Major Jack Cameron Heist

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Theta Delta Chi, 1939

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Tech Swim Club, 1939

5 Local Servicemen Are Reported Dead

Jack Heist was born on November 6, 1919 to his parents Henry and Christina Heist.^[1] Three years later, his brother William was born.^[2] After he graduated from Eustis High School he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology.^[3]

At MIT he joined the Theta Delta Chi chapter, the Quadrangle Club, and the Tech Swim Club.^[4] He graduated with a bachelor degree in civil engineering.^[5] After completing his Reserve Officers' training, he received his commission on May 29, 1941. On October 31, 1941 he entered into active duty. He served within the office of the Chief of Ordnance at Fort Benning until July 1942. He rose through the ranks and earned the title of Lieutenant.^[6]

 Towards the end of his position in the office, he married Margaret Ann Gallagher. Reverend Edward Gallagher performed the marriage at the Holy Savior church on July 15, 1942.^[7] The two met while Margaret worked as a stenographer in the War Department.^[8]  He transferred to an armored division until November 1942, after his wedding. He would transfer once more to Camp Polk, Louisiana until he went to England.^[9] While at Camp Polk he visited surrounding cities and made friends with the locals, though he only remained there for a few weeks.^[10] Heist earned the rank of Major sometime after he transferred to England, the exact date is unknown.

Jack Heist served as an ordnance ammunition officer for the XIX Corps. The Corps began its operations on June 14, 1944.^[11] While the Corps did not engage on D-Day, they did participate in the takeover of Normandy. It is doubtful that Heist took part in many, if any, battles as the Ordnance Division was in the rear-echelon.^[12] The XIX Corps, however, made great strides through France. In four months they managed to push their way to the border of Belgium.^[13]

This is where the Ordnance Division may have seen the most action. As the army moved forward, the Ordnance Divisions had to cross a major German retreat route.^[14] On September 2, 1944, Major Jack Heist, as well as Captain Allan H. Reed, soldier John H. Miller, and technician Zan D. Hassin were on a reconnaissance mission for an ASP (ammunition supply point). As they approached the city of Thiant, German soldiers ambushed them, none survived.^[15]

At the end of the war, the US Military interned Heist in the Epinal Cemetery block B, row 8, grave 62. For his service he received the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.^[16]