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JOSEPH RALPH LAURIA Branch of Service: U.S. Army Rank: Private First Class Hometown: North Bergen, N.J. Honored By: Ralph P. Simeone - Nephew Biography Joseph was born on May 30,1924 in North Bergen, N.J. to Ralph and Clara Lauria one of five children, Ralph,Clara, Mary and James. Joseph graduated from St. Augustine's School in Union City, N.J. After graduation, his father being deceased, Joseph became the sole support of his mother and younger brother James. Joseph enlisted in the Army in Jan. 1943 and went to Camp Fannin, Texas for basic training. He also served at Fort Rucker, Alabama and took advanced training at Camp Butner, N.C. Joseph was assigned to the 35th. Infantry Division,320th. Inf. Regt. Co G, 1st Platoon and assigned to the BAR. The 35th. Div. left Camp Kilmer, N.J. which was a staging area for New York City where they left on May 12,1944 for Liverpool, England. After spending some enjoyable time in England the division landed on Omaha Beach 5-7 July 44 and moved inland. The 320th. Regt. went into combat on 11 July and Joseph was KIA on 13 July 44 at Le Carillon, France approx. 4 Kms north of St. Lo in the Battle of the Hedgerows. He was buried in La Cambe Cemetery and disinterred on Oct 30,1947, and his remains were sent home for burial in the Soldiers Plot in Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen, N.J. Joseph was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat inf. Badge, WW2 Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European Campaign Medal, and the Expert Badge for Carbine, Auto Rifle and Grenade.