Obituary for Jack Polak

Life Story for Jack Polak

Hi. Jack was one of our Uncles on our Dad’s side of the family, and my brother (Steve Polak) and myself (Mike Polak), would like to share some fond memories of our Uncle Jack. For those that don’t know, Jack and his brother Joe are twins but you wouldn’t know it looking at them, and their birthday is in May.  This year Jack was going to be 97 which is a major accomplishment for anyone, but especially due to what he and Joe experienced in WWII.    He had a great life and was a mentor in a lot of ways. 

Jack was part of the D-Day Invasion on June 6, 1944, saw heavy combat through France, fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium in December 1944, worked their (Joe & Jack were together since D-Day) way back through France, and then into Germany during the final days of the war.  There, they both experienced heavy door-to-door fighting, of what remained of the German Army.     They were both awarded a number of medals, including the Bronze Star for Bravery, which is the 3rd highest Medal awarded for Bravery next to the Silver Star and Medal of Honor.   

Another little known fact about Jack was his love for Hand Ball, which is really Racket Ball without using a racket.  But, he was a tough guy.   He belonged to the San Diego Men’s Club, and entered a number of tournaments and did quite well.  In fact he did so well, that he won 1st Place in the AAU National Championships in San Diego in 1955, qualified for a run at the Olympics, but was eliminated in the semi-finals.   He worked for the US Government for 30 years, was an avid USC Fan, but overall he was just one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, and a fun Uncle to be around.

So, let’s remember Uncle Jack for being a true Patriot fighting for this Country, a Big USC Fan, and just a great Uncle and Friend. Keep “Fighting On” Uncle Jack.

Mike & Steve