Private First Class James Forst gave his life while serving his country during World War II. Though little information about his early life has been preserved, his sacrifice remains part of the lasting legacy of the young American servicemen who answered the call to defend freedom during one of history’s most difficult times.
PFC Forst died on March 2, 1944, during the Allied campaign in Italy. He was laid to rest at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, one of the overseas cemeteries established to honor American soldiers who lost their lives in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The cemetery serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought far from home.
PFC James Forst is remembered with gratitude and respect for his ultimate sacrifice during World War II. His name is engraved on the plaque at Memorial Park in Downers Grove honoring local servicemen who never returned home from World War II.
