Civilian Life
Alex Lux was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in early 1922 to a Catholic family. He was only able to complete two years of high school before dropping out and going straight into the workforce. He worked in a textiles factory for almost four years before deciding to enlist in the Army on November 25th, 1942 in his hometown of Philadelphia. He was never married, and did not have any children, and he would never see his family again.
Army Life
3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division
After his enlistment, Alex was recruited for the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, also known as the 'Red Devils', and traveled to Camp Mackall in North Carolina to train with the rest of his regiment. It was here that he joined the regiment's 3rd battalion. Over one year later, on December 28th, 1943, the 508th left for Belfast, Ireland, where they would train until it was time to move out for Operation Overlord, which took place on June 6th, 1944. The 508th targeted the Douve River Bridges, but many of the men were separated and confused by enemy fire. Once behind enemy lines, the 508th fought in Normandy for 33 days. Alex was killed on June 16th, 1944, a mere ten days after the operation began. It is unknown as to where he died, but he was first buried in a shallow, dirt grave before being moved. He was one of 307 men who were killed in action, and also one out the 1,061 members of the 508th who were killed during the battle. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his actions, and is currently buried in Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Plot F, Row 19, Grave 42.