35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  CPL Robert W. Szwajkowski    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Item Company
35th Infantry Regiment
Korean War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal United Nations Korean Service Medal Republic of Korea War Service Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, CPL Robert W. Szwajkowski, RA16296105, who died in the service of his country on April 25th, 1951 in South Korea. The cause of death was listed as MIA to KIA. At the time of his death Robert was 18 years of age. He was from Dearborn, Michigan. Robert's Military Occupation Specialty was 4745-Light Weapons Infantryman.

The decorations earned by CPL Robert W. Szwajkowski include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.


A great individual. Robert was a star athlete at Salina Jr.High, and Fordson High School, a member of the Dearborn, (Michigan) Boys Club. Well liked by those who knew him. Although gone these many years his memory lives on in those who knew him. In my case, my son has heard of Robert,and so his memeory will live on a little longer.
If any members of his unit can shed any light on the circumstances of Roberts death please contact John.S.Constantine@GTE.NET. The family continues to miss him dearly. Thank you.

(From A Dearborn, MI Newspaper)

The nations third highest combat decoration, the Silver Star, was awarded Cpl Robert W Szwajkowski of 24130 New York, recently for outstanding service against the enemy near Chongson-ni, Korea, while a member of the 25th Infantry Divisions 35th Regiment.

Cpl. Szwajkowski was cited for remaining at his gun, in the face of a strong enemy charge, to cover the withdrawal of his companions as the United Nations forces were displacing to a new position during an enemy attack.

"Despite the nearness of the oncoming communists, the Dearborn soldier remained at his post to set up a heavy base of covering fire. Although virtually isolated in the attack, he remained at his gun until the last man of his platoon had withdrawn to a place of realtive safety."

The citation accompanying the decoration read sin part, "Corporal Szwajkowskis valorous initiative and unremitting devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States army"

Robert was of Polish extraction and is buried in Livonia, MI