Ronald Hagen

Sergeant Ronald Hagen was born on March 5, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hagen of Nekoosa. Ronald graduated in 1948 from Milwaukee Marquette High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 9, 1948.

While in the Army, Ronald was a very active member. His service included tours of duty in Thailand, Vietnam, and Ethiopia. He also served in the Korean Conflict. He was one of the original members of the 10th Special Forces. In 1961, he was an honor graduate of the Noncommissioned Officers Academy at Fort Lewis, and was designated to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

While Ronald was in Vietnam, tragedy struck. On September 17, 1969, he was killed in action. He was 39 years old. His surviving relatives included his parents, his wife Roberta Lacy (living in Washington), his two sons, Ronald James Hagen II, and Raymond John Hagen, and his two daughters, Rhonda Jean and Noralee. His funeral services were held at the Fort Lewis Army Chapel in Washington. He was buried in the Mountain View Cemetery in Tacoma, Washington. Hagen received full military honors.

Written by: Alyssa Anderson, East Junior High School