Booklet "The Thunderbolt Division"

Story of the Eighty Third Infantry Division

This is a small Unit History booklet of the 83rd Infantry Division nicknamed "Thunderbolt Division". The booklet was printed for all the members of the 83rd Division. The foreword is written by Major General Robert C. Macon, United States Army Commanding.

This copy once belonged to Pfc. John Zahorodny (#42044899) who was with Hq Company, 1st Battalion, 331st Infantry Regiment.

Private First Class John Zahorodny

Born in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1925, he was the son of Ukraine father and a Polisch mother.

John Zahorodny joined the army on October 5, 1943 in NY City, NY (#42044899). After completing basic training, John Zahorodny assigned and joined from 48th Replacement Battalion as of July 20, 1944 and served in the U S Army during world War II as a Radio Operator during the Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France and Rhineland Campaigns. He was Lightly Wounded in Action on April 13, 1945 and remained on duty on May 20, 1945. For his service he was awarded, among other decorations, the Combat Infantryman Badge for exemplary conduct in action against the enemy in France (GO#11), the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the European-African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity (GO#18) and the WWII Victory Medal.

John Zahorodny married Rose Ann Carter. He passed away on April 20, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife Rose Zahorodny (1927-2000).

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