Combat Vet Dies In Crash Overseas-October 5, 1945

Norwood Combat Veteran Sgt. Witold J. Juskiewicz Jr. Killed in Post-War Germany Crash

Just months after the Allied victory in Europe, tragedy has struck a local military family. Sgt. Witold J. Juskiewicz Jr., a 27-year-old Norwood infantryman who fought valiantly across Germany with General George S. Patton’s Third Army, was killed in a motor vehicle accident overseas on September 18, 1945.

The grim news was delivered to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Witold J. Juskiewicz of 54 Hillside Avenue, via an official War Department telegram received Wednesday.

Reconnaissance Duty Tragedy in Germany

According to military communications, Sgt. Juskiewicz met his death in a truck crash that occurred while he was on reconnaissance convoy duty just outside Camp Schwandorf, Germany. No further details regarding the accident have been released by military authorities.

A Decorated Four-Year Veteran

Sgt. Juskiewicz was a seasoned combat veteran who had served nearly four years in the United States Army. He had been stationed overseas since September 1944, serving with the 915th Field Artillery of the Third Army.

Throughout his European deployment, he earned high recognition for his service, holding three battle stars and the prestigious Infantryman’s Combat Badge. His extensive military training prior to deployment took him across the country, including stints at Camp Croft, South Carolina, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Camp Polk, Louisiana.

Roots in Norwood and Winslow Brothers & Smith

Born in Lowell, Sergeant Juskiewicz attended local public schools in Norwood and grew up deeply rooted in the community. Before enlisting in the armed forces, he was employed locally by the prominent Winslow Brothers & Smith tannery.

He is survived by his grieving parents at 54 Hillside Avenue; his sister, Stella, who is also employed at Winslow Brothers & Smith; and his brother, Andrew, a student at Norwood Junior High.

(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)

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