Patsy Joseph DiDavid was born on May 17, 1917 to Joseph Francis DiDavid, who lived at 560 Elm St. in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.  His Father worked at Lukens Steel at the open hearth.  Patsy was one of 6 children: Alfred, Nicholas (Jeff), Patsy, Horace, Gloria and Mary. 

Patsy attended the S. Horace Scott High School in Coatesville, on Stiring St. between 8^th and 9^th Avenues.  He left school early to obtain employment at Lukens Steel Company to help with family expenses.  He married Rachel Mariana and moved to 7 Shallcross Apartments on Second Ave in the city.  He was a member of the Holy Rosary Church, which was then located on Coates St. 

Patsy was well known for his pleasant personality and he loved to laugh.  His sister Gloria remembers “in the movie house he would sit in the balcony and you heard him laugh so hard.  Everyone knew who it was.” 

Patsy was drafted in the Army, and entered service on July 17, 1944.  He received basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida and advanced training at Camp George Meade, Maryland.  

He returned home to visit his wife and family in early December and left to return to duty on December 17^th.  Before embarking from New York, he telephoned his wife to say goodbye – it would be the last time they spoke. 

Patsy was sent to France as a replacement to the 16^th Regiment “Blue Spaders” of the 1^st Infantry Division- “the Big Red One”.  His division was pushing into Germany across the Rhine River.  On December 16^th, 24 German Divisions (10 of which were armored) staged a massive counterattack in the Ardennes – the Battle of the Bulge. 

The Division engaged in heavy fighting, moving back to regroup.  Private Patsy DiDavid was Killed In Action in Belgium on January 18^th, 1945.  His wife, Rae, received the tragic telegram on February 7^th.  

A memorial service was held at the Holy Rosary Church, with burial with full military honors at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. 

His brother Nicholas served in the Army, and his brother Horace served in the Navy.