Their Story
Victor Alois Sagon was born in Roeler, Belgium on January 28, 1926[1]. Only a year after he was born he entered the United States from Michigan. Whomever he arrived with brought Victor to the Rock Island area where he spent most of his life. From military documentation it seems that he lived with his mother, Marie Sagon, in Moline[2]. He grew up in our community and graduated from Moline High School[3]. Just as every other American man, Victor Sagon was expected to register for the draft once he turned 18. Shortly after registering he was trained for the Marine Corps and sent to fight to protect American civilians[4]. One of the battles that Sergeant Sagon fought in was the Battle of Okinawa. For American troops this Pacific Island was seen as a gateway to the “invasion of mainland Japan”[5]. The fighting was so intense and devastating that over the three months the battle took place “the United States had sustained 49,000 casualties including more than 12,500 men killed or missing,” Sergeant Sagon being one of them[6]. Luckily, although he was injured he did survive. After returning home from World War II he got a job working at William’s White and Company, a business in Moline that manufactures hydraulic presses, not to mention, he also met his wife, Joyce Elaine Long[7]. The two were married at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan, Illinois. However, he was only home for a short period before he was sent back across the world to fight in the Korean War. The American government saw this war as a way to prevent the spread of communism and promote personal freedom. On August 21, 1951, the newspapers informed his friends and family of good news[8]. Sergeant Sagon would be returning back home to his family to continue the legacy of his many fellow soldiers who gave their lives in battle.
Not only was Victor Sagon hardworking and courageous as a member of the Marine Corps, but he came back to the Quad Cities each time and was a dedicated member of his community. He served as a political candidate for Coal Valley township[9], he was an active member of his church and the Holy Name Society[10]. Additionally, “he was employed as a design engineer with [the company] Alcoa for forty years, retiring in 1986” and “he was a retired member of the Coal Valley Fire Department…for 25 years”[11]. As if that was not enough, “he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, [and] camping”[12]. But most importantly he was a husband, father, and grandfather! His legacy includes many aspects, one of these is his service and dedication to our country. He risked his health and safety in two different wars to ensure the protection of every American civilian. This act of courage will never be forgotten and lives on through everyone who shares his story.
References
[1] “Victor Alois Sagon in the U.S., Naturalization Record Indexes, 1791-1992.” Ancestry. April 25, 2022.
[2] “Sago, Victor Alois.” Fold3. April 25, 2022.
[3] “Joyce Elaine Long Wed to Victor A. Sagon in Double-Ring Ceremony.” The Rock Island Argus. June 16, 1947.
[4] “To Send Men to Army and Navy: For Navy.” The Dispatch. March 18, 1944.
[5] “Battle of Okinawa.” The National WWII Museum. April 26, 2022.
[6] “Battle of Okinawa.” The National WWII Museum. April 26, 2022.
[7] “Joyce Elaine Long Wed to Victor A. Sagon in Double-Ring Ceremony.” The Rock Island Argus. June 16, 1947.
[8] “12 Local Veterans Return from Korea Aboard Transports.” The Dispatch. August 21, 1951.
[9] “Obituaries: Victor Sagon.” The Dispatch. June 4, 1997.
[10] “Obituaries: Victor Sagon.” The Dispatch. June 4, 1997.
[11] “Obituaries: Victor Sagon.” The Dispatch. June 4, 1997.
[12] “Obituaries: Victor Sagon.” The Dispatch. June 4, 1997.