Albert S. Grahek
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Albert S. Grahek served in World War II in the European Theater. He was the first man from Ely, Minnesota, to volunteer for service in World War II, and he enlisted before the United States had entered the war. He volunteered for duty shortly after the draft was announced in October 1940, on November 23, 1940.
Mr. Grahek enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Snelling. He was trained as a medic. Mr. Grahek trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Camp San Luis Obispo, California, and Camp Adair, Oregon. He was assigned to the ambulance corps of the 329th Medical Battalion, 104th Infantry Division (the “Timberwolves”). The 104th was activated at Camp Adair, Oregon, on September 15, 1942, and he served there as well.
On August 27, 1944, Mr. Grahek was sent overseas. He arrived in Europe on September 7. He supported troops who saw combat in northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. The 104th saw 185 consecutive days of battle and had a record of rapid, effective operations. Mr. Grahek was injured in the Battle of Cologne. His ambulance was accidentally strafed by friendly fire from American airplanes. He returned to the United States on July 11, 1945, aboard the M.S. John Ericsson. He was discharged on September 22, 1945.
His rank was Technician 5th Grade (T-5). He was an Ambulance Driver, Medic, and Rifle Marksman.
In the Battle of Cologne, March 1945, he was reported missing for one day and was finally found injured among the rubble. He also recollected that once, in an ambulance, bullets narrowly missed him, landing between him and another medic.
Mr. Grahek was decorated with the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and one overseas service bar.
Mr. Grahek was born in Ely, Minnesota, on October 2, 1919, the son of Steve and Anna Strukel Grahek. He died at age 85 in Ely, Minnesota, on May 11, 2005.
Source: Duluth News Tribune, May 2005; 104 Infantry Division Timberwolves booklet (“passed by censor for mailing home”); interview with family member
