World War II Honoree

Anthony Luke Badrak, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Philadelphia, Pennsyvania / Wilmington Delaware, Pennsylvania

Honored By

The Badrak Family Children

Relationship

Father

He served his country by enlisting in the US Army Air Corps immediately after graduating from high school in 1943. After Boot Camp and attending two specialty schools, his B-24 crew was deployed to Italy to be part of the 759th Bomber Squadron / 459 Bomber Group Heavy which was part of the 15th Air Force. His ship was affectionately known as “Mi Assum Draggin” which was a comment on the endless effort in combating the enemy forces. During his time in Italy, his crew participated in battles and campaigns in North Apennines, PO Valley, Rhineland, Central Europe and Air Combat Balkans. Having the rank of Technical Sargent (T/ SGT), He was the flight crew aerial photographer – tasked with operating photographic equipment from the aircraft for the purpose of determining the effect of bombing missions, nature and locations of enemy installations as well as troop movements. He also assisted in the processing of said film. Additional duties were of Assistant Flight Engineer as well as helping to maintain the aircraft while in flight including manning the left- or right-wing side gun when necessary. Decorations include the Air Medal with 2 bronze oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theatre Service with 5 bronze stars as well as achieving the AAF Air Crew Medal and Aerial Gunner badges and receiving an Expert badge for Auto Rifle & Machine Gun, Sharpe Shooter badge for M-1, and Marksmanship badge for Pistol (45 cal.). On his arrival back to the states, he was reunited with his sweetheart (our mother) and was married shortly after and remained married until his passing in 2003. He was always a loving, caring, understanding and compassionate person. He will be forever known as “Pop-Pop”. Our mother also has a registry page – Anna Margaret Badrak - https://wwiiregistry.abmc.gov/honoree-plaque/?honoree_id=2671593.