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Irwin John Jonas

About

Irwin John Jonas was born Sep 2, 1921 in Thatcher, Idaho to Joseph Nelson and Lillian Coley Jonas. Irwin was a veteran of World War II, dying in action.

History

"The [Jonas] family moved around quite a bit and some of the children struggled with the moves and changes in homes. The family lived in everything from a boxcar to a nice home in Ogden. Joseph and Lillian were stern but loving parents, dealing with their own issues as well as with the children.

"Lillian purchased a small home in Richmond with the funds from Joseph’s life insurance [from an electrocution accident]. Lillian’s family helped raise the rowdy six boys, including Irwin, and youngest two girls.1

During his time in the military, Irwin met Mary Elizabeth Popwitz at a dance at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. The two were married on June 21, 1943 in Winona, Minnesota. When Irwin was expected to help serve in the invasion of Normandy Beach, he sent Mary and their newborn son, Robert, to live in Richmond.1

Military Service and Epilogue

Irwin enlisted in the Army on July 6, 1939.1 On Sep 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, leading to the start of World War II. However, the United States of America did not join the war until Dec 8, 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Near the beginning of the year 1944, Irwin was placed in the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, and was expected to assist in the invasion of Normandy Beach, France, also known as D-Day.

"...on June 7, 1944, the 38th [Infantry Regiment], along with most of the 2nd Infantry Division landed at Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day +1. They would got into heavy action near the village of Trévières on the 10th of June. The 38th would see heavy action throughout the Normandy Campaign, most notably at Hill 192 to the Northeast of the City of Saint-Lo."2

Irwin John Jonas was killed in action on June 11, 1944 in Saint-Lô, France. In 1948, his body was loaded onto the USS Corp. Eric G. Gibson, along with 1,753 other caskets.3 He was returned to his family on Jan 25, 1948, and was buried in the Richmond Cemetery.