Yosef Haguell, the wounded soldier from 'Ballad for a Medic', passed away at age 80

Yosef Haguell, who was wounded in the Six-Day War and saved by medic Shlomo Epstein who shielded him with his body, passed away at age 80. The story of heroism became the song "Ballad for a Medic" performed by Yehoram Gaon. Haguell died at home while serving in reserve duty.

Yosef Haguell, who was seriously wounded in the Six-Day War and saved by the heroism of company medic Shlomo Epstein, passed away yesterday (Saturday) at the age of 80. Haguell died at home while serving in reserve duty with the 55th Paratroopers Brigade. During the Six-Day War, Haguell fought in Battalion 28 of the Paratroopers Brigade in a battle against the Jordanian Legion in East Jerusalem. He was severely wounded, and Epstein treated him under fire. When mortar shells were fired at them, Epstein shielded Haguell with his body to protect him and was killed instantly by a direct hit. For this act of heroism, Epstein was awarded the Medal of Valor. Haguell named his eldest son Shlomo, after the medic who saved his life. The story of heroism became the song "Ballad for a Medic" performed by Yehoram Gaon, which won first place at the Song and Chorus Festival in 1969. The song, written by Dan Almagor and composed by Efi Netzer, resembles several real events. After the war, bereaved families found it difficult to listen to the song, and Epstein's parents requested it not be played on the radio. For years, the song was not played except on Memorial Day. Over time, it became one of Gaon's most beloved songs.