In Memory of U.S. Army Corporal
Melvin Leo McBride
Rosebud, South Dakota Todd County
April 4, 1919 – April 2, 1943
Killed in Action in North Africa
Melvin Leo McBride, commonly known as Leo McBride, was born April 4, 1919, at Greenwood, Charles Mix, South Dakota, to George and Susan McBride. His parents both died in 1932, and Leo’s foster mother was his sister, Ida Gray. The Daily Republic reported that Leo was “quite well known in this community [Mission] having attended Rosebud Boarding School for several years,” and graduating in 1940.
Leo McBride entered active service on September 1, 1941, at Fort Crook, Nebraska. About a year later, Corporal McBride was sent overseas.
On April 2, 1943, Corporal Melvin Leo McBride was killed in action in North Africa. His sister, Ida, received a letter from the War Department with the words, “The official casualty report states that he died in action in defense of his country.”
After the war, it is believed that Leo McBride’s remains were returned to the United States and reburied locally.
This entry was respectfully submitted by Sheila Hansen, Fallen Sons State Coordinator, Spearfish, SD. Information for this entry was provided by an application for a SD veteran’s bonus payment and the Daily Republic, 5/19/43 issue.
