Local WWII Marine POW leaves behind lasting legacy

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Sgt. Albert Hicks of South Bend, a World War II Marine, was held as a prisoner of war in Japan

Marine Sgt. Albert Hicks of South Bend died on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at the age of 86. Hicks fought in World War II and was held as a prisoner of war in Japan for 3 1/2 years. (Photo provided)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jul 9, 2008 at 3:21 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 13, 2008 at 7:43 PM EST

SOUTH BEND -- A local World War II Marine was laid to rest Wednesday. Sgt. Albert Hicks of South Bend died from a blood clot this past Saturday.

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He was one of the last remaining prisoners of war in World War II from Northern Indiana. His family says Wednesday's service wasn't about mourning his death; instead it was about celebrating a life with a lasting legacy.

"He's just a wonderful, honorable man and he deserves this," said Hicks’ granddaughter Laurie Scott.

"He'll never be forgotten," added Melissa Hicks, another of his granddaughters.

A father, a husband, and a warrior. From a very young age, Albert Hicks always knew he wanted to serve his country as a United States Marine.

"When he enlisted he was only 17, and he lied about his age to get into the service," said Scott.

Right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hicks fought in the Battle of Wake Island. That's when he was captured by Japanese soldiers and held for more than three and a half years as a prisoner of war. When he returned he weighed just 85 pounds. Hicks made sure to pass on his stories of service and sacrifice to his grandchildren.

"Just the whole ordeal that he went through with that, just to make it very real to the generation," said Scott.

"We know how to speak Japanese a little because of it," said Hicks’ granddaughter Nicole Gryfik.

As they say, once a Marine, always a Marine. And Albert proved just that as he showed his commitment to the Corp one last time.

"Right before he went he raised his hand like he was saluting goodbye, out of a dead sleep,” said Gryfik.

Hicks was laid to rest with full military honors, a slow salute and a flag ceremony from South Bend based Company B.

"It's all about a band of brothers and taking care of one another. And when someone finally does the final sacrifice or they pass away, it's up to us to represent the family and that person, their service, and for future generations," explained Engineer Company B First Sgt. John Pettinato.

Albert Hicks was 86 years old.

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