Edward J. Duda

United States marine corps 1943-1946

world war ii

corporal

world war ii victory medal

Edward John Duda was born August 5, 1925, to Stanislaus Duda and Apolonia (Zajac) in Enfield, CT. He grew up in the Thompsonville section of Enfield, CT and attended Enfield High School then went to work at the Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Mill as an apprentice weaver.

On May 20, 1943, after his continued persistence, Eddie’s parents relented by signing the necessary form allowing him to enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of seventeen; following his older brother Felix; who had enlisted in the Marine Corps after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. Private Duda completed basic training at Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Beaufort, SC in August 1943. Following basic training he completed Sea School at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, VA, promoted to private first class and assigned as a Security Guard in the Marine Detachment aboard the USS General W.A. Mann (AP-112) on November 16, 1943 and served aboard until October 16, 1945. He was twice commended by the ship’s captain and soon promoted to corporal. Eddie saw duty in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Suez Canal, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and two passes through the Panama Canal.

Corporal Edward Duda was discharged from the Marine Corps on February 5, 1946. Upon returning to Enfield, Eddie resumed his job as a weaver at the Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Company. He married the former Jean T. O’Brien and had two daughters Karen and Susan. He would rise to foreman in the jacquard weaving section until the mill closed. Eddie went on to work at the C.H. Dexter Company in Windsor Locks, CT until his death on June 9, 1982, at the age of 56.