Flossmoor veterans, such as Captain John Bodfish and Major Dempesy, have made significant contributions to the safety and security of our community, state, and country through their dedicated service in the Armed Forces during World War II. Captain Bodfish, a medical administrator, played a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of soldiers, exemplifying how medical personnel safeguard both combatants and civilians in times of war. His sacrifice and untimely death at the young age of 27 highlight the personal costs of war and the commitment these individuals made to their country. Similarly, Major Dempesy’s service in the Army Air Force not only involved combat but also underscored the rapid advancements in aviation and military strategy during the war. His posthumous honors, bestowed upon his infant son, signify a deep recognition of the lasting impact that his bravery had on future generations. Additionally, both veterans are memorialized on the Homewood Veterans’ Memorial, symbolizing the collective gratitude of a community that recognizes the sacrifices made by its members. The challenges faced by these servicemen, from the daily threats of battle to the burdens of leadership, were met with courage and resolve, offering opportunities for valor and a legacy that inspires continued service and remembrance. Their stories exemplify how local heroes contribute to broader national efforts, underlining the importance of honoring and understanding the sacrifices made by military families throughout history.
John Bodfish was born in Ohio in 1916 and lived on Butterfield Road when the houses did not have house numbers. He was a U.S. Army Captain and a medical administrator in Pomona, California. Captain Bodfish was married to Jeanette Havens and the father of Jean and Margaret. Here is a copy of his draft registration card (the paperwork he would have completed to join the Army). Captain Bodfish died in Los Angeles on September 19, 1943, at the age of 27. He was buried in a crypt at First Unitarian Church crypt in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. He was also honored at the Homewood Veterans’ Memorial on Harwood Avenue, directly across the street to the east of the present-day Aurelio’s Pizza.
Major Dempesy was born in Harvey in 1918 and lived on Brassie Avenue. He was the son of John Dempesy, the president of the Buda Company in Harvey. The Buda Company manufactured large engines and employed many people in the south suburbs, including in the Homewood-Flossmoor area.
Major Dempesy graduated from Morgan Park Academy and was made a Second Lieutenant on December 12, 1941. He married a college classmate, Caroline Bartsch, that same day.
The Dempesy family originally received word that their son, a major in the U.S. Army Air Force, was reported as missing in action over Sicily. (Remember that the Air Force was not formally established until 1947. Military servicemen like Major Dempesy were instead in the Army Air Force before 1947.)
The Homewood-Flossmoor Star of December 14, 1943, reported that Major Dempesy was killed on July 9 in the opening battle over Sicily. A North African air base received word of Major Dempesy’s promotion from Captain to Major within moments of departing for his final mission. He had also been awarded the Bronze Oak Leaf and the Air Medal by President Roosevelt just prior to his taking flight. Major Dempesy was only 24 years old when he died. He was married and had an eight-month-old son at the time of his death.
Major Dempesy’s family held a memorial service for him at the Church of the Mediator in Morgan Park. However, Major Dempesy was buried at the Sicily Rome American Cemetery and Memorial (Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy). Like Captain Bodfish, Major Dempesy is memorialized on the Homewood Veterans’ Memorial on Harwood Avenue.
In February 1944, Major Dempesy’s 16-month-old son, William Robert Dempesy, was awarded the U.S. Army Air Force Air Medal to remember his father. When an award is given to people after their passings, it is referred to as a posthumous award. The Air Medal was awarded posthumously to Major Dempesy.
How have Flossmoor veterans contributed to the safety and security of our community, state, and country through their service in the Armed Forces? Write an extended paragraph (5-7 sentences) using the 2 Flossmoor veteranss above or materials learned in class to answer the question.SS.IS.8.6-8.L.C. Analyze how a problem can manifest itself and the challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address it.
SS.IS.6.6-8LC. Construct arguments using claims and evidence from multiple sources, while acknowledging their strengths and limitations.
SS.H.2.6-8.MdC: Analyze multiple factors that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras.
1 answer