Dale Harlan Sacia, 90, of Allison Park passed away Wednesday after a recent struggle with cancer.

Dale was born May 23, 1925, to Zoe Overholt and William I. Sacia.

He grew up in Detroit, Mich., and was drafted into the U.S. Army when he turned 18. After basic training, he volunteered to become a paratrooper in the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment at the urging of, and to stay close to, a buddy — although during training they ended up getting separated anyway.

He was involved in a number of combat missions in the Pacific Theatre, some of which we will probably never know the details. However, one of the most daring and profound operations that he participated in has been well documented, even made into a movie.

On Feb. 23, 1945, Dale and his comrades landed deep behind enemy lines at night to connect with Filipino guerrillas and work by stealth to liberate a Japanese held prisoner of war camp. More than 2,100 prisoners were freed from Los Banos without casualties from their almost certain execution at the hands of their Imperial Guards as Japan faced its coming overall defeat.

Dale was part of the evolution of the army's development of what are now called Special Forces, soldiers of the highest caliber, who complete dangerous rescues and other missions.

He attained the rank of staff sergeant and earned a bronze star in addition to a Purple Heart, after being wounded by shrapnel from an enemy grenade. .

After returning home from the war, he attended and graduated from Michigan State College. He initially became a sixth grade teacher, but eventually joined the General Electric Co. working for it for more than 30 years.

In addition to doting on his family, Dale enjoyed fishing, golf, chess, reading, music and managing and maintaining their in-ground pool.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Bonnie Sacia. He leaves behind a loving family legacy.

He was a devoted father by their late mother, Joan, to William (Karen) Sacia, Jenee (Dave) Robbins, Marie (Milton) Hill; and stepfather to Philip (Tomasann) Miller, Gina (Stephen) Beneke and Daniel Miller (deceased.)

He was a treasured grandfather of Ryan and Megan Sacia, Amber and Brianna Robbins, April Hill, Andrew, Kenneth, Joshuah (Kelli), Shatara and Porsche Beneke; and cherished great-grandfather of Lillian, Ariella and Promise Barber, Aniyah Williams, and Chaya Encinas.

SACIA — There will be no public visitation for Dale Harlan Sacia, who died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015.A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Pittsburgh Oratory, Ryan Catholic Newman Center, Oakland, Pa.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Pittsburgh Oratory, Ryan Catholic Newman Center, 4450 Bayard St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.Arrangements are being handled by the Neely Funeral Home, Glenshaw.Please visit us at neelyfuneralhome.com.