Armand P. De Clemente

Rank: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

Serial: 32069181

Unit: 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division

Entered service from: New Jersey

Died: August 27, 1944, France

Burial: Plot K, Row 15, Grave 16, Brittany American Cemetery, St. James, France

Awards: Purple Heart

Staff Sergeant Armand P. DeClemente was born in 1910 in Schenectady, NY to Eugene and Errichette DeClemente. His father had come to America in 1909, and was joined by his wife and oldest son Anthony in 1911. The DeClemente family had moved to Camden NJ by 1930, at which time they were living at 1245 Sheridan Street. The family lived next door to the Angelo Errichetti family, whose son, Angelo, would go on to become the Mayor of Camden. In 1930 Armand, his older brother Anthony, and his father all worked for the General Electric Company. Armand DeClemente later worked at the Union News Company Stand at the Philadelphia Ferry in Camden, which was his place of employment prior to entering the Army.

Armand DeClemente was inducted into the Army on March 7, 1941, and was assigned to the 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division.

Sergeant DeClemente was killed in action on August 27, 1944 near Kergroas, south of Gouesneau, France, during the battle to liberate the port city of Brest. He had recently written home stating “We have liberated a few more towns, and the people are very happy. We now figure the war will soon be over.”

Armand P. DeClemente was survived by his mother, Mrs. Errichette DeClemente of 1183 Jackson Street in Camden NJ; three brothers, Seaman First Class Albert, Corporal Harry, and Anthony DeClemente; and three sisters, Mrs. Susie Bonita, Mrs. Alvera Verdicchio, and Mrs. Lillian Alessio. His death was reported in the September 18, 1944 edition of the Camden Courier-Post.

The sacrifice of US soldiers during WW2 is remembered each year in Fort Montbarey, Brest, France. The following soldiers were honored: 1st Lt. John W. Case (224th FA, 29th Infantry Division), S/Sgt. Armand P. De Clemente (28th IR, 8th Infantry Division), Pvt. Thomas E. Doran, Jr. (38th IR, 2nd Infantry Division), Pvt. Joseph T. Harris (9th IR, 2nd Infantry Division), T/Sgt. Robert T. Lynn (28th IR, 8th Infantry Division), Pfc. Richard C. MacDonald (28th IR, 8th Infantry Division), Pvt. Francis J. Milne (9th IR, 2nd Infantry Division), Pvt. Aral Moser (23rd IR, 2nd Infantry Division), 2nd Lt. John W. Schnepp (15th TB, 6th Armored Division), Pvt. Eugene E. Skahan (23rd IR, 2nd Infantry Division), Pfc. Oscar Frederick Stephens (777th AAA, 6th Armored Division), Sgt. Herbert L. Striker (5th Rangers Battalion), Pvt. Lawrence C. Stockdale (23rd IR, 2nd Infantry Division), Pvt. Albert Alfred Vincent (116th IR, 29th Infantry Division).