Gustav Swiersz - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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World War 2

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the World War 2.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
Army SSGT World War 2 Gustav “Gus” Swiersz, born December 25th, 1923, in North Tonawanda, NY, served in the US Army from July 1943 - Nov 1945. Gus was drafted into the Army at age 20 and served with the Keystone Division, also known as the 28th Infantry Division, 112th Regiment in Europe. To this day, Gus proudly displays his State of Pennsylvania Keystone division badge in his shadow box. He underwent training with his unit at Fort Hood, TX, Camp McCoy, WI, and Camp Shelby, MS. Gus Swiersz and the 28th participated in various significant battles and campaigns, including the Hurtgen Forest, Colmar Pocket, and the Battle of the Bulge. Private First Class Swiersz played a crucial role in the 28th during the German Ardennes counter-offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge. During this intense battle, Gus found himself separated from his unit behind enemy lines. Company E, positioned on the west bank of the Our River in Luxembourg, faced a fierce German assault on the morning of December 16, 1944. Gus went missing in action (MIA) but valiantly fought behind enemy lines for nine days despite the challenges. He sustained injuries from a German 88 during this harrowing separation. Gus demonstrated exceptional leadership during his service, earning multiple field promotions and eventually attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He and the 28th Infantry Regiment received the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation for their remarkable actions during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. Gus, proficient in several languages, was assigned at the conclusion of combat operations to aid in the liberation of individuals held in slave labor and POW camps in Germany. Gus proudly showcased his well-deserved awards in his shadow box, featuring his Combat Infantryman Badge, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. These accolades, along with a uniformed photo of Gus, accompany his other WW2 Campaign honors, which include the Presidential Unit Citation and his Good Conduct medal. Gus completed his education at American International College in Springfield, MA, and furthered his studies at Syracuse University. He pursued a career as a Management Analyst, contributing his expertise to the Navy Ordinance Test Station in China Lake and the Naval Ocean Systems Command in San Diego. Gus was a loving husband and a devoted father to four children.
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Gustav Swiersz - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
Army SSGT World War 2 Gustav “Gus” Swiersz, born December 25th, 1923, in North Tonawanda, NY, served in the US Army from July 1943 - Nov 1945. Gus was drafted into the Army at age 20 and served with the Keystone Division, also known as the 28th Infantry Division, 112th Regiment in Europe. To this day, Gus proudly displays his State of Pennsylvania Keystone division badge in his shadow box. He underwent training with his unit at Fort Hood, TX, Camp McCoy, WI, and Camp Shelby, MS. Gus Swiersz and the 28th participated in various significant battles and campaigns, including the Hurtgen Forest, Colmar Pocket, and the Battle of the Bulge. Private First Class Swiersz played a crucial role in the 28th during the German Ardennes counter-offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge. During this intense battle, Gus found himself separated from his unit behind enemy lines. Company E, positioned on the west bank of the Our River in Luxembourg, faced a fierce German assault on the morning of December 16, 1944. Gus went missing in action (MIA) but valiantly fought behind enemy lines for nine days despite the challenges. He sustained injuries from a German 88 during this harrowing separation. Gus demonstrated exceptional leadership during his service, earning multiple field promotions and eventually attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He and the 28th Infantry Regiment received the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation for their remarkable actions during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. Gus, proficient in several languages, was assigned at the conclusion of combat operations to aid in the liberation of individuals held in slave labor and POW camps in Germany. Gus proudly showcased his well-deserved awards in his shadow box, featuring his Combat Infantryman Badge, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. These accolades, along with a uniformed photo of Gus, accompany his other WW2 Campaign honors, which include the Presidential Unit Citation and his Good Conduct medal. Gus completed his education at American International College in Springfield, MA, and furthered his studies at Syracuse University. He pursued a career as a Management Analyst, contributing his expertise to the Navy Ordinance Test Station in China Lake and the Naval Ocean Systems Command in San Diego. Gus was a loving husband and a devoted father to four children.