Tomb marker for Lucien J. Gristina and family in Square
C, St. Boniface Walk, Tomb 17, Saint Roch Cemetery #1, New Orleans
(Orleans Parish), Louisiana.
This style of tomb which
places remains above ground is typical of the area which has a high
water table due to proximity to the Mississippi River. |
 Lucien
was duly registered with his local draft board and voluntarily enlisted in the Army
at New Orleans, LA on 22 August 1942.
The date of his arrival in
the 508th PIR is unknown but by mid-July 1944 he was a member of H
Company.
Pvt Gristina was wounded
in action in Normandy on 4 July 1944 and was evacuated. He was
able to rejoin the company on 14 September 1944.
Pfc Gristina was again
wounded in action in Belgium on 8 January 1945 returning to duty on 9
March 1945.
His military decorations
include the Purple Heart with 1 OLC and the Bronze Service Arrowhead
device which was awarded for participation in Normandy assault. |
