Harold Charles Rutka
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Air Force
RUTLA, Harold Charles
Harold Charles Rutka was born on February 8th 1921 to Charles Anthony & Theresa Adeline [Dulinski] Rutka in Duluth, Minnesota..
Mr. Rutka enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on March 25th 1942.
He attended glider pilot school and gunnery school. He was assigned to a B-24 bomber crew, as a ball turret gunner in the European theater. He flew 34 combat missions. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT).
SGT Rutka recalls, "On one mission, "Belchin' Bessie," B-24, our plane crashed on takeoff, had 2,700 gallons of gas and 5,200 pounds of bombs on board. All members were shook up."
He earned the following merits for his service:
- Distinguished Flying Cross,
- Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters,
- Good Conduct Medal,
- European-African-Middle East Campaign Service Medal with 4 bronze battle stars, -and-
- World War II Victory Medal.
Ater the war he returned home and married Genevieve D. Brajkovich and thay started a family.
He further recalls, "Genevieve and I were married in Duluth, Minnesota Nov. 14, 1944 and lived in Laredo, Texas until discharged and returned to Duluth. Attended gunnery instructor school and was assigned to school as an instructor until discharge June, 1945. Reserve training in Duluth, Minnesota and Minneapolis, Minnesota until retirement 1981 as Chief Warrant Officer. Retired as U.S. Post Office director of customer service after 38 years service."
Mr Rutka died on March 13th 2011 at 90 years of age. He is buried at the Polish Catholic Cemetery in Duluth.
Source(s): Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 275.
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 1 WWII Draft Registration Cards - Fold3
