About
Louis Kolakoff, the son of Harry and Sarah Kolakoff, was born on May 12, 1918, in Schenectady, New York. He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and was employed by the A & P Company.
On September 4, 1940, Louis enlisted in the United States Army and began his training at Fort McClellan in Alabama. Louis held the rank of Sergeant and served with the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. In 1942, he left for overseas duty and was stationed in Hawaii. Louis volunteered to go on a mission into enemy territory to bring back the injured on July 9, 1944, during the Battle of Saipan. Louis was given the chance to be evacuated but opted to stay with a small number of the rescue team instead. The mission was successful in getting several injured men to safety. Louis offered to go for assistance after being under enemy fire for two and a half hours so the rescue party wouldn't be trapped behind enemy lines at night. He exposed himself to enemy fire while seeking assistance and was killed. Louis is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Hawaii.
Sources: The Schenectady Gazette, Find A Grave, Ancestry