PVT Nicholas Stefanos Kafkalas

courtesy of Dominique Potier

PVT Nicholas Stefanos Kafkalas was born 5 Jan 1925 in Monesen, Pennsylvania the second of four children born to Stefano Nicholas and Angelika (Gianiodis) Kafkalas.  Both parents were natives of Chios, Greece and had immigrated in 1916 and 1920 respectively.  His father managed a restaurant, worked as a truck driver, and as a garbage worker to support his family.  Stefano reported a 1939 income of $200. 

Nicholas was drafted in June 1943.  Sent to England after his basic training, he was assigned to B Company 116th Infantry as they prepared for the amphibious assault that would take place on the Normandy beach code-named "Omaha". PVT Kafkalas was killed in action in that effort on 6 Jun 1944.

PVT Kafkalas was buried in the Normandy American Cemetery.  His first cousin was MG Nicholas Peter Kafkalas who also served in the war and was later a commander of the 28th Infantry Division and Adjutant General of Pennsylvania.