Leo's second baptism at Anzio was far different from his 1921 Watsonville "sprinkling" experience.

Leo Edward Joseph Hoffman was a native of Watsonville, California, and was born on August 18, 1921, to Henry and Celedonia Hoffman. The family also included three other sons: Henry, Robert and Ray. Leo attended local elementary schools and Chaminade High School; he transferred into Watsonville High School between 1936 and 1940.

Leo Hoffman was inducted into the US Army on November 2, 1942, and in January 1943, was sent to Camp White, Oregon, for basic training. Following specialized training, Leo was promoted to Private First Class. In February he was elevated to sergeant and in April rose to staff sergeant. He became a technical sergeant while at Camp Adair, Oregon, in February 1944.

Sergeant Hoffman was assigned to the 361st Infantry Regiment of the 91st Infantry Division and landed in North Africa in May 1944. His unit remained and trained there throughout May for the invasion of Italy. During this period, his brother Henry, who was enroute to India, visited him for the last time. In June 1944, Sergeant Hoffman and his company were ordered to Italy to participate in the Anzio landing.

“Having landed at Anzio on 1 June the Regiment took up positions the following night on the ridge four miles north- west of Velletri. On June 3rd at 05:30 they jumped off, and were the first element of the 91st Division to enter combat. Four hours later they received their first baptism of fire.”

On June 9, 1944, Technical Sergeant Leo Edward Joseph Hoffman died from the wounds he received during his "baptism of fire." His remains were later returned to Watsonville and interred in the Valley Catholic Cemetery.

(NARA2; WRP July 5, 1944 1:2, July 12, 1944 1:1; Lone Sentry. Com, 91st Infantry Division, http://www.lonesentry.com/91st division/ch2.html, (16 Sept 2008])