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As part of our ongoing series to shed light on the pivotal roles Ukrainians played in securing victory during World War II, we turn our focus to those who donned the U.S. military uniform. These individuals, driven by a profound sense of duty, exemplify the courage and resilience that contributed significantly to the Allied success. While many served in World War II, we’ve also included Ukrainian Americans who later answered the call during the Vietnam War—continuing a proud tradition of service and sacrifice across generations.
🇺🇸 Sergeant Michael Strank (1919–1945)
Large numbers of Ukrainian-Americans participated in World War II. Most were born in the US. Estimates are as many as 200,000 of who served during the war. A number served as officers. For the first time as well, Ukrainian-American women entered military service. Perhaps the most widely recognizable portrait of Ukrainian-American service during World War II is that of Michael Strank.
Strank, a son of Ukrainian immigrants, is remembered as more than just a soldier, however.
A short walk away from where he is buried (Section 12, Grave 7179), the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial depicts him as one of six men who iconically raised the American flag at the top of a rugged Mount Suribiachi on Iwo Jima, on February 23rd, 1945.
"I think this is one of the most clear-cut unjust invasions in recent history," he told the newspaper. "It's really obvious to everybody that it's an unjustified invasion. So I felt like my moral compass just pointed me towards it."
Born in Jarabenia, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) to Ukrainian parents, Michael Strank immigrated to Pennsylvania as a child. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1939.
Strank is best known as one of the six Marines who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima's Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945—a moment captured in the iconic photograph by Joe Rosenthal.
Tragically, Sergeant Strank was killed in action just days later. His leadership and heroism remain emblematic of the sacrifices made by Ukrainian Americans in service to the United States.
🇺🇸 Private Nicholas Minue (1905–1943)
Born in Sedden, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Ukraine), Nicholas Minue immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served with the 1st Armored Division during WWII.
On April 28, 1943, near Medjez El Bab, Tunisia, Private Minue singlehandedly charged enemy machine-gun positions under intense fire, killing approximately ten enemy soldiers before being fatally wounded.
His courageous actions were pivotal in the success of his unit's mission.
For his extraordinary heroism, Minue was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming one of the few Ukrainian Americans to receive this highest U.S. military decoration.
🇺🇸 Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko (1917–2013)
Nicholas Oresko, born in Bayonne, New Jersey, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, served in the U.S. Army's 94th Infantry Division during World War II.
On January 23, 1945, near Tettingen, Germany, then-Staff Sergeant Oresko singlehandedly destroyed two enemy bunkers despite being wounded. His actions enabled his platoon to advance and secure their objective.
For his valor, Oresko received the Medal of Honor. At the time of his passing in 2013, he was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient.
🇺🇸 General Samuel Jaskilka (1919–2012)
Born in Ansonia, Connecticut, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Samuel Jaskilka graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1942 and immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
Over a distinguished 36-year career, Jaskilka served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks to become a four-star general and served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1975 to 1978.
General Jaskilka's leadership and service were recognized with numerous awards, including the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Medal.
🇺🇸 Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Kalakuka (1905–1942)
Theodore Kalakuka, the first Ukrainian American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Class of 1927), served in the U.S. Army's Quartermaster Corps.
During World War II, he was stationed in the Philippines, where he played a crucial role in logistics during the Japanese invasion. After the fall of Bataan, Kalakuka was captured and died in a Japanese POW camp in October 1942.
His bravery and service were honored posthumously with the Distinguished Service Medal and two Silver Stars.
🇺🇸 Major General Nicholas Krawciw (1935–2021)
Nicholas Krawciw was born in Lviv, Ukraine, and emigrated to the United States in 1949. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1959 and served two tours in Vietnam.
Krawciw held several key positions, including Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division. After retiring, he played a significant role in assisting Ukraine's military reforms post-independence.
His career exemplified the bridge between his Ukrainian heritage and American military service.
🇺🇸 Major Myron Diduryk (1938–1970)
Born in Ukraine, Myron Diduryk immigrated to the U.S. and graduated from Rutgers University. He joined the U.S. Army and served with distinction during the Vietnam War.
As a company commander in the Battle of Ia Drang, he was recognized for his exceptional leadership. General Hal Moore described him as "the finest battlefield company commander I had ever seen."
Major Diduryk was killed in action during his second tour in Vietnam in 1970. His bravery is commemorated on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
🇺🇸 Private First Class John W. Dutko (1916–1944)
John W. Dutko, born in Pennsylvania to Ukrainian immigrant parents, served in the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division during World War II.
On May 23, 1944, near Ponte Rotto, Italy, PFC Dutko singlehandedly destroyed multiple enemy positions despite being wounded. His actions enabled his unit to advance and were instrumental in their mission's success.
For his gallantry, Dutko was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, highlighting the valor of Ukrainian Americans in the U.S. military.
These stories underscore the significant contributions and sacrifices of Ukrainian Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces. Their legacies continue to inspire and remind us of the diverse fabric that constitutes the strength of the United States military.