OHJ Archive

294 Ohio Arch

294 Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

The Captain has given his native town and state wide and

honorable publicity. His book is a lively, modest, straightfor-

ward statement of his services in the World War, as full of

thrills as his daring exploits. It is written in attractive form

and excellent spirit and deserves a place in every American

library-especially those of Ohio, Captain Rickenbacker's na-

tive state.

In this connection it may be proper to say a number of

Captain Rickenbacker's trophies are already in the museum of

our Society, where they are viewed with special interest by

visitors.

The other book is entitled, "The Big Show," by Elsie Janis,

also a native of Ohio and the city of Columbus. Miss Janis

did her part in entertaining our soldiers back of the battle line on

many of the fighting fronts.

Her book bears to the general public, in vivacious, breezy

style, an intimation of the cheerful message that she must have

carried to the soldiers, presented at times in the vernacular pecul-

iar to the rank and file, which is nevertheless expressive and

readily understood. It contains not only an account day by day

of her experience abroad, but some creditable verse composed by

herself and interspersed through the volume of 226 pages.

SERGEANT STANLEY NAGORKA.*

On June 10th, at the United States Barracks in Columbus,

an heroic soldier soul passed to its reward. In the Columbus

Evening Dispatch of June 19th, appears a letter from Franklin

Rubrecht, a Columbus attorney who was much interested in this

wounded youth and at whose home he was frequently welcomed.

In this letter Mr. Rubrecht gives the following brief account of

the military service, unwavering loyalty, patient fortitude and

triumphant death of Sergeant Stanley Nagorka:

*His given name was Stanislaus which he changed to Stanley. He

was wounded at St. Mihiel, September 14, 1918; was in Field Hospital

No. 25, Base Hospital No. 25, Base Hospital No. 8; then sailed from

Brest to the United States and was in General Hospital No. 2 and Depot

Hospital at Columbus (Ohio) Barracks where he died.

Reviews, Notes and Comments

Reviews, Notes and Comments. 295

"Perhaps the most impressive and the saddest incident which has

occurred in Columbus for many years was the military funeral held at

the Barracks on last Saturday, when last honors were paid to a real hero,

Stanley Nagorka, who died June 10th at the post from wounds received

at the battle of St. Mihiel, September 13, 1918. He was a Polish boy, 27

years of age. He enlisted at Chicago in 1916 and became a soldier of

the 11th infantry, 5th division, United States army. He was not yet an

American citizen, but he loved the flag and his adopted country. He

became a sergeant and during the battle of St. Mihiel was detailed with

a detachment of his comrades to guard and protect an opening in the

American lines. Soon he was struck in the right shoulder with a shrapnel

shell, and almost immediately a

German machine gun bullet shot

out the sight of both eyes and

part of his forehead was blown

away. Blind and disfigured for

life he signalled to his comrades

that he was horribly wounded

and patiently waited until aid

came to him.

"Languishing in one hos-

pital after another, he finally

reached the Columbus barracks

and was placed under the skill-

ful care of Lieutenant Colonel

and Surgeon Sheaffer. By the

most wonderful surgical treat-

ment, involving twelve opera-

tions, Stanley was reconstructed

almost back to his normal facial

condition. But the wound be-

tween the eyes would not heal.

There never was a more patient,

resigned and hopeful patient in

any hospital. His beautiful char-

acter, his gentlemanly demeanor, his sterling courage and resignation to

his fate endeared him to not only the men and officers of the barracks,

but to many of the most cultured and refined homes in Columbus, where

he was entertained and comforted on many occasions.

"Stanley Nagorka paid the price of his devotion to America and

democracy. He said he would do it again even if he knew it would cost

him his life. He died a beautiful death. He hoped to go through the

last operation and finally go to his beloved parents in Poland. He kept

his condition from the knowledge of his parents that they might not

know how seriously he was wounded. His record as a soldier was first

class. His condition was somewhat like other splendid boys at the

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296 Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

barracks who are now being reconstructed, but his case seemed to attract

more attention because of his splendid manhood and high character.

"When one sees the wounded and suffering boys of the late war

one again wonders why some of our alleged statesmen hesitate and refuse

to vote for legislation which is designed to make impossible another war

which will produce like results to the flower of our country.

"Stanley Nagorka deserved a better fate. His career was an inspira-

tion. His memory will be a benediction. May his grave ever be kept

green and beautiful by a grateful nation. The government did its part

by him, and may it continue to do its part to his memory."

While statesmen real and "alleged" may honestly differ on

the great questions growing out of the World War, all good

citizens agree that the supreme problem of civilization is to

find the way to an enduring peace.

Stanley Nagorka survived the fiery ordeal of battle to live

months in darkness and pain. But he had a recompense in know-

ing that his sacrifice and the spirit in which it was borne en-

shrined him in the love of his comrades and the appreciation

of the increasing numbers who came to know him. General

Pershing on the occasion of his visit to Columbus said to him,

"I thank you for what you have given for the Republic." Some

of our best citizens honored themselves by ministering to his

comfort. The tender attention of his comrades at the Barracks

touched everyone who witnessed it. Blinded and at times suf-

fering much, he bore it all uncomplainingly, hopefully, and with

manifestations of gratitude for every act of kindness. And thus

in his later days he became an elevating and ennobling influence

that lives after he has gone to his rest.

What a noble example. What an inspiration to others who

come from foreign lands to the allegiance of the stars and

stripes. What an impressive lesson in Americanization.

Less than three years ago America was ablaze with en-

thusiasm and patriotism as the youth of our land, by the million,

were marching to the World War. We are now living through

a period of reaction. It was perhaps an intimation of this fact

that caused the young soldier poet, Bugler Hubert Kelley, to

write these lines for the week in Kansas City set apart in com-

memoration of the soldier dead:

Reviews, Notes and Comments

Reviews, Notes and Comments. 297

HAVE WE FORGOTTEN?

Have we forgotton those who went away

When hope burned low behind the window-pane

And the wide sea was very cold and gray?