Joseph J. Skubal
Army/Air-Medal
Purple Heart
Joseph John Skubal was born Aug. 28, 1924 on the family farm east of Riverside, IA and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Riverside, IA in June 1943.
Two months after graduation, S/Sgt Skubal was inducted into the Army Air Force on Aug. 9, 1943. He received his basic training at Buckley Field, CO. He received his silver wings as aerial gunner at Kingman, AZ and received his advanced training at Dalhart, TX and Avon Park, FL. He arrived in England in early July 1944 and was assigned to the position as tail gunner on a B-17 bomber. He was a member of the American 8th Air Force and completed more than 15 missions. He served with the 360th Bombardment Squadron. Edward F. Shields Crew - 360th BS.
S/Sgt Skubal was officially listed as missing in action over Germany on Sept. 28, 1944 according to a telegram from the war dept. On November 1, 1944, S/Sgt Skubal's parents (Frederick and Ida Skubal) were notified by telegram that their son, who was previously reported missing in action, was killed in action on Sept. 28, 1944 over Germany. Forty-two American bombers, out of a force of more than 1100, were lost on that day.
The Purple Heart was posthumously awarded to S/Sgt Joseph J. Skubal for the gallant action which cost him his life in the European area. Joseph was buried in Margraten Cemetery at Masstricht, Holland for a year before being returned to Riverside, IA. He is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Mt. Olivet, in Riverside, IA.
Medals Earned: Purple Heart (posthumously), Air Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
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