Private First Class Joseph G. Bachulak 32234509

Private First Class Joseph G. Bachulak 32234509 was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bachulak of No. 9 James Street, Batavia, New York. Joseph was born June 1, 1920 in Batavia. He attended Batavia High School and was a member of Sacred Heart Church. He played on the Polish Falcons Baseball team. He was employed at Massey – Harris Plant. On March 27, 1942, Joseph enlisted in Batavia, New York, at the age of 21. He trained to be a paratrooper at Camp Croft, S. C. ; Ft. Bragg, N. C. ; Ft. Benning, Ga. The unit practiced in England for months in preparation for the invasion of the continent. He served on Company F 502nd parachute infantry regiment 101^st Airborne Division. Private Bachulak was reported missing in action on D-Day during the invasion but he made his way back to the American lines by the 10th of June. Five days later, June 15, 1944, Private First Class Joseph G. Bachulak, was killed in action in France at the age of 24. His survivors were his parents, two brothers serving at the time in the armed forces, John and Charles, and three sisters, Rose and Mary and Mrs. Helen Y asses. His body was returned to the united states in 1949. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal the American theater of operations medal, the and the European theater of operations medal, Silver Jump wings Combat Infantry Badge, and the World War Two Victory Medal.

Source:

1- Genesee County World War Two Gold Star Memorial Book – Gold Star Memorial Genesee County New York – 1953

2- U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1925-1963