statement cf Pfc Charles W. Ball, 35759682, Private Ostoich was given message by the patrol leader, and started hack along a trail bordered by a hedge. As it was very dark, he was soon out of sight. The leader of this patrol was later killed in action. No search could be made for Private Ostoich."

3. Goigny, France, is located approximately seven miles northwest of Carentan, on the Cherbourg Peninsula which the Allies won from the Germans by the end of July 1944.

4. An. examination of the index files in Prisoner of War Information Bureau, PMGO, also the Captured German Records, now of record in this office, fail to reveal the name of Private Ostoich. The quartermaster General's Office, Memorial Division (Mrs. McConanaughy) reportes that there is no bural report on file in that office for subject enlisted man.

5. In the absence of any definite information as to the fate of Private Ostoich, it is concluded that the information of record in the Department, at this time, does not warrant the issuance of an official report of death under the precisions of Section 9, Missing Persons Act.

Tablet of The Missing entry for Pvt Omar S. Ostoich at in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Omar, born in 1925, enlisted in Los Angeles California on April 22, 1943.  After completion of basic training and jump school, he was initially assigned to an 82nd Airborne Replacement Depot (FFRD #8) in England.  On March 31, 1944, he was one of 14 men assigned to Company G at 508th in Wollaton Park.

Pvt Ostoich was listed as missing in action on June 16, 1944 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart