Sylvania Township near Holland in Lucas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Birthplace of Alexander Drabik
1910-1993
Alexander Albert Drabik was born here, in a log cabin, on December 28, 1910 to John Drabik and Frances Lewandowski, Polish immigrants from Szymborze, Germany, now Poland. Alex, youngest son of 14 children, attended Door Street School. A meat cutter, he enlisted in the United States Army in October 1942. Drabik fought in the Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland Campaigns of World War II. He received a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. On March 7, 1945, Sergeant Drabik led 10 Company A soldiers of the 27th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 9th Armored Division across the Ludendorff railroad bridge from Remagen, Germany to the Rhine River east bank.
Although it had been prepared for demolition, they ran through enemy fire, cleared bridge towers of snipers and demolition crews, and eradicated snipers and gun crews along the bank and cliffs. They secured the first bridgehead across the Rhine, shortening the war and saving tens of thousands of lives. Drabik was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on March 27, 1945 for "extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy" and "unflinching valor." Alex, a butcher and cement plant repairman, and his wife Margaret Feeney raised a daughter Rita. Alexander Drabik, man of peace, risked his life to preserve American freedom.
Erected 2011 by Drabik Family and Friends and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 59-48.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 27, 1945.
Location. 41° 39.641′ N, 83° 45.983′ W. Marker is near Holland, Ohio, in Lucas County. It is in Sylvania Township. Marker is on Wolfinger Road west of West Bancroft Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located on the north side of the roadway, in what now appears to be an empty lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9336 Wolfinger Road, Holland OH 43528, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hindu Temple and Heritage Hall (approx. 3.2 miles away); Centennial Terrace and Quarry / Fossil Park (approx. 4 miles away); The Oak Openings Regions (approx. 4.1 miles away); Holland (approx. 4˝ miles away); Horticultural Heirlooms (approx. 4.9 miles away); The Peter Navarre Cabin (approx. 4.9 miles away); Small Tree, Big History! (approx. 4.9 miles away); a different marker also named Peter Navarre Cabin (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holland.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2016, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 743 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 24, 2016, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7, 8. submitted on May 25, 2016, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.