Francis Penrose Lyons was born December 3, 1911 and lived in West Chester Pennsylvania. He was one of three children. Francis attended schools in West Chester and worked for the Daily Local News. He was known to his friends as “Spriggy”.

Francis married his wife Veronica and they lived in West Chester.

Francis entered the Army in 1941, and received training as a medic. He then was sent overseas in November, 1942, serving with the 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, part of General Mark Clarks famed 5th Army.

Francis served in Tunisia in the North African desert. Early in the campaign he was mistakenly reported Killed In Action, but the information proved untrue. His division then landed in Italy and fought in Naples, and Anzio.

Private First Class Francis P. Lyons died on November 22, 1944 in Italy. His death is listed as Non Battle. He is buried at the Florence American Cemetery in Via Cassia, Italy.

Credits

Research by Don Wambold, WCMSC