First Columbus man to lose his life
in the invasion of France was reported Friday when Mary Matyskella was notified by the War Dept that her husband Pfc Donald F Matyskella age 29, a paratrooper, had been KIA 6/12/44. He entered the service 10/23/42, he had been employed by St Francis hospital and the Curtis Wright plant. He has been overseas since 12/43.

(Columbus [OH] Dispatch 30 June 1944 - courtesy of Darrin Mason)

Grave marker for Pfc Donald F. Matyskella at Plot G Row 14 Grave 15, in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France

Pfc Matyskella was killed in action on June 7, 1944.  and was awarded the Purple Heart.