1/LT NORBERT J. SCHWARTZ

Application for a grave marker and resulting stone for 1st Lt Norbert J. Schwartz in the Saint Adalbert Catholic Cemetery, Niles (Cook county, Illinois.

Norbert was transferred into Company E of the 508th from Hq FFRD #8, a Replacement Depot, on 2 April 44 with the duties of an Assistant  Platoon leader. Within a month, due to manning problems, Lt Schwartz was transferred to Company B in the same capacity.

Lt Schwartz jumped with the regiment as it went into Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944.  He was quickly reported as missing in action and remained in that status until his body was found. His remains were initially interred in the Ste. Mere Eglise #2 cemetery in Plot T, Row E, Site 57.  Following the war his family opted to have his remains repatriated to his home state.

He was posthumously awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge sass well as the Purple Heart.
 

Lt. Schwartz Earlier Reported Missing.

LT. NORBERT J. SCHWARTZ, 24, was killed in action June 6, in France, the war department yesterday notified his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley M. Schwartz, of 4954 S. Kedvale av. Lt. Schwartz, who joined the army in March, 1941, was in a paratroop unit. He previously had been reported missing in action. He had been overseas since February. Lt. Schwartz was employed in the advertising department at Butler Brothers before he entered the army. He was a graduate of Our Lady of Victory school and De Paul academy, and also attended Northwestern university. Besides his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Sister Mary Magdalen, S. P., and Sister Mark, S. P. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. next Saturday in St. Bruno's church. 49th st. and Harding av.

Chicago Tribune (IL) - October 07, 1944

1st Lt. Norbert J. Schwartz , died in action June 6, 1944, in France. Co. B. No. 508, "Red Devils" 82nd Air Borne Div. Loving son of Stanley, and Joan, nee Malecki, dear brother of Sr. Mary Magdalen, and Sr. Mark, Sisters of Providence.

At rest at funeral home, 4553-61 Milwaukee avenue, Monday after 5 p.m. Funeral Tuesday, 10 a.m. from funeral home to Our Lady of Victory church.  Interment St. Adalberts. Military Honors by Portage Park Post No. 183. Please Omit Flowers.
 

(Chicago Tribune (IL), Date: July 19, 1948)
 

Following the initial notice of 1/Lt Norbert J. Schwartz being listed as Missing In Action as of 6 June 1944, his parents apparently appealed to the National Jewish Welfare Board in an attempt to learn more of their son's status.

Card A is preprinted with the word "DEATH" but has the stamped word of "AUTHENTICATED" indicating that some investigation and information gathering took place, perhaps as late as October 1944.

Card B appears to be a final report which mistakenly lists Norbert's rank as a 2nd Lt.  A burial list had been obtained  from a Chaplain Detcor of the Army OWI (acronym unknown)   Inquiries were made of two persons in 1945 and 1946 and the case work seems to have concluded.