Kosse, Roman 1924-1945

KOSSE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/30/2009 at 19:39:18

LeMars Globe-Post
Monday, February 19, 1945

REMSEN BOY AMONG DEAD
Roman Kosse, Two Times Wounded, Killed On Western Front

Roman Kosse, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kosse of Remsen, was killed in action on February 1, according to the telegram from the war department received by his parents Friday.

The telegram stated he was killed in the line of duty on the western front. He was a messenger, one of the most hazardous duties, as he had to travel constantly between advanced units and the command posts further back.

Young Kosse had previously been wounded twice, but recovered and was returned to duty both times.

This young man was in the army about two years, and has been overseas over a year. He was home on furlough before going overseas. Before entering the army, he worked for Dorr Produce Co. He was born and brought up in Remsen, attending St. Mary’s school.

A requiem high mass was sung at St. Mary’s church at Remsen this morning. Msgr. Schemel preached the sermon. The American Legion and Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, and the ladies auxiliary participated.

His mother, prostrated by the news, is under doctor’s care.
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KILLED IN FRANCE

Remsen, Ia.—Special: Memorial services for Pfc. Roman L. Kosse, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kosse of Remsen, who was killed in action in France February 1, were held in St. Mary’s Catholic church here Monday.

Pfc. Kosse entered the army March 19, 1943, and was stationed at Camp Butner, N.C., until sent overseas in January, 1944. He was with Company L, 30th division. He fought on the Anzio beachhead and in Italy for six months and went to the fighting lines of France where he was wounded by shrapnel on October 14, 1944, receiving head and arm injuries which kept him hospitalized for six weeks. His purple heart medal reached his parents in November.

The soldier’s last letter to his parents was written January 21, when he told of having again been in the hospital for an operation, due to his shrapnel wounds. He informed his parents that he would be back with his outfit before they received his letter.

Born in Remsen, April 28, 1924, Pvt. Kosse was a graduate of St. Mary’s high school, Class of 1942, and before entering the army was employed in a produce house here.

Source: The Sioux City Journal, February 19, 1945

Plymouth Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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