Edward F. Drew, Jr.

FIRST LIEUTENANT EDWARD F. DREW, Jr. was a 1937 graduate of Collingswood (NJ) High School. Prior to entering the service he was an editorial employee of the Camden NJ Courier-Post.

Edward Drew entered the Army in May of 1942 at Fort Dix. He completed his basic training ant Camp Croft SC, and remained their as a company clerk. Promoted to Private First Class and then Corporal, On February 16, 1943, he married Catherine Bauer.

On the recommendation of his commanding officer, Edward Drew was selected to attend Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning GA in May of 1943, where he was the fourth highest in his graduating class. Lieutenant Drew was then sent to instructors school at Camp Wheeler GA, and after his  graduation there took an assignment at Camp Blanding, being promoted to First Lieutenant shortly afterward.

After a Thanksgiving furlough, Edward Drew received his overseas orders in December of 1944, reporting to Fort Meade MD, where he was commanding officer of the group of men being sent to Europe as replacements. He was sent immediately into combat upon arrival, participating in the Battle of the Bulge. In his last letter home, he wrote that he had attended Mass on New Years Eve in Belgium.

Edward Drew Jr. was killed in action on January 13, 1945 near Liege, Belgium. He was survived by his wife, Catherine Bauer Drew, of 243 Crestmont Terrace, Collingswood NJ. Besides his widow he was survived by his mother, Mrs. Mabel Drew, a brother, Ensign John R. Drew USN, who was then serving in Southern France, and two sisters, Bette Drew of Collingswood NJ, and Mrs. Jean Knight of Moorestown, who was also a co-employee of his at the Courier-Post.

Edward F. Drew Jr. was brought home aboard the USAT Joseph V. Connolly, arriving October 27, 1947. He was buried at Beverly National Cemetery on November 19, 1947.