The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, 2LT Donald Eugene Sloughfy, O-2203705, who died in the service of his country on August 7th, 1951 in North Korea. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Donald was 24 years of age. He was from Armagh, Pennsylvania. Donald's Military Occupation Specialty was 1542.
The decorations earned by 2LT Donald Eugene Sloughfy include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Second Lieutenant Sloughfy was a member of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on August 7, 1951. Second Lieutenant Sloughfy was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Don was the youngest boy in a family of seven children. He graduated from Penn State University. I last saw my uncle when I was eight years old and he was on his way to Korea. He gave me a football that day. He is buried in the Armagh (Pennsylvania) Cemetery along with his parents, two brothers, Arthur Sloughfy and Brinton Sloughfy, and a sister, Catherine Sloughfy Johnston. He is survived by a brother, Lloyd Sloughfy of Armagh and two sisters, Ruth Sloughfy Schroder and Becky Sloughfy Suder, both of Cincinnati, Ohio, along with numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. (Terry Johnston)
My sister, Becky Suder and I believe we had a special person for a brother. Donald Eugene Sloughfy was 5 years younger than I and 3 yrs older than Becky. He was born on a small farm not far from Johnstown,Penna. Growing up, he liked to throw a ball around, swing, play Chinese checkers and tag, just like all kids. Becky tells me he played the saxophone in High School and also played some football. His music teacher and the school principal were very impressed at how rapidly he learned music and picked up an instrument.
By the time Don was nearly thru his sophomore year in High School both our parents had died and Don went to live with our oldest brother, Arthur in Philadelphia and to attend Upper Darby High School. This worked out fine for him as he could adjust very well. Following graduation he received his notice from Uncle Sam and after training he was sent to the Army of Occupation in Germany. Each soldier had his own assigned task every day but Don was able to take advantage of some weekend leaves and went on trips to tourists spots in that part of Europe and enjoyed some of the museums too. We have a picture he snapped of a castle in Salzburg, Austria. After his tour in Germany, Don came home and attended Penn State. It was Arthur's alma mater and Don fit right in, graduating Cum Laude in Political Science and Languages. Someone in the family has his Phi Beta Kappa key but we were unable to locate it. He hoped to work in the Foreign Service. He needed a job somewhere during the months between getting his degree and his graduate work. He was in ROTC, so after training he obtained his commission and left for Korea in March in the 35th Infantry Regiment (Division), Company A.
We received several letters from him after he landed. In one of them his Sergeant was finished that day and was going home. He said "I'm glad for anyone who gets to leave this awful place." In another he said they were being moved around a lot. The roads were just dirt, very rough and with lots of holes. He mentioned in one letter that it was suppertime and he had to climb down the hill to eat.
Lt Donald E. Sloughfy was killed August 7, 1951 by enemy gun- fire in Korea. He was 24 years old. We wish he could have had a bit more time so we could have known him better. Graveside services at the Armagh, Pennsylvania cemetery for our brother included full military honors performed by the local veterans organization. Becky has his Purple Heart. (Ruth Schroder)
Burial:
Armagh Cemetery
Armagh
Indiana County
Pennsylvania, USA
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