Lots of love, Sonny

Alexander Joseph Milone (Sonny) was the oldest of three children born to Ralph and Lillian Milone. Ralph immigrated to America from the village of Terranova da Sibari in Cosenza, Italy at the age of 17 and later married Caroline (Lillian) Rende. They settled in Brooklyn on East 35th Street where they raised their children, Sonny, Gloria and Mario. Sonny graduated from St. John’s Prep and went onto fulfill his dream to attend the University of Notre Dame. In May of 1943, only two years into his college career, Sonny was called upon to serve his Country. Pvt. Alexander J. Milone was assigned to the 115th Infantry, Cannon Company, 29th Division and landed on Omaha Beach at approximately 10 a.m. on June 6, 1944. His unit advanced toward St. Lo, fighting intensely. After capturing the city of St. Lo in mid-July, the 29th Division joined in the Battle for Vire. At the end of August, the 29th took part in the assault on Brest. On the morning of September 18th,1944 enemy officers were led through the 115th lines to arrange for the surrender of Brest. At 0800, all resistance ceased. Just hours later, Pvt. Milone sustained a gunshot wound accidentally incurred while personnel were boarding vehicles preparatory to movement. On September 19th, five days before his 21st birthday, Pvt. Milone’s “heart slowed to a complete stop”; the same day, the 29th took a week’s rest before their long trip to Germany.