Nick Collins State Senator

great grandmother) never really believed that Thomas had died.

Ryan also found some official files and letters, including a burial file from the National Archives and tabulations of those missing in action. The DPAA (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) didn’t exist before World War II, but a private organization called “Doughboy MIA” gave Ryan some leads. As we mentioned, there’s also Thomas J. Fitzgerald’s name engraved on the WWI monument at the Aisne-Marne Cemetery. Ryan was able to figure out that 15 soldiers were hastily buried in that field near Chouy – six are accounted for, so nine remain to be traced. He has narrowed down the burial site to approximately a square kilometer.

Ryan just returned from another trip to France. He has become truly dedicated to finding Thomas Fitzgerald’s remains, and then returning them to the U.S. for a proper burial. He considers this to be his mission. He also wonders if there’s more information about Fitzgerald on this side of the ocean – old letters, South Boston neighborhood photos, memories, whatever. If you know of anything about Thomas J. Fitzgerald, please email Ryan at rysullivan8@gmail.com.

Ryan and his girl-friend Michaela from the Czech Republic will be visiting her parents next year. They’ll also visit Chouy in France to continue the search over there. In the meantime, please meditate on Thomas J. Fitzgerald, the man (and hero), as Memorial Day approaches.