Attica, Indiana - Tech Sergeant Lawrence Edward Reitz, 22, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, died on August 1, 1943 while serving a mission for the Army Air Corp near Ploiesti, Romania.

Lawrence was born on September 1, 1920.  He was the son of the late Arnot P. And Ida M. (Orr) Reitz.  He was a graduate of Hoopeston High School.

Lawrence enlisted in the Army Air Corp on July 31, 1940.  He trained at Barksdale Field, Shreveport, LA where he scored a 144 out of 150 on his IQ test.  He ranked the highest of all who had taken this test to date.  He had served in the 57th Squadron.  He has also served time as an instructor in radio and gunnery at Wendover Air Base, Utah.  He was on assignment with the 343rd Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force when shot down in Romania.  They gained ID through DNA tracing on May 5, 2023.

Lawrence is survived by a half-sister, Betty Leak, Attica; two half-brothers, Edward C. Reitz, Williamsport and Donald R. Reitz, Attica.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ester Reitz, brothers, Eugene Reitz & George Reitz; and a half-brother, Charles Stichnoth.

An open gathering will be held at Maus Funeral Home, Attica on Sunday, August 6 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.   Following the gathering, burial with full Military Rites will be held at Highland Cemetery, Williamsport.