Army Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski - Young American Patriot

Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski was born September 19, 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of John Frank Bukowski and Theresa Filipkowski. In 1940 he was recorded living with his parents at 639 Twenty First Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski photo location unknown

On October 4, 1942 he enlisted with the United States Army at age 21. On December 17, 1945 he was discharged from military service.

In 1946 Young American Patriots was published. The collection of books was compiled to preserve the lives of the American men and women who served in World War II. The books were arranged by state. A biography for each soldier includes: name, branch of military served in, birth date, date and place entered service, and parents' names.

Sergeant Daniel L. Bukowski was featured in Young American Patriots on page 354. The text from his record reads:

"World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945 Bukowski, Daniel.  Sgt.,Army. Age 24. Entered Serv. Ict. 24, 1942. Cp. Claiborne; France; Ger.; Agrica; N. Zealand; Australia. Awarded GCM, As-Pac Rib., EAME Rib. Disch. Dec. 17, 1945. Attended Erie Tech HS. Catholic. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bukowski. Husband of Tillie Szulc Bukowski, 625 E. 14th St., Erie, Pa."

Young American Patriots Page 354

His entry in Young American Patriots indicates he was a decorated solider and received several military service awards. The military service awards he received are detailed below.

Army Good Conduct Medal:

"Authorized on June 28, 1941 for exemplary conduct, efficiency and fidelity and awarded to Army personnel who, on or after August 27, 1940, had honorably completed three years of active Federal military service. These military medals could also be awarded for one year of service after December 7, 1941 while the U.S. was at war. The award was not automatic and required certification by a commanding officer (usually a battalion commander or higher)." -Medals of America, Army Good Conduct Medal

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal:

"Authorized on November 6, 1942, as amended on March 15, 1946. Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 30 days of consecutive (60 days nonconsecutive) service within the European Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941 and November 8, 1945 (lesser periods qualify if individual was in actual combat against the enemy during this period). The front of the bronze medal shows a Landing Ship, Tank (LST) unloading troops while under fire with an airplane overhead. The reverse has the American eagle, symbol of power, standing on a rock, symbol of stability, with the inscription, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and dates, “1941-1945.”" -Medals of America, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

"Authorized on November 6, 1942 and amended on March 15, 1946. Awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 30 consecutive (60 nonconsecutive) days service (less if in combat) within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946. The front of the medal shows a palm tree amidst troops with an aircraft overhead and an aircraft carrier, battleship and submarine in the background. The reverse has the American eagle, symbolizing power, on a rock, symbolizing stability, with the inscription, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the eagle’s back. The orange yellow of the ribbon represents Asia while the white and red stripes toward each edge represent Japan. The center blue, white and red thin stripes are taken from the American Defense Service Medal, referring to America’s continued defense preparedness after Pearl Harbor. A bronze star denoted participation in a campaign. A silver star attachment is used to represent five bronze stars. An arrowhead attachment is authorized by the Army and Air Force for participation in a combat parachute jump, combat glider landing or amphibious assault landing (only one arrowhead may be worn on the medal/ribbon despite the number of qualification events). The ribbon is worn with the center blue stripe on the wearer’s right." Medals of America, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal 

The photograph of Daniel is from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Daniel L. Bukowski is my 1st counsin 2x removed. He is the son of John Frank Bukowski. John Frank Bukowski is the brother of my great-grandmother Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen's son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. 1940 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Year: 1940; Census Place: Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3650; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 68-75. Record for John Bukowski
2. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Veterans Burial Cards, 1929-1990; Archive Collection Number: Series 2-1; Folder Number: 573.
3. Ancestry.com. World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Record for Daniel Bukowski Page 354.
4. Medal of America