Sergt Jerome Ceel, 22, a paratrooper, was wounded in action in Italy on Dec, 8, according to word received from the war department by his mother, Mrs. Catherine Ceel, 11339 W. Greenfield av., West Allis.  Sergt. Ceel previously had seen action against the Japanese in the Aleutian islands off Alaska.  He attended West Milwaukee high school and the preparatory seminary of the Pallotine fathers prior to his enlistment in 1940.

[Milwaukee Journal, January 11, 1944]

Ceel, Jerome "Jerry"

Age 83 years, August 23, 2004/
   Jerry was born April 3, 1921, in Milwaukee and baptized at St. Josaphat's Basilica.  Jerry was a soldier, WEPCO lineman, labor leader and a fine citizen. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, the U.S. Army in 1940 and volunteered for the First Special Service Force in 1942.
   He was awarded three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for combat in the Aleutian Islands, Italy, France and Belgium.  He was a member of the Amalgamated Transport Union, Local 494 of the IOCW, and the first business manager of :Local 2159 of the IBEW.  He served 19 years in that office where he led that Union from 700 original members to 2300 upon his retirement.  He was a past member of the West Allis Kiwanis Club.  Jerry served in several appointed capacities for the city of West Allis over a period of 25 years.  He represented local 2159 as a delegate to the Milwaukee County Labor Council for 39 years until his death.  As a blood donor he donated 198 pints of blood.  He donated his body to the Medical College of Wisconsin.  His final remains will be cremated and buried at Wood National Cemetery.
   His family included three younger sisters; Doris, Verna and Eunice, all deceased.  He was married to his first wife, Dolores, from November 1946 until her death in 1978.  They had two twin daughters; Maxine and Miriam. both who died in infancy in July 1946.  They also had two sons; Forrest and Jamison, both of whom reside in the Milwaukee area.  Jerry remarried Susan in 1981. He had a daughter-in-law, Kathleen and one granddaughter, Rebecca.  His greatest influence in life was his mother, Catherine, who held together and raised a family during the trying times of the Great Depression of the 1930's.  she passed away in 1998 at the age of 97.Jerome now joins her once again.
   A celebration of his life will be held in the Legacy Supper Club located at 14995 W. National Ave in New Berlin on Sunday, August 29.  Join us for a casual gathering of food, drink and conversation from 1;00-4:00 PM.  Reflections on a remarkable life will start at 2:00 PM.  A final tribute to Jerry Ceel will be to vote this November,  In lieu of flowers, please maker donations to the Blood Center of Southeastern Wisconsin.

[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 4, 2004]

Jerome enlisted in the Army on 6 May 1940, probably in Milwaukee.

On 16 January 1945 Sgt Ceel was transferred from Hq 92d Replacement Battalion, 3d Replacement Depot to Company D, 508th PIR.

He was wounded in action on 28 January 1945 and evacuated to afield hospital but was able to rejoin the company on 24 February 1945.

His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Combat Infantryman Badge for action during campaign, 18 Dec 1944 to 20 Feb 1945.