By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
CARO — God. Country. Service. That was Edward “Ed” Jagosz, 97, of Caro. He passed away Tuesday, April 14, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community, Caro, after a brief illness.
“Patriot” and a “man of faith” were the first words that came to mind when some of those who knew Jagosz were asked about him.
“He was a patriot. He loved this land. He was a firm believer in ‘God and county,’” said Bob Berry, who is a Vietnam – era veteran. “He was a patriot and a good soldier. That sums up Ed.
Jagosz was very active in the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV), American Legion, AMVETS, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Polish National Alliance, the American Polish Engineering Association, Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV), and Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCU) and more.
“He was very dedicated to
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veterans. It’s a sad loss. He was a valuable member of the veteran community,” said Ron Amend, who is Tuscola County’s Veteran Affairs director. “He was always helpful to them, and in helping with services and funerals.”
Jagosz was instrumental in getting Tuscola County’s only Medal of Honor recipient recognized. He and others worked to have U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Maynard Harrison Smith, who was also known “Snuffy” and “Hokie,” honored in 2014.
“He was a feisty guy. We was always a go getter,” said Berry. “He slowed down physically, but still stayed active.”
Jagosz was a man of principles who fought for what he thought was right. One of the times he refused to compromise, almost had dire consequences. In the mid 1940s, was almost been court-martialed when he wrote an article for “The Banner,” which is under the umbrella of “The Stars and Stripes,” that challenging military practices of black officers of not having the same rights and privileges as white officers.
He never backed down even though a military conviction would have meant jail time and the equivalent of a felony on his record. Eventually the matter was dropped
Jagosz received a Purple Heart from when a Japanese soldier pierced his cheek with a bayonet, knocking out four of his teeth. Despite being injured, Jagosz followed Matthew 5:39 in turning the other cheek in showing compassion to Japanese prisoners of war.
“I treated them (POWs) decently. The war was over, I figured they’re human like us. I always liked to be treated decently too,” said Jagosz in a previous interview with the Advertiser.
Matthew 7:12 of “do to others what you would have do unto you,” guided Jagosz throughout his life.
“He was a pillar of the community. All those years of service to the community, to family, to church, to Caro, to veterans, and more,” said St. Christopher Parish Father Dennis Kucharczyk. “He was a man of service. He did so much during his life.”
Some of Jagosz’s accomplishments include: past treasurer of the Black-Polish Conference, organizing and sponsoring Polish Students Club at Osborn High School, publisher and editor of the bi-lingual community newspaper the “Local Observer,” a charter member of the Association of Catholic Trade Unionists, was president of Council 7 Polish National Alliance, Bay City; was vice-president and financial secretary of Lodge 2318 PNA and president, vice-president, and secretary of Lodge 3046, PNA.
He also did the display of items pertaining to Poland for October Polish Heritage Month in several libraries in the county, was instrumental in having the Polish Weekly donated to libraries in the area, organized and sponsored the traditional Wigilia and Swieconka in the county, reinvigorated the White Eagle Lodge in the Thumb Area, assumed the leadership role of St. Casimer Society in Bay City, sponsored annual Christmas parties for children in Council 167 and sponsored trips to Polish Catholic Churches in Detroit from the Thumb area.
“Ed was devoted to his faith, family and country,” said Kucharczyk. “He had a deep faith in God and he celebrate it each week. He would always sit in the second row for mass on Saturday nights when health wasn’t an issue.
“Ed was a great man. He will be missed.”
The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home, Caro, Sunday 2 – 7 p.m., and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. There will be a Knights of Columbus rosary service and Vigil for the Deceased on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home. (See related Obit)
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.