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Personal info

Full name
SVINKUNAS, Leon George
Date of birth
16 January 1923
Age
21
Place of birth
West Frankfort, Franklin County, Illinois
Hometown
West Frankfort, Franklin County, Illinois

Military service

Service number
36726711
Rank
Private
Function
unknown
Unit
6th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized),
B Troop
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Died of Wounds
Date of death
15 December 1944
Place of death
Lautenbach, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
Plot Row Grave
J 31 23

Immediate family

Members
Charles E. Svinkunas (father)
Victoria (Baranosky) Svinkunas (mother)
Magdalen Svinkunas (sister)
Adele R. Svinkunas (sister)
Anthony J. Svinkunas (brother)
Francis Svinkunas (sister)
Patricia C. Svinkunas (sister)
Susan C. Svinkunas (sister)
Andrew Svinkunas (brother)
Helen Svinkunas (sister)

More information

Leon G. Svinkunas was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for gallantry in action on 14 December 1944, in the town of Lautenbach, Germany. The citation cited: Pfc Svinkunas' platoon was subjected to a heavy artillery and mortar barrage followed by an enemy counterattack. From positions on high ground, the enemy was able to cover the escape route of the platoon. Pfc Svinkunas and a comrade, with complete disregard for their personal safety, unhesitatingly engaged an enemy machine gun crew about 50 yards away. Despite intense counterfire, he continued his task until mortally wounded.

He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Limey, France.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men / Stoika & Cekis Family Tree / 1940 Census, www.findagrave.com – Union 48, Leon Svinkunas - Recipient - (militarytimes.com)

Photo source: -