George Joseph Bozanich

Lilah Crowe2021-03-22T11:02:03-05:00

Name: George Joseph Bozanich
Location of Birth: Bovey, Minnesota
Date of Birth: February 29, 1916
Date of Death: October 20, 1990
Parents: Mike Bozanich & Barbara (Strahan) Bozanich
High School and Class: 1934 Greenway High School, Coleraine, Minnesota
College:
Highest Rank:
Branch: Army
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: June 26, 1941
Place Sworn In:
Date of Discharge: November 27, 1945
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:
Purple Heart
5 Campaign stars

Military Highlights:
WW II Draft Registration Cards – 10/16/1940 – 03/31/1947
State: Minnesota
Name: George Joseph Bozanich
Race: White
Age: 24
Birth Date: February 29, 1916
Birth Place: Bovey, Minnesota, USA
Residence Place: Bovey, Itasca, Minnesota, USA
Registration Date: October 16, 1940
Employer: Oliver Mining Co., Coleraine, Minnesota
Weight: 153
Height: 5-8
Complexion: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Brown (bald)
Next of Kin: Mike Bozanich, father, Bovey, Minnesota

Newspaper article - Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota – May 29, 1942 – “Dear Friends: I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the past gifts and greetings that I have received from you people and hope that someday I may thank you personally. I’ve been here for the past 11 months and although it isn’t so bad here, I’d rather be in Bovey, but not during this international crisis as I believe it’s our duty. At present I’m attending school and working very hard. I wish I shall be rewarded for this. Friend George Bozanich, 23rd Arm. Eng. Bn. Hdqters. Co., Camp Polk, La.”

Newspaper article - Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - January 8, 1943 - "My dear friends: I received your lovely Christmas pkge. and wish to thank all that made it possible for us boys to receive such a swell gift. So thanks to the Service Club members and the Girl Scouts. At present we are under quarantine as one of our men has contacted the Small Pox. However, there is a possibility of the quarantine being lifted prior to Christmas and I do hope so as some of the fellows have their homes nearby and had planned on being home for the holiday. Let's hope that they'll lift it. It has been quite cold the past week and there is plenty of snow here also. It sort of makes a fellow feel at home. Last Christmas I spent in Port Arthur, Texas, and there wasn't a sign of snow, but this year I'm going to remain in camp. Well, a Happy New Year to you all. Just a friend, George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - August 13, 1943 - "Indiantown Gap, Pen., July 30. "Dear Ann: Well Sonny arrived in camp on time but he also took quite a beating. Yes, Ann, it was worth it all and I really had a swell time, "as if you didn't know it." Yes, to tell you the truth, I enjoyed the few hours that I had much more so than any of my previous furloughs. Guess why? No, Ann, all kidding aside, you always have been mighty nice to me and I want you to know now that I appreciate everything that you've done and given to me. Some day I hope I shall be able to repay you for your kindness. Unlike myself or so many others that I know, you give purely from the heart and not the mind. It's funny how it takes a war to show the people who are so real and nice. In the near future, Ann, I may not have either the time nor the opportunity to write as often, but I know that I'll be able to rely on your prompt letters to keep me informed on what's what and who is who in Bovey, and for gosh sakes, Ann, don't give up writing in the Bovey Press, as for every hour you put in now, I know we boys will give it back to you when we return, if I have to do it all myself. Thanks for the dinner, the beers and dances. My one regret is that I didn't have a longer leave. Say hello to Grant, Olga and Johnny and the rest of the gang. Thanks for the good-bye kiss and I'll be seeing you Christmas dinner in Bovey as Mussolini hears the 3rd Armed Division is going across. That's right, every time we get ready to leave something happens. The last time it was in Tunisia, now its the former Italy. Bye, always a friend, George Bozanich. P.S. Keep a beer on the ice for me. I'll be thinking of Ann's."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - August 13, 1943 - "Indiantown Gap, Friday, Aug 6, 1943. My Dear Friends: Recently when I was home on a somewhat short furlough, I got in a conversation with Ann Shustarich in regard to her appreciative weekly letter printed in the Bovey Press to us men in the service. She puts a lot of time into those letters but I believe them to be well worth the while. I enjoy them more than I would "My Day" by Eleanor Roosevelt. You're "tops" Ann, keep up the good work. I wish there were more like you [blank space in the newspaper microfilm] the list of men in the service that she writes to and sends them personal letters. Realizing the time and effort involved on her part couldn't be possible for her to forgo, if it wasn't for the generous people who have helped to contribute money and stamps. Sincere appreciations to you Mrs. McLeod, Verne Curtis, Mrs. Lakich, Mrs. Fueling, Mrs. Ray Hongisto and Jim Crockett and to any one else who might have aided, also the Bovey Service Men's club and their letters and gifts. Keep up the good work, its worth the while as many leisure hours of mine has been cheered by letters from home and the Bovey Press. It's tough to be alone but when you know you have friends who think of you, gives one a feeling of security. So keep up the good work. Sincerely, George J. Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - May 12, 1944 - "March 15, 1944. My dear friends: Thanks for the Christmas present, The Bovey Press and Reader's Digest, a most appropriate gift. May I also thank Dr. Sam Dimich's wife for the wonderful letter, and Mrs. Dargan for the birthday card. The "Bovey Servicemen's Club" is doing a splendid job. A salute to you people who put so much time and effort to make it such a success. We GI's do a lot of sweating-out which means waiting, but sweating-out the "Press" so as to read Ann's column is O.K., a worthwhile sweat-out for this G. I. Thanking you for everything, I remain your friend, George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - June 23, 1944 - "May 23rd, 1944. My dear friend Anne: Received your letter dated May the 12th. It was forwarded to me from the hospital. Yes, I'm on my way to only God knows where. If it'll be with my former unit again, I do not know. The thing that pleases me more than anything else is knowing I'm in perfect health and in condition once more. It's a grand feeling. I will let you know the minute I find out my future address and so-called home. I want to thank you for the splendid favor, Anne. Without your help, mother couldn't have received my gift for Mother's Day. I want to thank you, Anne, and enclosed you will find a check to cover the expense involved. I hope it doesn't bounce - ha! ha! Thanks a million, Anne, I know that I can count on you. We are just stationed here temporarily - I hope. So far it hasn't been too dull as there's these last minor trivial incidentals to take care of, etc. I have seen several movies and soldier talent shows. None of which have been anything to rave about, but it did serve to pass away some time. I'm Charge of Quarters tonite. You know, tucking all the men in bed. I had planned on seeing another picture, but duty comes first. I imagine by now the remodeling is well on its way. Does it look any better, Anne? We'll have some swell times there yet. No you can bet your sweet life this boy is coming back single. I want to start with a clean slate and no strings for this lad or any worries. I'll make all my plans when I return. It's to be a changed life though. This time I'll play it more serious, but not too much to take the kick out of life, as I still crave dancing and fun. Say hello to Cotta, Grant, Johnny, Glad and all. How's my little gal behaving - ? Nice kid, eh, Anne? Thanks for everything, Anne. As ever, Friend George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - October 6, 1944 - "September 16, 1944. Dear friend Ann: Just thought I might as well introduce myself - yes, this is Georgie Boze - a writing. I must say that this life is too rough and exciting for me to make a career out of it. How I long for the quiet peaceful life of Bovey and Ann's Sweet Shop, where one could dance and drink and talk in peace. Just knowing he had a nice warm meal and a clean bed to retire to in event we desired to do so. Yes, Anne, them were the days, and I hope to see them soon, at least that's what I'm over here for. You must forgive me for not writing to you so often, but honestly time is an important thing up here. Unfortunately we had an accident that shook me up a bit, but fortunately none of us were hurt to any extent. We turned over a vehicle, but just suffered some bruises and light scratches, non which moved us to any great extent or to be noticed. We did, however, loose quite a bit of our personal effects, such as toilet articles, stationery and pictures, but not that it's too hurting as the toilet articles we have plenty of, but the stationery, outside of V-mail, is dear, but we still have a pad for the four of us. My mail is catching up to me, but I do miss the Bovey Press as I haven't seen a copy in ages. Jeanette has sent me several clippings of the write-ups that you received in various papers back home. I must say they are very good and deserving. Keep it up, mom. How's business, Anne" Was Labor Day a success? Give my regard to all and I hope to see you all soon. How's Johnny Drob.? Have you seen him lately? Tell him I just have not the time to write to all the people I'd like to. Is Grant living in Bovey? Where? So far I'll be able to dance when I get back - how's about you? Bye - as ever, George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - March 16, 1945 - "Somewhere in France, February 3, 1945. Dear Friend Ann: How are you, Ann? It's been a long time since I've heard from anyone that it has me in a daze as I don't know what's what. It seems as though it's all a big dream. I was in an accident in where I received some scalding, boiling hot water in the face. Luckily enough due to the quick and excellent of medical attention I escaped from being scarred up. In fact there isn't the slightest trace what-so-ever of my being burnt. Well, they evacuated me to England and now I'm back in France once more. This time due to my health, I'm to do limited assignment work of some sort or the other. In all this shifting around it's left me sort of stranded. You know, no news or anything for over two months now. I haven't even as yet received my Christmas mail. I lost all of my personal effects and belongings that it left me with nary a thing. It was rough trying to gather a new lot. My address book is what I miss the most so if by any chance you have the addresses available of my former friends, please be so kind as to send me a few. It's funny how I come to you when I'm in trouble, but then you always did respond to my requests. Yes, Ann, this war can sure change a man, but one thing it hasn't changed is my desire and love for Bovey. It's a swell place all in all. I always did like it. Guess it's why I always hanged around it. I would like and am anxiously awaiting to see your new set up. I might be old and gray by the that time and I hope to be spry enough to have a twirl or two about the dance floor with you. Maybe we can attend the old-timers dance together. Ha! Ha! It's my birthday today and here all is dunking doughnuts in the Red Cross; a doughnut makes a beautiful birthday cake. It's really wonderful as I can picture myself and have been in more worse spots than this. This is actually heavenly in comparison to what some of our boys over here are going thru. The Lord has answered all my prayers of which I am mighty thankful for. I am feeling fairly good considering everything and hope you have a happy Easter. Say hello to my friends. Bye Ann. I remain as always - friend George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - April 27, 1945 - "April 7, 1945. My dear friend Anne: Excuse me for not writing, Anne, but through all this moving about and trying to get oneself adjusted to new surroundings has left me in somewhat of a frazzled condition. I couldn't for the life of me get myself to write to anyone. I haven't been feeling any too good either, but find myself to be improving as the days get warmer. I'll attempt to do better from here on out. This is a pretty neat outfit, Anne, and I do believe I'm going to like it a lot. It's not quite as rugged work as I have been doing and the living conditions with this unit are far better than with my old outfit. This I am mighty thankful for as I'm inclined to believe that my physical condition wouldn't permit me to do the work I had been doing under different living conditions. I was pretty sick and sore for awhile. The weather has been pretty good lately and I do believe that the boys up front have taken every advantage of it. I'm glad that it has been nice for them. It makes it easier for them. These men really have my sympathy as I've seen just little enough to know what they are going thru. We are sort of looking for the thing to wind up some day, Anne. Maybe we are a little optimistic, but I can hear the juke boxes and smell the rum and cokes. Now all I need is a proper fitting pair of dance shoes. Are you ready to take a fling? Well, Anne, give my regards to all and am hoping to be with you all soon. Always - friend, George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - June 8, 1945 – “Somewhere in Germany – May 10 – My dear friend Mrs. Dargan – I thank you for the birthday greetings which was sent to me several months back, also the basketball team results. They sure did have a fine season. You have no idea what these little bits of information mean to us, as we like to hear of every little thing which might pertain to our home. The war over here is now over, and I only hope that the resistance in the other theatre crumbles soon. The past day we’ve been counting the points we have collected in order for our discharge. I for one am anxiously awaiting the call to go home. I hope that others will get theirs soon. It’s going to be nice to be at home once more. I just can’t get there too soon. Thanks again for the card. I’m feeling quite well and hope that your family is also. Sincerely, George Bozanich”

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - Somewhere in Germany, May 15th. My dear friend Anne: Today I received a package from brother John and in it was a copy of the Bovey Press. It was the first copy I had seen since sometime last October and you can picture how my nose was shoved into it gobbling up the news. I must have read your letter at least 5 different times. You were planning on a show and dance to raise some money. Did you go thru with it? How did it fare out? I never realized how much I missed that town of Bovey. Four long years it has been, and two years since I seen the states last. I'm just a-wondering if I'll be headed that way soon. I find myself sitting on the fence as far as points are concerned. I've 82 definite points and five pending, as to whether they'll grant one star for the Ardenes. This will give me 87 points if they do, or two above the minimum of 85. I only hope that points mean something. When they drafted me I thought it would be first in , the first ones out. Maybe I'll make around the world affair of it via Los Angeles. Ha! Ha! Yes, Anne, you're getting to be quite a writer. Just how long is it since you have been writing your weekly letters to the boys? I only wish I could have read them all. Are they still sending the Press to the soldiers? We've had a week of lovely weather now and I mean lovely. The countryside is beautiful and in places one would hardly know a battle raged in its vicinity. Mother nature sure put a pretty cover over the ruins. This section, from what I have seen of it in the short spin we took today, is rich in its agriculture. They had some marvelous and pretty fields. You've probably often wondered why we've never mentioned about women. Well, General "Ike" has imposed the non-fraternization ban on us. It's probably a good thing, too, but often times a good figure, a pretty face, or a shapely leg has been a temptation to us, and it caused or resulted in comments amongst us men, but it's the farthest it went. We are saving our love for the girls back home. Ha! Ha! I'll sign off for now. So long, Anne. Keep up the good work and say hello to all. Sincerely, George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - June 8, 1945 - "In Southwest Germany - May 20th. Dear friend Anne: Just received three letters from you today so thought it best I should answer them. So Roger Enstrom is home. I'll bet he's tickled pink to be there as I know how I'd feel if it were me. Is he home to stay, Anne, or is he on a furlough? The boys in the Pacific seem to get more furloughs, but I believe they have it rougher also. I like to see the men get a break as they all deserve them. How's your health, Ann? Are you feeling any better since you went to Mudcura? We had some nice weather last week and it was really warm. It started to rain last nite and it's a good thing too as it was getting too dry and dusty about. The wet weather doesn't live with me, but I must make the best of things. I sure would like to make it home by Labor Day and I'm really keeping my fingers crossed. I sure hope that we can polish off those Japs quick. Then all of us can be together once again. I'd sure hate to see any of the old gang missing when I return. Keep those records hot, Anne. Say hello to all. Sincerely - friend, George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - August 2, 1945 - "June 30, 1945. Dear Friend Anne: It's been a long time since I've written, Anne, but I didn't feel much like writing, now knowing what to write. I'm back in the hospital once again, and have been for the last month. I'm in a hospital new Marseille, but haven't been to town as yet. Some times I feel swell and can do anything, then again I'll ache and pain all over, but I feel much improved since coming to the hospital. Sleeping out in the open don't agree with my arthritis, but I'll get well after a few mud treatments. I don't reckon it'll be long before I'll see you all once more, then one can't tell for sure. I know the army is releasing men over 85 points, and I've 92. I guess I'll just have to wait my turn. I sure would like to make it home by labor day at least. How's everyone, Anne? I miss your letters, and be sure to notice my change of address. I'll see you soon. Sincerely,George Bozanich."

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - August 10, 1945 – “Somewhere in France – July 28th – Dear friend Anne: I have been in the hospital for seven weeks now awaiting shipment to the States. I’m not in any serious condition, only I can’t do strenuous work anymore. That accident I had in Belgium a year ago didn’t do me any good, and I was more hurt that I figured I was. I’ll be all right after I get a few treatments in the States. I’m able to get about and walk around whenever and wherever I want to go, even take exercise in the mornings and afternoon, but I can’t work. It gets tiresome laying around waiting, but I should be going before long. I hope! This is one of the reasons I haven’t been writing lately as each day I expect to return and drop you a line from the States. I hope I’m in Bovey by Labor Day, and this is possible. Say hello to all the gang for me, and if it’s possible to get an extra shoe stamp save one for me. Also get some records on as I’ll be able to dance. I’ve 92 points whenever I get the paper work of verification from my former units. Hope to see you soon. Friend, George Bozanich”

Newspaper article: Bovey Press, Bovey, Minnesota - Oct 1945 – George Bozanich dropped in at the Press office Monday, bringing down the correct addresses of his brothers Lt. John C. Bozanich and Cpl. Harold C. Bozanich, as requested in a recent issue of the Press. George is home on a sick furlough, after service for 25 months in the European Theatre. He is entitled to wear 5 campaign stars for participation in action in England, Normandy, Belgium and Germany. George was hurt in action, and is to report to Ashburn General Hospital in McKinney, Texas, after 30 days in the old home town. He has been in service 4 years and 4 months, and has plenty of points for discharge, but must await the time when his health permits him to become a civilian again. George looks good, rather thin, but that is to be expected when one has gone through what he has, and is not in any too good health. The biggest trouble these men and women have when they return home is to find something to do. After all the action of the armed forces, time hangs heavy on their hands, and most of their buddies are still in service, and they haven’t gotten on to the hang of that civilian life they have been longing for.

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
George Bozanich married Eunice Woeppelmann in 1949.

George Bozanich died in San Diego County, California. He is survived by his wife, Eunice; three sons; five grandchildren; and brothers, Harold and John. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Tribal Affiliation(s):