The Decoy Doughboy

Souvenir Edition -- Printed in Czechoslovakia

May 23, 1945. -- Publishes by and for the men of the 18th Combat Team. -- First Infantry Division, U. S. Army.

Kitchen truck driver volunteers for Death

As the tankers of the 18th celebrate victory in Europe, they do not forget the many buddies who did not live to see V-E day, those who died that others might enjoy peace. One of these was a volunteer from o safe "rear-area" job who, many thought, knew he was volunteering for death.

Pfc Stephen Brycsak, kitchen truck driver for Villain Headquarters, had long persisted in requesting a transfer to a line company. Just before the Roer crossing, Headquarters assented, and Brycsak joined the 2nd platoon, Villain Baker.

"I'm not married, have no parents and no dependents," he had said in arguing for his transfer. "I think I can afford it easier than a lot of those dads Out there".

In the ensuing fighting Brycsak distinguished himself by his coolness and courage, repeatedly volunteering for the most dangerous assignments. In the memorable battle of the 2nd platoon between Wissersheim and Gymnich, Germany, Brycsak left his disabled tank, ignoring orders to return to a rear rallying point. Operating with his sub-machine gun beside the remaining tanks, he helped evacuate wounded tankers and doughs until the medics had removed the final casualty.

Death came to Pfc Stephen Brycsak just outside Uckerath, Germany, when he with all the other members of his crew, died in the battle that opened the path for the armored division spearheads. It is of Brycsak and the many others like him that the tankers think as they celebrate the victory.