Slavic-American U.S. Military Veterans

U.S. Marine Corps - World War II

Michael Strank was born in what is now Slovakia and immigrated to the United States as a child, growing up in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a squad leader during World War II.

In February 1945, he was among the six Marines who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima, a moment captured in one of the most iconic images in American history. Strank was killed in action days later. His service reflects the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of Slavic-Americans who answered the call to defend their adopted nation.

U.S. Army - World War II

Matt Urban (Matthew Urbanowicz) was born in Buffalo, New York to Polish immigrant parents, became one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II.

Serving in campaigns across North Africa and Europe, he repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary leadership under fire, returning to combat despite multiple wounds. For his sustained acts of bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Urban’s service reflects the commitment of second-generation Slavic-Americans who embraced their role in defending the United States and its allies.

U.S. Air Force - Vietnam War

Captain Mary M. Klinker served as a flight nurse in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, providing critical care to wounded service members and civilians during aeromedical evacuation missions.

In April 1975, she volunteered for Operation Babylift, a humanitarian effort to evacuate Vietnamese orphans as Saigon fell. She was killed when her aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. Klinker was posthumously honored for her service and is remembered as one of the few U.S. Air Force nurses to die during the war. Her legacy reflects compassion, courage, and the vital role of women in military service.

U.S. Marine Corps - World War I

Louis Cukela was born in what is now Croatia and immigrated to the United States before World War I, later enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In July 1918, during intense fighting in France, he displayed extraordinary bravery under heavy enemy fire, advancing on fortified positions and helping secure a critical objective for his unit. For his actions, he was awarded both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor - a rare distinction in American military history. Cukela’s service reflects the courage and loyalty of early Slavic immigrants who defended their adopted nation on the battlefields of Europe.

U.S. Army - Major General

Major General Mari Eder is a Ukranian- American whoserved more than three decades in the United States Army, rising to become Chief of Public Affairs. Over the course of her career, she played a key role in shaping how the Army communicates with the public during times of both conflict and transition.

Her leadership required balancing transparency, operational responsibility, and public trust at the highest levels of military service. Eder’s career reflects the evolving role of women in the Armed Forces and represents a modern generation of Slavic-American leadership dedicated to service.

U.S. Navy - World War II

Peter Tomich was born in what is now Croatia and immigrated to the United States, later enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

During the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, he remained at his post aboard the USS Utah, ensuring that boilers were secured so his shipmates could escape safely. He lost his life in the process and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. His remains were identified and laid to rest with full military honors decades later, recognizing his sacrifice. Tomich’s service reflects courage, duty, and selflessness in a moment of national crisis.

U.S. Army - World War II

Sylvester Antolak was born in New Jersey to Polish immigrant parents and served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II.

In May 1944, during combat operations in Italy, he led repeated assaults against heavily fortified enemy positions, exposing himself to intense fire to direct his men and secure key ground. He was killed in action during the attack and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership and bravery. Antolak’s sacrifice reflects the experience of many Slavic-American families who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

U.S. Air Force - Vietnam War

Lance Sijan was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a Serbian-American family and served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.

In 1967, his aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam. Despite severe injuries, he evaded capture for weeks before being taken prisoner. While in captivity, he resisted enemy exploitation and remained committed to his fellow service members under extreme conditions. He died in captivity in 1968 and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Sijan’s service reflects extraordinary courage, resilience, and dedication to duty.

U.S. Army

George, who is of Ukrainian descent, served in the Korean Wars as a Sergeant First Class in the 105th Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Following his military service, he launched a successful career as a groundkeeper. See his HOF profile.

U.S. Army Private First Class

George came to the U.S. at the age of 7 from Slovakia. He served in World War I, and was reported killed in action in the Battle of Marne. He is buried in the Aisne-Marne American Cementary and Memorial Belleua in Picardie, France.

U.S. Navy Radioman 3rd Class

A Slovak-American, Andrew served during the Korean War. His morse code abilities took him all of the world in service of his country. He was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

U.S. Navy

John built barracks for troops in the Vietnam war. A Slovak-American, he received Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, Navy and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, the RVN Gallantry Cross and the National Defense Service Medal.

U.S. Army National Guard

Mark is a Slovak-American who served from 1986 to 1990. He was awarded the Service Ribbon. Pistol Caliber 45 Expert Badge and the Hand Grenade SC Qual Badge.

U.S. Army

Serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chris is a Slovak-American who delivered supplies to coalition forces in Bagdad and Fallugia. He served in the Army for 22 years from 1985 to 2007.