Robert James Povsha
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
POVSHA, Robert James
Robert James Povsha was born on September 28th 1923 to John W. & Olive Sarah Povsha in Hibbing, Minnesota.
Mr. Povsha was inducted into the Army on September 24th 1940 out of Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. His home at entry was listed as Keewatin, Minnesota.
He was an infantry squad leader, bugler and drill instructor with Company C, 389th Infantry Regiment in the Pacific Theater and in Hawaii with the 98th Infantry Division. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT).
SGT Povsha said: "Upon the surrender of Japan, I traveled to Osaka, Japan, where the 98th Infantry Division was part of the occupation forces."
SGT. Povsha earned the following merits for his service:
- Good Conduct Medal,
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Service Medal,
- American Defense Service Medal,
- American Campaign Service Medal,
- World War II Victory Medal, -and-
- three overseas service bars.
He was honorably discharged on December 5th 1945. After the war he returned home to Hibbing.
SGT Povsha reenlisted on August 7th 1946 and served during the Korean War. There he rose to the rank of Captain (CAPT) during his service in Korea. He was honorably discharged again on December 30th 1962,
He married Elayne Theresa in 1949 and they started a family. Mr. Povsha died on August 10, 2002 at the age of 78 years. He is buried at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
Source(s): Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 256.
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Robert J Povsha in WWII Army Enlistment Records - Fold3
