John J. Udart was a man of the greatest generation. He enlisted in the United States Army February 10, 1941. He was assigned to Company “B”, 118th Medical Battalion. He received the Good Conduct, the Purple Heart and Silver Star Medals, along with Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with four Service Stars.

He was a very proud man of his country and his freedom. Here is how he got his Silver Medal. These are the original words on his orders:

“During the day of the 12th of January 1945. Pfc. John J. Udart drove an ambulance jeep evacuating wounded from lines on Hill 355 to Company B, collecting station, then located Pozorrubio. The road used for evacuation was subject to enemy observation and sporadic artillery fire. At approximately 1700 hrs, Pfc. Udart left the Battalion Aid Station with three litter patients and an orderly, one Pfc. Corlew. At a spot on the approximately 2 1/4 miles northwest of Pozorrubio the ambulance received a direct hit from enemy artillery, wounding Pfc. Udart and all of the passengers.

The ambulance burst into flames, although wounded and with his leg broken, ignoring shrapnel wounds to his back , ankles, and buttocks ,Pfc. Udart smothered the fire on the burning patients using a blanket and his hands causing further injury to himself. He then dragged Pfc. Corlew , who was seriously wounded, into a ditch along side of the
road as shells continued to explode around him from enemy fire”.

He received gunshot wounds and scars to his right buttock, leg, arm, and shoulder, burn scars on his right ankle and foot, wounds and scars to his left leg broken and perforated right ear drum. He ended up with a 50% disability pension.

John spent time in the Convalescent Hospital at Camp Edwards in Mass.. He has a certificate of disability for discharge ar615-361 and 1st Ind. Headquarters Convalescent. He has a certificate of disability for discharge ar615-361 and 1st Ind. Headquarters Convalescent hospital July 12th 1945.

John was more of a dad to me than my real father was. To me, he was my only dad whom I loved and respected very much. If I can only be half the man he was, I will have accomplish a great goal in my life. God bless one of the greatest men any one could ever know.

by Ron Fairbanks in memory of John J. Udart