Antonin Rezac, 92, of Germany passed away Friday, November 15, 2024.

Born Oct. 11, 1932, Rezac initially was drafted into the Czech Army, where he served from July 1952 to July 1955 and was a second lieutenant.

In 1955, Rezac defected to West Germany where he enlisted in September 1956 in the U.S. Regular Army in Heidelberg, Germany, under the Lodge Act, requiring five years of service.

The Lodge Act provided for the enlistment in the Regular Army of 12,500 male aliens and for their naturalization upon completion of five years of honorable military service. The Army was able to use their special talents, especially in the area of linguistics, to aid missions.

After completing his service, Rezac applied for naturalized citizenship to the United States, which was issued May 4, 1967.
Serving as a linguist throughout his Army career, Rezac spoke Czech, German, Russian and Polish. He is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who retired as a staff sergeant in January 1977.

He served in units at Fort Jackson, Fort Benning, Fort Hood, Fort Rucker, three tours in Germany, two non-combat tours in Korea and one combat tour in Vietnam, supporting medical companies, surgical hospitals, the 145th Aviation Battalion, 62nd and 21st Artillery Regiments, and 3rd Armor Division, in positions ranging from ambulance driver, security guard, wardmaster, clinic specialist and Senior Ward NCO.

He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medals (6) and National Defense Service Medal.

After retiring from the Army, Antonin returned to Germany, where he lived a quiet but fulfilling life. Despite being disabled because of injuries sustained during his active duty service, Antonin remained active and engaged, enjoying daily walks in the German woods and spending time with his friends in the Rhineland-Pfalz community. He was particularly fond of playing board games and cards, and his friends will remember him for his sharp mind and quick wit.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 9:30 AM, Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.