LT. MICHAEL C. BODAK, a paratrooper, wounded and captured during the invasion, spent two months in a German hospital before being recaptured by the Allies. He has written his wife, Mrs. Caroline D. Bodak, of Utica, that he is now in American hands and getting medical attention.

[Detroit Free Press, Detroit, MI, 10 Sep 1944, Sun, Page 8]
 

BODAK
MICHAEL C. Retired Capt.. In U S. Army, November 21, age 54, of Plymouth. Dear father of Michael 'C; dear brother of Mary, Ann, Helen, Steve and John. Funeral services Friday at 1-30 a.m. at the Schroder Funeral Home, Plymouth. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery it 10 a.m.

[Detroit Free Press, Detroit, MI, 23 Nov 1972, Thu. Page 51p]

(courtesy David McInturff )

Grave marker for Michael C. Bodak in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 30, Site: 1075 

1st Lt. Michael Carl Bodak was captured on June 6, 1944 and on June 7 (D+1) he was part of a group of American prisoners in a convoy of German trucks. The vehicles were heading toward Saint Lo when the convoy was mistakenly strafed by Allied fighter planes.

   About 20 men were killed and perhaps 80 were wounded, including Bodak.

   Michael survived the war in POW camps despite the fact that he had become a paraplegic as a result of his wounds.

   His grave marker indicates that at some time he was elevated to Captain but the date of promotion is not known.

[Jumpmaster Note: although his obituary, at left, stated that interment was to be in Mount. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit, MI, he was actually interred in Arlington National Cemetery as documented above.