Tony Wroblewski was the son of Frank Wroblewski and Hedwig Pietrowska. The family were members of St. Anthony’s parish. It was in his honor that veterans of World War I organized the first American Legion Post in Toledo and named it after him.¹

Tony enlisted at the age of 16 with the Sixth Regiment on 3 July 1917 and was a member of the Rainbow Division, stationed in France. He was proud of his khaki uniform and the US-issued gun he was given so he had stopped at a photo gallery to have a photo taken before leaving for war. The News Bee published this photo in the announcement of his death printed on 8 March 1918.

Upon arrival to Camp Perry for training, he was placed in the Company I of the 166th Infantry. He had written only one letter home on 28 February 1918, telling his mother he liked the work and that he liked France. On 4 March, the War Department sent a telegram to his family to state:

“Deeply regret to inform you that Private Tony Wroblewski is officially reported as killed in action on March 4.

(Signed) Adjutant General McClain.

Posthumously, Tony was awarded Croix de Guerre, or the French Cross, along with 22 other soldiers of the Rainbow Division by French General Order for heroic conduct noted by the French government. The Cross was sent to the parents of those who had died.

Tony was originally buried in France on 2 March 1918 with full military honors. However, his body was re-patriated in 1921 and he was buried from St. Anthony’s parish in Calvary Cemetery on 15 June 1921. A procession took place from the family’s home on Pinewood Ave. to the church that followed the caisson carrying his casket, with his family walking behind with members of the Service Star Legion and other Lucas county Auxiliary members joining. A high requiem Mass was said with Fathers Andrew Suplicki, Michael Robaszkiewicz, and Ladislaus Surowinski conducting the services. Fr. Francis Legowski provided the sermon. (Fr. Legowski was an Army Chaplain, he too was in the military during World War I and later would become pastor of St. Anthony). In his sermon, he stated:

“The Polish people of this country have written for themselves the most honorable record. They have proved beyond a doubt their love for America in giving their sons and their money during the war.

The first American lad to die in service overseas was a Polish boy from Chicago. The first Toledo soldier to give his life was this young man who would not yet be 21 years of age had he lived.

Wroblewski was no genius; he had no advantages or qualifies more than you or I, but he consecrated his powers and his life for a great cause, and the whole city honors him today as it views his casket.”

Tony’s final resting place is in Calvary Cemetery: Grave 15, Range/Lot 15, Section 4.

¹ Initially, the Wroblewski Post 18 of the American Legion would have a Requiem Mass said for deceased veterans annually on Memorial Day, alternating between St. Anthony’s, St. Hyacinth, Nativity, and St. Stanislaus parishes. But logistical and technical problems became apparent with this setup, the parishes sent a letter to the Bishop of Toledo to request that the Mass be held at the mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery so that all Catholics were able to assist or attend this mass. In 1952, the Catholic Cemeteries Office took over the religious part of the celebration and the American Legion officiated the military ritual.