Roy Junior Esch was born in Independence, Iowa on December 31, 1923. He was the son of Roy Eschs. He attended Independence High School and before volunteering for service was engaged with his father in farming. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Surviving besides his parents are a brother, Harold, and a sister, Wanda.

He volunteered in June, 1944, and was inducted into the army on July 18, taking 17 weeks of basic training at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas. While training on the range he received expert medals for rifle and machine gun and sent his parents a record of this. He also was acting squad leader.

On November 28, he was granted a 15 day furlough which he spent with his parents in Independence. Upon completion of the furlough he was sent to Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, from where he shipped overseas January 1, 1945 arriving in France. From there he went to Belguim.

On January 28, 1945, he was assigned to the First Army and was sent to Germany. He had been in action since February 1. He was Killed in Action on March 21, 1945 and is now buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.ancestry.com