ARMY
1941-1945

John Anthony Oujiri served his country for four years in WW II as a member of Company B, 168th infantry regiment, 34th infantry "Red Bull" division.  He was born August 12, 1915, in his parent's (John J. and Sadie [Charypar] Oujiri) home at 156 14th Ave. S.W. Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he lived until he went off to war.  His division participated in 365 days of actual combat, including the Kasserine Pass in Tunisia north Africa, Sicily, the Anzio invasion in Italy, the Monte Cassino battle, and the liberation of Rome. Upon returning home after the war he married his fiancée, Zula Cacek, who had faithfully waited four years for him to return.  They made their home on First St S.W. in Cedar Rapids, five blocks from his boyhood home, where they raised their four children, Cecelia, John, Virginia, and Timon. John worked at Collins Radio for a short time after the war but then moved to Quaker Oats where he worked as a millwright for over 30 years.  He was a lifetime and active member of his parish, St. Ludmila's.  He loved working on house projects, helping friends and neighbors, and especially spending time with his family. He died of leukemia on March 14, 1996, in his home on First Street in Cedar Rapids. 

Honored by: 1709