March 30, 1925 (Norwalk, CT) – November 30, 2019 (Jacksonville, FL); 94 years old
Married to Caroline Yeadaker (1923-2014) on November 26, 1949 in Miami, Florida.
Children Janet Kavanewsky Flinchum (1957-), Laura Kavanewsky Tiderman (1959-), Stephen (1956-), and John Jr. (1953-).
Local address: Skytop Drive, Norwalk
Enlisted on July 6, 1943
Serial number 01336673
Unit: 99th Infantry Division, 393rd Infantry Regiment, Company G
Born to Piotr “Peter” (1889-1967) and Wladislawa “Walterina” Nejelska Kavanewsky (?-1981). John was their only child.
Awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal.
Norwalk High School, Class of ’42
Testimony from John F. Kavanewsky Jr. received via e-mail on December 13, 2021:
“My father, John, was seriously wounded in France during active combat on December 11, 1944. German machine gun fire ripped across his chest. He lost one lung. He was transported to a military hospital in Miami, where he eventually met his wife, Caroline, (my mom.) Dad was given the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Bronze Star on December 9, 2014.”
The Bronze Medal citation reads
For meritorious achievement in ground combat against the enemy on 11 December 1944, while serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division in France. The division entered the line north of the Roer River between Schmidt and Monschau and conducted a period of defensive patrolling before attacking toward the Roer and Urft Dams. Private First Class Kavanewsky’s exemplary performance of duty in active ground combat was in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 99th Infantry Division and the Army of the United States. Given under my hand in the City of Washington this 9th day of December 2014. The Adjutant General, David K. MacEwen, Permanent Order 343-08, 9 December 2014, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knock Kentucky, 40122-5048, and Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh.
From The Norwalk Hour February 23, 1945
PFC J.F. KAVANEWSKY WOUNDED IN BELGIUM
Private First Class John F. Kavanewsky, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kavanewsky of 21 Third Street, who was wounded in Belgium on November 18, is now convalescing in a hospital in England and expects to continue recuperation at a rehabilitation center in the near future. PFC Kavanewsky and two buddies were preparing for a rest period behind the battle lines when they were struck by enemy fire, according to letters he has sent his parents. His injuries included wounds to the chest, neck and shoulders and it was necessary for him to undergo an operation.
Buried in Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Boulevard,
Royal Palm Beach, Florida. John Paul Section, Block Section E, Niche 16B. Photo from findagrave.com.
END
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 