Albert N. Sandrock

World War I

Albert Sandrock was born on October 17, 1895 in Fort Madison, IA to John and Mary (Isaac) Sandrock. Mary was an immigrant from France. The family moved to a farm near Templeton in 1901. After education in Templeton, Albert became a teacher in the country school system in Carroll County. His sister Rose was to become the first graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Templeton.

By early 1918, it became apparent he would be called to military service. In a move unique to Templeton boys, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 23, 1918. He was assigned serial number 4610068. He was sent to Parris Island, SC for basic training and joined Company A. By August, he had completed basic training and was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 13th Marine Regiment of the 5th Marine Brigade.

By mid-September, Albert and his unit had been moved to Virginia for transit to Europe. Company D boarded an unknown ship at the Quantico Overseas Depot and sailed on September 25, 1918. They arrived in Brest, France after their voyage. Once in France, the entire 5th Marine Brigade was assigned to the Service of Supply which was in need of dependable troops for guard duty. The brigade, consisting of the 13th Regiment and the 11th Regiment, was split with the 13th Regiment scattered across western France performing guard duty. The 13th Regiment never engaged in combat.

Guard duty continued to occupy the 13th Regiment until July, 1919. At that time, the 5th Marine Brigade was reassembled in Brest, France. Albert and his unit sailed from Brest on July 31, 1919, aboard the “Siboney” and arrived back in the US. Albert was discharged from the Marines on August 13, 1919.

Albert returned to Templeton and, on January 15, 1920, accepted a position at Farmers Savings Bank in Templeton. A position was available due to the retirement of William Lechtenberg. However, by the middle of 1921, Albert had moved to Chicago, IL and was employed by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), a large electric utility company. On May 4, 1924, Albert married Elsie Geisert at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Albert remained employed by ComEd and died in Chicago of a heart attack on June 28, 1956 at age 60. He was buried in All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.