DOB/DOD: April 29, 1919 (Norwalk, CT) – December 4, 2001 (Stuart, FL); 82 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Evelyn M. Stein (1922-1994) on July 31, 1943 in Norwalk, CT
— Evelyn’s father, Charles Stein, was also in the Yankee Division during WWI.
CHILDREN: One daughter, Eileen M. Rowe Somok (1945-). One son, John A. Jr. (1947-) [U.S. Army paratrooper during Vietnam].
LOCAL ADDRESS: 1 Leuvine Street, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: May 5, 1943
SERVICE NUMBER: 31333948
DISCHARGE: February 28, 1946
UNIT: 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division (The Yankee Division)
FAMILY: Born to Albert E. (1882-1957) and Mary M. Walker Rowe (1885-1961). Two sisters, Mary E. Rowe Panella (1916-2005) and Margaret P. Rowe Bennett (1924-1976). Two brothers, Robert W. (1921-1991) and William J. (1927-1962). Brother Robert was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and the Italian Cross of Military Valor for action in North Africa and Italy with the Army during WWII.
OTHER: Worked as a die setter for Edwards Company in Norwalk before the war and resumed employment after the war.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Wounded in the jaw and ear by a single bullet near Metz, France, on November 8, 1944. Awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
According to son John Rowe Jr., John Sr. was lifelong friends with fellow Purple Heart Medal recipient Edward L. Wargo. A neighbor of the family, Harry M. Kelley, was Killed In Action. Another connection is the brother of daughter Eileen’s Godmother, John G. Kurtzman, was killed in action.
From The Norwalk Hour December 18, 1944
SGT JOHN ROWE, WOUNDED, IMPROVES
Sergeant John A. Rowe of 52 Plattsville Avenue, who was seriously wounded in action in France on November 8, is slowly improving at a hospital somewhere in England, according to word received by his wife and parents. In a recent letter, he states he is now able to walk a little each day after having been operated on. He also says he hopes he will be able to have solid food by Christmas, as he has been on a liquid diet since being wounded. Sgt Rowe has two brothers in the service: Staff Sgt Robert Rowe, serving with the 88th Division in Italy, and William Rowe, Apprentice Seaman, stationed at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., with the Merchant Marines. They are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. Rowe of 1 Leuvine Avenue.
From The Norwalk Hour February 15, 1945
SGT JOHN A. ROWE IN ARMY HOSPITAL
Atlantic City, N.J. — Sgt John A. Rowe, 25, of 1 Leuvine Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut, who received bullet wounds while in action near Metz, has been returned to the United States and is now a patient at the Army’s beachfront Thomas M. England General Hospital here. Thomas M. England General Hospital, one of the Army Medical Department’s largest surgical, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and amputation centers, is housed in four of this resort city’s spacious Boardwalk hotels. Sgt Rowe was an infantryman for five months overseas before he was wounded. He has been decorated with the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Before the war, he lived with his wife, Evelyn, at 52 Plattsville Avenue. Norwalk. His parents, Mr and Mrs. Albert Rowe live at the Leuvine Avenue address. He has a brother, Robert Rowe, who is also serving in the Army.
A letter signed by President Harry Truman was contributed by John A. Rowe, Jr.
This is a letter from Bob Elliot to John Rowe Sr., who were friends. Bob was part of the radio duo “The Bob and Ray Show.” Contributed by John Rowe, Jr.
Buried in Pine Hill Cemetery, 114 Pine Hill Road, Southbury, Connecticut; Section and Plot are unknown. Photo from FindAGrave.com.
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