March 3, 1920 (Norwalk, CT) – November 11, 1944; 24 years old
Unmarried
Last local address: 33 Second Street, East Norwalk
Service number: 31194125
Unit: 95th Infantry Division, 320th Engineers Battalion, Company A
Killed in France.
From the 320th Engineer Battalion 1942-1945 Regimental History Book
During the morning of November 12, efforts to continue the construction of the infantry support raft ferry under cover of smoke were made by men of Company C, but had to be abandoned due to heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire on the site, which wounded two men before the work was called to a halt. Men of Company A, withdrawing from their outpost security position, were caught in the mortar and artillery barrage, and before they could reach cover, PFCs Donald B. Roos and Donald R. Gaspard were killed, and three men were wounded.
From The Norwalk Hour December 5, 1944
PFC DONALD ROOS KILLED IN ACTION
East Norwalk Youth Was With Engineers In France; Entered Service In October 1941
PFC Donald Roos, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Roos, 33 Second Street, East Norwalk, was killed in action November 12, the parents were advised yesterday in a telegram from the War Department. He was in the 320th Engineers Battalion which was in action in France. Donald entered the service in October 1941 and had his basic training in California. His last visit home was about eight months ago. Last June he went overseas. Two of his brothers also are in the service. Corporal Ralph Roos, being stationed in the Army Air Force outfit in North Carolina, and Private Harold Roos being in a Cavalry Reconnaissance unit overseas. Prior to induction PFC Roos was employed at the Crofut and Knapp plant. Others surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Franklin Nowell of Lynbrook, Long Island, Mrs. George Sammis of Stamford, and Mrs. H. Maxwell Doyle of Rye, New York, and two brothers, Fred Roos Jr., and Joseph Roos.
Private Roos’ remains were repatriated in 1948 and he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk, Section 12. Photos by webmaster.
