Remembering World War II veteran, Maj. Jim Rogan

James “Jim” Rogan, a US Marine who fought in several Second World War campaigns and later served in the Army, has died aged 101, surrounded by family. His life included dangerous service at Okinawa and Guam, followed by a long military career, and his story offers a personal account of the sacrifices made by those who served.

Rogan joined the Marines at 17 and survived the Battle of Okinawa, where 12,520 Americans were killed, as well as a near miss during the assault on Guam. After the war he served in China, guarded Nazi prisoners at Spandau prison and served in Korea, Japan, the 7th Cavalry Regiment and the 82nd Airborne Division, retiring as a major. He later worked at a bank, had four children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and was the article author’s grandfather.