John Diana

John Diana of Staten Island is a decorated U.S. Army Korean War veteran who served from 1952 through 1954, most notably with the 204th Field Artillery in Korea. The 204th’s orders were to provide artillery support to various battles, including Pork Chop Hill.

While regrouping, Mr. Diana’s unit came under surprise artillery attack and he was literally blown off his tank. Mr. Diana suffered severe burns and damage to his legs and lost over 60% of his hearing. Subsequent to being released from the Army hospital in Seoul, he was reassigned to the duty of battalion commander’s driver. These duties included driving personnel carriers and visiting forward areas to pick up the dead and wounded for transport to hospital and morgue locations. The experience of dealing with death and dismemberment on a daily basis still haunts Mr. Diana’s memory. After discharge, it was discovered that the cartilage in both legs had been severely damaged and not repaired properly. Mr. Diana underwent extensive surgery to alleviate the pain and moderate the effects of the damage.

Mr. Diana is a most modest and unassuming veteran. For his valor, he received the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars and various United Nations and Presidential service medals and citations – seven in all. Understandably, Mr. Diana rarely talks about his experiences and contributions to his country, nor does he mention his medals and awards. 

Mr. Diana is proud of his service to his country and to the family he loves. He is truly one of the walking wounded who has dealt with the horrors of the battlefield on a daily basis and who cannot forget those images and experiences. It is the contribution of soldiers like John Diana that we must not forget.