Ditlef J. Lagoni Jr.
April 30, 1924- Aug. 10, 1950 (MIA)
Feb. 15, 1954 (declared officially dead)
Niles Daily Star, Friday, February 26, 1954, page 1, col. 6-7, cont. Page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
M/Sgt. Lagoni, Missing Since 1950, Officially Declared Dead
M/Sgt. Ditlef J. Lagoni Jr., mission in action in Korea since Aug. 10, 1950, has been officially declared dead as of Feb. 15, according to word received this week by his family from the adjutant general's office of the Department of Defense.
Lagoni enlisted in the Navy July 15, 1941, and received boot training at the naval training center, Great Lakes, Ill. After boot training, he was assigned aboard the USS Tuscaloosa and later entered submarine service, where he was assigned aboard the USS Jack for a Pacific tour of duty.
After World War II, he served aboard the USS Amberjack, and received his naval discharge in April 1947.
He enlisted in the Army May 18, 1948, and was sent overseas to Japan in Jul 1949. He was serving with an anti-aircraft battalion in the 24th Division under Maj. Gen. William Dean in Korea when he was first reported missing in action.
Lagoni was decorated several times for meritorious service and held the World War II Victory medal, American Area Medal, American Defense Medal, Navy good conduct ribbon, European-Africa-Middle East medal with two bronze stars, Asiatic-Pacific medal with one bronze star, Presidential unit citation, submarine combat insigne with with three stars, Army good conduct ribbon and Japan occupation medal.
Surviving are his wife and two children, his parents and one brother. His wife Ruth L. Lagoni was with him in Japan and their daughter, Ruth Lynn, was born there. Mrs. Lagoni returned to the United States Aug. 22, 1950, and now makes her home at 17 South Tenth Street, with her daughter and son, Lance Joseph.
His father, D.J. Lagoni Sr., lives at 114 North Third street, and his mother, Mrs. Prudence Lagoni, lives on M-40 north. A brother, William O., lives at 22 Market street.
Lagoni was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church here, and a member of the Masonic and Elks lodges. He was born April 30, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was married July 6, 1945, in New London, Conn.
Note: While not physically buried in Silverbrook, there is a gravemarker “in memory”.