OKeefe, Thomas F.

Description

Thomas F. O’Keefe was born in Connecticut in 1913. In Rye his family lived at 252 Purchase Street and were members of the Church of the Resurrection. Thomas enlisted and served in the 88th Division of the U.S. Army during World War II.

In July 1942, the 88th Infantry Division was ordered to active service at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma. It went overseas in December 1943, and fought gallantly in the North Apennines, Po Valley and Rome-Arno campaigns in Italy. From the date of its landing in Naples until the end of hostilities, the 88th Infantry Division was one of the most battle-tested divisions, earning the nickname “Blue Devils” from the German Army.

In 344 days of combat, the Division sustained a total of 15,173 casualties – killed, wounded, and missing in action. This was one of the highest casualty rates of any Division in WWII, and is testimony to the fierce combat experienced by the 88th Infantry Division. Three members of the 88th Infantry Division were awarded The Medal of Honor for their valor

Sergeant Thomas F. O’ Keefe, former 88th “Blue Devil” Division post
office clerk, has been awarded the
Bronze star “for meritorious service in combat” with the division in Italy.

Friday. December 28, 1945 THE RYE CHRONICLE PAGE NINE

Name: Thomas Franc O’Keefe Race: White Age: 26 Birth Date: 21 Oct 1913 Birth Place: Greenwich, Conn Residence Place: Rye, West, New York Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940 Registration Place: Rye, New York, USA Employer: Russell Burdsall & Ward Co Weight: 210 Complexion: Light Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Brown Height: 6 Next of Kin: Miriam O’Keefe