Charles Anthony Ady, Jr. (WWII Casualty)

UNIT: 376th Parachute Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne

RANK: Private

BORN: August 16, 1913

WHERE: Collinsville, Madison Co., IL

DIED: July 11, 1943

WHERE: 1 ½ miles east of Scoglitti, Italy

CAUSE OF DEATH: KIA during Operation Husky

BURIED: Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery

MARKER: Military Marker

Collinsville Herald – September 1, 1943
Provided by Gene Beals (2007)

Chas. Ady Is Killed In Action
Paratrooper, 29 Years Old, Fell During Invasion July 11
WAR DEPARTMENT NOTIFIES SISTER
Was in Coast Artillery But Yearned for Action Overseas

Pvt. Charles A. Ady, 29 year-old paratrooper, was killed in action July 11 in the North African area according to a telegram from the War Department received Thursday by his sister, Miss Anna Ady 401 South Combs avenue. It is believed that Pvt. Ady was killed in the invasion of Sicily, as paratroopers are known to have entered into action there on July 9, 10 and 11.

The telegram to Pvt. Ady’s sister said: “The Secretary of War desires that I tender his deep sympathy to you in the loss of your brother, Pvt. Charles A. Ady. Report received states that he was killed in action on eleven of July in North African area. Letter follows. Ulio, the adjutant general.

Pvt. Ady enlisted in the Army February 25, 1941, and for some time was stationed at Fort Rosekranz with a unit of the coast artillery. When he thought that he might not see action overseas he asked to be transferred to the paratroopers, he told friends.

He trained to be a paratrooper at Fort Benning Ga. When he made his first jump he fractured an ankle but after it healed he completed his training and received his wings January 1 of this year.

Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Ira Sullins, Mrs. Elmer Kleine and Miss Anna Ady of this city and three brothers. William Ady of Neenah, Wis., Alexander Ady of St. Louis and Joseph Ady of Coldwater, Mich.

Pvt. Ady’s parents, Charles and Anna Ady, died several years ago.

Pvt. Ady was born in Collinsville August 16, 1914*, and was 29 years old, 27 days before he was killed.

Note: *Headstone and other records indicate Charles Ady was born in 1913.

Thanks to Jan Bos for providing the following additional information (May 2009):

Charles Ady enlisted on 26 Feb 1941, he died during operation Husky on 11 Jul 1943 and was killed by so-called "friendly fire." His body was found in an orchard, 1 ½ miles east of Scoglitti. He was first buried on 14 Jul 1943 in the 179th Infantry Regimental Cemetery # 1, 45th Infantry Division, his grave marked by a wooden cross.

He was reburied in the United States Military Cemetery Gela 2-S, the cemetery located on road Gela-Caltagirone, opposite the Ponte Olivo airfield on 03 Aug 1943 at 17:00 hours by Sgt Mossefin 46th QM GR Co. On 09 Apr 1947, he was buried a third time at the United States Military Cemetery Paestum (Italy), Mount Soprano - 5265.

Brought back to the U.S., Charles Ady's final resting place is in plot 14, grave G at the Cemetery of St Peter and Paul, Collinsville, Illinois. (Jan's PDF file)

Index of Collinsville WWII Casualties

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