A tribute to my father on Memorial Day

Posted: May 25, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Memorial Day, Uncategorized, veteran | Tags: | 1 Comment

PhotoAndPortraitTogether

 

On the left is a photo of my Dad, Leonard J. Kohnke. I’m guessing it’s from about 1941 or 1942 when he was enlisted in the army during World War II. On the right is my portrait of my Dad. I love him very much, miss him terribly and am so proud of him. Today in particular, I want to pay tribute to him and all those before and after him who served our country.

My dad, Leonard J. Kohnke, was a wonderful man. He grew up in Chicago, one of 5 children. And, when World War II began, he enlisted in the army. Dad served four years overseas in the Battle of the Bulge, Kasserine Pass, in Morocco, Italy, England, played a part in liberating a concentration camp and was part of the 634th anti-aircraft artillery automatic weapons battalion “cited for outstanding performance of duty against the enemy from 16-21 December 1944. During the violent enemy counteroffensive near ST VITH, BELGIUM . . .” The quote is from a letter Dad received dated July 18, 1945. Here’s the entire letter:
LJKohnke_071345PattonLetter

The next time you’re in Lincoln Park, across from the Biograph Theater, visit the Red Lion Pub. Colin, the owner, has renovated his father’s original Red Lion, creating an homage to soldiers who served in World War I and World War II (and all things British). It’s an amazing place with fabulous food and the best of spirits and beers. The owner pays tribute to his father who served in World War I and II. I’m forever grateful to Colin for making a space for my Dad amidst the other soldiers. My Dad’s story is to the left of the bar.

redLionPhotos

I love you, Dad . . . you are truly one of the greatest generation.

 

Memorial Day

Posted: May 28, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Editorial Illustrations, Memorial Day | Leave a comment

This is my Dad, Leonard J. Kohnke. He was born in 1919 and served in the United States Army for four years during World War II. Among the many duties where the 443rd, C Battallion participated was the Battle of the Bulge, was at Kassarine Pass and his battallion was one of the many U.S. soldiers who liberated the concentration camps near the end of the war. While on a reunion tour with his Battallion in 1986, he saved a rock from the beach at Normandie where his Battallion landed. He taped this to the rock: From the beach of St. Raphael, France 1986. 443rd invasion point.

Dad was in Morocco, Italy, Germany, France and England. I’m so very proud of him. Dad passed away June 27, 1996, and I miss him every day.

Thanks to all the service men over the decades who have made sacrifices to keep us all safe here at home.