Columbia honors veterans

Jun. 3—COLUMBIA — Guinness World Records states that World War II had by far the most fatalities of any war in human history.

Including battle deaths and civilians from all countries, Guinness World Records estimates the death total for World War II to be 56.4 million.

According to United States census data, more than 16 million Americans served in the military during World War II.

The small town of Columbia sent 120 men and women to fight in the conflict. Unlike the veterans in many other towns, all of Columbia's veterans returned home.

Of the 120 Columbia residents that served in the military, 117 were men and three were women.

Columbia residents were spread out throughout the globe. Some served in the Pacific Theater, while others fought on battlefields in Europe and North Africa.

One of the most notable Columbia residents who served during World War II was Martin Cohen.

As a pilot, Cohen flew about 87 missions in which he dropped bombs over Sicily. He was awarded an oak leaf cluster, which is a ribbon device awarded for distinguished service in the military.

Alexander Szegda served at various posts in the Army during the war.

Many stories of Columbia World War II veterans' time in the service have never been told, as the servicemen and women did not want to reflect on the trauma they suffered during the war.

" What you learn psychologically is that people don't want to talk about it," said Town Historian Ingrid Wood.

The number of enlisted residents made up a sizable portion of Columbia's total population.

According to Wood, Columbia's total population in 1940 was only 853.

Wood said that the population started to grow substantially in the 1970s.

" Columbia became attractive as a bedroom community to Hartford," she said.

Wood added that the town's growth in population was reflected by the additions to Horace W. Porter School. These additions were made to the school to accommodate branch of the British War Relief Society.

This group sent food, clothes, medical supplies as well as financial aid to England. These supplies were critical, as England had been devastated from repeated bombings by Nazi Germany.

" This was the most active branch in Connecticut," Wood said.

During the war, a group of 18 young women formed Columbia Older Girls. This group corresponded to Columbia's servicemen and women. Columbia Older

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