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LeRoy K. Zahradka

Private First Class - United States Marine Corps

February 13, 1914 - March 1st, 1945

LeRoy Kayo Zahradka is the son of Mr. Louis & Mrs. Mary Zahradka of 816 Highland St., Edwardsville IL..He attended local schools here, but went to work quite young (his father died when he was 13 years old) at Woodlawn Gardens Nursery and later at Rusty's Tavern. LeRoy was 23 when he entered employement with Shell Pipeline Company and on March 29, 1938 married Ms. Helen Idhe of Galena, IL. LeRoy joined the Marines in October, 1943 and was sent to San Diego, California for training. His wife accompanied him there and waited for his return from overseas. Notice of his death arrived on the day of their seventh wedding anniversary. Private First Class Zahradka saw action in the Pacific theater and was involved in the flag raising on the island of Iwo Jima. He was, however, just out of the photo with several other Marines. He was killed in action on Iwo Jima one week later. Private First Class Le Roy K. Zahradka is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii and is survived by his mother, his wife, a sister, Helen and a brother, Charles. He was 31 years and 16 days of age.

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