He was just a boy at 17 who lied about his age after just finishing the 10th grade at South Bend Central in Indiana. He wanted to join the Army and see the world and wear the uniform of his country.
This page is dedicated to the man who was my Father and the Grandfather of my children. His life took a rough turn as a result of the raging battles he experienced. Some men came out ok, many died and many were "the walking dead". This gallery is a time line and history of one man who fought to free a continent under siege.
Mike W. Buczkowskireported toFORT BENJAMIN HARRISON northeast of Indianapolis, Indiana after enlistment on 22 August, 1940. His next stop for basic training was FORT BRAGG, North Carolina.
His promotion to Corporal, Co. D, 39th INFANTRY REGIMENT, took only five months almost to the day.
The following is a gallery of photos found after 65 years hidden away. Never seen by family until 2008, which were taken while at Fort Bragg in 1940 to 1941 along with the original HISTORICAL AND PICTORIALREVIEW, 9th Division, United States Army, 39th Infantry, 1941 Year Book.
Pvt. Mike Buczkowski - goofing around - age 17
Un-named buddy and Mike
Pope Field
Parade Ready
Mike
Titch and Slim
After leaving the 9th Division, Mike was moved to the newly reactivated 8th Division, 28th Regiment, Fort Jackson, S. C. In September, 1941, the 8th Division took part in the Carolina Maneuversat Camp Croft, S. C. The only obtained communication between Mike and his parents were from Camp Croft as seen below.
Original patch and lapel pin (below) worn by Mike found in his M5 tool box
Original lapel pins for 39th Regiment, Co. D
Souvenir pillow sent home to Mike's mom, Pauline
The journey of Mike Buczkowski has been unclear and sketchy at most.
With the burning of the National Personnel RecordsCenter in St. Louis, MO in 1973, 80% of all Army Records were destroyed. We can only piece together information by obtained documents, relative testimony and artifacts in our possession to give you as accurate timeline as possible.
It is not clear on the exact dates Mike was with the 77th Divsion, 307th Infantry Regiment. It is known that Mike was part of the cadre that helped train the newly activated 94th Division (described later on this page). This is what we know...
The pillow above was given to Mike's mom and dad while at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
1. The 8th Division did not move to Ft. Wood until September of 1942. Mike must have been there then.
2. Activation date of 77th Divsion was 25 March,1942 under the command of Maj. General Robert L. Eichelberger. Mike must have joined the 77th Division after that date.
3. Activation date of 94th Division was 15 September, 1942 under the command of Maj. General Harry J. Malony.Mike was part of the cadre from the 77th Division, therefore he did not report to the 77th or 94th when initially activated but later. And he must not have been stationed with the 77th Division for very long.
4. Mike must have become a Buck Sargeant during his stay with the 8th Division and Staff Sargeant while with the 77th Division. Photos of Mike at home with family after becoming part of the 94th Division show him with 3 stipes up and 1 stripe down.
In the photo left, Mike is wearing 3 stripes up only, with the 28th Regiment lapel pins, 8th Division.
Photo left, Mike standing next to his sister Florence and her two daughters, Jeanette and Elaine, taken at the Buczkowski home in South Bend, Indiana. Mike was with the 94th Division as a S/Sgt., as noted in the above platoon roster, and later becoming a T/Sgt. in the 376th Infantry Regiment.
M5 Tool Box - this box will be mentioned many times during this page. Most of the original items inside are being used in the exhibit or safely stored for the future. This was the first link left by Mike Buczkowski after his death in 1982 for his family without him really knowing the impact it would have made.
Slim in front of Army Hardware
Most of the historical facts will be taken from the book, "HISTORY OF THE 94th INFANTRY DIVISION IN WORLD WAR II", edited by Lt. L. Byrnes.
The rest of the information will be from documents, letters and personal accounts transcribed to this webpage.
HISTORY OF THE 94TH DIVISION IN WORLD WAR II
Edited by Lt. Laurence G. Byrnes
Copyright 1948 by Infantry Journal Inc. 1st. Edition
94th DIVISION
It was on 15 September, 1942 that the 94th Infantry Division was activated, the place, Fort Custer Michigan at 1630 hours. Soon after activation, it was evident that the range facilities at Fort Custer were entirely inadequate. Orders were issued to move the 94th to Camp Phillips, Kansas. Camp Phillips was a "theater of operations" type camp. By all accounts, Mike arrived at Camp Phillips, Kansas at the end of 1942 or the first part of 1943. Basic training started 3 days after Christmas of 1942, therefore, Mike must have been with the 94th Division at that time. In compliance with a directive from Second Army Headquarters, that all troops sing as they moved to and from training formation, the frosty plains of Kansas rang to the chant of "This Is The Army, Mr. Jones". The photo left shows the Camp caught in one of the most severe winters in years as noted by Sgt. Van Schaick. It impeded training and caused acute misery among the troops. Out-of-door activities were conducted in zero and sub-zero weather.
Sgt. Edwin Van Schaick - trying to stay warm in a rugged winter, Camp Phillips, Kansas, 1943
Machine Gun Training -
Pvt. Steve Kubicka, 1st Machine Gunner (standing) and Sgt. Van Schaick on the gun.
This video starts out mentioning the 1st Division, but it will give you some perspective of the song and training these men went through before war.
L to R - Cpl. Bill Mclaine with Pvt. Orman - Mike in the choke hold - Behind him S/Sgt. Chandler - Pvt. Jones - Pvt. Steve Kubica - two on the outside are from N.Y.C. but can't remember names - One with the pipe was from Wisconsin but can't remember name. (inscription on back of photo)
Camp Croft, S.C. - near Spartanburg, S.C. where the Carolina Maneuvers were held.
These photos and ID were found in Mike's photo album hidden away for 65 years.
COMING SOON
Photos and personal accounts during this time from Joe Orahoske who was very good friends with Mike with the 77th and both served together with Co. H, 376 Regiment, 94th Div. and into ETO as well.
Cpl. Mike taking some hand-to-hand combat tips
Late in August 1943, Mike and the Division began movement to the Second Army Maneuver Area in central Tennessee, later called Tennessee Maneuvers. Headquarters opened in Gallatin on the 30th of August and the following day the troops detrained at Portland. Almost immediately the Division was ordered to provide 1.500 overseas replacements. Despite this heavy loss in trained personnel, the 94th came through the eight operations of Phase III of the maneuver with flying colors. These activities kept the outfit busy until November rolled around.
About a week into November, Mike and the Division moved by motor from the maneuver area to Camp Forrest, near Tullahoma, Tennessee. This was a temporary station provided until the 84th Infantry Division could clear Camp McCain, Mississippi. Late in November, Mike and the Division moved by motor to its new home in Mississippi.
Front - Mello, Macolusa, Klug, Jones, Collins, Cain. Back - Bucknier, Patterson, Einstein, Madrimis, Hall, Finnie, Stormont, Harrison, Steinheiner, Poole, Shriver, Pope. Far Rear - Katowitz.
Mike with flare gun and M1917A1 .30 Caliber Machine Gun, with unknown comrade
Portion of letter written to me from Ed Van Schaick in 2005 explaining why Mike was well liked and respected among his men
Unknown buddy
Gray Auskie - PA.
and
Mike
Unknown buddy enjoying some watermelon at Camp Phillips, KS
Next stop for Mike and the Division, late November, 1943 wasCamp McCain, MS (click MS DELTA) in the Mississippi Delta area. I have seached the web for more information about Camp McCain during WWII but it seems to be limited. Although, we know that post-maneuver training began as soon as units were settled in on the new reservation. All types of exercises and problems were presented and the ammunition allowance for all arms was not liberal.
Inundation of the area surrounding Grenada, Ms. by flood waters of the Yalobsha River, led the local mayor, on March 29, 1944 to call on the 94th for help in evacuating marooned families. The Division speedily answered this appeal by dispatching Company C, 319th Engineers and the assault boats equipped with outboard motors.
Camp McCain in 1943 (photo from HISTORY OF 94TH DIVISION)
Camp McCain in 2004 - courtesy of Roland Roberts - S/Sgt. Co. H, 376th Reg. and good friend of Mike
Photo taken of Mike's brother Bill and Mike
Bill and Mike posing again at Camp McCain
Mike Hess
Non-Commissioned Officers of 1st Platoon, Co. H 376th Infantry, 94th Division at Camp McCain, MS (note Mike top row, right end with 3 stripes up and 2 stripes down, T/Sgt. showing it off proudly)
On 5 May, 1944, Mike and the 94th Division were alerted for overseas service and the training week stepped up to a minimum of forty-eight hours so that all POM (Preparation for Overseas Movement) requirements could be met. TE-21 inspections were started and specialized training was pursued more intensely than before.
Under Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson visited the Division on 26 May, 1944 and the following day, at a review staged in his honor, he attached streamers to the guidons of several infantry units, recognizing them as having qualified as Expert Infantry Companies. (In June, Mike and the 376th Infantry qualified as the first Expert Infantry Regiment in the United States Army, while the Division itself won the distinction of being the Expert Infantry Division).
Mike and the main body of the Division started movement to Camp Shanks, New York, the designated Port of Embarkation, began on July 23, 1944. For five days troop-filled trains quietly pulled out of the yards at Camp McCain. By the 31st, all elements of the Division had closed at Shanks and final processing began. Hectic days followed. There were boat drills, inoculations, inspections of clothing and equipment, and required lectures to keep all personnel busy. On the morning of 3 August, 1944 orders were received restricting the entire command to the reservation area. Beginning the following evening and continuing through the 5th, the troops of the 94th Division moved by rail to New York city where they loaded aboard the converted British luxury liner Queen Elizabeth. The Queen accommodated the entire main body of the Division plus several thousand British personnel. On the morning of the 6th at 0730 hours, the Elizabeth weighed anchor, sailed down the Hudson River and out into the Atlantic.
This booklet belonging to Mike was found in the M5 Tool Box. As you can see, regular immunizations starting in 1940 all the way to 1945 are recorded. This is the only item that relates to Fort Shanks we possess at this time.
CROSSING THE ATLANTIC
Throughout the voyage both the sea and the weather remained calm. Only a few of the 94th proved themselves poor sailors and those who "fed the fishes" blamed their misery on the heat and the extremely crowded living conditions. The third day out the weather grew cooler and this did much to alleviate the discomfort of the crossing. In particular it made sleeping in the gangways many decks below the water line a great deal more comfortable, though not more comforting.
On two occasions in the dead of night, the course was shifted so sharply men were hurled from their bunks. These sudden and abrupt changes in direction were followed by an increase in speed and excessive zigzagging. When under forced-draft the Queen would quiver and vibrate as she took off like a frightened deer. There was never any explanation from the crew as to what had caused these hasty sprints, but the word "radar" was whispered back and forth with knowing winks.
Land was sighted the morning of the 11th and many Irishmen saw the home of their fathers for the first time. The Elizabeth sailed proudly into the North Channel; the antiaircraft guns swung smoothly as they practice-tracked the British planes that crossed and recrossed the course of the ship on their routine patrols. The men broke out the binoculars and initially inspected the United Kingdom by courtesy of Bausch & Lomb. In stately grandeur and at a leisurely pace, the Queen sailed up the Clyde to Greenock, Scotland, near Glasgow. There she anchored in mid-stream as there were no wharfing facilities capable of handling a ship of her tonnage.
ENGLAND
The morning of 12 August, 1944, Mike and the Division began debarking from the Queen. Full equipment was carried and the Scottish climate was mild enough to make OD's only slightly uncomfortable. Debarkation was completed on the 13th and Mike moved to temporary stations in Wiltshire County in souther England. On the arrival of units at their destinations, they were met by members of the advance party who were on hand to act as guides and settle the troops in the billets that had been procured.
Immediately upon arrival in southern England, Mike and the Division began making preparations for entry into the combat zone. As rapidly as vehicles were issued they were rendered combat serviceable by the addition of wire-cutting poles, erected from the front bumpers, and by the addition of racks to hold extra gasoline cans and equipment. Individual weapons were again fired for any last-minute corrections that might be necessary. Field pieces were drawn, calibrated and thoroughly inspected. All equipment which had become damaged or in any way defective was replaced from stock piles maintained in the UK for that purpose.
On 30 August, 1944 an alert warning order was received from Headquarters US Ninth Army and the Division was advised that it would move to the Continent in the near future. The following day, another order from the same source informed the Division that it must be prepared to move on six hours notice any time after 0001 hours, 3 September, 1944. Units proceeded to Southampton, Weymouth and Portland, where the troops boarded Liberty ships and various other craft for the crossing of the English Channel.
FRANCE
On D plus 94, (8 September, 1944) Mike and the Division opened its first combat command post in the outskirts of the village of St. Marie-du-Mont in Normandy, a few miles inland from Utah Beach. Having received his orders, General Malony had several immediate and pressing problems. He would have to expedite the landing of his troops who would soon be coming ashore piecemeal; he would have to reassemble them by units as quickly as possible and then dispatch them to Brittany where the 6th Armored Division was awaiting relief. However, before steps could be taken in this direction, it was necessary to gain complete and first-hand knowledge of the situation existing on the front that the Division was about to take over. Once cognizant of all aspects of the disposition of the force to be relieved, the situation and the terrain, the CG of the 94th returned post haste to Utah Beach to assemble his command as they came shore and start units moving toward Brittany.
The map above shows the path the 94th Division took on their way to Germany. Much is written on the hardships and courageous efforts that were exhibited by these men. General Patton, at the end of the war, said to the men, "You are my Golden Nugget" after the almost impossible feats they performed.
Recommended Reading and Video on the Journey of the 94th Division of WWII -
There is much more information available by searching the web for it.
The journey of Mike after arriving in France is a bit uncertain. We do know he was with his Company H, 376th Regiment, 2nd Bn. up until about the 8th of January, 1945. By a personal account from his good friend Cpl. Durwood Baggett, the platoon was having breakfast at a farm and came under mortar attack. Mike thought he was hit but no blood. He insisted he was hit and sent to an Aide Station. Cpl. Baggett never saw him again.
It is a fact though, that Mike stayed with the 94th Division until the end of the war, and the reason why was found in his M5 Tool Box. This small booklet, (left, "ON THE WAY"), published by the Stars and Stripes in Paris in 1944 and 1945 and was only given to men of the Division that were present at the end of the war. The following photos were taken by Mike (found in the album hidden for 65 years) of some buddies clowning around in German uniforms and civilian clothes. It turns out that most of these men were with Co. H, 376th Reg. but a different platoon. I can only surmise that after Mike got out of the Aide Station, he joined up with another platoon.
Given to the men who were present with the Division at war's end
Dad never spoke of the war to us boys or Mom, but he did tell Mom once that his first love was in Germany. This photo of unidentified woman was on the front page of his album of German photos. When shown to family members, they agreed it was not from someone in the States... ummm!
WE HAVE SET A STANDARD
This is the day for which we trained and fought for two an a half years. What it has cost us, you only well know. That we have participated effectively in the days of combat which preceded this Day of Victory is a great satisfaction. We feel justly that we have pulled our share of the load.
Between February 19 and March 5 we breached the Siegfried Switch position and then, assisted by the 10th Armored Division, mopped up all resistance in the Saar-Moselle Triangle; successfully crossed the Saar River in the face of the main Siegfried Line; and established a Corps bridgehead after assisting in capturing Trier.
Between March 13 and March 24 we broke the enemy's lines east of the Saar and advanced to the Rhine; captured an untold booty in supplies and equipment; took over two hundred town including the key city of Ludwigshafen and captured 13,434 prisoners of war.
This was the first evidence of the dissolution of the German Army west of the Rhine and came after seventy-four consecutive days of attack.
Until March 24 you have never ben out of contact with the enemy, more than five days, since September 10.
This Division has never failed in a mission, nor has it ever permanently lost one inch of ground to the enemy; and whatever may be our next mission, we have set a standard which I ask each one of you to make it his personal business to meet.
HARRY J. MALONY
Major General, USA
Commanding
THE WAR WAS OVER - On 7 June, 1945, the Division was again alerted for movement. This time the destination was Czechoslavakia. Movement to the vicinity of Strakonice began on the 12th, as the first motor columns of the Division crossed their IP's to start the long march across Europe. The Division command post opened at Susice on 12 June, 1945 at 1200 hours.
Front Side
Back Side
This Certificates, Affidavits and Customs Declaration form was found tucked away in the 65 year old photo album. I think some of the coins were in the M5 tool box, but no sign of the Pistol noted on the form ( 7.65mm Mauser ). Some 9mm ammo, 7.65mm that goes with the Mauser and a couple of .45 ACP bullets were also present.
MIKE AND POST-WAR LIFE
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
This portion of Mike's life is currently being put together and will be available soon for viewing. I hope you come back to see how Mike spent his life until his death in 1982. Please don't forget to sign the "GUEST BOOK" and leave any comments. Thank you.
EMIS EN - currency used by G. I. to buy goods while in France
All the items here were found in Mike's M5 tool box with special interest directed to the "Army Exchange Ration Card ETO". As you can see, the issue date is 4 September, 1945 but a purchase for candy bars and gum were made in August. The 94th Division was in Czechoslavokia in August, thus verifing Mike was with the 6th Armored Division.
The currency below would have been used to pay for items while ETO and the stamps above used to mail letters home.
Movie Guide from "THE ATTACK" dated September 15, 1945
With Mike's length in the service, he must have had enough points not to accompany the Division to Czechoslavakia. According to Mike's Honorable Discharge Form, he arrived back into the USA on 17 September, 1945 but his departure date from ETO was marked as "unknown". The "organization" he departed ETO with was Co. C, 9th Armored Infantry Battalon, attached to the 6th Armored Division during WWII. He arrived at Camp Atterbury, Indiana on 22 September, 1945 and once again after 5 years and 31 days was a civilian again.
Special Edition of "THE ATTACK" declaring the war was over with the surrender of Japan, known as V-J Day- dated Wednesday, 15 August, 1945
Earliest photo of Mike after leaving the military dated 1948
