Steve Tetak – Private First Class.

Served with distinction in Hq1 81mm Mortar Platoon until he was killed German tank gunfire on January 22, 1945. 

Steve’s survivors could no be located and very little information about Steve Tetak was available for the album. We know he was married and came from the Zanesville, Ohio area. 

Many of us remember and admired Steve Tetak and we will attest that he was a noteworthy member of the “Greatest of the Greatest Generation.” We loved and respected our cherished comrade. 

Joe Bressler a close friend of Steve Tetak says:

“Steve Tetak was a big overgrown coal minor, strong as an ox. Steve always carried more than his share of the 81mm mortar and ammunition. Then he would ‘bitch’ every step of the way. His favorite expression was: ‘The Germans have horses for carrying this Sh _ _.’

Steve went through all three of Hq1 operations without a scratch until that fatal day in January. I think he became over confidant.

All that morning a Panzer Tank had been firing its weapons at us. We had dug a good hole and the tank could not hit us. Finally, we fired three HE (high explosive) 81mm mortar rounds at the tank, and it quickly back-ed off.

Steve Tetak got over confidant and ran for the barn where he had left his pack. Apparently, the Germans saw him and fired a tank gun round into the barn. Steve was killed instantly. Sgt. Glenn Sommerville lost an eye and an arm, and Sgt. William Goudy received a severe head wound.

Steve was a good person and a cherished friend. He never went to town or gambled, always saving his money to send home. 

It was a sad day in Hq1 when we carried Steve out and left him by the side of the road. Steve was one great guy and we loved and respected him.”

We never forget our cherished comrade – Steve Tetak.