NAIL Limburg

The grave of PFC Stephen Brycsak was adopted by Trudy Beckers. Trudy started researching PFC Brycsak's family with the help of the Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF) file she received.  She contacted anyone who was mentioned in the Soldier's records and was amazed how much cooperation she received. Based on the records that were discovered, PFC Brycsak died in Ittenback, Germany, close to Koningswinter. Trudy was able to find records that showed how the local civilians experienced the allies in a respectful and friendly way.

This is PFC Stephen Brycsak's story:

Stephen was born on 29 July 1910. His parents had immigrated to the States from Czechoslovakia. He lived with his brothers William and John in Chicago, IL after his father and younger brother Michael passed away in 1927. According to the 1930 United States Federal Census, the then 20-year old Stephen was a laborer with no schooling, but was able to read and write. He enlisted in the US Army.  His younger brother William joined the Navy.

Records show that Stephen voluntarily took the place of married soldiers which were send to the frontlines in WWII, because he was a single Soldier without any children - see article The Decoy Doughboy below.  "I'm not married, have no parents and no dependents," he had said in arguing for his transfer. "I think I can afford it easier than a lot of those dads out there".  PFC Brycsak not only volunteered for the most dangerous front-line assignments, but ensured the safety of his commerades.  During one battle, he left his disabled tank and despite of being ordered to a safe rear ralley point, he used a submaschine gun to enable his remaining living and fallen commerades to be evacuated.  This Soldier is a prime example of the Soldier's Creed. The research indicated that Stephen was probably stationed in an already liberated area in the Ardennes or South Limburg. His unit went to the Koningswinter area, where he died on 24-3-1945. His tank exploded during a battle that opened the path for the Armored Division Spearheads. PFC Brycsak was awarded a Silver Star, a Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.