Captain John M. Sakowski graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and an ROTC commission as a second lieutenant. He was commissioned in the Unites States Army just in time to be sent to the Korean War.
As a forward artillery observer with an infantry company of the 2nd Division, Captain Sakowski distinguished himself against the enemy near Pia-ri, Korea in September 1951. When the infantry was pinned down by superior enemy fire power, he crawled forward to a completely exposed position to direct friendly artillery on he enemy fortified bunkers. He was painfully wounded almost immediately, and unable to move because of the nature of his wound. Captain Sakowski was awarded the nation’s second highest award, the Distinguished Service Cross. The last line of his citation read, “The extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Sakowski throughout this action reflect the greatest credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.” He also received the Purple Heart Medal and was later promoted to captain.
After separating from the Army, he returned to the Durham area and served 32 years with the Ray MacDonald Insurance Agency. John Sakowski was a member of the Friends of UNH Hockey, Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, and the Building Committee and Advisory Board of the Catholic Students Center of UNH. He was an active communicant and 25-year usher at the Church of Saint Thomas More. He was a former chairman of the Durham Heart Fund drive. John Sakowski was also a past president of the UNH Alumni Association and the UNH 100 Club. He was honored with the Alumni Meritorious Service Award in 1973.
For extraordinary heroism as an officer in the United States Army, and outstanding service to the University of New Hampshire, Captain John M. Sakowski is inducted posthumously into the ROTC Hall of Fame. His son, Michael Sakowski, and wife of 36 years, Mary, accepted the honor on his behalf.
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