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James Thomas Simko was born on September 12, 1925 in West Homestead. Simko enlisted in World War II in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on January 27, 1944 at the age of 18. He became a corporal in the 69th Infantry Division. The Infantry was deployed to England in December 1944. The 69th Infantry Division was given the nickname the “Fighting 69th.” In January 1945, Simko and the Infantry landed at the French port of Le Havre. They were able to quickly advance into Belgium. In February, the “Fighting 69th” was able to push into Germany. By March, they crossed the Rhine River and begun the eastward journey to Saxony. At Saxony, they captured the city of Leipzig on April 19, 1945. At the battle of Leipzig, the 69th Infantry Division discovered Leipzig-Thekla, which was a subcamp of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Leipzig-Thekla was established in September 1943, and its purpose was to supply labor for the German war effort. The camp held approximately 1,400 prisoners during its prime. On April 18,1945, the SS guards set the housing of inmates on fire and shot those who tried to escape. When the 69th Infantry arrived, they tried to help the very few survivors. In 1993, the 69th Infantry Division and its members, were recognized by the US Army’s Center of Military History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
James Thomas Simko was born on September 12, 1925 in West Homestead. Simko enlisted in World War II in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on January 27, 1944 at the age of 18. He became a corporal in the 69th Infantry Division. The Infantry was deployed to England in December 1944. The 69th Infantry Division was given the nickname the “Fighting 69th.” In January 1945, Simko and the Infantry landed at the French port of Le Havre. They were able to quickly advance into Belgium. In February, the “Fighting 69th” was able to push into Germany. By March, they crossed the Rhine River and begun the eastward journey to Saxony. At Saxony, they captured the city of Leipzig on April 19, 1945. At the battle of Leipzig, the 69th Infantry Division discovered Leipzig-Thekla, which was a subcamp of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Leipzig-Thekla was established in September 1943, and its purpose was to supply labor for the German war effort. The camp held approximately 1,400 prisoners during its prime. On April 18,1945, the SS guards set the housing of inmates on fire and shot those who tried to escape. When the 69th Infantry arrived, they tried to help the very few survivors. In 1993, the 69th Infantry Division and its members, were recognized by the US Army’s Center of Military History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Before Simko enrolled in the war, he graduated from Vandergrift High School. After high school, he attended Waynesburg University and received a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. While in both high school and college, he was a member of the swim team, wrestling team, and an ice skater. After the war, he became a Nationwide Insurance agent. After Simko retired from Nationwide, he worked as a delivery driver for Klingensmith Drug and in the PPG Industries. Simko and his wife, Evelyn, had a son named Jeffrey Allen Simko on December 7, 1956. However, he died on July 23, 1959 at the age of two. Simko died on May 16, 2008 at the age of 82, only twelve days after his wife passed away. Before his death, he was a resident of the Kittanning Care Home. Simko fought a long battle after the war, and it was the battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is buried in Saint Marys Roman Catholic Cemetery in Ford City, Pennsylvania.
Before Simko enrolled in the war, he graduated from Vandergrift High School. After high school, he attended Waynesburg University and received a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. While in both high school and college, he was a member of the swim team, wrestling team, and an ice skater. After the war, he became a Nationwide Insurance agent. After Simko retired from Nationwide, he worked as a delivery driver for Klingensmith Drug and in the PPG Industries. Simko and his wife, Evelyn, had a son named Jeffrey Allen Simko on December 7, 1956. However, he died on July 23, 1959 at the age of two. Simko died on May 16, 2008 at the age of 82, only twelve days after his wife passed away. Before his death, he was a resident of the Kittanning Care Home. Simko fought a long battle after the war, and it was the battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is buried in Saint Marys Roman Catholic Cemetery in Ford City, Pennsylvania.
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