🇺🇲WWII uncovered: 79th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge: Honoring Harry Hudec of the 82nd Airborne Division: Veteran of D-Day, Operation Market-Garden and The Battle of the Bulge.
"Private Harry Hudec, of 11709 Park Hill Avenue, Cleveland Ohio, enlisted in the Army on October 24, 1942 at the age of 20.
He served with the 82nd Airborne Division, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company" - US Signal Corps Archive"
Hudec jumped into Normandy on D-Day around 1:30 AM and fought on Hill 30 between Chef du Pont and Picauvill.
On June 15th, he suffered a combat injury and was hidden and cared for by a local family over 4 days until the arrival of German troops.
Harry was hospitalized to remove the hand grenade fragments from his injury. He quickly returned to service.
Harry went on to jump into Holland as part of Operation Market Garden and also fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Private Hudec is shown below during a preparation for a practice jump. According to his enlistment records Harry was 6 ft 4 and 1/2 in tall. He was also stated to be a Regimental Champion boxer.
After the war Harry returned to Cleveland, Ohio. On June 19, 1946 he married Dorothy Stevens of Sedalia, Missouri. The couple had three children, numerous grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Harry retired from the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company after 43 years of service and was an active member of the Solon VFW. - Cleveland Plain Dealer
Harry Hudac passed away on March 28, 2007 at the age of 85. He lies in rest at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Sedalia, Missouri. Lest We Forget.
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