Witnesses of War
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Czechoslovaks in WWII

With Antonín Fajkus, the last living Czech WWII fighter pilot at the time this photo was taken (2025). I wrote a book about his story.
With Antonín Fajkus, the last living Czech WWII fighter pilot at the time this photo was taken (2025). I wrote a book about his story.

I was born and raised in the Czech Republic, formerly part of Czechoslovakia—a small country in the heart of Europe. Naturally, my research often leads me to the stories of all WWII veterans and Holocaust survivors. However, my focus also lies in documenting the experiences of soldiers with Czechoslovak heritage.

These stories are not limited to those born in Czechoslovakia who fought on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. Many fascinating tales also come from Czech- and Slovak-Americans who contributed significantly to the Allied victory during the war.

Among the extraordinary individuals I have had the honor of researching is Antonín Fajkus, a Czech-born American WWII fighter pilot. In the summer of 2024, I discovered his story while researching in Chicago. Moved by his forgotten heroism, I wrote a book about his life as a surprise tribute. We celebrated his legacy with various gifts and nearly one thousand birthday cards sent from people all over the world!

Another inspiring figure is Michael Strank, a Czechoslovak-born U.S. Marine immortalized in the iconic photograph of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima. Similarly, Joe Stiborik, a Czech-American, served as one of the crew members aboard the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima is an iconic photograph of six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the final stages of the Pacific War. Sergeant Michael Strank, originally from Czechoslovakia, was killed in action during the battle.
Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima is an iconic photograph of six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the final stages of the Pacific War. Sergeant Michael Strank, originally from Czechoslovakia, was killed in action during the battle.

Forgotten Contributions of Czechoslovak Soldiers

Did you know that Czechoslovak paratroopers carried out the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, one of the principal architects of the Holocaust, in Operation Anthropoid?

Or that Czechoslovak soldiers played a key role in the liberation of Kyiv in November 1943 during the Soviet offensive on the Eastern Front?

The contributions of Czechoslovak forces were remarkable across many theaters of war:

  • Fighting alongside the Allies in France in 1940.
  • Thousands serving in the British Royal Air Force (RAF), including during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
  • Battling in North Africa, notably at the Siege of Tobruk.
  • Participating in the siege of Dunkirk in 1944–45.
  • Engaging in some of the fiercest battles on the Eastern Front.

Czechoslovak forces entered combat on the Eastern Front at Sokolovo in March 1943.

Do you want to visit actual WWII sites in Czechoslovakia in person? Join my tour! Check my website WWII history tours with Local Historian Tours ↗

With Jiří Švenger, a WWII veteran of No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF. Photo taken in Melbourne, March 2025. Jiří Švenger will be the hero of one of my upcoming books.
With Jiří Švenger, a WWII veteran of No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF. Photo taken in Melbourne, March 2025. Jiří Švenger will be the hero of one of my upcoming books.
With Irene Lehniger and her family, I had the honor of connecting with the forgotten heroism of Irene’s father, who was born in Czechoslovakia. He served in the British Commandos and tragically lost his life in action in Normandy in 1942. I am eager to publish his story in more detail.
With Irene Lehniger and her family, I had the honor of connecting with the forgotten heroism of Irene’s father, who was born in Czechoslovakia. He served in the British Commandos and tragically lost his life in action in Normandy in 1942. I am eager to publish his story in more detail.
The cover of one of my books, recounting the incredible story of Josef Muller, is titled ‘The Story of a Czechoslovak Jewish Soldier.’ This book is soon to be translated into English.
The cover of one of my books, recounting the incredible story of Josef Muller, is titled ‘The Story of a Czechoslovak Jewish Soldier.’ This book is soon to be translated into English.
During my historical research on Czechoslovak soldiers in WWII, I am deeply grateful to all the families and descendants of veterans who generously share their family archives with me.
During my historical research on Czechoslovak soldiers in WWII, I am deeply grateful to all the families and descendants of veterans who generously share their family archives with me.

Why Their Stories Matter

These forgotten contributions deserve to be remembered—not just as part of Czechoslovak history, but as part of the global story of World War II. Through my research, books, and tours, I aim to shine a light on these often overlooked heroes and ensure that their sacrifices are not lost to history.

Czechoslovaks in WWII: historical research photographs.

Jan Kubiš and Jozef Gabčík were members of Operation Anthropoid. On 27 May 1942, they attacked Reinhard Heydrich in Prague; he died from his injuries on 4 June. The attack took place in Prague’s 8th district, where I live.

Trained in England and Scotland, Jan Kubiš and Jozef Gabčík, before being parachuted into occupied Czechoslovakia, took a photo at a wall in one of the residential buildings in London. Remarkably, this wall still exists today.

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Do you have family photographs, wartime documents or information about a witness? Get in touch to discuss a research question, introduce a family member or explore a collaboration.

Contact Jiri Kluc