Joseph J. Kovach

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Army

Joseph J. Kovach entered the Army January 31,1942, at Ely, Minnesota. Home at entry: Ely, Minnesota.

He served as a Major and infantry rifle company commander with the 4th Infantry in the European Theater. Moved up into the corner of France next to Luxembourg, when the German attack came. It was known as the "Battle of the Bulge" and we took a pounding.

Wounded in action in face and body on December 24, 1944, in Comsdorf, Germany. Hit with a "Screaming Meemie" which was one of a battery of rockets fired from a German truck. Spent six long years in military hospitals in a grueling process of repair.

Mr. Kovach was awarded the: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Distinguished Unit Badge, and Belgium Fourrage.

Disability retired on August 31, 1953, at Ely, Minnesota.

Source:  Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 359.

Site by 3FIVE