Harry Alexander Kolinski was born on September 17, 1922, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. He was the son of Joseph H. Kolinski and Catherine H. Pieszak Kolinski. He was married to Ruth M. Warren Kolinski. He served in the 700th Bomber Squadron, 445th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Top Turret Gunner of the B-24 #4129306 'K for King' during World War II.

On April 22, 1944, the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire during a bombing mission over Hamm, Germany. It sustained damage from German anti-aircraft fire (flak) and possibly fighters, ultimately crashing near Spiere-Helkijn during its return flight. Several crew members were killed, and others were captured or evaded.

Sgt Kolinski was captured and held as a prisoner of war at Stalag 17B in Braunau Gneikendorf near Krems, Austria. He was a retired Civil Service employee of the state of New York and was an associate member of Salem United Methodist Church, CSEA, and the Elks Lodge. Sgt Kolinski died on July 1, 2002, and is now buried in the Critz Baptist Church Cemetery, Critz, Patrick County, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: www.tracesofwar.com