George Edward Zaprala was born in Philadelphia, PA, in 1919 to his father, Wladmir Zaprala, and mother, Anna Zaprala. Wladmir was a chipper in the ship yard industry and Anna was unemployed, both of their education levels not surpassing elementary levels. Wladmir was born in Germany, immigrated to the United States and became a naturalized citizen. The rest of the family was born in Pennsylvania. He had one sibling ,Wladmir Zaprala (Jr) born in 1917. George Zaprala finished all of high school, but did not go to college. Rather, he joined the work force as a helper in the brick laying industry.
To the left is Zaprala's registration card. He was recruited in his hometown, Philadelphia, at 21 in 1940. He then entered the war shortly after in 1941, still at the young age of 21.
This is the 1940 Census (right) and in the green highlighted is the Zaprala family. Up until George want to war, he resided with the rest of his family in Philadelphia. He lived on 83rd Street in house number 2618. He was not married.
This is George Zaprala's father's naturalization petition. Zaprala was the son of an immigrant and grew up in a city with immigrants being a large part of society. The census record (above) also reveals that some of his neighbors were also immigrants.
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