About Walter DanchakWalter Danchak's story, at least what is known of it, is rather exceptional. After attacking the soft underbelly of Fortress Europe and fighting through the entire Mediterranean theater, he was sent to the beaches of Normandy, where he was killed.
After enlisting in 1942, he was ordered to join G Company of the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. His company took part in Operation Husky (the invasion of Sicily), where Danchak and his company fought their way through the island of Sicily. During the fighting in there, Danchak earned the Silver Star, for "for gallantry in action in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving with Company G, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II" (Military). His specific actions which earned him the Silver Star are not known. Italy soon surrendered, and the 16th Infantry Regiment set sail for England on October 23rd, 1943. The ships arrived late at night on November 5th, and the 16th Inf. Reg. began to set up camp (16th Infantry Historical Records). In about half a year's time, they would once again find themselves at sea again- this time, heading for the beaches at Normandy on June 6, 1944. G Company was set to land in the second wave on Omaha beach. What exactly happened to Danchak on D-Day, besides the act that he was killed in action, is unknown. |
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