Memorial Day in Arlington Cemetery: Honoring our Heroes

5/29/2006 - Successful Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. About 40 members and guests which included representatives from NATO, both the US and Hungarian military, Hungarian American leaders, and representatives from the Hungarian Embassy witnessed the Memorial Day ceremony. Arlington National is the final resting place for a number of Hungarian American Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Following the program that included a roll call in honor of those in present and past military service and a presentation on Hungarian and American military traditions, the group proceeded on a walking tour of 8 additional Hungarian American gravesites scattered throughout the sprawling grounds. Details about those brave men can be seen to the right.

Bryan Dawson-Szilagyi, AHF Executive Committee Chair (seen here placing the AHF commemorative ribbon on the grave of Capt. Akos Szekely who died a hero's death in Vietnam), wrote, "Most special to me was that our commemoration had such a unique historical perspective... A perspective that gave us a deeper understanding of the noble depths of the Hungarian military tradition - a tradition that so many families carried on and one we must honor by remembrance...[With the descendants of Gens. Asboth and Kozlay there with us] We literally touched history - a history across generations, centuries, and continents. A few highlights:

• The descendants of Gen. Kozlay met with the descendant of Gen. Asboth for the first time (Gusztav Asboth is seen here on the left with Hungarian Military Attache Janos Varga). We learned that Gen. Eugene Kozlay served under Lajos Asboth, Sandor's older brother, in the 1848-49 war. Eugene Kozlay also knew Sandor in New York, and he is mentioned several times in Eugene's diary in the 1848 revolution. Hungary recognized the Kozlays with the Pro Cultura Hungarica award after they donated Gen Kozlay's manuscripts to the Petöfi Literary Museum in Budapest. We witnessed these great Hungarian families shake hands in 2006. A number of those present at Gen. Asboth's re-internment returned to commemorate his contributions once again.
• We met Shirley Olchvary whose husband, Col. Paul Olchvary, served with distinction in the US Army (his father, Col. Istvan Olchvary served in the Hungarian Chief-of-Staff's Office and graduated from the famed Ludovika Military Academy as did another AHF member - Gabor Olah). It was interesting to hear how Col. Olchvary and Lt. Col. Vekony both joined military service "to give back" what America had given to their parents. A sentiment that rings true to me and so many Hungarian Americans of that generation.
• We learned that a nephew of the Lendvais (Imre is seen here to the left of AHF Chairman of the Board Akos Nagy) is head of the International Hungarian Boyscouts) is currently serving in Iraq.
• We met the son of FrancisGary Powers the US national hero who risked his life and was shot down in his high-altitude spyplane over the red skies of the Soviet Union.Francis Jr. (seen here to the left of Janet and Doug Kozlay, Pro Cultura Hungarica plaque recipients) carries on the fight to make sure the world remembers his father and Soviet tyranny as Founder and President of the Cold War Museum.
• We heard 1956 Freedom Fighter and former US Army officer Zoltan Bagdy and Dr. Imre Toth, a former lieutenant in the Hungarian Army and the last surviving Secretary of the Revolutionary Committee for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Imre Nagy Government in 1956, call out the names of so many of our brothers who served the cause of freedom.
• We received recommendations for the roll call from far and wide, including the President of the 25th Infantry Regiment Association, the regiment of Silver Star hero Akos Szekely. Others included Paul de Holczer and Joe Ivany who lost his son in Iraq.
• In this year, the 50th anniversary year of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, it was particularly poignant to see freedom fighters share this day with American and Hungarian military officials that included the Military Attaches to the United States (Col. Varga and Maj. Bone) and Hungary's NATO representative (Col. Juhasz). Congratulations are in order for Lt. Col Vekony and Maj. Bone for an excellent exchange and presentation.
• Finally, we touched the stones that serve as reminders of the heroes buried there... heroes that fought in American battles that spanned 3 centuries. These men are not forgotten. What an example Bela Kovach, an AHF member from Ohio, who travels to Hungary to kiss the grave of Alexander Asboth's parents each year, in keeping with Asboth's last wishes. No, Gen. Asboth, your parents are also not forgotten.

May the unity we found yesterday continue and permeate all things we do."

Additional images:

4/26/2006 - The American Hungarian Federation announces Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29, 2006. Representatives from NATO and both the US and Hungarian military, Hungarian American leaders, and the Ambassador and representatives from the Hungarian Embassy are expected to attend. Arlington National is the final resting place for a number of Hungarian American Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

"Fidelissimus ad Mortem"
"Faithful unto Death"

The American Hungarian Federation (AHF) established the Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom to honor outstanding individuals and recognize their life's achievements, dedication to freedom and democracy, promotion of transatlantic relations, and meritorious contribution to society. The award, AHF's highest honor, is open to Hungarians and non-Hungarians alike.

Inscribed on the medal is AHF's Motto, “Fidelissimus ad Mortem" or "Faithful Unto Death,” which represents Hungarian American historical committment to the United States. The motto was taken from a letter written by former Hussar Officer Michael Kováts to Benjamin Franklin. Kovats, known as a Founding Father of the US Cavalry, offered his sword in service to the United States. On May 11, 1779, Colonel Kovats gave his life in the American War for Independence while leading the Continental Army cavalry he had trained in Hungarian hussar tactics against a British siege of Charleston. The British remarked that Kovats' forces were "the best cavalry the rebels ever had." He is immortalized in the almost lifesize portrait by Gabriella Koszrous-Varsa seen here. He is immortalized at the Citadel Miltary Academy in South Carolina as they honor him and named "Kovats Field" after him. The Hungarian Embassy, too, has a statue in his honor sculpted by Paul Takacs and executed by Attila Dienes.

Just as Kovats’ life and service is celebrated annually by US Military Cadets at the Citadel, the motto reflects AHF virtues, and historically and inextricably ties Hungarians and Americans together while symbolizing Hungarians’ contributions and sacrifices to America’s beginning. Among the oldest ethnic organizations in the US, AHF was founded in 1906 in Cleveland, Ohio, and established as an association of Hungarian societies, institutions and churches to “defend the interest of Americans of Hungarian origin in the United States.”

See [past Medal Recipients]

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Hungarian-Americans Buried at
Arlington Cemetery

See below to learn more about the Hungarian Americans buried at Arlington National Cemetery. To see where some of these heroes are buried, [download the map]!

IF YOU KNOW additional Hungarian Americans buried in Arlington National, please contact us!

General Alexander Asbóth
(b. 12/18/1811, Hungary, d. 1/21/1868, Argentina)
Military Chief-of-Staff, US Minister
Asbóth was a General in the Hungarian Army. Following the Hungarian democratic Revolt of 1848 against Austria, he followed Kossuth to the United States in 1851. He offered his services to the Union when the Civil War broke out. John C. Fremont appointed him a Brigadier General of Volunteers and chief-of-staff. Seriously wounded three times during the war, he was appointed to the rank of general in l864.

At the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, he was wounded in the left arm. Despite the wound, he saddled up next morning. His arm was later shattered and a bullet lodged under his cheek in the Marianna engagement in Florida. In 1866, he was appointed U.S. Minister to Argentina and Uruguay. The wound in his cheek failed to heal, and on January 21, 1868, he died and was buried in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He finally came home on October 23, 1990 to full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery thanks to the Hungarian Freedom Fighters’ Federation. His grandson attended the funeral and is in the Virginia National Guard. Read more about him on Arlington Cemetery.net.
BURIED AT:
SECTION 2
GRAVE: 1018-2

Major-General Julius H. Stáhel
(b. 1825, Hungary d. 12/4/1912, NY)
Congressional Medal of Honor
Hussar in the 1848 war of independence. Escaped with Kossuth to the United States. Worked as a Journalist. At the outbreak of the Civil War, organized the 8th New York Volunteer Infantry becoming lieutenant-colonel. At the First Battle of Bull Run, 1861, he prevented Confederate forces from advancing on Washington. President Lincoln personally expressed his appreciation. Promoted to Colonel and shortly afterwards, received his star as a brigadier general. After Mosby's raid at Fairfax Court House, Lincoln summoned Stahel and ordered him to take charge of the cavalry at Fairfax and raised him to the rank of major general.

Stahel received the US Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Piedmont in Virginia. While wounded, the General led a cavalry charge which led to a Union victory. In 1866 President Andrew Johnson appointed Stahel consul in Japan where he succeeded in opening additional ports to American trade. In 1884 he was made consul in Shanghai, China.
BURIED AT:
SECTION: 2
GRAVE: 988
Read more on Arlington Cemetery.net or download Prof. Stephen Beszedits' essay on Gen. Stahel for the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States

S/Sgt. Lászlo Rábel
(b. 9/21/1937, Budapest, d. 11/13/1968, Vietnam)
Congressional Medal of Honor
Laszlo earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam while serving in the 173rd Airborne Brigade on November 13, 1968 “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty.“ He distinguished himself while serving as leader of Team Delta, 74th Infantry Detachment. Team Delta was in a defensive perimeter conducting reconnaissance of trail networks when enemy movement was detected.

As he and a comrade prepared to clear the area, he heard an incoming grenade as it landed in the midst of the team's perimeter. With complete disregard for his own life, he threw himself on the grenade and, covering it with his body, received the complete impact of the immediate explosion. By gallantry at the cost of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, he has reflected great credit upon himself and the US Army.
BURIED AT:
SECTION: 52
GRAVE: 1326
Read more on Arlington Cemetery.net

Capt. Ákos Dezsö Székely
(b. 3/24/1942, d. 9/11/1968)
Silver Star for Gallantry in Action
Captain Szekely distinguished himself by heroic actions on 11 September 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry near Ben Cui, Vietnam. His unit was established in its night location when they came under intense fire from a numerically superior enemy force. He immediately ran to the perimeter through heavy enemy fire in order to direct his men’s suppressive fire, braving fierce.

With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved about the bullet swept area, and while engaging the enemy with his M-16 rifle, Captain Szekely was mortally wounded. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the successful completion of his mission and the defeat of the enemy force. He appears to be the only Hungarian American whose tombstone uses Hungarian accented characters. When competing for an appointment to West Point, Representative John R. Foley, Sixth Maryland District, reported his selection from the large number of finalists with this remark: “Akos Szekely…the most unique, special, and outstanding student I ever appointed to the United States Military Academy.” He would go on to rank near the top in all of his academic courses and graduated number five in his class on 3 June 1964, and has been recognized as the highest ranking graduate of Hungarian ancestry from any of the United States Service Academies.
BURIED AT:
SECTION 62
GRAVE: 1326
Also on the Vietnam Memorial, "The Wall" at
Panel 44W, Line 31
Read more about him [here] and [here]

TEC5 Andrew Major
(b. Hungary 8/18/1921, d. 10/15/2004)
A preeminent textile pioneer and legend in the textile industry, fondly known as ''The King of the Mills.'' Born in Hungary and educated in Switzerland and England, he served in the US Army as a decorated veteran of the Pacific Theater. Born in Hungary in 1921, educated in Switzerland and England, served in the U.S. Army as a decorated veteran of the Pacific Theater.

As former president of Collins and Aikman Decorative Fabrics, he presided over the world's leading fabric group. He joined Mastercraft in 1946, became president in 1960, assumed ownership in 1969, and is responsible for the company's meteoric rise, which today provides employment for 3,500 and sales in excess of $350 million. The recipient of numerous industry and civic awards, including the first Lifetime Leadership Award from Dupont in 1995, which embodied his creativity, devotion and legendary status in the industry. In 2002 he received ''The Trailblazer Award'' and was inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame.

He will always be remembered for his wit, generosity and love of life. In lieu of flowers the family asked for contributions to the Andrew Major Scholarship Fund at Isothermal Community College, P.O. Box 804, 288 ICC Loop Road, Spindale, N.C. 28160.
BURIED AT:
COLUMBARIUM
COURT: 5
SECTION: 00
COLUMN: 10
NICHE: 6
Read more about him on Arlington Cemetery.net

Capt. Ödön Gurovits
(b. 1/21/1857, Budapest, d. 1/14/1902, Philippines)
Private, Corporal and Sergeant, Company C and Sergeant Major, 6th United States Infantry, 16 Mar 1880 to 22 October 1886, Second Lieuetnant, 11th United States Infantry, 22 October 1886, First Lieutenant, 12th United States Infantry, 15 December 1893, Transferred to 11th United States Infantry, 16 April 1894, Captain, 2 March 1899. Died in BayBay, Leyte, Philippines. His wife, Mary Brent Gurovits (1858-1929) is buried with him. BURIED AT:
SECTION: 21
GRAVE: 143

Major Nicholas Ferencz, III
(b. 1964, Cleveland, d. 9/11/2000)
US Marine Corps. Served in Desert Storm. A weapons systems officer with 7 years service, he and the pilot were tragically lost on September 11, 2000 as a result of a mid-air collision between two F/A-18D Hornets near Yuma, Arizona. Seen here is AHF's Lt. Col. Steve Vekony saluting Maj. Ferencz.
BURIED AT:
SECTION: MI
GRAVE: 22

CWO2 Alexander Ferencz
(7/19/1902 – 08/23/1975)
He served in the US Navy and was interred on 8/27/1975. He is buried with his wife, Emma.
BURIED AT:
SECTION 66
GRAVE: 3201

S/Sgt. George Alexander de Holczer
(11/23/14 – 07/25/2003)
Born in the US, his parents (Louis John de Holczer and Sarolta Anna Klára Putnoky de Holczer) and two siblings (Lászlo and József) were born in Hungary. All became US citizens. Served with the US Army Air Corps. During WWII.
COLUMBARIUM
SECTION: 6
SECTION: 00
COLUMN: 21
NICHE: 2

QM2 Steven Ganzberger
(b. 8/25/1924, d. 5/20/2011)
SILVER STAR
2 BRONZE STARS
US Navy in 1942-1945
Internment: 9/7/2011
Quartermaster 2nd Class Ganzberger enlisted in the Navy durign WWII in 1942, the day after his birthday. He would see action in the Pacific Theater aboard two different LCI’s (Landing Craft Infantry) and be on active duty for 36 straight months. By war’s end, he had been awarded 4 medals, 3 battle stars, 2 campaign bars, 2 ribbons, the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the Insignia for the Amphibious Forces, and Honor Guard responsibilities.
COURT: 8
SECTION: RR
COLUMN: 5
NICHE: 4

[Read his Memorial] by his loving Grandson, and AHF member, Zach Morris

STGSN Paul Ivány
(b. 3/27/1950, d. 10/24/2005)
US Navy in 1977-1979
Internment: 12/20/2005
COLUMBARIUM
COURT: 8
SECTION: G
COLUMN: 24
NICHE: 2

M Gy Sergeant Dale R Csizmadia
(b. 8/2/1951, d. 9/29/1998)
US Marine Corps. Interned on 10/8/1998
SECTION:66
GRAVE: 2474

Thomas C. Cseak, Sr.
RD3 US Navy
(11/23/1941 - 02/28/2004)
SECTION: 6-MM ROW 27 SITE 6

Maj. Francis Csutoros
(b. 9/26/1955, d. 1/23/1996)
US Marine Corps, interned 2/6/1996)

BURIED AT: SECTION 6-MM ROW 27 SITE 6

Attila Kovacs
(b. 10/25/1959, d. 11/11/2011)
Lance Corporal, US Marine Corps
Interned 3/19/2012
Attila Zoltan Kovacs, was born in Mansfield, Ohi. He was the son of Lajos and Mary (Lakatos) Kovacs. He served with the United States Marine Corp, the Army National Guard and the United States Army. He was very patriotic but was also extremely proud of his Hungarian heritage. He is survived by his parents, Lajos and Mary Kovacs; a daughter, Rikki (Brent) Kovacs; a granddaughter, Brianna Briggs; two sisters, Klara (Mark) King and Maria (David) Leu; and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives in Hungary.
COURT: N70
SECTION: C
COLUMN: 18
NICHE: 3

John Joseph Kovacs
(b. 12/21/1907, d. 4/27/2001)
Corporal, US Marine Corps
Interned 8/9/2001
COURT: 6
SECTION: U
COLUMN: 4
NICHE: 4

CW04 Michael Kovacs
(b. 10/28/1919, d. 4/24/2005)
Chief Warrant Officer 04, US Navy
Served in WWII and Korea
Interned 5/11/2005
SECTION: 66
GRAVE: 2494

CPL Stephen J. Kovacs
(b. 8/29/1922, d. 6/15/2008)
US Marine Corps
Interned 7/22/2008 and his wife, Roberta, on 11/12/1999
COURT: 5
SECTION: EE
COLUMN: 19
NICHE: 1

Capt. William Kovacs
(b. 2/21/1923, d. 9/7/1985)
US Navy
Interned 9/10/1985
SECTION: 50
GRAVE: 424

Did you know there are at least 9 Hungarian American recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor? Read more about Maj. General Asboth and other Hungarian American Military Heroes on The Hungary Page's "Nobel Prize Winners and Famous Hungarians" Military Section.

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