Louis Dimich

Jeremy Anderson2020-04-19T15:42:29-05:00

Name: Louis Dimich
Location of Birth: Itasca County, Minnesota
Date of Birth: November 12, 1920
Date of Death: KIA - December 2, 1943
Parents: Henry Dimich & Helen (Basarich) Dimich
High School and Class:
College:
Highest Rank: PFC (Private First Class)
Branch: Army
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: December 6, 1939
Place Sworn In:
Date of Discharge:
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:

Military Highlights:
Newspaper article: Itasca Iron News, Coleraine, Minnesota – December 25, 1941 – “Co. B. 15th Inf., Fort Lewis, Wash. – Dear “Dad” Lammon: I am writing to you to see how you are getting along. Hope you are feeling fine. Has the weather been very cold yet, or is it still fairly mild? The weather here at Fort Lewis has been very bad, especially for troop training. It has rained for seven days, a steady drizzle. The 15th Infantry is on constant guard which is a precautionary measure. There was no sign of an enemy plane on the west coast. B Co. goes on alert at 4:00 p.m. today for any possible sabotage, riot or any other town disturbances. This post is heavily guarded, but there is no indication of any movement of the division in the near future. Aircraft guns are in place in San Francisco, Calif., Seattle, Wash., and Portland. Ore. in case of any emergency. The morale of Fort Lewis and vicinity is very high, altho the soldiers are restricted to the Fort. No man is allowed to leave the post, except married men, and then they may only have three hour’s leave. The men here are prepared for any emergency. Full field rolls and packs are ready and all men have their own rifles and ammunition. In other words, Fort Lewis is well equipped and ready for anything. Everything is well under control. This war will be very short. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your friend, P.F.C. Louis Dimich, Fort Lewis, Wash.”

Newspaper article: Itasca Iron News, Coleraine, Minnesota – December 9, 1943: “PFC. LOUIS DIMICH KILLED IN INDIA., SON HENRY DIMICH – What Was Perhaps His Last Letter Received by “Dad" Lammon Tuesday – News of the death of another Coleraine young man, Pfc. Louis Dimich, was received from the War Department Monday by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dimich. The message stated that he was “killed in an accident” at Karachi, India, in December. Louis Dimich was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Dimich. He was born Nov. 12, twenty-three years ago; and was last home on furlough last May, just before he went overseas. Another son, Peter, is in service, an M. P. recently returned to the United States from duty in Africa. Perhaps the last letter written by Louis Dimich was one which L. D. Lammon received Tuesday. It begins “Dear Dad," as many of the boys around town who have grown up here address the publisher of The Iron News. Louis Dimich was frequently in the office, a friendly youngster. In his letter he says: “I have been kept so busy I have not had time to write, or can’t. It has been a long time since I was home last; but being where I am certainly makes a person realize just how wonderful our own United States are – and Coleraine. This country may have many strange sights and people in it, but not comparable with Minnesota. The people have strange ways which we have to become accustomed to, or I should say, acquainted with. I have seen many things well worth seeing; but I know I have a job to do, and that is about all I am interested in – doing the job. I have not seen much of India, but I expect to. I have one more little trip to make and I will have gone completely around the world. Hope to get that chance. I found Australia very beautiful, its scenery something like ours. The people are friendly, like Americans; but all in all, I wouldn’t trade countries with anyone. My home is and always will be America. I wish I could tell you about India; it might compare with Nevada or Utah. * * *(censored) Speaking of things I miss, I forgot to mention my wife. No doubt you have heard that I was married. Wouldn’t mind seeing her again, as I know all the boys are anxious to see their wives and sweethearts. Our best bet is to invest in all the bonds we can, for the more we invest in, the sooner will come victory, and the sooner we shall come home. I have met a few men from Minnesota, mostly from St. Louis county, but none from home. Say hello to the folks, the Andrew Hagen family and all the people in Coleraine. It is getting late and I am tired and have a long hard day tomorrow. Wishing you and all others a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year, adios for now, Louis.”

Louis Dimich was originally buried in Barrakpore, India; reburial was in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii (plot B, row 1, grave 190) on February 7, 1949.

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:

Tribal Affiliation(s):