Keating Square

in Memory of
Pvt. Thomas F. Keating
Born: August 23, 1906
Killed in action – Brouvelieurs, France
October 20, 1944

At the intersection of Green, Franklin and Foster streets there are three memorial markers. To judge by the listing at the WPL site, two of them must have been relocated from nearby spots, and this memorial to Thomas Keating was apparently the first one here. It is the only memorial I've seen so far with a second plaque affixed to it, on the front of the stone. (This is also the first one photographed properly, by my wife. Thanks, Christina.) So I shall let this one speak for itself:

Second Purple Heart Awarded

April 10, 1992

For wounds received in action October 20, 1944

          Official record corrected after grandson of Private Thomas F. Keating uncovered proof that, although thought to be missing in action, Private Keating had been wounded in August of 1944, which represented the missing record that should have resulted in the first Purple Heart. Private Keating wrote to his son describing his injuries as: "a slight wound in the head and thigh...will be better soon."

          After recovering he was driven back to the front by a friend in his ambulance. He was assigned to the 179th Infantry Division, where he was involved in a battle surrounding Brouvelieurs, France as mentioned on the original memorial.

          His son, Thomas F. Keating, wrote while kneeling at the grave site in Epial, France 48 years later:

          "A feeling of peaceful tranquility comes over you at this beautiful place. Heroes close to God."

M.I. Keating 2004