Kenneth J. Cieminski Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth Cieminski was just 21 years old when he lost his life during the Battle of the Bulge on January 20, 1945. The Battle of the Bulge was a major German offensive campaign launched through the densely forested Ardennes region of Wallonia in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg on the Western Front toward the end of World War II in Europe. The Battle of the Bulge, so named because of the westward bulging shape of the battleground on a map, lasted from mid-December 1944 to the end of January 1945. It was the largest land battle of World War II in which the United States directly participated. The battle is significant in the course of World War II because it is seen as Hitler’s last major offensive in the war. While the battle was intended to split Allied lines and force negotiated peace, American forces were able to contain the battle and inflict heavier losses on the German forces.

Don was a boy when his brother lost his life. He credits Kenneth with helping 3 siblings attend college. Don and his siblings were first generation college students.

Letter to Ken’s mother dated January 17, 1945, just days before he died in battle:

Jan 17-45
Germany
Dear Mom,
Well mother, here it is Wednesday morning. I am starting the day off right by writing a letter to you the first thing in the morning. When I finish this letter to you, I will leave to go and get breakfast. I hope we get some fritters or hot cakes, because that is what we like the best of all. Last night for supper, we had chicken. But it was mighty slim. We all just got a taste of it. I for one got a wing.
I received a v-mail (victory mail) letter from you the other day, but still no packages. By the way mom, why don’t you write letters instead of victory mail? Because it takes just as long for v-mail to get here, than it does letters. You can also send me some more stamps. I am sending you an extra $20 this month, besides the $30 class E statement that I have made out to you. I am an acting, or I should say assistant, squad leader. And that calls for a buck sergeant. The ratings are held up now on account of all the reinforcements we are getting in. So if I make it, I will be drawing……….

Telegram dated January 31, 1945
Mrs. Renalda Cimeinski

The secretary of war asks that I assure you of his deep sympathy in the loss of your son Private First Class Kenneth J. Cieminski. Report received states he died twenty January in Germany as a result of wounds received in action. Confirming letter follows.

Scholarship contact is Debbie Cieminski Jenkins.