PFC Joseph Rupinski

PFC Joseph Rupinski was born 14 Sep 1923 in New York City, New York. He was the 3rd of the 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, born to Wladyslaw and Aniela (Majerowska) Rupinski. Both parents were natives of Poland who had immigrated prior to meeting and marrying in New York in August 1914. We know that his father was from Osiek, Poland. The family lived first at 190 Dupont Avenue in Brooklyn and then moved next door to 192 Dupont where they were to live for decades. Wladyslaw worked in a copper works among other jobs to support his family.

Joseph was probably drafted in early 1944. After his basic training he was sent to the European theater. PVT Rupinski was transferred from the replacement depot to F Company 116th Infantry on 5 Sep 1944 while the regiment was engaged in the fight to liberate Brest, France. He was promoted to PFC on 21 Sep 1944. PFC Rupinski fought with the unit in the attack on Aachen, Germany and beyond and was killed in the fighting at Koslar, Germany on 25 Nov 1944.

We are certain that PFC Rupinski was repatriated and re-interred with family members in the New York City area but do not know the location of his final resting place.

Joseph's brother Walter also served in the U.S. Army during WW2.