Minnesota Discovery Center

Wilho John Porspakka, None

conflict:World War II
branch:Army
rank:Private
serial number:
location:Rank: Private 1st class in Casablanca and Tunisia, North Africa; Sicily and Rome-Arno, Italy.
enlistment date:June 13, 1942
place enlisted:Fort Snelling, MN
discharge date:Sept. 30, 1945
place discharged:
decorations: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (1941-1946)
Good Conduct Medal (U. S. Armed Forces)
Overseas Service Bar(s)
Service Star(s)
World War II Victory Medal (1941-1946)
history:Pioneer and truck driver, serving in Casablanca and Tunisia in North Africa and at Sicily and Rome-Arno in the Italian campaign. He says, "We worked on supplies on the way to Rome, dug up 'dud' bombs and repaired roads and bridges. I was sent home on rotation in the spring of 1945."
service documents:
references:(1) Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project (2004?), p. 255; (2) Embarrass Victory Aides Newsletter Collection. Iron Range Research Center, Chisholm, Minnesota.

Personal Information

date of birth:April 6, 1916
birth place:Embarrass, MN
home town:Embarrass, MN
date of death:April 20, 2011
father:John Porspakka
mother:Wilhelmina Porspakka (nee Hori)
siblings:Mayme (Salo) Lauri Eino Paul
school:None

Last update: 11/09/2016