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Personal info

Full name
STRZELKA, Walter A
Date of birth
11 June 1924
Age
20
Place of birth
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
Hometown
Wayne County, Michigan

Military service

Service number
36987424
Rank
Private
Function
Rifleman
Unit
320th Infantry Regiment,
35th Infantry Division
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
17 January 1945
Place of death
The road from Bourcy to Longvilly, Belgium

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
Plot Row Grave
H 12 23

Immediate family

Members
Anthony Strzalka (father)
Mary A. Strzalka (mother)
John Strzalka (brother)
Anthony Strzalka Jr. (brother)
Stanley Strzalka (brother)

More information

The family changed the e in Strzelka to an a in Strzalka.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action while serving with the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near Bourcy, Belgium, on 16 January 1945. When a comrade was wounded during an attempt to seize high ground, PvtStrzelka, a rifleman, without regard for personal safety, went foreward in the face of intense enemy fire, to administer first aid to the wounded man. His courage, disregard for personal safety, and placing the life of a wounded comrade above that of his own, are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.

Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Carla Mans, Susan Linton - Robert Strzalka (nephew), www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men / 1930/1940 census, www.coulthart.com/134

Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, Susan Linton - Robert Strzalka (nephew)