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name
BRYCSAK, Stephen - Date of
birth
29 July 1910 -
Age
34 - Place of
birth
Indiana -
Hometown
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
36374559 -
Rank
Private First Class -
Function
unknown -
Unit
B Company,
745th Tank Battalion,
2nd Platoon
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
24 March 1945 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Uckerath, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 16 | 11 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Stephen Brycsak Sr. (father)
Anna (Cichony) Brycsak (mother)
John Brycsak (brother)
Michael Brycsak (brother)
William Brycsak (brother)
More information
Stephen Brycsak was awarded the Silver Star Medal. The citation stated: In the ensuing fighting Brycsak distinguished himself by his coolness and courage, repeatedly volunteering for the most dangerous assignments. In the memorable battle of the 2nd platoon between Wissersheim and Gymnich, Germany, Brycsak left his disabled tank, ignoring order to return to a rear rallying point. Operating with his sub-machine gun beside the remaining tanks, he helped evacuate wounded tankers and doughs until the medics had removed the final casualty.Pvt Brycsak died of third degree burns.
He was initially buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Ittenbach, Germany on 8 April 1945. After being disinterred, he was evacuated to Margraten and buried in a temporary grave on 28 August 1945.
After the cemetery was given a permanent status, he was given his final resting place on 13 December 1948.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, 745tank, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / Family Tree, IDPF
Photo source: Nico Leers