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
Children (unknown)
Local address: 35 Summit Avenue, Norwalk
Enlisted on August 30, 1942; Discharged March 10, 1945
Serial number unknown
Unit: unknown
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 wen 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.
Burial in Lawncroft Cemetery, 1740 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT; plot number unknown. Photo from findagrave.com.
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