MARLBOROUGH – In June 2024, more than a century after he entered the military, James Gagas’s cousins Michael and John Gagas received the Medal of Liberty award for his service and death during World War I. James Gagas was their grandfather’s cousin.
Gagas was born in Zaupanion, Greece and he came to America in 1914. He worked at the Curtis Factory and was also a member of the Young Men’s Civics League. He lived on Neil Street with his brother Cosmos.
Gagas joined the army in April 1917. Joining the army would make citizenship available to him. He was in Company G, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division. On October 8, 1917 he was shipped to France. While in France at the Battle of St. Mihiel, he was gassed and later died on September 15,1918 at the age of 24. He was temporarily laid to rest in Marcheville and then permanently buried in St. Mihiel American Cemetery in Thiaucourt, France.
Gagas left behind his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stergis Gagas of Zaupanion, Greece, along with two brothers in Greece and his brother Cosmos, who had returned to fight in the Greek army. He also left behind a cousin, Andrew I’allos of Florence Street, Marlborough.
Recently, David Bauer, a resident of Sudbury (formerly of France) visited the American cemeteries in France and came upon his grave. David contacted the family of James Gagas, Michael and his wife Gail, and John and his wife Connie and brought them pictures of the grave and told them about the location. The American Cemeteries are well taken care of, as France honors the American soldiers who died during liberation.
The Greek immigrants from Marlborough served our country in both World Wars. On the front of the St. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox church on Central Street are listed the men who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
As we celebrate Veterans Day in November, let us honor the memory of men and women from Marlborough like James Gagas who served their country faithfully.
