Decorated WWII, Korean War medic laid to rest

Staff Sgt. Tony Singer interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

SAN ANTONIO – An Army medic who is credited with saving many lives in two American wars was laid to rest Monday at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. 

Staff Sgt. Tony Singer, 91, served in World War II and the Korean War with honor, receiving five Bronze Stars and the WWII Victory Medal.

He was among the Army medics who swept in after the storming of the beach at Normandy to rescue and treat the hordes of wounded in that historic battle.

Frank Singer, who is also a decorated veteran, said of his father, "He would say, 'Every day above ground was a good day. Enjoy what you have and don't dwell on the past.'"  

He said his father talked sparingly about his experiences during wartime, noting that he had seen some of the worst of battles. 

Tony Singer's daughter, Ann Garcia, said growing up, they didn't realize how many lives he saved, but it did have an impact at home.   

"I asked him, 'Dad, which was the worst being where you were at?' [He said] Korea. We practically froze," said Garcia. "You could hear crying coming from his dreams and my mom would have to wake him up and say, 'Hey, you're OK. You're OK. You're here at home.'"

Garcia described how Tony Singer's service as a medic created a familywide tradition.  

"My son, he was in the Marine Corps. My nephew (is) in the Army. It just keeps on down the line. He instilled that," she said. 

His dedication to helping others in medical need continued after he retired from the Army.  

"I remember one time there was an accident. A little girl fell off a car. He just stopped jumped out and helped her. That's just the kind of guy he was. That medic training never left him. Never left him," said Garcia.

Tony Singer was preceded in death by his wife, Lydia. He is survived by two daughters and three sons, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery after a funeral mass at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.


About the Author:

Ursula Pari has been a staple of television news in Texas at KSAT 12 News since 1996 and a veteran of broadcast journalism for more than 30 years.