PFC Leo Casimer Balon was born 1 Jul 1924 in Buffalo, New York. He was the 6th of 9 children born to Anthony and Stephania (Czarnecki) Balon. Leo's parents were both 1st generation Americans whose parents had immigrated from Poland. His father worked for the New York Central Rail Road and owned the family home at 102 Shepard Street in Buffalo which was valued at $6000 in 1930 but the family moved before 1940 and were renting a place at 66 Mary Street. Leo did not progress beyond the 8th grade and he went to work for Buffalo Forge Company.
Leo was drafted in February 1943. After completing about 5-months of basic military training he was sent to England and assigned to A Company 116th Infantry. He then trained with the unit to prepare for the amphibious attack on the beaches of Nazi occupied France. He was with the unit on 6 Jun 1944 when the assault took place and was killed in action on that day.
SGT Balon was ultimately interred in the Normandy American Cemetery.
Leo's older brothers, John Leo and Chester Bernard Balon also served during the war.
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