Lee O. White

(Aug. 10, 1944) -- Water-tenderer 3/c Lee White of Ralph Street, Belleville, was killed June 8 during the invasion of France.

The 26-year-old sailor was aboard the destroyer USS Meredith (DD-726) during invasion operations.

Early on June 6, Meredith screened the transports and landing craft to Utah Beach and provided pre-invasion shore bombardment.

The Meredith was on patrol duty off the Bay of the Seine during on June 7, when it struck an enemy mine. Severely damaged, with a loss of seven killed and more than 50 wounded and missing, the Meredith was towed to anchorage at the Bay of the Seine.

However, as the result of enemy bombing, the ship was blown apart, and broke in two without warning and sank on June 9.

White had lived with his aunt Mrs. Paul Ott of Ralph Street, after his parents died many years ago.

His wife, Gloria Nero White, and his 3-month-old son whom he saw once before departure, live on Brookline Avenue, Nutley.

More about Lee O. White

Sources

American Battle Monuments Commission

American Legion Post 70 Memorial

Belleville Times, Aug. 10, 1944: Jack Daley, Lee White, Angelo Guarino Killed

World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing,
State of New Jersey, War Dept. June 1946