Thomas C. Schwakopf, an Oil City native, served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. Name: Thomas C. Schwakopf
Born: 1919
Died: October 13, 1944
Hometown: Oil City, Venango County
High School: St. Joseph’s High School
Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Joined the service in (year): 1941
SSGT Schwakopf attended St. Joseph High School where he was prominent in athletics.
He was a member of the high school football team from 1937-1940 and a member of the basketball team in 1937 and 1938. He was in one of the first groups of selectees to be inducted from Oil City and left in early 1941 to enter the Army.
SSGT Schwakopf trained at Fort Meade, M.D., and Fort Bragg, N.C. Prior to going overseas during World War II, he was stationed at a number of camps in the United States. From June 24, 1944 until he was killed in action on October 13, 1944, Schwakopf served with the 228th Field Artillery Group in France, Belgium, and Holland.
Mrs. Mary Schwakopf, Thomas’ mother, was presented with the Bronze Star Medal her son was awarded for his meritorious service.
SSGT Schwakopf was laid to rest in the American War Cemetery in Henri-Chapelle, Belgium.
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