MEN AND WOMEN IN SERVICE
Private F. Crawford (“Bud”) Steele has been transferred to Fort Ord, California, from Camp McCain, Mississippi.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, October 17, 1943
PRIVATE F. C. STEELE KILLED
Young Sioux Cityan Meets Death at Bougainville
Private Francis C. Steele, 20, was killed in action March 11, during the battle of Bougainville, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Glen A. Steele, 1717 Myrtle street, were informed by the War Department.
The young man left here February 15, 1943, for induction at Camp Dodge. He served there in the infantry, at McCain, Miss., at Fort Ord, Cal., and went overseas October 28, 1943, to the southwest Pacific.
His parents last heard from him in a letter dated March 4, when he said that his company had been sent back of the lines for a rest period.
He attended Central high school, later worked in the office of the Tristate Press, 410 Douglas street, and later in the Chicago and Northwestern freight house.
Surviving besides his parents is a sister, Jane, at home.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, April 4, 1944 (photo included)
WINS MEDAL POSTHUMOUSLY
The bronze star for meritorious achievement has been awarded posthumously to Pvt. Francis C. Steele, of Sioux City. The award was presented to his father, Glen A. Steele, 1717 Myrtle street, by Capt. Sam C. Barbera, commandant and professor of military science and tactics at the University of South Dakota.
The citation reads as follows:
“For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at ____________ on March 11, 1944. During the battle of Hill 260, Pvt. Steele, a rifleman in the attacking forces, displayed a high degree of courage when he pushed forward under heavy enemy fire to reach a position where he could bring heavy fire on the enemy forces. He remained in the same position for the remainder of the day, bringing accurate fire upon the enemy and inflicting many casualties upon their troops. Pvt. Steele maintained his courageous and aggressive actions until he was killed by enemy fire. His action at all times was a great inspiration to his comrades.”
Pvt. Steel was killed in action March 11, during the battle of Bougainville. He was a graduate of Central high school.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, December 30, 1944 (photo included)
Francis Crawford Steele is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, CO.
Source: ancestry.com
