November 20, 1921 (Connecticut) – December 14, 1941; 20 years old
Unmarried
Last local address 392 Arctic Street, Bridgeport (1940 census)
Enlisted September 12, 1940
Service number 11019658
Unit: 31st Bombardment Squadron
Born to Francis “Frank” (1906-1978) and Anna Wegrzyn (1909-1953). One sister, Geraldine Wegrzyn Grucce (1933-). Two brothers, Walter (1915-1984) and Michael (1918-2003).
Harding High School yearbook photo and caption. Provided by Laina Kominos, Media Specialist, Harding High School.
Received the Purple Heart Medal.
Officially listed as “Died of Wounds”, specifically wounds to the head from bomb fragments at Hickam Field, Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor and died on December 14, 1941.
The Polish-American Veterans of World War II had a post named after Felix Wegrzyn in Bridgeport at 56 Beach Street. That post is no longer in operation.
From the Hartford Courant December 18, 1941
One of the men killed in the treacherous attack on Pearl Harbor was Private Felix Stanley Wegrzyn, 20, of Bridgeport, former Harding High School end.
From the history of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron book
The first wave of the Japanese attack lasted until approximately 8:30 AM. Thirty-firsters were attempting to put machine guns and ammunition in the few planes that survived when the second raid began at 8:54 AM. The Japanese hit the air base and one of the bombs hit the barracks in which the 31st bunked. It was a 3-story reinforced concrete barracks with a flat roof. The bomb that hit one wing had a delayed action fuse. The bomb went through the roof of the 3rd floor and it went through the floor of the 3rd floor and exploded on the second floor. After the Japanese dropped the bombs, they strafed groups of personnel before ending the second raid. An unsuccessful search for the Japanese fleet followed, led by 31st Commander Russell Waldron. As December 7 drew to a close, 31st Squadron members were listed among the dead and wounded.
Squadron deaths included Jack Fox, William H. Northway, Frank J. Lango, and Felix S. Wegrzyn. Wounded in action were William C. Workman, Jack P. Hopkins, Evariste E. Charron, Ewald A. Koch, Ben O’Dette, Virgil A. Green, Gerald F. Kessler, Louis Penven, Malcolm D. Sackett, and George S. Snyder.
Private Wegrzyn is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, Hawaii; Section Q, Plot 93.
END
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 