RESIDENCE (DURING WWII):
Watervliet, Albany County, New York
Watervliet, Albany County, New York
✭ Ardennes-Alsace Campaign (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945), ✭ Rhineland Campaign (15 September 1944 – 21 March 1945)
🎖Silver Star Medal, 🎖Bronze Star Medal, 🎖Purple Heart, 🎖WWII Victory Medal, 🎖Honorable Service Lapel Button
Matthew Swedick, Grandson
File Unit: Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946
(Enlistment Records)
in the Series: World War II Army Enlistment Records,
created 6/1/2002 - 9/30/2002,
documenting the period ca. 1938 - 1946.
- Record Group 64
(info)
Brief Scope: This series contains records of approximately nine million men and women who enlisted in the United States Army, including the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps.
Source: aad.archives.gov/aad/A few months ago we got in touch with Mr. Matthew Swedick who willingly shared with us the story of his Grandfather, Pvt. John J. Swedick, a member of Company K, 23rd Infantry Regiment. This is one of the most emotionally powerful stories of courage and sacrifice we have ever had the honor of knowing. Article “They Chose to Die So Buddies Could Live” was officially published in Stars and Stripes, Liege Edition on January 23, 1945: “Men of this division today told how an entire squad of doughboys chose to die in order to allow their buddies to escape from a death trap during the recent German counter offensive, the Battle of the Bulge. Obeying the order to hold their position at all costs, the Second Platoon of Co. K., 23rd Inf. Regt., repelled repeated attackers until surrounded on three sides. When Tiger tanks appeared and began firing point blank into the foxhole, the platoon was ordered to withdraw….