NOTE: There are many more relatives that have served their country with distinction, and their service is greatly appreciated. I am reserving this page at this time for those who served in WWI and WWII.
SOBIESKI FAMILY
| JOHN SOBIESKI (1890 – 1972). John enlisted in WWI on April 30, 1918. Sailed to Europe on July 6, 1918. Returned to the US on June 12, 1919. As a Waggoner, he ran a mule or horse team to the front lines with supplies and ammunition. At one time a mortar shell took out his entire team of horses, but he survived without injury. |
| JOSEPH SOBIESKI (1893 to Dec 5, 1932). Uncle Joe was assigned to Company D, 18th Engineers in Europe during WWI, according to his gravestone at St Michaels Cemetery, Berlin Wisconsin. It is believed he was gassed during WWI resulting in health problems the rest of his short life. According to his estate court records, Joseph died at the National Home for US Veterans, in Milwaukee on Dec 5, 1931. His brother Adam was executor of his estate and eventually took over the farm. |
ZELINSKE FAMILY
BERNARD ZELINSKE (1918- 2008) Florence’s 2nd oldest brother. Bernard entered the service on Oct 11, 1941. He trained at Camp Roberts, CA., Fort Lewis, WA., Camp San Luis Obispo, CA, and Fort Lawton, WA. He served stateside during WWII as Military Police, serving as a guard at military installations, including WWII Japanese internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was a security guard for President Roosevelt during a trip to the Bay Area and for the UNO at San Francisco, CA. Bernard earned the rank of Sergent. Bernard was discharged from the service on Dec 13, 1945 after the war was over.
WALTER ZELINSKE ( 1912 – 2005) Florence’s oldest brother. Walter entered the service on November 2, 1942 and trained at Camp Wolters, TX; Camp Blanding, FL; and Fort Benning, GA. He quickly earned the rank of Captain and commanded an Infantry Battalion while serving in the European theater including the Rhineland and Central Europe. After the war ended, Walter stayed on as an officer in the Army of German Occupation. Walt was discharged on July 21, 1946 but re-entered the service again for the Korean Conflict.
Walter told of having his commanding officer killed by a German sniper while he was standing next to him, and how shrapnel from enemy shell tore the heel off this boot, but he was unhurt. Walter served his country during the Battle of the Bulge.
JAMES ZELINSKE (1923 – 1992) Florence’s 3rd oldest brother. James entered the service in March, 1943. He trained at Fort Jackson, SC, Camp Gordon, GA; Camp Campbell KY; and Tennessee Maneuvers. He served in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. James achieved the rank of Technician Third Grade. James was discharged from the service on December 3, 1945 after the war was over.