John Hruschanko

John Hruschanko, age 85 passed away on September 11, 2014. He was born to Andrew and Mary (Kurtick) Hruschanko on August 28, 1929, in Czechoslovakia. John and his family came to the United States when he was a child and his family settled in Berwick, Pennsylvania.

A Marine Corp veteran, John served in the Korean War where he earned both a Silver Star and Purple Heart with one gold star. His Silver Star citation was for "Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an ammunition carrier in Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea and 7 December 1950. Although wounded during a vigorous hostile mortar and small arms fire attack, Private First Class Hruschanko boldly left his covered position to carry a wounded Marine to his foxhole and administer first aid to the casualty, instead of seeking medical attention for himself. Voluntarily substituting for a wounded machine gunner, he maneuvered the weapon skillfully and accurately, thereby forcing the enemy to seek cover and permitting his company to withdraw successfully to a more favorable position." He later said as funny as it might sound, his military years were the best years of his life.

After his military service, John earned his undergraduate degree at Jacksonville State University and a master's degree at Indiana State. He taught math and was an administrator in the Wisconsin public school system before retiring and settling in Madison. John preferred his independence and would rather read the sports page than play games. Throughout his life he remained a man of courage, indomitable fighting spirit and devoted to his country.

John is survived by his sister, Mary.

Interment will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, WI on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 12 Noon, with no visitation planned. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Attn: Community Relations, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53715, in John's name.