Birth* 7 October 1922 Francis Edward Closen was born on 7 October 1922 at Peoria Co, IL. He was the son of John Michael Closen and Etta Anna Hartwig.
Francis Edward Closen appeared on the census of 30 April 1930 at Limestone Twsp, Peoria Co, IL.
Death* 26 September 1945 He died on 26 September 1945 at Holland at age 22 in the US Army fighting in World War II.
Memo* Notes from research of Frank Schaefer:
According to World War II casualty lists, PFC Francis E Closen's (#16017270) body was not found. He was originally listed as Missing In Action. He is listed in the casualty list as "FOD", this means "Finding Of Death".
The files of the Netherlands American Cemetery, 6269 NA Margraten, Netherlands were made available to PFC Closen's nephew, Frank Schaefer. Excerpts from these files indicate that on 23 Sep 1945, approximately 400 Waco CG-4A gliders carrying the 325th GIR (Glider Infantry Regiment), personnel including PFC Closen in Company E were released near Overasselt, Holland. They moved to Groesbeek under cover of darkness and set up their camps in the woods. Between the 24th and 26th of September they were directed to take over the front line in the Groesbeek sector. German troops in strength occupied the Reichswald forest and were able to interrupt the ideal front line. The Germans made an unexpected fierce attack on the positions of E company, 325th GIR. It is believed that PFC Closen was killed during this battle which occurred near Molenhoek, Holland.
Birth* 7 October 1922 Francis Edward Closen was born on 7 October 1922 at Peoria Co, IL. He was the son of John Michael Closen and Etta Anna Hartwig.
Francis Edward Closen appeared on the census of 30 April 1930 at Limestone Twsp, Peoria Co, IL.
Death* 26 September 1945 He died on 26 September 1945 at Holland at age 22 in the US Army fighting in World War II.
Memo* Notes from research of Frank Schaefer:
According to World War II casualty lists, PFC Francis E Closen's (#16017270) body was not found. He was originally listed as Missing In Action. He is listed in the casualty list as "FOD", this means "Finding Of Death".
The files of the Netherlands American Cemetery, 6269 NA Margraten, Netherlands were made available to PFC Closen's nephew, Frank Schaefer. Excerpts from these files indicate that on 23 Sep 1945, approximately 400 Waco CG-4A gliders carrying the 325th GIR (Glider Infantry Regiment), personnel including PFC Closen in Company E were released near Overasselt, Holland. They moved to Groesbeek under cover of darkness and set up their camps in the woods. Between the 24th and 26th of September they were directed to take over the front line in the Groesbeek sector. German troops in strength occupied the Reichswald forest and were able to interrupt the ideal front line. The Germans made an unexpected fierce attack on the positions of E company, 325th GIR. It is believed that PFC Closen was killed during this battle which occurred near Molenhoek, Holland.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Illinois.
Family Members
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Matilda Ann "Tillie" Closen Roth
1909–2005
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Leanora Cornelia Closen
1910–1910
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Edith Cornelia "Edie" Closen McKinley
1912–1985
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Marie Magdalene "Suzie" Closen Calhoun
1913–2009
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Viola Wilhelmina "Vi" Closen Malson
1915–1995
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Helena Amelia "Lenie" Closen
1916–1978
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John Nicholas "Jake" Closen
1917–1998
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Mildred Marie "Millie" Closen Honold
1919–2012
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Clara Myrtle Closen Gudat
1920–2001
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Muriel Martha Closen
1920–1920
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Charles Henry Closen
1924–1994
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Frederick Melvin Closen
1925–1972
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Ann C. Closen Mans
1926–2009
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Ruth M. Closen Hall
1927–2011
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Melvin Eugene "Bud" Closen
1930–1985
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