Thomas J. Forestal, son of Patrick and Mary Forestal was born in Chicago on November 11, 1919.

In 1940 Thomas was working as a serviceman at a gas station the following year he enlisted for military service on 27 November 1941 in Chicago and his occupation on his WWII enlistment form is listed as "skilled mechanics and repairmen".

Thomas volunteered to join the First Special Service Forces and served in Europe during WWII with 4th Company - 2nd Regiment.

At the time of his death Thomas Forestal was survived by his daughter Kathryn, brother Patrick, sister Dorothea and former wife and lifelong partner, Jeune.

In July 2013, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded, collectively, to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II.

(courtesy of Eric Palm)

Grave marker for Thomas J. Forestal in Grave 2, Lot 7, Block 4, Section U, Saint Joseph Cemetery, River Grove (Cook county), IL.

Thomas enlisted in the Army at Chicago, IL on 27 November 1941