Paul Dancik

1Apr1917 – 22Nov1945

Edison Days

Paul graduated with the Class of January 1936.

Military Service

Rank: Sergeant

Branch: United States Army

Unit: 321st Infantry Regiment – 81st Infantry Division

Paul’s path to the Army is unknown. His rank indicates that he was with the 321st Infantry Regiment for an extended period.

The 321st Infantry Regiment saw its first combat at Angaur in the Palau Islands in the Pacific Theater in September and October 1944. In November 1944 they were sent to Peleliu also in the Palau Islands to help with mop-up operations against the Japanese. That lasted through March of 1945. After Peleliu they were sent to the rear area for rest, refitting, and retraining for the eventual invasion of Japan. The war with Japan ended and in September 1945, the 321st Infantry Regiment was one of the first units send to Japan for occupation duties.

On 22Nov1945, Paul was killed when his barracks caught fire.

Paul was originally buried in a temporary military cemetery in Japan. In 1948 his remains were returned to the United States for reburial.

Paul is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.