RINCON — James Sapp never stops giving.
During World War II, the 95-year-old Stilson native and longtime Rincon resident surrendered a safe job training Army recruits in Miami, Fla., to become a paratrooper. He spent 29 months overseas and saw many of his friends and commanders die during 371 days of combat in six countries.
On Saturday during a Historic Effingham Society banquet at Ebenezer Retreat Center, Sapp donated one of his Army shirts to the Effingham Living History Museum in Springfield. It sports markings from his 82nd Airborne regiment that make it unique. It is believed there isn’t another one like it in existence.
Sapp chose the Springfield museum for its permanent home over the one at Fort Bragg, N.C., site of the 82nd Airborne.
“I figured if I gave it to Effingham it would be right here at home for everybody to see,” Sapp said.
Sapp’s military medals and award include: the Bronze Star; Good Conduct Medal; Presidential Unit Emblem of European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with six stars; World War II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation Medal; Expert Combat Infantry Badge; Belgian Fourragere (an ornamental cord worn on the shoulder); Netherlands Orange Lanyard; Honorable Service Lapel Button; World War II Parachute Badge with three stars and the Bronze Arrowhead.