World War II Honoree

John A. Oplawski, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Oplawski

Relationship

Son

LANDED AT ANZIO,AND FOUGHT WITH THE 361ST INFANTRY DIVISION AS A MORTAR AND MACHINE GUN OPERATOR. HE WAS INVOLVED IN THE BATTLE TO ROUST GERMANS FROM THEIR VANTAGE POINT AT MONTE CASSINO. HIS DIVISION THEN ADVANCED ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE ITALIAN PENINSULA TO THE PO RIVER NORTH OF ROME. HE EARNED A BRONZE STAR FOR RUNNING COMMUNICATION LINES UNDER ENEMY FIRE. A PURPLE HEART WAS AWARDED FOR INJURIES RECEIVED FROM AN ARTILLERY SHELL EXPLOSION.