PVT Michael Jugan
Today we honor and remember PVT Michael Jugan of the 101st Airborne Division.
Private (PVT) Michael Jugan of the 101st Signal Company, 101st Airborne Division, was born in Beaver Meadow, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, to Harry and Mary (Salko) Jugan on August 9, 1915. He had two brothers, John and Andrew, and two sisters, Anna L. and Susie Jugan. His father had passed away in 1927. His brother John was a veteran of WWII.
Michael Jugan signed up for the draft in his hometown on October 16, 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at Allentown, Pennsylvania, on October 9, 1943, and would be assigned to the 101st Signal Company.
At the time of his enlistment, the 101st Signal Company was already on its way to England, docking with the SS Ericsson at Liverpool on October 18, 1943. In April 1944, PVT Jugan joined the troopers of that company at Donnington Castle, Newbury, where the company was housed since January of that year.
After taking part in the operations in Normandy in June and July of 1944, PVT Jugan returned to England and participated in the preparations for the second combat action of the 101st on the mainland of Europe, Operation Market Garden.
On Sunday, September 17, 1944, PVT Jugan was aboard a glider that took off from Ramsburry, England. They were on their way to Landing Zone “W”, near Son and Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
While flying over Belgium, there was a mid-air collision with another glider, making the flight of the aircraft in which Jugan was one of the passengers uncontrollable. The glider crashed down near the Looses hoeve, between Saint-Amand and Mariekerke, killing its occupants — six Americans and one Englishman. Five of those Americans belonged to the 101st Signal Company, including PVT Jugan.
Another five Screaming Eagles had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅
Together with the other victims, PVT Michael Jugan was first buried at the local cemetery of St. Amands, Belgium. He was later reburied at the America War Cemetery Ardennes at Neupré, Belgium, at Plot B, Row 39, Grave 41.
A memorial headstone can also be found at the Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Meadows, Carbon, Pennsylvania. May he rest in peace.
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Michael.
Lest we forget. 🇺🇸
Sources:
Family Search
Facebook Page of Erwin Verholen, author of “Silent Wings over Mariekerke”
Rendezvous with Destiny (by Rapport & Norwood)