Death and CommemorationMack Luther Dees Jr. was killed in action on November 13, 1943. As a result of the German attack on American forces of Mount Sammucro, Dees Jr. suffered from being shot in both of his legs. He never married and was single at the time of his death. Dees Jr. had two Italian shoulder insignia and rosary beads on him when he died. Army services sent his father a U.S. Treasurer's check for $77.37.
Before being buried in his final resting place at the American Cemetery in Sicily, Dees Jr. was laid to rest in a temporary grave in Avellino, Italy (plot F, row 9, grave 101), and his grave was marked with a wooden cross accompanies by a Protestant ceremony. Dees Jr. was awarded the Purple Heart in honor of his service. |