Eugene Makowski

“I couldn’t have done anything greater with my life.” Those were the words of Eugene Makowski during the last year of his life. Because he was someone who didn’t complain, who didn’t see life as unfair, who didn’t talk about his challenges, and who didn’t talk about his accomplishments, some might question if his military service was worth it. He never questioned it.

He rarely shared his story, so he lived his life without his family knowing his accomplishments or his pain.

Eugene was a soldier. No other word can replace or complement that role. In college he joined the Pershing Rifles, a premilitary fraternity. After graduating from De Paul University and completing four years of ROTC, Eugene entered the US Army as a second lieutenant. His first assignment was near the DMZ in Korea. After returning to the States, Eugene volunteered for Vietnam and the Green Berets. In Vietnam he was a member of Mike Force working with South Vietnamese Special Forces.

Eugene was involved in several horrific encounters during his time in Vietnam. At Lang Vei, Eugene’s radio man was either captured or killed. He is still listed as MIA. Eugene displayed a picture of the two of them on his wall.

At Ngok Tavak, a pilot, after evacuating the wounded, returned under heavy fire. The helicopter could hold ten. There were 13 still alive. Although the pilot questioned if he could lift the chopper, he was determined to save the remaining troops. “Thrown overboard were two machine guns, ammunition, protective vests, fire extinguishers, floorboards and even the co-pilot’s helmet.” Men were down to their skivvies. According to the pilot: “I [said] load everyone since no one was coming back. I dumped nearly all remaining fuel…. The rotor turns dropped below 80 percent. The warning lights in the control panel flashed repeatedly.” They soon had another problem: not enough fuel. They were able to land at another airstrip, take on fuel, and complete the extraction.

Eugene was returned to Kham Duc to be involved in another bloody battle.

One of his proudest accomplishments was his involvement in Desert Storm. He and another officer coordinated movement of equipment and supplies for the entire conflict. He worked 13-hour days 7 days a week.

He continued in Special Forces for his entire career. His last assignment was in Army intelligence at Ft. McPherson in Georgia. During his service, he was recognized with the Legion of Merit twice, several oak clusters, and a bronze star.

Because of his many combat jumps, over 50, and developing early-onset Parkinson’s Disease, attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange, Eugene retired in 1992 as a lieutenant colonel.

For the next 30 years he endured multiple back surgeries and complications of Parkinson’s. He had a long debilitating end of life. Yet he never complained or felt sorry for himself.

Eugene was quiet, not noticeably athletic, non-drinker, non-smoker—not the kind of a person someone thinks of in Special Forces. But according to written comments found from fellow officers, he had other characteristics that made him an admired commanding officer: he worked hard, took care of his troops, was extremely loyal to his country, and did everything he could to ensure the mission's success.

Recently he received an email from someone who had been under his command. He thanked Eugene for his leadership and told him of his son completing Rangers training. He added that he hoped that his son could be the type of officer Eugene was.

After he retired, Eugene began adopting golden labs. He welcomed into his home the dogs few wanted; old, often abused, and always needing medical care.

Eugene was born in Chicago to Edward and Virginia (Jarocki) Makowski, on April 22, 1943. He died in the hospice unit at the VA Hospital in Madison, WI on April 27, 2022. He was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on August 19, 2022.

He is survived by his sister and her husband, Darlene and Darrell Pofahl of Onalaska, WI; his brother and his wife, Richard Makowski and Luanne Nystrom of Chicago; his niece and her husband, Amy Pofahl Brody and Victor Brody of Brooklyn NY; and his nephew and his wife, Benjamin Pofahl and Ellen Guettler of Minneapolis. He is also survived by his great niece Elsa Brody and great nephews Odin Pofahl and Emil Pofahl.

We welcome you to share your memories here on Eugene's tribute wall.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434