COATESVILLE (March 1, 2018) – State Senator Andrew Dinniman was joined by officials from the Coatesville VA Medical Center and local veterans groups in honoring World War II veteran Joseph “Jack” Jagodinski on his 98th Birthday.
Born in Philadelphia, Jagodinski served as a Sergeant with the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment in the European Theatre of Operations during WWII. He operated a Howitzer 105 during several battles, including frigid combat operations during the Battle of the Bulge on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 1944.
“Mr. Jagodinski and so many others put their lives on the line to defend our nation during a very perilous time in our history. We thank him and all our veterans for their service and wish him a happy and healthy birthday,” Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, said.
“Our WWII veterans and members of the Greatest Generation are declining in number with each day, which is all the more reason why we have an obligation to honor their service, remember their sacrifice, preserve their stories and strive to live up to their example,” he added.
After the war, Jagodinski enjoyed more than 70 years of matrimony with his wife, Hilde, prior to her passing in 2017. They raised a family of two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
![dinnimanuae](http://www.senatordinniman.com/wp-content/gallery/capitol-photo-gallery/dinnimanuae.jpg "With Charlie McDermott of ABC\'s \\"The Middle\\" at the Uptown Entertainment Alliance announcement at the West Chester Armory.")
