Dan H. Bagwell

Dan H. Bagwell, 96, passed away Friday, December 21, 2018 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital. A native of Henderson County, he resided in Buncombe County most of his life. He was a son of the late Thomas Stanhope Bagwell and Grace Nancy Spivey Bagwell. He was also preceded in death by his sisters: Lillie Mae Bagwell, Eldeva Merrill, and Ramona Mercer. Mr. Bagwell was formerly employed with Sayles Bleachery before joining the U.S. Army. Private Dan H. Bagwell of Brickton (Buncombe Co, NC)was drafted into WWII on October 12, 1942 and completed basic training at Camp Croft, SC. Then completed advanced training as a Tank Driver in Kentucky. Participated in the liberation of North Africa in the US Army VI Corps under General Mark Clark. Pvt Bagwell as a M10 (Tank Destroyer) driver fought across Sicily then received a Bronze Star for action during the January 22 May 1944 Battle of Anzio. Afterwards was with Allied Forces in the liberation of Rome. In June, 1944 in heavy fighting in the mountainous regions outside of Rome Pvt Bagwell was severely injured during an attack by German Mark VI Tiger tanks. After extended hospitalization in Europe, Pvt Bagwell, returned to the United States in August of 1944 where he was honorably discharged and retired from the US Army but continued many years of medical treatment. He earned battle ribbons in Africa / Middle Eastern and European Theaters as well as the Bronze Star. We are forever in the debt of thanks for the action and bravery of our WWII Veterans. Liberty and freedom came at great cost and for Dan, he can finally rest in peace free from the memories of war. Surviving are his sisters: Lou Hager of Statesville, and Bertha Dellinger and husband Jim Dellinger, MD of Asheville; brother, Jack Bagwell and wife, Gloria of Fairview; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 12 PM Thursday, December 27, 2018, in the chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with Rev. Leah Brown officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the North Carolina National Guard Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Bagwell to: Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or online at: www.woundedwarriorproject.org