Ivan Gust Christ Sadowska, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gust Sadowska 1606 E. Fourth street, has been reported missing in action in Northwest Africa, according to a telegram from the War Department received by his parents. 

The Marshfield soldier, a member of an Armored Force unit, was apparently lost during operations connected with the American occupation of French territory in November. The telegram from the Adjutant General’s office in Washington, D.C. reads as follows: "The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son, Pvt. Ivan G. Sadowska, Infantry, has this date been reported missing in action in Northwest Africa since Nov. 8. Additional information will be sent to you when received."

Pvt. Sadowska, whose 23rd birthday occurred Nov. 29, was inducted into the Army of the United States on Oct. 29, 1941, and was trained as a tank operator with an Armored Force Unit at Fort Knox, Ky., for about six months, and then spent some time in New Jersey before going to Northern Ireland about May of this year. The last letter received from him by his parents was dated Oct. 5.

He attended the local High School and had been employed by the A.H. Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Marshfield prior to his induction. He has a brother, Richard, 17, who lives here.

The missing soldier’s father is a former Wood County sheriff, and is at present deputy sheriff and a special Marshfield police officer. Sadowska is the first Marshfield soldier to lose his life in action during World War II.

A letter from the adjutant general’s department informed Mr. and Mrs. Gust Sadowska that their son, reported missing in action since Nov. 9, 1942, has not been found and must be presumed dead. "It is my distressing duty to inform you." the letter said, "that all possible efforts have failed to locate your son, Pvt. Ivan G. Sadowska, who was reported missing in action Nov. 8, 1942. He was aboard a vessel which was sunk in the action incident to the landing of our forces on the northern coast of Africa."

The following are proud to be named in honor of this fallen hero:

Frederick Ivan Sadowska

Douglas Ivan Severt

Erick Ivan Sadowska

Ivan Gust Sadowska (Center), Douglas Ivan Severt (left), Frederick Ivan Sadowska (top right) and Erick Ivan Sadowska (bottom right) 

This is the Severt icon. Railroad tracks and a tree are displayed because so many of the early Wisconsin Severt Pioneers worked in the lumber camps and on the railroads.