John A. Flick

“I guess if you’re stupid enough to join the army without thinking about getting shot, you really are a fool,” said James Blunt. But John was no fool. He joined and served his country, and became a hero. All military men are. But what made John so spectacular? Were John’s thoughts or actions special? Or was the idea that he sacrificed his life for a beloved country he had known so great?

John was like any other child. He was born in Rudolph on November 19, 1915. He had a mom, a dad, and three brothers. One of his brothers was even an infantryman! He went to SS. Peter, Paul Catholic School, and the Lone Birch School. Before the army, John worked at a fur farm in Mosinee.

Evidently, John wanted to go into the army, like his brother. He trained in camps in the U.S. After that John went overseas to France. Somehow he was missing in action, or M.I.A. Then he was pronounced dead. The parents got the telegram of his death very, very close to what would have been his 29th birthday.

What is even sadder than that is he had no way to communicate during the war. Could you imagine going overseas and not being able to talk to your mother or father or siblings? He most likely did not see the changes in current events. During the war, the presidents changed from Franklin Roosevelt to Harry Truman! There were battles being fought in other places, like the Battle of Britain and British and Italian forces fighting in Egypt, he did not know about either!

Even though those things may seem major, John couldn’t hear about those events.

As John A. Flick is at rest, we know he served us well. He fought and bled for us. He traveled overseas just to make sure we were protected. Even though John did not and could not realize what was happening, he was still a part of it. Could military men, like John and his brother, be the biggest, bravest heroes of all?

Dani Sopiarz, Student
Marshfield Junior High

John A. Flick

John A. Flick, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Flick, was born in Rudolph in December 19, 1915. He had three brothers, Private Charles Flick, who was an infantryman who was seriously wounded in 1944, and Joseph and Tony, who were still at home. He also had two sisters, Mrs. Viola Pizala and Mary Flick.

As a young boy, John attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School and later attended Lone Birch School. Prior to entering the Army, he was employed at a fur farm in Mosinee.

John entered the armed forces on November 17, 1943. He was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, before being sent to France in April, 1944.

Private John A. Flick was killed in action in France on November 30, 1944. Memorial services were held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on February 26, 1945. John was buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France.

John died in France, defending our country. He died a brave man and will always be remembered for his sacrifice.

Written by: Caitlyn Olson, East Junior High School

Private John A. Flick was born on December 19th, 1915 in the town of Rudolph. He attended SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School and the Lone Birch School. Before he entered the army he worked at a fur farm in Mosinee. He entered the Armed Forces on the day of November 17th, 1941. In April of that year, he went overseas. He was accompanied by his brother, Private Charles Flick who was later seriously wounded in action.

Private John Flick was killed in action on November 30th, 1944 in France. He parents received a telegram of the news of his death on the night of his 29th birthday.

A memorial was held at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic church at 8 0’clock on a Monday morning. He is buried in an American Cemetery in Lorraine province. He will not be forgotten.

Written By:

Callie Dekarske, student East Junior High