Wayne Einar Karkas
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
KARKAS, Wayne Einar
Wayne Einar Karkas was born on July 12th 1914 to Thomas & Anna [Kekki] in Hibbing, Minnesota.
Mr. Karkas entered the Army on December 19th 1942, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Home at entry: Hibbing, Minnesota.
He served as light machine gunner with Company F of the 405th Infantry Regiment of the Second Battalion of the 102nd Infantry Division. He fought in Rhineland and Central Europe during World War II. He rose to the rank of a Sergeant (SGT).
SGT Karkas earned the following merits while he served:
- Bronze Star Medal,
- Meritorious Unit Commendation,
- Combat Infantryman Badge,
- American Campaign Medal,
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars,
- World War II Victory Medal, -and-
- two overseas service bars.
He was honorably discharged February 14th 1946 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.
After the war Mr. Karkas returned home.and married Mildred M [Armstrong] in May 26th 1951 and they started a family.
Mr. Karkas died on August 24th 1990 at 76 years of age in Hibbing. He is buried at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.
Source(s):
Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 141.
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 1 WWII Draft Registration Cards - Fold3
