Remembering Clark's Fallen Heroes: Private First Class Joseph Witkowski

Private First Class Joseph Witkowski, age 27, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on July 9, 1944, in France, during World War II. Today, Clark honors his memory and his service.

Witkowski was born on June 30, 1917, in Newark, to Ignatius and Pauline Witkowski. The family moved to Clark in 1922, settling at 878 Hart Street. In July 1940, he became engaged to Evelyn Elko of Carteret.

On October 16, 1940, Witkowski registered for the Selective Service System. He entered the United States Army on December 2, 1942. After extensive training, he shipped out with his unit to the European Theater of Operations, arriving in England on January 26, 1944.

At 6:30 a.m. on June 6, 1944—D-Day—Witkowski came ashore at Utah Beach in Normandy, France. During that historic landing, he destroyed German resistance along a two-mile stretch of beach. He was among thousands of American soldiers who turned the tide of World War II.

On July 8, 1944, Witkowski and his unit began their drive on the Cotentin Peninsula with the objective of taking Cherbourg, a deep-water port vital to the Allies for ferrying supplies from England.

On July 9, 1944, Witkowski was in the vicinity of Périers, France, conducting combat operations against German forces, when he made the ultimate sacrifice for America and his fellow soldiers.

After the war, his remains were returned home. On July 11, 1948, he was interred at Saint Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia with full military honors.

Witkowski was survived by his parents, wife, and three brothers and sisters. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

His legacy is memorialized throughout Clark and the nation. He is remembered on the Clark War Memorial and the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Joseph Street in Clark is dedicated to his memory and the memory of Joseph Padusniak, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944.

Union County Life honors the memory of Private First Class Joseph Witkowski and all soldiers who gave their lives for freedom. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

FAQ

Q: Who was Private First Class Joseph Witkowski?
A: PFC Joseph Witkowski was a Clark resident who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Born in Newark in 1917, he moved to Clark as a child. He served in Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division and was killed in action on July 9, 1944, in France.

Q: When did PFC Witkowski die?
A: PFC Witkowski was killed in action on July 9, 1944, near Périers, France, while conducting combat operations against German forces. This was one month after the D-Day invasion.

Q: What was PFC Witkowski's role in D-Day?
A: On June 6, 1944, at 6:30 a.m., Witkowski landed at Utah Beach in Normandy as part of the D-Day invasion. He destroyed German resistance along a two-mile stretch of beach during this historic operation.

Q: Where was PFC Witkowski buried?
A: His remains were returned home after the war. He was interred on July 11, 1948, at Saint Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, Block 19, Grave 311-2A, with full military honors.

Q: What awards did PFC Witkowski receive?
A: Posthumously, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Q: How is PFC Witkowski memorialized?
A: He is memorialized on the Clark War Memorial and the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Joseph Street in Clark is dedicated to his memory and the memory of Joseph Padusniak, another local soldier killed during World War II.

Q: Where can I find information about other Clark fallen soldiers?
A: Union County Life covers war memorials, fallen heroes, and community history across Clark and all Union County municipalities. Contact local historical societies or the Clark Township office for information about other soldiers memorialized in the community.