Application for headstone and resulting grave marker for
Francis J. Bolger in Saint Teresa Cemetery, Summit (Union county). New
Jersey.Francis entered service on
1 February 1943.
On 23 March 1943, 2/Lt
Bolger was assigned to Company E, 508th PIR.
Lt Bolger was wounded in action on 8 June 1944. Harold Kuljo
stated in his bio "One of our lieutenants (Bolger) jumped on a scout car
and was firing the 50-caliber machine gun mounted on its top when he was
hit by a German sniper."
He returned to
the regiment on 4 July 1944, Lt Bolger was transferred to Service
Company for light duty and recuperation. On 24 July he was transferred
back to Company E.
2nd Lt Bolger was
promoted to 1st Lt on 11 November 1944.
On 1 January 1945, Lt Bolger was awarded
the Silver Star in HQ, 82d Airborne Division, General Order No. 10
(1945) for his leadership in the capture and retention of the
Chef-du-Pont causeway.
On 27 January 1945, 1st Lt Bolger was
evacuated as a non-battle casualty and on 15 March 1945 he was
transferred to the Parachute Replacement Depot, Fort Benning, GA.
According to William Knapp in his book "I Didn't Know Anyone Cared" [pg
109] Francis had had a cup of boiling water and accidently poured into
his boot, was evacuated, and sent back to the states."
He was discharged on 17 January 1945.
His military decorations include the
Silver Star, Purple Heart, and the Bronze Service Arrowhead device
awarded for participation in Normandy assault.
