Pennsylvania U.S. Veteran Compensation Application Files, Joseph A. Andrulewicz.

On October 27th, 1943, at the age of 18, Andrulewicz enlisted in the U.S. Army at the Wilkes Barre Recruitment Center. Andrulewicz started and finished his time in the military filling the role of a Private in the 30th Infantry Division. Responsibilities associated with the rank of Private include carrying out the orders given to you by superiors as effectively as you can when on missions. These soldiers often are the men on the front line, risking their lives for our country. 

The 30th Infantry Division played a key role in the Allied power's victory in WWII. The 30th Infantry Division arrived in England on February 22nd, 1944. These soldiers spent every second of the day training for the invasion of the beaches of Normandy, up until the day itself came. On June 11th, 1944 they landed on Omaha beach (5 days before D-Day) to secure Vire-et-taute canal, allowing allied forces to land safely in Normandy. These men then led the Saint Lo breakthrough to move soldiers deeper into France and take back over the capital during Operation Cobra. This operation ended the stalemate on the beaches of Normandy and led to the success of the Paris liberation. 

30th Infantry Division Insignia. 

Typical WWII soldier's attire.

The soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division were not specialty soldiers, so their general gear was the typical equipment seen on most soldiers; A rifle, spade, canteen, and trench knife. 

Joseph Andrulewicz was killed in action on July 31st, 1944. Andrulewicz's grave is located at the Normandy American Cemetery; Plot G, Row 17, Grave 10. 

Headstone of Joseph Andrulewicz