Decades After WW II, POWs Are Recognized at Loma Linda Ceremony

It was an honor a long time coming.

Decades after serving their country in World War II, seven men who survived war and capture by the enemy, humbly stood before a crowd of family, friends and fellow veterans at the Loma Linda VA to receive the Prisoner of War Medal.

“While many of us can never understand completely the pain and horrors that you endured, and though you may feel humbled in reference to being survivors, the nation understands that you were the tip of the spear,” said Master of Ceremony Paul Adkins, chairman of the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.

“You are warriors. You are patriots. You are heroes,” he told the men.

The medal was commissioned by Congress in 1985 to honor servicemen who were held captive by the enemy. It has taken some time to get some veterans to apply to receive it, VA officials said.

Nine veterans were honored. Seven were able to attend the hour-long program held at the Community Living Center Dining Room at the medical center. Colonel Don Forden, a retired chaplain with the US Army, pinned the medals on the former serviceman.

Honorees were Robert Chism, Jose David, Irving Glovin, Augustine Martinez, Talton Montgomery, Joseph Sadacca and Ralph Wilson.

Fredrick J. Kushera was honored posthumously. His daughter Linda Hoppus accepted the medal. Veteran Alvar Platt was unable to attend.

“I have mixed emotions in that I really don’t consider myself a hero,” said Sedacca, an Orange County resident. “The heroes are not with us. They gave their lives for the freedom we’re enjoying today.”

The Nazi army captured Sedacca during the Battle of the Bulge. He was held from December 1944 to April 1945.

“We didn’t have enough food by any means,” Sedacca said. “We lost a great deal of weight. I had plenty of time to think about what I wanted to do with my life if I ever got out.”

The country knows what they endured and is grateful, Adkins said.

“This great nation salutes you,” he said. “We will never forget.”