June 28, 1915 (Norwalk, CT) – August 20, 2005 (Bridgeport, CT); 90 years old
Married to Sophie Kovacs Bodner (1921-2000) on July 30, 1949 in Bridgeport, CT
Local address: 35 Summit Avenue, Norwalk
Enlisted on August 30, 1942.
Discharged on March 10, 1945.
Serial number 459955
Unit: Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Reinforced, First Provisional Marine Brigade
Born to James (1870-?) and Bertha (1875-1951), both born in Hungary. One brother, John (1899-1959).
Awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in the South Pacific on July 21, 1944. He also took part in the invasion of Guam four months earlier as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
From The Norwalk Hour August 30, 1944
PFC JAMES BODNER WOUNDED IN GUAM RAID
Private First Class James Bodner, USMC, son of Mrs. James Bodner of 35 Summit Avenue, who was with the 4th Marine Raiders in the South Pacific, was wounded in action on July 21 in the last raid on Guam and has been awarded the Purple Heart. PFC Bodner, who was also in the battle of Emirau, is now in a hospital in New Caledonia. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on August 30, 1942, trained at Parris Island, North Carolina, and New River, South Carolina, and went overseas in December of 1942. Previous to entering the service, he was employed at Machlett Laboratories in Springdale. He was a well-known athlete, playing with the Laurels and the Eagles.
From The Connecticut Post August 21, 2005
James Bodner, age 90, of Bridgeport, formerly of Fairfield, devoted husband of the last Sophie Mary Kovacs Bodner, died in his home on August 20, 2005. The son of the late James and Bertha Szenes Bodner, he was born and raised in Norwalk, where he was active in youth boxing and baseball. During World War II, he served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre with the United States Marine Corps and was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. James was a resident of Fairfield for 40 years before moving to Bridgeport two years ago. A retired appliance repairman for General Electric, James was a member of the South Norwalk Boat Club and enjoyed visits to the casinos. He will be fondly remembered by his great nieces and great nephews and their families, including Brian Pander and his wife, Teresa of Fairfield; Russell Pander and his wife, Kari of Midlothian, Virginia; Robert Miske and his wife, Liz of Fairfield; and Ronald Miske, of Fairfield. his funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, of Fairfield Center, with Reverend Caroline Johns officiating. Burial will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. Calling hours are on Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to: VNS Hospice at Home, 765 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. To sign an online register, please visit us at http://www.leskopolkfuneralhome.com.
Buried in Lawncroft Cemetery, 1740 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, Connecticut; Section C, Plot 336. Photo by webmaster. No VA footstone.
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