Yosef Hagual, Whose Story Inspired 'The Medic's Ballad,' Dies at 75
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Yosef Hagual, wounded in the Six-Day War, has died.
- His story is linked to the song "The Medic's Ballad."
- Medic Shlomo Epstein died shielding Hagual during battle.
- Hagual recovered and served in reserves until 75.
Yosef Hagual, an Israeli who was wounded in the Battle for Jerusalem during the Six-Day War and whose story became linked to the song "The Medic's Ballad," has died. Hagual was injured during the fighting for Jerusalem as his unit advanced eastward. Medic Shlomo Epstein came to his aid under heavy fire. As Epstein treated Hagual, Jordanian forces began shelling the area. Hagual recounted in a past interview that Epstein refused to leave him, shielding him with his body. A shell exploded nearby, and Hagual was covered in blood, later realizing most of it was Epstein's. Epstein died from his wounds after protecting Hagual.
The song "The Medic's Ballad" was not originally written about Hagual and Epstein's experience. After the war, when their story became known, lyrics written by Dan Almagor were set to music by Efi Netzer, and Hagual and Epstein's tale became associated with the song.
Hagual recovered from his injuries and continued to volunteer for IDF reserve duty for many years. At age 75, he held the rank of Rav-Nagad (Sergeant Major) as the longest-serving reservist in the infantry corps. He stated at the time that he remained active as long as he was accepted for service.
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