The greatest generation remembered

The greatest generation rememberedThis gentleman's last name is Lykine. He looks like he is ready to play baseball or play catch in Guam. We originally thought that was an older photo of Nizalowski's dad, but now we learned this is someone that was stationed with him, and more information is desired.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, an estimated 389,000 are still living today. About 348 World War II veterans pass away each day.  

Veterans Day, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, is set aside to thank veterans for their service to the United States.  

For many, the day is also a time to reflect and remember veterans who have passed away.

Life-long Newark Valley resident, Ed Nizalowski, said of World War II veterans, “The ‘Greatest Generation’ is a name well-deserved.”

Nizalowski, a retired Newark Valley High School librarian and a published writer, is the Director of the Bement-Billings Farmstead Museum in Newark Valley. He has been involved in our area’s local history for over 40 years.

Nizalowski shared that his father, also Edward, was a charter member of the V.F.W. in Owego. Tagging along with his father to the V.F.W. as a young man is where Ed’s interest began. 

Ed remarked, “I always got a thrill as a kid to walk down into the basement of the V.F.W, stare at the one-way glass, and get ‘buzzed-in.’”

The greatest generation remembered
Pictured is Edward Nizalowski, Sr. and his wife, Helen, long-time residents of Newark Valley, N.Y. Edward was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, and served aboard the U.S.S. Chester. Both now rest in Hope Cemetery. Provided photo.

He added, “I marvel at these men and women who came of age during the worst economic catastrophe in American history, and where they put their lives on the line during the worst war in world history.”

Edward Nizalowski, Sr. joined the U.S. Navy in January 1942, just a month after the Pearl Harbor attack. Trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, within a few months Edward Sr. found himself on board the U.S.S. Chester along with another shipmate from Tioga County, Gurden Judge.

According to an article printed in the July 30, 1942 issue of the Owego Times, the vessel saw action at the raids on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, yet just missed the Midway invasion by a few hours. The two shipmates collected battle souvenirs left behind, too, such as a piece of metal from a Japanese plane.

The greatest generation remembered
Pictured is John Sloma, a Binghamton resident who served during World War II. Sloma’s son, Robert, is a World War II re-enactor today. Provided photo.

More action for the duo occurred at the Battle of the Coral Sea, and where at one point the Chester was fully surrounded by Japanese ships, yet, according to the “Owego Times” story, the captain out-maneuvered two torpedoes headed toward the bow and stern. The Chester, Ed explained, survived the battle even after one final hit, although Edward Sr. and his shipmates remained “sitting ducks” for nearly a month before getting a tow to the Australian shore.  

Ed has also been especially interested in the war on the Eastern Front, since all of his grandparents came from the Eastern European region.

Ed shared, “The magnitude of the battles and carnage in that part of the world was nothing short of apocalyptic.”

The region saw the invasions of Poland and Russia, the siege at Leningrad and the battle for Stalingrad and Kursk, which Ed explained featured, “The greatest tank battle in world history.” Ed has learned that about 1,000,000 Polish-Americans served during World War II, which made up eight percent of the military.

Ed explained that thousands of Polish people were sent to work camps in Siberia, and that a mass execution of Polish soldiers and intellectuals occurred at what is now known as the Katyn Forest Massacre.

“I’m sure that I lost some of my Eastern European relatives during that time period,” Ed shared, adding, “I do know that there were some who hid in the forests or were sent to work camps.”

Ed’s second cousin, Robert Sloma of Binghamton, has also had a lifelong interest in the family’s World War II history. Sloma’s father, John, was a World War II veteran and served in the South Pacific, and primarily the New Guinea campaign. Nine of Sloma’s uncles also served.

“Veterans Day is a tribute to veterans,” Sloma said, but also finds it a time to remember family history.

Interestingly, Sloma shared that a photographer busily shot pictures during his father’s basic training as well as traveled overseas with the unit, so the rare images remain a special keepsake.   

Sloma has participated in about 40 World War II reenactments, including two past events held at the Farmstead Museum in Newark Valley. Call it a family tradition, Sloma’s son, Steve, who has been involved in reenactments since the age of 14, is now a licensed pilot and has flown World War II-era planes.

Historical military reenactments are both an educational and entertainment activity, and a way to honor those who have served our country.

Ed Nizalowski contributed to this story.  

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