Several years ago, John F, Kennedy wrote a popular book called r about his war experiences. In an effort to recognize the contributions of the Sikhs to their adopted lands we offer our own, Profiles in Courage.
Master Sergeant, Sardar Chanan Singh.
Bronze Star Winner 26 Years in the US Amy, he served in administration and military intelligence in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
He was the first Sikh to receive the Bronze Star Medal, he was also awarded many commendations for good conduct and meritorious service, and He attained the rank of MSG G8 Master Sergeant.
He was originally drafted and then repeated reenlisted. He told WSN that he found the US army was more exciting than the Indian army and that for the most part he enjoyed his military service.
He commented that he found that the Amy did not respect his freedom of religion and that he was unfortunately to permit to grow his hair even though he repeatedly requested permission from the pentagon.
Major Jasbir Kaur, M.D.
Dr. Jasbir Kaur is a Board Certified Pediatrician; she served in the U.S. Army as 3 major at Fort Ord, Ca. from 1978 1980.
Because she is a practicing Sukh, she ‘appeared before a Board, who granted her exemption from wearing headgear, this exemption was based on the” Rehat Maryada” as per Bhai Desa Singh. She carried a special I.D. card to indicate that she was exempted from wearing caps or helmets.
After finishing her two years at Fort Ord, Dr. Jasbir Kaur continued serving in the Army Reserve 347 General Hospital at Moffit Field till she resigned her Commission a few years later.
She is presently in solo private practice in Tracy and Manteca, Ca.
Reservist Lakhbir Singh Bling
Sardar Bling served from 1979 1982 and then till 1985 in the reserves. He saw active duty in Europe. This enlisted man found his term of duty positive and was happy to gain education and technical experience in electronies. His most memorable experience was Basic Training and he would recommend service to others.
Ranbir Singh Sekhon
Drafted in 1969 and served until 1971. Completed Basic Training at Fort Lewis Washington and was assignedio a Psychological Operations (PS YOPS) group. He served in Vietnam for one year and achieved the rank of Specialist 5th class.
Mr. Sekhon told WSN that he found his assignment with PSYOPS unit an interesting experience. The until takes pacifist approach, such as propaganda to neutralize resistance a completely different perception of warfare, At times where troops face stiff resistance from the enemy, the PSYOPS unit teams up with both air and ground combat units to demoral the opposition. His job was to schedule propaganda missions over a hostile arca. He stated that he was glad for the Opportunity to serve and the opportunity to meet people from all over the country and of all nationalities. The veteran’s benefits were extremely valuable as was the discipline and determination that have stayed with him.
No Photos were available from some partielpants
Specialist Harnam Singh
Serving in the 82 Air bome Division from 19881991 and saw active duty in both Panama and the Gulf War, He won the Army Commendation Medal, Finished graduate studies at Cal State Chico.
He joined because of his family tradition and for the educational opportunities, He said he found his experience positive and the most valuable thing he gained was the discipline. His most memorable experience was. Parachuting from an airplane.
Rupinder Singh Mahal
He served from1956 1958 and was ‘stationed in Berlin Germany. He was awarded the good conduct medal and Expert rifle medal.
He proudly enjoyed his service as a Punjabi American and felt he was a better American for serving. He said the most exciting thing was always being “on the go. go. go.”
Chief petty Officer Jagtesh Singh Sodhi
He served in the Indian Army and the International Merchant Marines from 1959 1986, He was awarded the Eastern Star in 1971 and saw service in East Pakistan and the Bangladesh War.
He found his service exciting, educational and so enjoyed his service that he signed for several a terms. He gained discipline and self-respect.
His most exciting experience included being on the Aircraft Carrier the LN.S. Vikrant which was being tracked by a submarine during the war.
Lieutenant Colonel Arjinderpal Singh Sekhon Enlisted in the Army in 1984 and is currently serving. He saw active duty in the Gulf War and has won the national defense medal and the army achievement medal.
He joined because of family tradition and found his experience very rewarding, He told WSN that he had gained discipline, self-respect and respect for elders and would recommend service to others.
Colonel G.B. Singh
To our knowledge, Colonel Singh is the highest ranking, Turbaned Sikh Officer in the US armed services. He is a career person who has served since1979 in the Army Dental Corps. He also served in Korea in 19851986.
He was a volunteer who joined for the educational opportunity and personal fulfillment. He found his service exciting and challenging. He told WSN that the most valuable things he gained were leadership skills, analytic and writing skills. He strongly recommends service to others. He said his most memorable experience was the opportunity to meet senior military leaders.
Editor’s note: the above information was supplied to WSN some time ago, and we are sorry for the delay in publication. We had hoped to receive more responses since we are aware that there are many Sikh veterans in the US and Canada.
In a continuing effort to serve the Sikh community we would like to feature end Profile some of the many interesting people who are making worthy contributions to 20th century life.
If you would like to send s photo and a brief history of service in any realm for our next such issue respond to; WSN, 7720 Lorraine aver #107 Stockton, CA 95210.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 27, 1996
