Army Pfc. Paul Andrew Adamovich of Monongah, Marion County, West Virginia, was killed in bitter fighting along the Rapido River in Italy on January 25, 1944. Paul, born March 2, 1915, was the son of Margaret [Margarette] Adamovich and Andrew Adamovich (deceased), who were born in Slovakia about 1890. His brother Pfc. John Adamovich also was serving in the Army, having enlisted in 1942. His father’s namesake, Andrew, was in training at Great Lakes Naval Station at the time of Paul’s death.

Paul attended Mannington High School, where he played football in 1933-34. Prior to his enlistment, he was employed at Consolidated Coal Company.

On June 25, 1944, at their Union Hall in Monongah, Local No. 1643 of the United Mine Workers honored five Marion County men who gave their lives in World War II, including Pfc. Adamovich. The memorial service also honored 500 young men of the Monongah area who were currently serving in all branches of the armed forces.

An article in the April 15, 1944, Fairmont Times describes the act for which Paul was awarded the Silver Star:

Pfc. Paul A. Adamovich, fatally wounded recently during the bitter fighting along the narrow Rapido River, has been awarded the Silver Star posthumously for heroism in action. A son of Mrs. Margaret Adamovich of Monongah, he was serving with the 36th Texas Division at the time.

As a member of the infantry regiment spearheading the attack on the strong German defenses holding the approach to Rome, he aided in an attack launched under heavy enemy artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire.

Completely disregarding his own safety, Private Adamovich advanced with comrades of the 36th in the face of overwhelming fire, crossed the river and continued inland toward his unit’s objective. While so doing he was mortally injured.

Stated in the citation describing his action: “His magnificent courage and devotion to duty in the face of vastly superior odds served as an outstanding example and inspiration to all who witnessed his actions. His courage reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.”

Article contributed by Patricia Richards McClure