[Group of World War II Documents and Souvenirs]

One man’s memories from World War II.

Fred A. Krochmal (1918 – 2008) worked as a welder and machinist in Massachusetts at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Within ten weeks of that ‘day that will live in infamy’, he joined up with the United States Army at Fort Devens and was eventually assigned as a private to the 24th Armored Engineer Battalion, a unit of the 4th Armored Division.

As a member of the 4th AD (‘Name Enough), Krochmal supported the Allied landings on D-Day, fought across France and Germany, participated in the liberation of concentration camps, and performed occupation duties in the months immediately following V-E Day. He was eventually discharged in October of 1945 as a Sergeant (T/3) in the 135th Armored Ordnance Maintenance Battalion.

Fred acquired this wonderful collection of material during his campaign in the European Theater of Operation. Intimate keepsakes like dog tags, a prayer book, and his Good Conduct Medal are included along with numerous photographs, souvenirs, and letters. A pictorial map shows the route of the 4th Armored Division across the ETO. Official documentation includes Krochmal’s identification card, discharge papers, certifications, and separation record. An excerpt from the last briefly summarizes his contributions to victory; “Fmg. and repaired tools and equipment and parts of vehicles field pieces, tanks, guns, and all types of weapons, such as artillery pieces for ordnance equipment in general. Received five service stars and Presidential Unit Citation and good conduct medal.”

After the war, Fred returned to his home state of Massachusetts and worked as a machine operator with General Electric for over three decades. He retired in 1980, after which he dedicated much of his life to philanthropy and the long-term care of his brother.

Sources: WWII Record; Obituary;