Thomas Prendergast

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Biography

Thomas Francis Prendergast was born on Oct. 4, 1910 in Chicago, Illinois and died on Jan. 26, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. He married Dorothy Mae Prendergast [Weatherton] in Louisville, KY. Graduate De Lasalle High School, Chicago. Occupation: Auditor Southmoor National Bank, Chicago; Manager Chicago Milk Drivers Credit Union Chicago, Illinois. Thomas F. Prendergast served in the Army during WWII in France, Belgium and Germany with the 667th Field Artillery. He was present on the Rhine River during the Battle of the Bulge, where some of the most difficult fighting of WWII occurred. Thomas was a gunner corporal and section chief. His job was to set the controls of his155 Howitzer to the correct range and azimuth. His skill in making quick math calculations needed to set the gun properly earned him the Bronze Star and several commendations. Thomas was not drafted into the Army, because he had two children he qualified for a deferment, but he joined anyway. Thomas served in the Illinois National Guard in the 124 Field Artillery from Jan. 1934 to Aug. 1940. His National Guard service provided the artillery experience needed to accurately control and fire the Howitzer. After the war, Thomas joined the 124th Field Artillery American Legion with headquarters in Chicago's Hyde Park. He was active in the Legion for many years, and he was elected Commander of his American Legion Post.

Sources

• Family Historian Thomas Brian Prendergast