PVT Steve J. Kolevas

courtesy of Des Philippet

PVT Steve J. Kolevas was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on 28 Feb 1925. He was the only child of Greek immigrants John James and Tuxedo Duxea (Moustakas) Kolevas. His father was a cook and manager at a local sandwich shop. After graduating from high school, Steve went to work at Ennis Hardware Company in Reading. 

Steve was drafted in April 1943 and after his basic military training was sent to the European theater. We aren't certain to which units he may have been assigned. His military occupational specialty is given as Military Policeman in the morning reports. However, he was transferred from the replacement depot to A Company 116th Infantry on 21 May 1945. PVT Kovelas was killed on 28 May 1945 when he was accidentally shot by another soldier who was cleaning his weapon. 

PVT Kolevas is buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery.