John J. Novak
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
John J. Novak served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the United States, North Africa, and Italy from August 28, 1942, until 1945.
He was assigned to the 719th Railway Battalion. He spent 7 months in North Africa and 3 years in Italy. During his time in North Africa, he was diagnosed with spinal meningitis and was sent to Constantinople (Istanbul) for a month. He recovered and returned to his unit to serve in Italy. His rank was Sergeant.
Mr. Novak was born to Joseph and Mary Novak near Hibbing, Minnesota. He graduated from Hibbing High School in 1939.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s account (see below)
"Summer of 1943—I was with my railway service railway, got sick in North Africa—went to medics and was sent Constantinople Hospital. They diagnosed that I had spinal meningitis. I was in isolation ward for over 1 month. My stay was about 1 month and then I got better and was released to my outfit, and we spent the next few years operating in Italy until we were discharged in 1945 in the U.S.A. After that illness I was okay for many years."
