Jankoviak, Paul R.
Item
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Title
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Jankoviak, Paul R.
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Performer
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Paul R. Jankoviak
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Interviewer
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William Vollano
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Description
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After the United States entered World War II, Paul Jankoviak received deferments from the draft, because he held an essential job. He felt guilty about this and forced the Draft Board to take him. Soon after he entered military service, he volunteered for the paratroopers, and was shipped to Europe. Paul's Unit jumped into battle during Operation Market Garden from 500 feet. More than 500 planes participated, and Paul witnessed gliders crashing with men still inside them. After 85 days of continuous battles, his unit was transferred to the Battle of the Bulge. They were warned that the Germans were not taking prisoners, but Paul was captured. He was put on a truck that had American markings. German planes shot up the truck even though the people inside were being transported as prisoners. Paul received frequent beatings from the Germans. When he was finally released, the doctor told him he was one or two days from dying. He spent 6 months in hospitals. After his discharge, Paul took a job as a tool and die Maker. He is proudest of the fact that he built his own house and didn't borrow any money for it. Now retired, Paul lives in Lansing, Michigan. He has 6 children and 13 grandchildren.
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Date Span
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1943-1946
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Dates of Service
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Subject
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Drafted; United States Army; Company I, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division; World War, 1939-1945; Second World War - European Theater; Corporal; Prisoner of War
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Collection Location
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2/29
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https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.38813
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Spatial Coverage
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Second World War - European Theater
