Charles J. "Kuzy" Kurella, age 87 of Whiting passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at his residence. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret (Vicory) Kurella who passed away December 24, 1992. He is survived by his son, Charles R. (Kim) Kurella of Beaver Falls, PA; daughter, Catherine A. (Ed) Stasny of Schererville; three grandsons: Michael E. Stasny, Justin D. Stasny and Charles J. "CJ" Kurella; granddaughter, Kellie Wilker; two sisters-in-law: Angela Kurella and Florence Kurella both of Whiting; numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his son, Cpl. Michael John Kurella on February 14, 1968; two sisters: Genevieve Janusz and Mildred Buksar; two brothers: Steve and Albert Kurella. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 7, 2005, 9:30 a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th Street, Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with Rev. John E. Kalicky, C.PP.S. officiating. Interment St. John Cemetery, Hammond. Visitation at the funeral home Sunday 3-7 p.m. Members of the Parish will offer prayers at the funeral home Sunday at 4 p.m. Charles Kurella was born on July 19, 1917 in Whiting Indiana to Charles and Johanna (Miko) Kurella and was a lifelong resident; a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting; a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1935; a decorated WWII Army Air Corp veteran; attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He was awarded the Air Medal, the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, seven Oak Clusters, Unit Citation and numerous ribbons as a B-17 Bombardier with 50 missions in the European Theater; a member of the American Legion Whiting Post 80; and the VFW Walter Kleiber Post 2724 who together will conduct memorial services at the funeral home Sunday at 6:00 p.m; a member of the Sokol Club; and a retiree of Interlake Steel and the Amoco Oil Whiting Refinery. "Kuzy" enjoyed riding his scooter, was an avid fisherman, and accomplished taxidermist, interesting storyteller and enjoyed the company of all especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
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U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
about Charles J Kurella Jr Name: Charles J Kurella Jr
Birth Year: 1917
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Indiana
State of Residence: Indiana
County or City: Lake
Enlistment Date: 30 Mar 1942
Enlistment State: Indiana
Enlistment City: Baer Field Fort Wayne
Branch: Air Corps
Branch Code: Air Corps
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expires while in the Federal Service; Officers appointed in the Army of
Source: Civil Life
Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Semiskilled warehousing, storekeeping, handling, loading, unloading, and related occupations, n.e.c.
Marital Status: Single, without dependents
Height: 67
Weight: 134
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
about Charles Kurella Name: Charles Kurella
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 19 Jul 1917
Death Date: 1 Mar 2005
Branch 1: ARMY
Enlistment Date 1: 13 May 1943
Release Date 1: 16 Dec 1945
Charles J. Kurella: Social Security Death Index (SSDI) Death Record
Name: Charles J. Kurella
State of Issue: Indiana
Date of Birth: Thursday July 19, 1917
Date of Death: Tuesday March 01, 2005
Est. Age at Death: 87 years, 7 months, 10 days
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2nd Lt. Charles J Kurella was assigned to the 301st BG 32nd Squadron.
The following information on Charles Kurella is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt. Kurella. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Charles Kurella's military record please contact us.
Charles Kurella 2nd Lt 124 03/12/1944 SS
Charles Kurella 2nd Lt. 298 04/27/1944 AM
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 451 05/14/1944 AM/5OLC
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 452 05/14/1944 AM/6OLC
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 1165 06/19/1944 AM/7OLC
Citation: General Order: 124, 03/12/1944
Under the provisions of AB 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to auth¬ority contained in cable No. 9782, Headquarters NATOUSA, 5 December 1943, the Silver Star is awarded the following named personnel, United States Army, residence as indicated, with the following citation:
For gallantry in action on 25 February 1944, while on a highly stra¬tegic bombing mission against the important enemy aircraft factory at Regensburg, Germany. Over an hour and a half before the target, this gallant crew of a B-17 type aircraft was attacked by thirty (30) to forty (40) enemy fighters, the first of over two-hundred (200) fighters which attacked their formation. An hour before the target, their plane was riddled by enemy cannon fire which shot out one (1) engine, severely damaged oxygen and communications systems, control mechanisms, and shattered the ball turret, miraculously without injury to the gunner who immediately took over a waist gun. By exertion of extraordinary flying skill, the pilots retained control and kept the plane toward the target despite intensified attacks by enemy fighters, during with another engine and the tail turret was damaged, a fire started in the ammunition which was extinguished by the tail gunner who manned his remaining gun until later severely wounded. After the plane had been brought through an intense accurate anti-aircraft fire over the target and the bombs successfully dropped, the concentrated and persistent fighter attacks began again and in a running gun battle lasting over an hour after the target, the waist gunner was killed, tail turret gunner and radio operator-gunner badly wounded and the plane further critically damaged by gunfire and aerial bombs. In spite of being wounded, without oxygen, and constantly opposed during this high altitude mission for over four (4) hours, the crew accounted for thirteen (13) enemy fighters destroyed, and many others probably destroyed, no gunner destroying less than two (2) planes and one (1) gunner destroying six (6). The stricken bomber was nursed with the highest proficiency and courage safely over the front lines and a crash landing made without further injury to the heroic crew. By their outstanding gallantry, unselfish heroism, devotion to duty and extraordinary courage, each and every man of this brave crew has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of The United States of America.
25-Feb-44 PUC 12-Mar-44 15th AAF General Order # 124 Silver Star
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U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
about Charles J Kurella Jr Name: Charles J Kurella Jr
Birth Year: 1917
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Indiana
State of Residence: Indiana
County or City: Lake
Enlistment Date: 30 Mar 1942
Enlistment State: Indiana
Enlistment City: Baer Field Fort Wayne
Branch: Air Corps
Branch Code: Air Corps
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expires while in the Federal Service; Officers appointed in the Army of
Source: Civil Life
Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Semiskilled warehousing, storekeeping, handling, loading, unloading, and related occupations, n.e.c.
Marital Status: Single, without dependents
Height: 67
Weight: 134
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
about Charles Kurella Name: Charles Kurella
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 19 Jul 1917
Death Date: 1 Mar 2005
Branch 1: ARMY
Enlistment Date 1: 13 May 1943
Release Date 1: 16 Dec 1945
Charles J. Kurella: Social Security Death Index (SSDI) Death Record
Name: Charles J. Kurella
State of Issue: Indiana
Date of Birth: Thursday July 19, 1917
Date of Death: Tuesday March 01, 2005
Est. Age at Death: 87 years, 7 months, 10 days
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2nd Lt. Charles J Kurella was assigned to the 301st BG 32nd Squadron.
The following information on Charles Kurella is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt. Kurella. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Charles Kurella's military record please contact us.
Charles Kurella 2nd Lt 124 03/12/1944 SS
Charles Kurella 2nd Lt. 298 04/27/1944 AM
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 451 05/14/1944 AM/5OLC
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 452 05/14/1944 AM/6OLC
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 1165 06/19/1944 AM/7OLC
Citation: General Order: 124, 03/12/1944
Under the provisions of AB 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to auth¬ority contained in cable No. 9782, Headquarters NATOUSA, 5 December 1943, the Silver Star is awarded the following named personnel, United States Army, residence as indicated, with the following citation:
For gallantry in action on 25 February 1944, while on a highly stra¬tegic bombing mission against the important enemy aircraft factory at Regensburg, Germany. Over an hour and a half before the target, this gallant crew of a B-17 type aircraft was attacked by thirty (30) to forty (40) enemy fighters, the first of over two-hundred (200) fighters which attacked their formation. An hour before the target, their plane was riddled by enemy cannon fire which shot out one (1) engine, severely damaged oxygen and communications systems, control mechanisms, and shattered the ball turret, miraculously without injury to the gunner who immediately took over a waist gun. By exertion of extraordinary flying skill, the pilots retained control and kept the plane toward the target despite intensified attacks by enemy fighters, during with another engine and the tail turret was damaged, a fire started in the ammunition which was extinguished by the tail gunner who manned his remaining gun until later severely wounded. After the plane had been brought through an intense accurate anti-aircraft fire over the target and the bombs successfully dropped, the concentrated and persistent fighter attacks began again and in a running gun battle lasting over an hour after the target, the waist gunner was killed, tail turret gunner and radio operator-gunner badly wounded and the plane further critically damaged by gunfire and aerial bombs. In spite of being wounded, without oxygen, and constantly opposed during this high altitude mission for over four (4) hours, the crew accounted for thirteen (13) enemy fighters destroyed, and many others probably destroyed, no gunner destroying less than two (2) planes and one (1) gunner destroying six (6). The stricken bomber was nursed with the highest proficiency and courage safely over the front lines and a crash landing made without further injury to the heroic crew. By their outstanding gallantry, unselfish heroism, devotion to duty and extraordinary courage, each and every man of this brave crew has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of The United States of America.
25-Feb-44 PUC 12-Mar-44 15th AAF General Order # 124 Silver Star
Charles J. "Kuzy" Kurella, age 87 of Whiting passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at his residence. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret (Vicory) Kurella who passed away December 24, 1992. He is survived by his son, Charles R. (Kim) Kurella of Beaver Falls, PA; daughter, Catherine A. (Ed) Stasny of Schererville; three grandsons: Michael E. Stasny, Justin D. Stasny and Charles J. "CJ" Kurella; granddaughter, Kellie Wilker; two sisters-in-law: Angela Kurella and Florence Kurella both of Whiting; numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his son, Cpl. Michael John Kurella on February 14, 1968; two sisters: Genevieve Janusz and Mildred Buksar; two brothers: Steve and Albert Kurella. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 7, 2005, 9:30 a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th Street, Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with Rev. John E. Kalicky, C.PP.S. officiating. Interment St. John Cemetery, Hammond. Visitation at the funeral home Sunday 3-7 p.m. Members of the Parish will offer prayers at the funeral home Sunday at 4 p.m. Charles Kurella was born on July 19, 1917 in Whiting Indiana to Charles and Johanna (Miko) Kurella and was a lifelong resident; a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting; a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1935; a decorated WWII Army Air Corp veteran; attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He was awarded the Air Medal, the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, seven Oak Clusters, Unit Citation and numerous ribbons as a B-17 Bombardier with 50 missions in the European Theater; a member of the American Legion Whiting Post 80; and the VFW Walter Kleiber Post 2724 who together will conduct memorial services at the funeral home Sunday at 6:00 p.m; a member of the Sokol Club; and a retiree of Interlake Steel and the Amoco Oil Whiting Refinery. "Kuzy" enjoyed riding his scooter, was an avid fisherman, and accomplished taxidermist, interesting storyteller and enjoyed the company of all especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
about Charles J Kurella Jr Name: Charles J Kurella Jr
Birth Year: 1917
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Indiana
State of Residence: Indiana
County or City: Lake
Enlistment Date: 30 Mar 1942
Enlistment State: Indiana
Enlistment City: Baer Field Fort Wayne
Branch: Air Corps
Branch Code: Air Corps
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expires while in the Federal Service; Officers appointed in the Army of
Source: Civil Life
Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Semiskilled warehousing, storekeeping, handling, loading, unloading, and related occupations, n.e.c.
Marital Status: Single, without dependents
Height: 67
Weight: 134
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
about Charles Kurella Name: Charles Kurella
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 19 Jul 1917
Death Date: 1 Mar 2005
Branch 1: ARMY
Enlistment Date 1: 13 May 1943
Release Date 1: 16 Dec 1945
Charles J. Kurella: Social Security Death Index (SSDI) Death Record
Name: Charles J. Kurella
State of Issue: Indiana
Date of Birth: Thursday July 19, 1917
Date of Death: Tuesday March 01, 2005
Est. Age at Death: 87 years, 7 months, 10 days
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2nd Lt. Charles J Kurella was assigned to the 301st BG 32nd Squadron.
The following information on Charles Kurella is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt. Kurella. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Charles Kurella's military record please contact us.
Charles Kurella 2nd Lt 124 03/12/1944 SS
Charles Kurella 2nd Lt. 298 04/27/1944 AM
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 451 05/14/1944 AM/5OLC
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 452 05/14/1944 AM/6OLC
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 1165 06/19/1944 AM/7OLC
Citation: General Order: 124, 03/12/1944
Under the provisions of AB 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to auth¬ority contained in cable No. 9782, Headquarters NATOUSA, 5 December 1943, the Silver Star is awarded the following named personnel, United States Army, residence as indicated, with the following citation:
For gallantry in action on 25 February 1944, while on a highly stra¬tegic bombing mission against the important enemy aircraft factory at Regensburg, Germany. Over an hour and a half before the target, this gallant crew of a B-17 type aircraft was attacked by thirty (30) to forty (40) enemy fighters, the first of over two-hundred (200) fighters which attacked their formation. An hour before the target, their plane was riddled by enemy cannon fire which shot out one (1) engine, severely damaged oxygen and communications systems, control mechanisms, and shattered the ball turret, miraculously without injury to the gunner who immediately took over a waist gun. By exertion of extraordinary flying skill, the pilots retained control and kept the plane toward the target despite intensified attacks by enemy fighters, during with another engine and the tail turret was damaged, a fire started in the ammunition which was extinguished by the tail gunner who manned his remaining gun until later severely wounded. After the plane had been brought through an intense accurate anti-aircraft fire over the target and the bombs successfully dropped, the concentrated and persistent fighter attacks began again and in a running gun battle lasting over an hour after the target, the waist gunner was killed, tail turret gunner and radio operator-gunner badly wounded and the plane further critically damaged by gunfire and aerial bombs. In spite of being wounded, without oxygen, and constantly opposed during this high altitude mission for over four (4) hours, the crew accounted for thirteen (13) enemy fighters destroyed, and many others probably destroyed, no gunner destroying less than two (2) planes and one (1) gunner destroying six (6). The stricken bomber was nursed with the highest proficiency and courage safely over the front lines and a crash landing made without further injury to the heroic crew. By their outstanding gallantry, unselfish heroism, devotion to duty and extraordinary courage, each and every man of this brave crew has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of The United States of America.
25-Feb-44 PUC 12-Mar-44 15th AAF General Order # 124 Silver Star
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
about Charles J Kurella Jr Name: Charles J Kurella Jr
Birth Year: 1917
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Indiana
State of Residence: Indiana
County or City: Lake
Enlistment Date: 30 Mar 1942
Enlistment State: Indiana
Enlistment City: Baer Field Fort Wayne
Branch: Air Corps
Branch Code: Air Corps
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expires while in the Federal Service; Officers appointed in the Army of
Source: Civil Life
Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Semiskilled warehousing, storekeeping, handling, loading, unloading, and related occupations, n.e.c.
Marital Status: Single, without dependents
Height: 67
Weight: 134
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
about Charles Kurella Name: Charles Kurella
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 19 Jul 1917
Death Date: 1 Mar 2005
Branch 1: ARMY
Enlistment Date 1: 13 May 1943
Release Date 1: 16 Dec 1945
Charles J. Kurella: Social Security Death Index (SSDI) Death Record
Name: Charles J. Kurella
State of Issue: Indiana
Date of Birth: Thursday July 19, 1917
Date of Death: Tuesday March 01, 2005
Est. Age at Death: 87 years, 7 months, 10 days
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2nd Lt. Charles J Kurella was assigned to the 301st BG 32nd Squadron.
The following information on Charles Kurella is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt. Kurella. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Charles Kurella's military record please contact us.
Charles Kurella 2nd Lt 124 03/12/1944 SS
Charles Kurella 2nd Lt. 298 04/27/1944 AM
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 451 05/14/1944 AM/5OLC
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 452 05/14/1944 AM/6OLC
Charles Kurella 1st Lt 1165 06/19/1944 AM/7OLC
Citation: General Order: 124, 03/12/1944
Under the provisions of AB 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to auth¬ority contained in cable No. 9782, Headquarters NATOUSA, 5 December 1943, the Silver Star is awarded the following named personnel, United States Army, residence as indicated, with the following citation:
For gallantry in action on 25 February 1944, while on a highly stra¬tegic bombing mission against the important enemy aircraft factory at Regensburg, Germany. Over an hour and a half before the target, this gallant crew of a B-17 type aircraft was attacked by thirty (30) to forty (40) enemy fighters, the first of over two-hundred (200) fighters which attacked their formation. An hour before the target, their plane was riddled by enemy cannon fire which shot out one (1) engine, severely damaged oxygen and communications systems, control mechanisms, and shattered the ball turret, miraculously without injury to the gunner who immediately took over a waist gun. By exertion of extraordinary flying skill, the pilots retained control and kept the plane toward the target despite intensified attacks by enemy fighters, during with another engine and the tail turret was damaged, a fire started in the ammunition which was extinguished by the tail gunner who manned his remaining gun until later severely wounded. After the plane had been brought through an intense accurate anti-aircraft fire over the target and the bombs successfully dropped, the concentrated and persistent fighter attacks began again and in a running gun battle lasting over an hour after the target, the waist gunner was killed, tail turret gunner and radio operator-gunner badly wounded and the plane further critically damaged by gunfire and aerial bombs. In spite of being wounded, without oxygen, and constantly opposed during this high altitude mission for over four (4) hours, the crew accounted for thirteen (13) enemy fighters destroyed, and many others probably destroyed, no gunner destroying less than two (2) planes and one (1) gunner destroying six (6). The stricken bomber was nursed with the highest proficiency and courage safely over the front lines and a crash landing made without further injury to the heroic crew. By their outstanding gallantry, unselfish heroism, devotion to duty and extraordinary courage, each and every man of this brave crew has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of The United States of America.
25-Feb-44 PUC 12-Mar-44 15th AAF General Order # 124 Silver Star
