STEPHEN F. J. O’ROURKE

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA 1923–1945

Artifact associated with STEPHEN F. J. O’ROURKE
Branch of service
United States Army
Primary military occupation
Chaplain’s Assistant, Rifleman
Highest rank achieved
Technician Fifth Grade
Dates of service
December 1942 – January 1945
Wartime unit
Company B, 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division
Campaign awards
Ardennes-Alsace
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The interior of Tec/5 O'Rourke's helmet remains covered in dirt and grime, the history of its last 80 years of life remaining unknown until its discovery in 2023.

The interior of Tec/5 O'Rourke's helmet remains covered in dirt and grime, the history of its last 80 years of life remaining unknown until its discovery in 2023.

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Tec/5 O'Rourke's laundry number scratched into the brim of the helmet shell.

Tec/5 O'Rourke's laundry number scratched into the brim of the helmet shell.

Inscriptions carved onto the front if his helmet. It may be his initials, although it is hard to discern.

Inscriptions carved onto the front if his helmet. It may be his initials, although it is hard to discern.

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A diamond shape scratched on the front, possibly a nod to the 26th Infantry Division.

A diamond shape scratched on the front, possibly a nod to the 26th Infantry Division.

Faintly visible even in proper lighting, Stephen O'Rourke wrote his name on the sweatband. In this photo, it looks more like a few faint lines.

Faintly visible even in proper lighting, Stephen O'Rourke wrote his name on the sweatband. In this photo, it looks more like a few faint lines.

Stephen F.J. O’Rourke
1923-1945