Today in Wheeling History: June 6--Vincent Anthony Kordack, a native of Wheeling serving as a Pharmacist's Mate in the 6th Naval Beach Battalion, participated in the historic D-Day invasion, landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, where he provided critical medical care to wounded soldiers under enemy fire (1944).
Vincent Anthony Kordack was born on January 19, 1923, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Kordack grew up there and attended local schools, including McKinley Trade School, where he likely gained valuable skills that would serve him well throughout his life.
After completing his education in Wheeling, Kordack enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 during World War II. He was assigned to the 6th Naval Beach Battalion, a specialized unit trained in amphibious landings and beach operations. On June 6, 1944, Kordack participated in the historic D-Day invasion, landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, as a Pharmacist's Mate. In this role, he provided critical medical care to wounded soldiers under enemy fire. Kordack's niece, Sandy Russell, recounted that her uncle had vivid memories of the invasion, describing the immense loss of life and the harrowing experience of digging into the sand to create makeshift shelters where he could treat the injured. Despite the chaos and danger, Kordack remained steadfast in his duty, saving countless lives through his swift and compassionate medical care.
For his exceptional bravery and meritorious service during the war, Kordack was awarded several prestigious military medals. The Bronze Star, one of the highest honors in the U.S. military, recognized his heroic actions and exceptional service. The Combat Medic Badge was awarded to Kordack for providing medical care while under enemy fire, highlighting his courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers. Additionally, the French government bestowed upon him the Croix de Guerre, a military decoration that acknowledges acts of valor and heroism displayed by foreign military personnel while fighting alongside French forces.
In 1944, Kordack was assigned to the USS New Kent (APA-217), an attack transport ship that operated in the Pacific Theater. He participated in crucial landings on the islands of Leyte in the Philippines and Okinawa in Japan, contributing to the Allied efforts to secure strategic positions and ultimately defeat the Japanese forces. During his time in the Pacific, Kordack witnessed the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, an experience that left an indelible mark on him as he treated those affected by the devastating attack.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, Kordack returned to his home state of West Virginia to further his education. He enrolled at West Liberty State College, now known as West Liberty University, located in West Liberty, West Virginia. It was here that he met his future wife, Verna Marshall. Kordack graduated from West Liberty State College in 1951 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Art.
Following his graduation, Kordack and his wife moved to Maryland in 1951, where he began his career as an educator. He initially taught Industrial Shop and Art at Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland, from 1951 to 1962. During this time, he worked alongside his wife for six years and made a lasting impact on his students.
In 1962, Kordack transitioned to Gwynn Park Senior High School in Brandywine, Maryland, where he continued teaching Industrial Shop and Art. He also pioneered the Work Study program, an innovative curriculum that was later adopted by many other Maryland schools. The state board of education recognized Kordack for his groundbreaking work in this area.
After retiring from teaching in 1979, Kordack embarked on a new venture, establishing a successful woodworking and furniture repair business in Southern Maryland. This endeavor allowed him to showcase his creative talents and craftsmanship, serving the local community until 1998.
Throughout his life, Vincent Anthony Kordack exemplified the values of service, dedication, and innovation. From his heroic actions during World War II to his impactful career as an educator and entrepreneur, Kordack left an indelible mark on the lives of those he encountered. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and his contributions to his country and community will always be remembered and honored.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/oE69B) (https://shorturl.at/yNzmt) (https://shorturl.at/SolZA) (https://shorturl.at/mrBkK)
Photo credits: Find a Grave, New Hampshire Union Leader, Wikimedia Commons
Vincent Anthony Kordack was born on January 19, 1923, in Wheeling, West Virginia. Kordack grew up there and attended local schools, including McKinley Trade School, where he likely gained valuable skills that would serve him well throughout his life.
After completing his education in Wheeling, Kordack enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 during World War II. He was assigned to the 6th Naval Beach Battalion, a specialized unit trained in amphibious landings and beach operations. On June 6, 1944, Kordack participated in the historic D-Day invasion, landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, as a Pharmacist's Mate. In this role, he provided critical medical care to wounded soldiers under enemy fire. Kordack's niece, Sandy Russell, recounted that her uncle had vivid memories of the invasion, describing the immense loss of life and the harrowing experience of digging into the sand to create makeshift shelters where he could treat the injured. Despite the chaos and danger, Kordack remained steadfast in his duty, saving countless lives through his swift and compassionate medical care.
For his exceptional bravery and meritorious service during the war, Kordack was awarded several prestigious military medals. The Bronze Star, one of the highest honors in the U.S. military, recognized his heroic actions and exceptional service. The Combat Medic Badge was awarded to Kordack for providing medical care while under enemy fire, highlighting his courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers. Additionally, the French government bestowed upon him the Croix de Guerre, a military decoration that acknowledges acts of valor and heroism displayed by foreign military personnel while fighting alongside French forces.
In 1944, Kordack was assigned to the USS New Kent (APA-217), an attack transport ship that operated in the Pacific Theater. He participated in crucial landings on the islands of Leyte in the Philippines and Okinawa in Japan, contributing to the Allied efforts to secure strategic positions and ultimately defeat the Japanese forces. During his time in the Pacific, Kordack witnessed the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, an experience that left an indelible mark on him as he treated those affected by the devastating attack.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, Kordack returned to his home state of West Virginia to further his education. He enrolled at West Liberty State College, now known as West Liberty University, located in West Liberty, West Virginia. It was here that he met his future wife, Verna Marshall. Kordack graduated from West Liberty State College in 1951 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Art.
Following his graduation, Kordack and his wife moved to Maryland in 1951, where he began his career as an educator. He initially taught Industrial Shop and Art at Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland, from 1951 to 1962. During this time, he worked alongside his wife for six years and made a lasting impact on his students.
In 1962, Kordack transitioned to Gwynn Park Senior High School in Brandywine, Maryland, where he continued teaching Industrial Shop and Art. He also pioneered the Work Study program, an innovative curriculum that was later adopted by many other Maryland schools. The state board of education recognized Kordack for his groundbreaking work in this area.
After retiring from teaching in 1979, Kordack embarked on a new venture, establishing a successful woodworking and furniture repair business in Southern Maryland. This endeavor allowed him to showcase his creative talents and craftsmanship, serving the local community until 1998.
Throughout his life, Vincent Anthony Kordack exemplified the values of service, dedication, and innovation. From his heroic actions during World War II to his impactful career as an educator and entrepreneur, Kordack left an indelible mark on the lives of those he encountered. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and his contributions to his country and community will always be remembered and honored.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/oE69B) (https://shorturl.at/yNzmt) (https://shorturl.at/SolZA) (https://shorturl.at/mrBkK)
Photo credits: Find a Grave, New Hampshire Union Leader, Wikimedia Commons
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