Date of birth:

October 7th, 1919 (St. Louis/Missouri, United States)

Date of death:

January 16th, 1989

Nationality:

American

Service number 01288083.

Sidney Lurie was born at St. Lukes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, on October 7th, 1919 as the son of Edward S. Lurie and Jeanette Miller Lurie. The family moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1921. Sid Lurie graduated from Springfield Senior High School in 1937, and attended Tilton (NH) Academy for one year. He then attended Duke University in North Carolina from 1938 to 1941, where he completed his junior year.

Sid was drafted into the U.S. Army in June, 1941. He attended Officer Training School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was among the first group to be trained as Army Rangers. He was assigned to the 36th Infantry Division and landed in Africa in 1943. Sid Lurie eventually landed at Salerno, Italy. He landed in the South of France later that year. Sid returned to Camp Robinson, Arkansas in April 1945 and was discharged soon afterwards.

Sid went into his father’s business, the E.S. Lurie Manufacturing Company, makers of men’s trousers and slacks, in Springfield, Missouri. He married Irene Allis in 1963. He died January 16, 1989.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (1st Lieutenant)

Unit:

adjutant Battalion Staff, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division

Awarded on:

March 11th, 1944

Citation:
""Sidney E. Lurie, 01288083, First Lieutenant, 141st Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 21-22 January 1944 in the vicinity of San Angelo in Theodice, Italy. In the bitter battle which followed the crossing of the Rapido river, all the battalion staff except Lieutenant Lurie, adjutant, where either killed or wounded. The intense artillery and mortar fire on the area had disrupted all communications. Lieutenant Lurie dauntlessly made his way over 700 yards of fire swept terrain to inform the regimental commander of the situation. He then recrossed the dangerous area, taking with him litter bearers to evacuate the casualties. In so doing he was severely wounded and three of his litter men were killed but with great fortitude he completed the direction of the evacuation and the reinstallation of communications. Evidencing cool courage and outstanding leadership, he acted as battalion commander until relieved. His gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered the Service from Springfield, Missouri."

Presented by General Mark Clark during the campaign in italy.

• Photo 1: Neal Miller
• - Newspaper article
  - Confidential letter, Headquarters 36th Infantry Division, AG 200.6, 11th March 1944