DOB/DOD: May 17, 1924 (New York, NY) – December 7, 2012 (Norwalk, CT); 88 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Margaret “Peggy” Webb (1924-2016) on December 7, 1959, in Darien, CT
CHILDREN: None
LOCAL ADDRESS: Harbor View Avenue and 14 Park Lane, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: February 2, 1943
SERVICE NUMBER: 31313503
UNIT: 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division (Trailblazer Division)
FAMILY: Born to John C. (1898-1975) and Anne F. Hamilton Slattery (1895-1976). One sister, Anne H. Slattery Bayley (1927-1996).
CIRCUMSTANCES: No POW camp data in his official POW record. News reports say he was held in German POW camps.
From The Norwalk Hour March 12, 1945
Private First Class John Slattery, son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Slattery of Park Lane, is missing in action, according to a telegram received on Saturday from the War Department by his parents. He was in the infantry in the Seventh Army in France. Private First Class Slattery has been in the service for over two years. He trained at Camp Pickett, Virginia, and Camp Ellis, Illinois, and volunteered to transfer from the Medical Corps to the infantry. He went overseas in November. Private First Class Slattery is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Parochial School, Franklin Junior High School, and Norwalk High School. At the time of his induction, he was attending Notre Dame University, where he had completed his first semester.
Extract of an article in The Norwalk Hour March 28, 1945
Eastertide this year is truly one of rejoicing for a Norwalk family – for word has been received that a son in the service reported by the War Department as missing in action – is a prisoner of war in Germany. Private First Class John Slattery, son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Slattery of Park Lane, reported as missing on February 10, is a prisoner. One card sent by Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Cooper of 625 West 169th Street, New York City, said: “Dear Mrs. Slattery: Last night the German shortwave radio broadcasted a recording of the voice of your boy said to have been made soon after they were captured. The record was played rapidly, and the static was bad last night, but we heard him say: “To anyone listening, will you please inform Mrs. John Slattery of South Norwalk, Connecticut, this is her son, John. I am a prisoner of war; I am well and unhurt.” With our sincere hope that he will return to you safely and soon…” Mrs. Slattery was overjoyed to hear that her son is alive and well and, as soon as possible, telephoned her husband (in business in New York) and her daughter, Anne Slattery, at New Rochelle College to tell them of the good news. Mrs. Slattery has expressed her family’s appreciation to the many friends for the kindness shown since Private First Class Slattery was first reported as missing. Private First Class Slattery has been in the service for more than two years, going overseas in November.
From The Norwalk Hour December 10, 1945
Corporal John J. Slattery, son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Slattery of Harbor View, has been discharged from the Army and is planning to resume his pre-medical studies at Notre Dame. Corporal Slattery, serving with the 274th Infantry, a part of the 70th (Trailblazer) Infantry Division, was captured by the Germans in the Horbach area on February 19. He was required, with others, to take part in a 51-day hike toward the Tyrol before being released on June 11. When he was freed, Corporal Slattery weighed 40 pounds less than when he was captured, and he required considerable hospitalization. The Norwalk soldier was carried as “probably dead” for several months, his family first hearing of his capture through a radio broadcast from Germany.
Obituary from The Norwalk Hour December 11, 2012
John J. Slattery, age 88, of Rowayton, husband of Margaret “Peggy” (Webb) Slattery, died on Friday, December 7, 2012, at Norwalk Hospital. Born in NYC, the son of the late John and Anne (Hamilton) Slattery, John worked as an insurance agent for Guardian Life. He was a graduate of Norwalk High School, class of 1942, where he enjoyed playing soccer and ice hockey. He was an Army veteran of WWII, 70th Infantry Division, serving in Rhineland and Central Europe, and in February 1945, he was taken as a Prisoner of War. Upon returning home, he completed his studies at Notre Dame University. John was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, was an avid bird watcher, and enjoyed all sports, especially Notre Dame teams. John and Peggy’s 53rd wedding anniversary was December 7. He was predeceased by his sister, Anne Slattery Bailey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, December 11, at St. Matthew Church, with burial to follow at St. John Cemetery. Prior calling hours have been omitted. Memorial donations may be made to St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Ave., Norwalk, CT 06850.
Buried in St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut; unknown plot number. Photo from FindAGrave.com.
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