#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Manuel Sagen

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Manuel Sagen. Manuel served during the Korean War.

Manuel enlisted in the Army as a medic in 1949 because he wanted to see more of the world. He was in the 17^th Infantry Division and obtained the rank of sergeant. He fought all over Korea, until the Chinese entered the war and his platoon had to retreat because there was only five men left in it. As a medic he treated many of his soldiers’ wounds. At one point, his company commander got hit in the back with a piece of shrapnel, and Manuel was able to save his life. Manuel also enjoyed some down time when Dinah Shore and Bob Hope came to entertain the soldiers in Korea.

Manuel was awarded the Purple Heart after he was wounded three times. The wounds were caused by shrapnel to the head, eye, and knee. After the war he joined the National Guard and worked as a clerk for Roadway Express. Manuel passed away in 2008.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.