The Yalesville section of Wallingford honors a World War II hero and its World War I veterans with memorials on the village green.
Budleski Memorial Park, at the intersection of Main (CT Route 150) and Chapel streets, was dedicated on May 28, 1944, to honor a local airplane mechanic killed over Germany in 1943.
A plaque at the western end of the green reads, “Budleski Memorial Park. In honor of Stanley P. Budleski, 1st Lt. AAF (Army Air Force), who died in action December 20, 1943. Erected by Yalesville Mens Club, November 11th, 1949.
According to the Connecticut Historical Society, Lt. Budleski enlisted in 1942, and was reported missing in 1943. His death was confirmed the following year.
One of two children of Polish immigrants, Lt. Budleski grew up on his family’s farm a short distance west of the green on Main Street.
He was honored with a parade on the day the green was named in his memory.
A few steps west of the Lt. Budleski marker, a monument honors Yalesville’s World War I veterans.
The monument bears a dedication reading, “In recognition of those who served in the World War, 1914-1919, from the Village of Yalesville.”
The monument, dedicated in 1939 by the Yalesville Mens Club, lists the names of 27 local World War I veterans.
Tags: Wallingford