World War II Vet Sergeant Dan Santagata Regales Audience with Historical Reminisces
On Sunday, February 25th, an adoring and patriotic crowd filled the auditorium at The Chappaqua Library to listen to the moving first-hand stories of a World War II veteran, hero, and neighbor. The New Castle Historical Society had invited Sergeant Dan Santagata, who will be 100 years old in August 2024, to relay his experiences in the US Army. He obliged, offering inspiring stories of grit, resolve, victories, and losses. Keith Hopkins, Sergeant Santagata’s stepson, moderated the discussion brilliantly.
It was impossible to miss his obvious pride and love for his stepdad and the special bond that the two of them share. Sgt. Santagata’s incredible journey and reflections were a testament to his enduring spirit of country before self and a touching tribute to the camaraderie and sacrifices made by those who served alongside him.
Leaving home at the age of 17, Sgt. Santagata was trained as a combat engineer and joined the 5th Infantry Division. As a combat engineer, he belonged to a specialized unit tasked with performing a wide range of crucial work that was essential to the success of his division and many other divisions within the Army.
The significance of combat engineers cannot be overstated, as they were the linchpin to ensuring that every operation and mission ran smoothly. Whether equipment needed to be fixed or obstacles needed to be overcome, it was the combat engineers’ responsibility to step in and address the challenges head-on. Their multifaceted skill set made them the go-to experts for tackling a myriad of tasks, ranging from firing bazookas, operating radios, shuttling soldiers across rivers to searching for and placing landmines and fortifying defensive positions. Sgt. Santagata conducted 26 river crossings during his time during the war.
Sgt. Santagata also shared what it was like to fight under the command of General George Patton, for several years and during the brutal six weeks of “The Battle of the Bulge”, which successfully paved the way to victory for the Allied Troops. Sgt. Santagata’s admiration for General Patton was a theme throughout his reflections on his military service. Despite the divisive opinions surrounding General Patton, Dan held an unwavering belief that there wasn’t a better leader in the military and felt his opinion was shared by many soldiers who also served under the iconic General. Patton’s leadership style, characterized by his boldness, strategic acumen, and relentless pursuit of excellence, left an indelible mark on Sgt. Santagata. Patton’s ability to inspire and command respect, coupled with his unyielding commitment to his country, resonated deeply with Sgt. Santagata.
Sgt. Santagata also shared what his life has been like since his time in service. He has been honored with prestigious awards in recognition of his exceptional service including the Luxembourg Medal of Honor, the Order of Lafayette, and the French Medal of Honor. These accolades reflect his dedication and bravery during a time of great adversity. Recently, Sgt. Santagata had the opportunity to return to France with members of his family on a tour arranged to honor his service. One very special stop on the trip took place at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, where Sgt. Santagata was brought to General Patton’s grave and honored him with a salute one more to his highly regarded and beloved General.
Sgt. Santagata was also brought to the cemetery and grave of a special friend that he lost in battle with the last name of Wentz. Here too, he was able to lay flowers and offer one last salute to a comrade and hero. Sgt. Santagata was proud and honored to be able to share these emotional experiences with his family. He shared that, to this day, it is difficult to think about friends who did not make it home from battle. However, he said, “If I had to do it all over again, I would,” demonstrating his selfless persona. Finally, Dan told us all that whenever someone says, “Thank you for your service” to him, he always responds by saying “Thank you for remembering”. Our community is so blessed to have this hero in our town.
Sgt. Santagata, today and every day, we salute you and thank you for your service.
