Harry Pappas

Harry was born on May 16, 1931 in Mytilene, the capital of the Greek island of Lesbos. His Mother (Savoula) and Father (Yiorgo) Spyrellis, a brother and a sister (all deceased). His wonderful Italian/Greek beautiful blue-eyed wife and cook, Lucia DiStefano Pappas (wife) still living and married 70 years and father of daughter, Dr. Savela Pappas, son, Steve Pappas (recently deceased) who was his personal Mr. Fix It and personal auto mechanic, and George. Harry had many interests…Avid gardener growing many vegetables and flowers, listening to Greek music for many hours, workouts at the gym religiously for four hours per day often beating men half his age in racquetball and laughing about it or easily teaching two Advanced Aerobics classes back-to-back – “No Slack” was his slogan, taking care of all his vintage vehicles, attending and chanting for the church he loved – the Augusta Greek Orthodox Church for many years. Harry was MSG Pappas and was retired military (Army) 30 years from Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was stationed all over the world including Italy, Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Austria to name a few. He fought in the Vietnam and Korean wars on the front line winning many military awards. His longest station was at Camp Darby, Italy (near Pisa) where he was Intelligence Specialist managing classified documents for the military. It didn’t hurt that there was an American beach for the military 200 meters from the house often attractive many Summer tourists each year. It was a dream and wonderful station for Harry and for the family.

He had no relatives in the United States except for wife and children. All other relatives live in Italy or Greece. Harry and the family are tri-lingual (English, Greek, Italian).

Harry had a bubbly personality and most who knew him, never forgot him. His last four years were spent at the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta, Georgia where he was very well liked by all the nurses and staff. We appreciate them and everything they do to honor our deserving war Veterans.

Harry came to the United States as a 16 year old boy with his Greek father (George) from Greece by ship – took two months to cross the ocean and arrive in America! Harry’s father, George, was in WWII and is buried in Biloxi, MS in the Veterans’ cemetery. The Augusta Historical Society has an interesting recorded video on Harry’s history. In 2010, a memoir was written by a high school Senior,

Eleni Chionakis, as a Veteran’s Day project. Below you will read a little about Harry’s journey to America like many immigrants wanting a better life. We will miss Harry. He lived a good life here in the United States. He loved America and this country.

In fact, he often stated “For those of you who do not like America…tell us where you want to go and pack your bags. We will send you there!” He loved this country and serving in the military with all his heart. Dad, you are no longer in pain. Give our love to brother, Steve, whom we miss so much. Just remember that GOD is in charge up there…not you! God Bless You!

With Love and Peace, Savela & Lucia

The Memoir of Harry Pappas, Master Sergeant (E8)

By: HS Senior, Eleni Chionakis, 2010 – Veteran’s Day Interview

On April 15, 1947, the USS Marine Corp ship departed from Pereas, Greece, where it would reach its destination at Ellis Island, New York in two months time. Down below, in the rocky cabins, a young boy and his father lay in deep deliberation. The boy, named Harry Pappas, was pondering his mother’s last words before parting, “My dear boy, go now and work hard, but when the time is right, you will come and see me in Germany.” Weeks passed, but the only change was the intensity of the cold, black waves as they violently pushed against the ship. Finally, along the horizon,

Harry spied a mass of land and rushed to tell his father. The distance shortened within the hours and Harry stared with awe at the immeasurable buildings. His father directed his sight to a glorious, towering statue of a woman. In a hushed voice, thick with his Greek accent, he whispered in the boy’s ear, “America, this is the land of the free and a country full of opportunities. You will grow to love and respect it as your own. Serve it well and it will provide for your needs.”

A couple of days passed and the two finally resigned in Crowley, Louisiana where they lived with an old friend. Harry worked in a Greek restaurant called Sam’s Café as a cook. He could not speak English very well, but was anxious to learn and excelled very quickly. The six months after emigrating from Greece rapidly passed. Alas, his father grew very ill and one dark night he breathed his last words, “You have made me proud.” With his heart sore and nothing worth striving for, Harry and two of his friends decided to join the Army.

Harry effortlessly passed the exams to enter the Armed Forces. He was sent to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and took eight weeks of basic training, with an additional eight weeks of Advance Individual Training. Harry’s secret desire was to be sent to Germany because he had not seen his mother in five years. His hope was deteriorated when the Korean War broke out in 1951. Harry was terrified because of his lack of experience in war and instantly he felt ashamed for his desires and not giving proper respect to his country.

When the Korean War finally ended, Harry honorably accepted his decorations. He accepted the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean National Defense Metal, and the United Nations Metal with nine battle stars. Shortly after that, he bought his first car, a 1957 Chevrolet Belier. He seized his opportunity and was sent to take a tour to Germany and also was able to take an eleven month annual leave to see his family. After the completion of his tour in Germany, he was sent back to the United States.

In 1969, Harry served one year when the Vietnam War erupted. He felt like an inexperienced new comer again as he watched, horrified, as his fellow soldiers died. Harry never fully recovered from the ghastly sights of the war. He received his second Combat Infantry Badge award with eight battle stars and the Vietnam National Defense award. After Vietnam, he went on many overseas assignments such as Japan, Italy, and Austria, until Austria became neutral. While serving in Italy, he met his wife, Lucia, and got married in Venice.

Harry Pappas sits adjacent to me in the Greek Orthodox Church with his eyes closed, digging into his past and recounting many memories. He proudly tells me about how his son also served twenty years in the Army. He also contently recounts his time being an ambassador for the US and regretfully retired from the civil service in 1991. I quietly ask him one last question before I end my interview. I ask, “Are you glad you joined the Army?” Without hesitation, he replies, “I could not think of how my life would be right now, if not for my experiences and the many morals I have learned. I joined the Army half desperate to get away from everything, but I got way more out of it than I ever anticipated. Yes, I am glad I joined the Army and I feel like I have given back a little something to America.”

A Funeral Service will be held at Greek Orthodox Church in Augusta, GA, on June 1, 2026, at 3:00 pm.