John Michael Kuzma was born on November 13, 1917, in Laurium, Houghton County, Michigan, United States. He was the son of Michael Kuzma and grew up in a large family with several siblings, including Pfc. Ralph Kuzma (served in England), Pvt. Rudolph Kuzma (stationed in New Guinea), Cpl. Clarence Kuzma (served in Florida), Albert Kuzma (at home), Michael Kuzma (living in Muskegon), and his sisters Dorothy and Mary Kuzma, who lived at home with their parents.

 

John joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to B Battery of the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. His unit specialized in glider artillery, which involved deploying artillery behind enemy lines via gliders to support paratroopers and infantry forces.

He participated in several military operations, including the Sicilian and Italian campaigns. His unit briefly served in North Africa before moving to Northern Ireland for rest and regrouping. Later, Kuzma was stationed in England and took part in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944 in France.

During the battles in Normandy, he was reported missing in action on June 7, 1944, and initially believed to be a prisoner of war. Tragically, it was later confirmed that he had died on June 22, 1944, in Basse-Normandie, France.

 

In recognition of his bravery and dedication, John Michael Kuzma was posthumously honored with several medals, including the Purple Heart, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. His family received official notification of his death on August 11, 1944.

His final resting place is Plot C, Row 28, Grave 20 at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, where he is remembered as a hero who gave his life for freedom.