Name:
Paul Risko
Rank:
Sergeant
Serial Number:
35029296
Unit:
86th Cavalry Recon Squadron, 6th Armored Division
Date of Death:
1944-07-29
State:
Ohio
Cemetery:
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France
Plot:
C
Row:
7
Grave:
9
Decoration:
Purple Heart
Comments:
Paul Risko was born on April 16, 1918, in Lakewood, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. He was the son of John Risko Sr. and Susie Macko Risko. He served in the Light Tank Company F, 86th Cavalry Reconn Squadron, 6th Armored Division, as a Sergeant during World War II.
On July 29, 1944, as the 6th Armored Division advanced towards the Pont-de-la-Roque, in Heugueville-sur-Sienne, France, Sgt Risko's unit encountered fierce resistance from German forces. His light tank was struck by direct fire from an 88mm anti-tank gun, leading to his death along with several of his comrades. Sgt Risko is now buried in the Normandy American Cemetery. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.