FOR THE ELMHURST INDEPENDENT
It’s not unusual for a decorated veteran to be modest about his service and accomplishments. That was the case with Elmhurst resident Mark Madigan, who earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart during the Vietnam War, helping to save at least two people’s lives when an armored personnel carrier (APC) struck a mine.
“I was a medic and I was on a vehicle several yards behind them,” Madigan told the Independent. “When I saw it happen, I jumped off and ran up there [to the APC], where two men were stuck underneath. I was able to pull both of them out, just before the APC blew up.
“I’ll never forget this great big fellow from Oklahoma. He was standing between me and the APC when it blew up right after I pulled out the second guy. He was such a big guy, he easily blocked me from the danger, although he got burns on his back…