Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
Joseph
Zubarik
POW (WWII)
October 30, 1919

–

September 1979

Born:

West Allis

, 

Wisconsin

Home:

West Allis

, 

Wisconsin

During World War II, Charles Zubarik, known as “Shorty” because he was only 5’4″ tall, became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat before he was himself shot down and interned as a Prisoner of War. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1965 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    96th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    82d Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charles Joseph Zubarik (ASN: 0-495898), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    96th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    82d Fighter Group

    Division:

    Prisoner of War

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1943 – May 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 29424

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charles Joseph Zubarik (ASN: 0-495898), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down on 24 May 1943, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.