Louis V. Girard

The remains of 1st Lieutenant Louis V. Girard, of West, who was killed in action on August 1, 1943 at the age of 20, while serving his country with the United States Army Air Forces during World War II will be returned to his family for burial.

Graveside Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022 at St. Mary's Cemetery in West.  Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by the Ft. Hood Honor Guard.

Louis was born December 1, 1922 in West, to William J. "Bill" and Julie (Beseda) Girard. He was a graduate of West High School.  Louis attended Texas A&M University and left his studies in February 1941 to join the Royal Canadian Air Force.  He was sent to England in January 1942 and participated in many air raids over enemy territory. In September 1942, after the United States entered WWII, he transferred to join the United States Army Air Forces.  In the summer of 1943, Louis was assigned to the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force.  On August 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator aircraft "Satan's Hell Cats" on which he was serving as a pilot, crashed as a result of enemy anti-aircraft during Operation TIDAL WAVE in Ploiesti, north of Bucharest, Romania.  The mission was considered one of the most daring raids of WWII.  The remains that could not be identified, including those of Lt. Girard, were buried as Unknowns in the Hero Section of the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan, Ploiesti, Prahova, Romania.  Louis served his country with honor and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Purple Heart awards.  His remains were identified and accounted for on March 28, 2022.

Louis is succeeded in death by his parents; brothers, Henry Girard and William Girard; and sisters Lillian Strange and Mary Ann Mladenka.

Survivors today include his sister, Helen Pomykal and husband Bud of Rosebud, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are the United States Army Honor Guard from Ft. Hood, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post #4819 or West Veterans Honor Guard.