John A. Varconda Jr. was born on February 14,1910 to John and Susanna Varconda of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Both his parents emigrated from Czechoslovakia. John was the oldest of six children.

John received a grammar school education and left school to help support his family. He worked as a truck driver. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church.

John entered service in the Army on June 8, 1942. He participated in the landing in North Africa in November, 1942, Sicily in July, 1943, and the campaign that liberated Rome. He was attached to an artillery unit and later transferred to an armored division for tank duty.

John was later assigned to the new 473rd Infantry regiment which was formed in January, 1945 with various artillery and armored elements incorporated into a new infantry regiment.

Private First Class John A. Varconda Jr. was killed In action on April 13, 1945 in Italy. He is buried at the Florence American Cemetery, in Italy.

Credits

Research by Don Wambold, WCMSC