Edward F. Ucinski Sr. (1914 – 1998) was a St. Louis–born U.S. Army veteran, prisoner of war and longtime American Legion member, whose service and dedication to fellow veterans earned him posthumous recognition as a Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame inductee (Perryville Republic Monitor).

Early Life and Family
Born Jan. 11, 1914, in St. Louis, Ucinski was the first-generation American child of immigrants from Europe (jbpow-mia.org). He grew up in a modest family, supported his mother and sister after his father’s early death, and was self-educated, improving himself without formal schooling (jbpow-mia.org). He married Lillian E. Weisel in 1940 (jbpow-mia.org).

Military Service and POW Experience
Drafted in 1943, Ucinski served in the 9th Infantry Division, Company K, 39th Infantry Regiment as a BAR gunner (jbpow-mia.org). His combat included:
• Landing at Omaha Beach in Normandy after the beach had been recaptured by Allied forces jbpow-mia.org.
• Fighting in the Ardennes counter=offensive at Bastogne, where he was captured by German forces jbpow-mia.org.
• Imprisoned at Stalag VII A in Moosberg, enduring harsh conditions, illness and labor duties jbpow-mia.org.
• Liberated on Easter Sunday 1945 by U.S. forces under Gen. George S. Patton jbpow-mia.org.

Ucinski rarely spoke of his service, sharing details only with his grandson in a 1990 high school interview (jbpow-mia.org).

American Legion Service
For over 50 years, Ucinski was active in The American Legion in St. Louis, serving as commander of the original Post 302 before its closure (The American Legion+1). He was a Bronze Star recipient and a devoted advocate for veterans and their families (The American Legion+1). His grandson, Edward Ucinski III, later reopened Post 302 in 2019, naming it in his grandfather’s honor (The American Legion+1).

Honors and Legacy
In 2026, Ucinski was inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame for his honorable service and community contributions (Perryville Republic Monitor).

In 2023, the Department of Missouri posthumously awarded him the Distinguished Service Award for his decades of service to veterans through the Legion (Legiontown U.S.A)..

The St. Louis County Council also designated Post 302 as the POW MIA Memorial Post for St. Louis County in his name (Legiontown U.S.A).

Ucinski's life is defined by selfless service, resilience and quiet dedication to our community, state and nation.