09Sep1921 – 04Mar1944
Edison Days
The only records found to date to connect Morris to Edison High School are a mention of his death in the Edison Record student newspaper, and his inclusion in the “In Memorium” section of the 1946 Wizard yearbook. The newspaper entry also indicated that he withdrew from school before graduating.
Military Service
Branch: United States Army
Rank: Private First Class
Unit: Company C – 10th Field Artillery Battalion – 3rd Infantry Division.
Morris’ path to the Army is unknown. His entry in the 1946 Wizard states that he fought in Africa, Italy, and Sicily. The 10th Field Artillery Battalion was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division for the duration of Morris’ service. This is from a unit timeline for 3rd Infantry Division up until Morris’ death.
The 3rd Infantry Division first saw action in the North African invasion, landing at Fedala, 8Nov1942, and capturing half of French Morocco. On 10Jul1943, the Division made an assault landing on Sicily, fought its way into Palermo before the armor could get there, and raced on to capture Messina, thus ending the Sicilian campaign. Nine days after the Italian invasion, 18Sep1943, the 3rd Infantry Division landed at Salerno and in intensive action drove to and across the Volturno and to Cassino.
After a brief rest, the Division was ordered to hit the beaches at Anzio, 22Jan1944, where for 4 months it maintained its toe-hold against furious German counterattacks. On 29Feb1944, the 3d fought off an attack by three German Divisions.
The German attack that started on 29Feb1944 was defeated by early March. While not known with 100% certainty, this is likely the battle in which Morris was killed in action.
In 1948, Morris’ remains were returned to Minnesota for reburial.
Morris is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN
Edison Heroes 