Maleszewski, Joseph A.

Michelle Kukan

1923-08-20

Paterson, NJ

1944-08-06

Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ

Staff Sergeant

32761287

1943-02-08

1944-08-06

Purple Heart

Soldiers Medal

Presidential Citation

After Joseph Maleszewski’s enlistment into the military on 1943-02-08, he completed his basic training in Miami, Florida. He then learned more about operating guns at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Following the completion of his training, he was sent overseas. He joined the 12th AF, 344th Bomb Squadron, 98th Bomb Group as an aerial gunner. He worked as an aerial gunner on Liberator Bombers. During 1944, the 344th Bomb Squadron participated in strategic bombings of Occupied France, Southern Germany, Austria, and the Balkans. The 98th Bomb Group was stationed at Lecce Airfield, Italy from 1944-01-17 through 1945-04-19. Maleszewski was also attached as a ball gunner to a B-24 Liberator based at Foggia Airfields, Italy. B-24 Liberators were used in the strategic bombings of Germany by the Allies. Maleszewski was killed in action as a result of wounds received in action during his third mission on 1944-08-06. He died shortly before his 21st birthday. His body was returned to America and he was buried at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah.

Joseph Adam "Joe" Maleszewski was born on 1923-08-20 in Paterson, New Jersey to John Sr. and Karolina Maleszewski. The Maleszewski family moved to Mahwah in 1927 and lived on Hines Avenue. The Maleszewski's were devout Catholics. Maleszewski had an older sister, Teresa, as well as two older brothers, Chester and Francis, who served in the Air Force. Two of his younger brothers, Stephen and John Jr, served in the Navy, while Edward served in the Army. They were known as the “Fighting Maleszewski’s.” Maleszewski’s other younger siblings included Sophia and Thomas. Maleszewski spent his educational career in the Ho-Ho-Kus Township Schools and graduated from Ramsey High School. Before entering the Air Force, Maleszewski worked for Wright Aeronautical Company, Plant 3. He was drafted and enlisted into the military on 1943-02-08. Maleszewski Court in Mahwah, NJ is named after him and his brother, Francis.

Photo 1: "Joe Maleszewski," Maleszewski in uniform, place and date unknown (Matthew Maleszewski).

Photo 2: Maleszewski’s draft registration card, completed on 1942-06-30 in Ramsey, NJ (Ancestry Library).

Photo 3: Headstone application completed by Chester Maleszewski on behalf of Joseph Maleszewski, dated 1948-12-01 (Ancestry Library).

The name of Maleszewski’s older sister has also been listed as Theresa, Agnes, and Stella.