Nicholas P. Kafkalas

Nicholas P. Kafkalas (1 September 1920 – 31 December 2013) was a career officer in the United States Army. A longtime member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, he was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Kafkalas attained the rank of major general and his commands included the 28th Infantry Division (1967 to 1977) and Adjutant General of Pennsylvania from 1977 to 1979. Kafkalas's awards and decorations included the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star Medal.

A native of Monessen, Pennsylvania, Kafkalas graduated from Monessen High School in 1936 and was the proprietor of a confectioner's shop prior to World War II. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1939 and attained the rank of sergeant before his unit was federalized for wartime service. Kafkalas entered active duty with Company C, 110th Infantry Regiment, and remained with the unit until he was selected for attendance at Officer Candidate School. After receiving his commission in July 1942, he commanded Company C, 54th Armored Infantry Battalion during combat in Europe in 1944 and 1945. He took part in the post-war occupation of Germany as commander of Company C, 318th Infantry Regiment.

Upon returning to Pennsylvania, Kafkalas rejoined the National Guard and attended the University of Pittsburgh, from which he graduated in 1949. He worked as a newspaper reporter and editor until entering active duty for service during the Korean War. During the 110th Infantry's service in West Germany, he commanded the regiment's 3rd Battalion. After returning to the United States, in 1954 Kafkalas began a fulltime career with the National Guard and served as the 28th Infantry Division's assistant chief of staff for operations (G-3) and chief of staff. In 1966, Kafkalas received promotion to brigadier general and assignment as the 28th Division's assistant division commander. In 1967, he was appointed to command the division, and he was promoted to major general in 1968. Kafkalas commanded the division until 1977, and concurrently served as Pennsylvania's deputy adjutant general from 1968 to 1972.

In 1977, Kafkalas was appointed Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. He served until 1979, when he was assigned as director of the Pennsylvania National Guard State Area Command (STARC). Kafkalas retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 in 1980. He was director of the state Veteran's Outreach and Assistance Center until retiring in 1993, after which he resided in Camp Hill. He died in Camp Hill on 31 December 2013 and was buried at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Early life Nicholas Peter Kafkalas was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania, on 1 September 1920, the son of Peter Kafkalas and Pearl (Burk) Kafkalas. He was raised and educated in Monessen, and was a 1936 graduate of Monessen High School. After high school, Kafkalas was the proprietor of a Monessen confectioner's shop.

On 6 March 1939, Kafkalas began a military career when he enlisted as a private in Company D, 110th Infantry Regiment, a unit of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He graduated from OCS in July 1942 and received his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in January 1954, and he served as the 28th Division's G-3 until 1960. Kafkalas commanded "Task Force Wyoming Valley", which was headquartered in Wilkes-Barre.

Military education In addition to Officer Candidate School, Kafkalas was a 1951 graduate of the Infantry Officer Advanced Course.

Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star with oak leaf cluster Legion of Merit Purple Heart Bronze Star Medal American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars Army of Occupation Medal National Defense Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal with three bronze hourglasses Army Overseas Service Ribbon Combat Infantryman Badge

State Kafkalas's state awards included: In 1976, he received the Distinguished Service Medal of the National Guard Association of the United States. In 1998, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Hall of Fame.

Private to sergeant, 6 March 1939 to 13 July 1942 Second Lieutenant, 14 July 1942 First Lieutenant, 15 November 1943 Captain, 6 June 1944 Major, 26 October 1950 Lieutenant Colonel, 21 January 1954 Colonel, 26 September 1960 Brigadier General, 7 November 1966 Major General, 10 December 1968 Major General (Retired), 1 September 1980 Lieutenant General (Pennsylvania retired list), 1 September 1980