Mr. John Sagan
Accomplishments or support for the ROK-U.S. Alliance:
Mr. John Sagan is a Korean War Veteran.
Volunteer efforts:
Volunteers at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and his church.
Short biography:
John Paul Sagan was born 12-17-1931 along with his twin sister, to immigrants of Poland. He grew up in an average farm family with 13 children on an 80-acre farm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He only finished 9 grades of school, in order to run the farm, then worked in abatement. One month after turning 20, he was drafted first going to Fort Jackson for a short basic training, then he went to Camp Louis in Washington state. He left there on a troop ship, arriving in Japan for gear issue, then to Incheon, South Korea. He trucked, then walked to Pork Chop Hill. In the 2d Infantry Division, 38th Infantry, Company D, they fought against constant mortaring, traveling to Old Baldy, then T Bone Hill. Throughout this journey, his troop were accompanied by two Korean Soldiers, twice his age. He says they spoke English, helped them get to the next hill, but mostly tried to reassure them that they were going to make it home. Without the support and encouragement of those two Korean officers, they would not of made it through the war. He turned 21 at T Bone Hill and was still there when the Armistice was signed. He came home to marry Lois and have four amazing children. He was one of the first police officers in Oak Creek, WI, and bought a bar & restaurant with his wife. We lost Lois 14 years ago, but we still have the bar. He still owns two properties that he takes care of, he is a devoted Chistian, friend, and member of the legion. He has helped countless people throughout the years and continues to do that. I was gifted the chance to accompany him on an Honor Flight last year at the age of 91! I cannot express the appreciation that I have for my father – a great man, selfless, defender, and contributor to all.
Statement from the nominator about the nominee’s qualities:
John Paul Sagan was never angry, like so many that were drafted seem to be. As hard as it was to leave his family and the safety of the farm, he was, and still is, ready for whatever anyone asks of him. Besides his work ethics, he is strong for his family, friends, and fellow Veterans. He belongs to the local VFW, and though all of the other men served in Vietnam or later, he considers them equal … and family. He helps out with events, and if not physically, then with donations to help get the job done. He received the Korean War medal from the Korean Embassy, that he shows off proudly. He truly would like to go back to Korea next year, so I will do whatever I need to make that trip possible!
Leave a Reply