LT. J. GEIGER DIES IN ITALY
Son of Sioux Cityan
Also Served in African Campaign
Word was received by Ralph S. Geiger, Sydney apartments, that his son, First Lt. James P. (“Phil”) Geiger, 24, died in Italy, January 16.
Lt. Geiger was a graduate of the high school at Newell, Ia., and attended Iowa State College. Before his enlistment, he was employed by Armour & Co. in their Chicago office.
Lt. Geiger enlisted in Co. M., 132d infantry, Illinois national guard, September 26, 1940. He left from Chicago with his regiment for Camp Forrest, Tenn., where he received a year’s intensive training. During that time, he earned three advancements, attaining the rank of sergeant. In January, 1942, his regiment left for the South Pacific, and at that time he was selected for officer’s training at Fort Benning, Ga.
Upon his graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the infantry. Lt. Geiger was recommended for specialized training in officer’s motor maintenance and returned to Fort Benning for his second course there which he completed. Later he received his promotion to first lieutenant. He was retained in this country as an instructor until the spring of 1944, when he left for overseas duty, where he served in North Africa and Italy. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Fifth Army in Italy.
Lt. Geiger was a member of the Congregational church at Newell, Ia., and was affliated with Triangle lodge No. 643, A. F. & A. M., Sioux City.
Besides his parents, he is survived by a brother, Cpl. Alan Geiger, who has just been returned from 12 months’ service in north Africa and in India, and is now attending officer’s candidate school at Fort Benning, Ga. His grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Geiger, reside in Cherokee, Ia.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, February 2, 1945 (photo included)
James Phillip “Phil” Geiger was born Apr. 12, 1920 to Ralph Solomon and Marie A. O’Neill Geiger. He died Jan. 16, 1945 and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Cherokee, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
