Albert Slugocki
Bio
Driven by a desire for freedom, Albert Slugocki fled war-torn Poland and immigrated to the U.S. in 1949, seeking political asylum. Instead of waiting for the draft, he actively volunteered for the U.S. Army. Subsequently, after rigorous basic training with the 11th Airborne Division at Camp Campbell, Kentucky, he deployed to Pusan in the winter of 1951 and fought as a front-line combat soldier in the Iron Triangle. Later, in a significant milestone, he became an American citizen in Seoul, South Korea on June 18, 1954. Furthermore, he completed four tours in Vietnam and served in various global locations, notably participating in the Special Forces Honor Guard at President John F. Kennedy’s funeral. Following his military retirement, he pursued a career as a criminal investigator for the U.S. Department of Justice, targeting organized crime. Finally, in his ultimate retirement, he captained a 91-ton river vessel on the Amazon River for 23 years, delivering critical medical aid and supplies to indigenous populations in the perilous tri-border region of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru.
Video Clips
"Dear God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?"
Arriving in Pusan during the winter of 1951, Albert Slugocki recalls Korea a backward and impoverished. Indeed, he recognized the citizens' suffering under Japanese occupation and endured the harsh realities of limited diets and inadequate housing. Moreover, the constant, rugged mountainous terrain across the country intensified these hardships.
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I was a Combat Soldier
On the Korean front lines, Albert Slugocki endured a grueling routine, changing uniforms only during brief 40-day respites for showers and food. Furthermore, he witnessed the harsh reality of war, where soldiers executed prisoners unless they possessed valuable intelligence. Subsequently, Kim Il Sung's forces targeted his unit, placing them directly in harm's way.
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Heroism in the Iron Triangle
In the Iron Triangle, Albert Slugocki recalls frequent engagements with Chinese Liberation Army soldiers. Notably, his unit discovered the Chinese bugle communication system, allowing the unit to anticipate attacks. Subsequently, when the Chinese assaulted a knoll near Bloody Ridge, they immediately redeployed his unit to the front lines. During this intense battle, he is credited with killing 36 Chinese soldiers.
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Highly Decorated
During the attack on the knoll near Bloody Ridge, a Chinese concussion grenade hit Albert Slugocki. For killing 36 Chinese soldiers in the battle, he received his first honor, the Silver Star. Later, he earned four Bronze Stars with Valor and three Purple Hearts, including one from Vietnam.
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Paid with His Blood
Albert Slugocki vowed never to return to Korea, believing he paid for that land with his own blood. Undeniably, he still endures nightmares, a common burden shared by fellow combat veterans. Nevertheless, amidst the hardship, he reflects on a pivotal moment: receiving his American citizenship through a special act of Congress at the Blue House while serving on the front lines.
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