MCNAMARA, Leo 1896-1918

MCNAMARA

Posted By: Susan Carter
Date: 1/6/2016 at 09:19:39

Pioneer Record
Ida Grove, Iowa
December 4, 1918

Leo McNamara Dies in Action
Ida Grove Lieutenant Had Just Received His Commission. Killed October 16

A telegram from the War Department Sunday evening brought to Patrick L. McNamara and family of Ida Grove, the sad tidings that their son, Lieut. Leo P. McNamara had been
killed in action October 16, in France. It is supposed that his unit was fighting at that time with General Pershing's splendid forces along the Meuse.

The family had received a letter from Leo a short time ago, written from Paris on October 12, stating that he had just received his commission as second lieutenant and was going
into action soon. His death must have occurred very soon after his unit went into battle.

Leo McNamara's military record has been a long and glorious one. He served 10 months on the Mexican border in 1916 and 1917 and when war broke out, immediately went back into
company B, being made a corporal. He went with the boys that were assigned to the 168th regiment of the Rainbow division and landed in France just about a year ago. For merit, he was promoted to sergeant and passed through all the earlier battles with the Rainbow division without receiving a scratch. On account of superior ability, he was assigned to the gas service made a thorough study of this branch. Last summer, he went into the officers training school in France and received three months instruction, emerging in October with the rank of second lieutenant.

As a soldier, he was efficient, thorough and diligent, a jolly companion to his fellow soldiers, always looking on the bright side of things. His letters home always contained works of good cheer to all, and carried the impression that everything was always well and favorable with him. Not only by his comrades, and by his sorrowing family, but by this community at large, he will be sincerely mourned.

Leo P. McNamara was 22 years of age and was born in Ida Grove and resided here all his life, up to the time that he answered his country's call. He attended high school here.

The surviving family included the father and mother, four sisters and two brothers; Ruth, Jennie, Mary and Marguerite, Frank and Will, who are taking special military training at Ames.