Death Notices

Korean War Educator
c/o Lynnita Jean Brown
111 E. Houghton St.
Tuscola, IL 61953
217-253-4620
Email: lynnita@koreanwar-educator.org

Most recent updates (date at left is date notice was posted on KWE):

February 29, 2010 - Donald  E. Oschwald
January 09, 2010 - Meade Charles Bridgman
December 07, 2009 - John B. Alt
November 15, 2009 - Morton "Pete" Wood (died 8/10/2009)
November 01, 2009 - John G. Kendrick (died 3/10/2009)

Death Notices

| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | Mc | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |

Alati, Sgt Nicholas V.
 

During the Korean War, Nicholas Alati participated in the assault and seizure of Inchon in September 1950, capture and secure Seoul in October 1950, the Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin Campaign in North Korea from October to December, 1950 and operations against enemy forces in South and Central Korea from December, 1950 to September, 1951.

Sergeant Alatl was an 1833 AMTRAC Crewman.  He was also a member of the "Chosin Few" group.

His decorations included the Presidential Unit Citation with star, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Medal with "Europe" Clasp, Korean Service Medal with three stars and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

My late father is my hero.  He passed away with all his nine children and his wife at his side, at home April 27, 2007. His liver failed from years of meds due to the affects of frost bite and the Chosin reservoir.

Nicholas Alati, Jr.

Allen, Otis Day

Allen, Otis Day
CMSGT, US Air Force
World War II, Korea, Vietnam

Born 12/19/1927
Died 12/11/1998
Buried at Greenlawn Cemetery, Waycross, GA

My name is Rodney Allen. My father, Otis Day Allen, served in World War 2, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was in the Civil Engineering group, US Air Force. Dad passed away December 11, 1998 after a three-year long battle with cancer of the esophagus. He was a very proud man and was loved by his nine children and twenty-one grandchildren. He tried to give us the best life he could growing up as Air Force brats. I miss him very much. I wish he was still here so we could surf the net together and look for some of the fellow soldiers that used to work for him. He talked of his times in the military often and I loved to listen to him.

I love you, Dad, and know I will see you in Heaven. Thank you for the fighting for my freedom and a better way of life. - Sincerely, Rodney

Alt, John B.

John B. Alt, 83, of Cleona died Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. He was the husband of Anna M. Funk Alt, with whom he celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this past June.

John was born in Philadelphia on June 12, 1926. He enlisted in the United States Navy on June 22, 1943, and served as an electricians mate and gunner aboard the U.S.S. Hunt destroyer (DD-674) during World War II from September 1943 to July 1945, assigned to the 5th Fleet's Task Force 58 and 3rd Fleet's Task Force 38. The U.S.S. Hunt engaged the enemy on numerous occasions, including the invasion of the Marshall Islands, bombardment of Truk Atoll, invasion of the Marianas, battle of the Philippine Sea, battle of Peleliu, landings at Leyte Gulf and the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He helped rescue 422 survivors from the stricken aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin, then protected the ship from further attack. On April 14, 1945 the U.S.S. Hunt was struck and heavily damaged by a kamikaze while on picket duty during the battle for Okinawa.  A second kamikaze was shot down before it could reach the ship. The U.S.S. Hunt returned to San Francisco in July 1945.

John B. Alt separated from the U.S. Navy on March 12, 1946, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 23, 1946. He served in the U.S. occupation forces in Japan from May 15, 1947 to May 10, 1949 as the Palace guard in Tokyo. After Japan he spent a short tour of duty at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

He then served three combat tours of duty in the Korean War from the fall of 1950 thru 1953. After helping capture the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, his infantry unit spearheaded the deepest U.S. forces penetration towards the Chinese border by capturing the town of Sonchon 17 miles south of the Yalu River (the North Korean/Chinese border). A combat after action report indicated: "Corporal John B. Alt, a squad leader of the 3rd Platoon, Company "B", 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, distinguished himself and showed extraordinary heroism on July 14th 1951. As his squad moved out into the attack they were hit by a tremendous artillery barrage. One of these rounds fell in the midst of his squad, killing two men and wounding several others. Despite a heavy machine gun cross-fire and a continuous artillery barrage, Corporal Alt, in the face of almost certain death, single handedly pulled his men to a relative position of safety from which they could be evacuated. This deed was even more remarkable when one considers that Corporal Alt was wounded himself. After this was accomplished he proceeded with the remainder of his squad into the attack. When the initial objective was reached, Corporal Alt was ordered to the aid station. Despite his protests, he left the squad. The following day Corporal Alt voluntarily returned to his squad. In a renewed attack upon the enemy he raced forward completely exposed and tossed several grenades into the enemy bunkers, killing many of the enemy. He followed this up by advancing to the next bunker, wiping out many more enemy soldiers with M-1 rifle fire. Corporal Alt's inspiring leadership and courage spurred the men to fight valiantly against a numerically superior enemy." He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in this action.

He married the former Anna Mary Funk of Cleona on June 12, 1954. He was stationed at numerous posts in the United States, including Battle Creek Michigan; Wilmington, Delaware; Seaford, Delaware; and Fort Indiantown Gap. John B. Alt spent three years assigned to Fort Amador, Panama from 1963-1966.He retired as a Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis Washington on June 1, 1970.

His awards and decorations include: Silver Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Korean Service Medal (with 1 silver star and 2 bronze stars), Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal (with 5 oak leaf clusters), United Nations Service Medal, Philippines Independence Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Occupational Medal (Japan), Pacific Theater Ribbon (with 5 stars), American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Philippines Liberation Ribbon (with 2 stars).

After retirement from the Army he returned to Lebanon, Pennsylvania where he was an avid boater, fisherman, hunter, and scuba diver. He also enjoyed traveling and camping.

He is among the last of a generation who saved our country as they risked everything on our behalf. The United States, and our way of life, would not exist today if not for the actions of such men.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons: John 'Jack' W. Alt of Palmyra, Jody Alt, husband of Gina of Mary Esther, FL, and Jeffrey Alt, husband of Karuna of Niceville, FL; one daughter, Susan J. Alt Seyfert, wife of Allen Seyfert of Myerstown; six grandchildren, Jack Alt, Scott, Bradley and Deanna Seyfert, Thomas and Alyssa Alt; and three great-grandchildren, Rachel and Jenna Alt and Gage Seyfert.

Funeral services were held Monday, November 30, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. from the Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, 618 E. Main St. Annville. Interment took place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with full military honors. Viewing was held one hour prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Lebanon VA Hospital in c/o Hospice, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave. Lebanon, PA 17042.

Amadon, Dale H.

My name is Diane Seelman. My father Dale H. Amadon serve in the Korean War. He passed away on October 26,1997 after surgery and then a stroke he suffered at the hospital. He was 71 years old. He had 3 grandchildren. I am his oldest and then there is my bother Dale Jr. Dad was a very proud man and is missed so much. Just thought I would write in to let the Vets know he thought of them often and told us countless stories of things that happened. We miss the stories and wish we could hear more. Thank you so much.

Sincerely,
The children of Dale H. Amadon

Anderson, Willie Edward

Our daddy was a Korean War veteran - 3 bronze stars - US Army, honorably discharged in 1952. He died on Friday, March 15, 2002. He was from Swainsboro, GA. His name was Willie Edward Anderson, and was 71 at his death. He attended a Korean War veteran reunion in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina a couple of years before he died. He had a wonderful time. Thank you to all of those who made him feel so special. We really miss him. He was a wonderful American. Sadly, his 3 bronze stars and all the Korean Service medal, etc. arrived the week after he died - so he never got to see them after waiting on them for years.

[Submitted by his daughters, Joy and Sherry.]

Andrews, Carrol

Carrol Andrews, 73, Murdo, SD, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo, followed by a Masonic and Eastern Star service there at 7.  Memorial services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo, followed by burial at the Murdo City Cemetery.  The Isburg-Hofmeister Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Carrol Andrews was born Dec. 23, 1929, to Henry A. and Gladys Rheba (Ike) Andrews in Gregory. The family lived at the Butterfield Ranch southwest of Wood until 1935 when Carrol started grade school in Wood. In 1942 he moved with his family to White River and graduated from high school there in 1948.  Following his graduation he took over his father’s mail route until 1951 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., then was sent to serve in Korea from June 1951 to June 1952. Carrol was discharged from the service in October 1952.

When he returned home, he resumed working the mail route. He married Beverly Brooks on April 19, 1953, and they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Carrol continued the mail route until September 1959 when he purchased the Mobil Station and owned it through 1962. He joined the state highway department in 1963 and worked there until his retirement 25 years later.  He took some time to enjoy retirement before working part-time for the county highway department until 2002.

Carrol and Bev enjoyed motorcycle riding and took numerous trips with their family and friends through the years. He also enjoyed woodworking, reading and working with heavy equipment. He was a ham radio operator, which allowed him to visit with people all over the world.

He is survived by his wife Beverly of Murdo; two sons, Thomas Andrews and his wife Robin of Murdo and Richard Andrews of Belleville, Wash.; six grandchildren; and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Orvis; and an infant sister.

[Posted by Robin Andrews.  Should anyone out there know of Carrol Andrews and his time served, the family would love to hear from them.
E-mail trandrews@wcenet.com.]

Atencio, Joe

Joe Atencio of Oklahoma died on August 23, 2005 and was buried in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, Oklahoma.   Mr. Atencio owned a used auto dealership called Big Joe's Auto Sales.

Jose "Joe" Atencio was born on September 19, 1930 and grew up in Dixon, New Mexico.  He was wounded in action in Korea in 1952 and was treated for his wounds in Brooke Army Hospital.  He was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze medals.  He married Marcella Nadine Austin on May 18, 1966.  When his wife became ill with Alzheimer's Disease, he cared for her until her death in 2002.  He was also pre-deceased by two children.  He is survived by one daughter, Jolena Moore, one adopted daughter, six stepchildren, a sister Mary Gonzales, and two brothers David and Herman Atencio.

He was a wonderful man who fought so hard for this country as all of the men here did and was severely injured in the process. I now have his Purple Heart and other medals and look at them often. I miss him and his stories.  He was a wonderful, caring, giving man but most of all, he was honorable. This is a very hard trait to find. If anyone remembers him and wants to contact me, please call me at 405-455-1194. Thank you, Jolena

Baldovi, Louis

Louis Baldovi, 74, died July 9, 2006 in Honolulu.  Born in Kahului, Maui and raised in Haiku, he lived in Kane'ohe at the time of his death.  He is survived by wife Valerie; children Elise Karr, Renee Nani, Michele Andrea and Joshua and Keoni Baldovi; brothers and sisters Ramona Aguirre and James and Sylvestre Baldovi and Jane Nikaido, Mary Ayres and Rita Nordquist; and two grandchildren.

While studying at Maui Technical, Baldovi was drafted into the Army.  He served as a rifleman with the 45th Infantry Division in Korea in 1952 and reenlisted in 1953, serving as a drill sergeant at Schofield Barracks.  He was a school teacher and retired principal of Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School in 1985.  In 1989 he revisited Korea as a guest of the South Korean government.  He and others then founded the Korean War Veterans Association of Hawaii.  He was the editor of "A Foxhole View: Personal Accounts of Hawaii's Korean War Veterans" and he was instrumental in creating the Korean and Vietnam War memorials on the State Capitol grounds in Hawaii.

Baldwin, Donald Robert

Donald Robert Baldwin, 71, died February 23, 2002, in Arizona.  Don served in the US Navy during the Korean War from January 13, 1948 to January 4, 1952.  Service vessels: USS Titania (AKA-13) and USS Seminole (AKA-101).  He was a Boatswain's Mate Third Class. He is buried in Riverside National Cemetery.

Ballou, Norman Lee

Norman Lee Ballou was born December 10, 1931 and died in June of 1987. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Essex.  He returned to Detroit, Michigan, where he married and had six children.  He completed his education, obtaining a Masters in Education from Wayne State University. He worked at Detroit Public Schools until 1977, when he moved to Waterford Public Schools.  There he rose to the position of Assistant Principal at Waterford Mott High School,  He was still at this school at the time of his death from cancer. He has an adopted son, three sons, a daughter, one step-daughter, and 10 grandchildren. He is survived by his second wife Elaine, and five of the six aforementioned children.

Ballou, Stuart L.

Stu Ballou died at 09:30 a.m.,  February 8, 2008, in Missouri.

To my friend and family: We will be having a memorial service celebrating Stu's life, on Saturday, February 16 starting at 1:00 p.m., with a family and friends visitation at noon. The Service will be held at Hutchens Mortuary, 675 Graham Road, Florissant, Mo. 63031. He is being cremated, and in lieu of flowers, we would appreciate any memorials be sent in the form of a donation to the St. Louis Veterans Home Committee, 10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63136. - Mollie

STUART L. BALLOU
AUGUST 29, 1927 - FEBRUARY 8, 2008
Wonderful, Humble, Caring, Supportive
Husband to Mollie and Dad to Doug and Brian
and Grandpa to Lyndsey and Matthew
Florissant Veteran of the Year 2007
AND
State Commander for the Korean War Vets
He is Blessed to be in God's Hands
and NOT suffering, but looking
upon ALL of us now, because
he has a big heart and cares
about everybody.
Always has and Always will
We will miss you DAD
(Brian Ballou)

Bernard, Carl Franklin

Obituary:
Col. Carl F. Bernard (USA Ret.), 81, died at his home at Fort Belvoir on March 4, 2008.  A decorated combat veteran, he died of a stroke.  He was born in 1926 in Borger, Texas.  Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Edith Jouanin Bernard; sons Hugh Bernard of Annapolis, Joel Bernard of Alexandria, and Jacques Bernard of Vienna; daughter Mary Bernard Santos of Jacksonville, Florida; five grandchildren; and a sister and five brothers.

He joined the Marine Corps in 1944 and served in the Pacific and china as an enlisted man.  He joined the Army in 1947.  In 1948 he was made an honorary member of the 555th, an African American parachute regiment known as "Triple Nickel."  He was commissioned an infantry officer in 1949.

At the outbreak of the Korean War, he was a platoon leader with L Company, 21st Infantry, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross for action at Chochiwon, Korea.  The citation said, "Lieutenant Bernard's aggressive attacks on the enemy tanks and machine-gun emplacement inspired the outnumbered men of his command to fight with him, until out of ammunition, against overwhelming odds."

After Korea, his military career took him to Germany, Ranger School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.  He also helped develop the curriculum at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

In 1960 he was assigned to Laos as part of the White Star Mobile Training Teams.  Colonel Bernard In 1972 he was assigned the task of restructuring the Army ROTC program at the University of California at Berkeley.  He retired from the Army in 1978, after which he ran a consulting firm that specialized in Army readiness and U.S./French military relations.

Comments from Volney Warner (life member 24th Infantry Division Association)
"I lost a warrior friend yesterday. Carl Bernard died comfortably in his bed reading a book on Korea. Synopsis of our early association follows, as done for his children and in preparation for my eulogy at his funeral. Carl was indeed the bravest combat soldier that I have ever known and a dear friend for many years worth remembering. Great men also die! - Vol Warner

Korea -
I reported in to L Company, 21st Infantry as a replacement 2nd Lieutenant fresh out of West Point at the end August 1950. Carl had already distinguished himself in battle in July as one of the few survivors of Task Force Smith. As 1st Lieutenant Company Exec, Carl was now tasked with fitting me and several of my classmates into the remnants of Task Force Smith, then holding a section of the Naktong Perimeter. Carl took one look at the lot of us and remarked, "The war is over.  The ring knockers are here."  We called him "Peep Sight" because he had broken his glasses and refused to go to the rear to get another pair. Instead, he put a thin strip of white tape across the offending lens, which obscured his vision but improved his aim.

As for weaponry, he often carried a .45 with one round in the chamber as alternative to capture.  He wore a bedraggled World War II wool knit cap and sweater which he claimed, as did the Ghost Dancing Sioux before him, to be "magically bullet proofed." No bullet would ever have his name on it as long as he was so garbed. The Division MP's fined him 25 dollars in the rear area for failure to wear a steel pot, but it took an order from Ridgeway to get him to comply. Those soldiers who survived the initial North Korean onslaught with him worshipped the ground he fought on and the rest of us loved him for what he was and would follow him anywhere. The company lost about 200 soldiers mostly killed/captured and some were wounded from July 1950 to July 1951.

When Carl was sent to the rear for a break as an L-19 observer, he continued to keep track of us on the ground like an overhead mother. When the going got tough on the ground, he came forward to join the fight, even once arriving in a "borrowed" armored vehicle for added fire support. He adjusted "danger close" artillery support one day on the Chinese contesting our real estate, so close that it splattered us with hot fragments but separated their body parts and obviated our fixing bayonets.

We never had time to appropriately record his heroic efforts. Pencil and paper was in short supply in those days and the enemy just over the next hill mass. So each year those of us in L Company, plus wives who will listen to us, meet for three days somewhere to relive (and embellish) our exploits and discuss who will toast the company from the "last man standing bottle," before L Company falls in again in the Great Hereafter.

Vietnam:
While working in the White House as part of Ambassador Komer and Ambassador Leonhardt's staff, I was dispatched at their direction to Vietnam to make and independent analysis of the effects of Tet 31 January 1968 on the Pacification Plan--presumably as requested by President Johnson.

Of course, I visited Carl at Hau Nghia as part of my tour of the Provinces. I arrived, briefcase in hand, for a short in-brief at the Team House, reminiscing that my good friend Reed Jensen, one of Carl's early predecessors had been killed there by the VC in 1963. After a few uncharitable, and no doubt correct, comments about the inability of the nearby US division to control the area, Carl insisted we take a tour of his domain. So we jumped in his jeep, with him driving, and started eastward along the unimproved road toward Saigon---he with his pistol, me with my briefcase.

We had proceeded no more than a mile when I noticed a wide swath through the adjacent rice paddy, crossing the road to our front obliterating past tire marks and then coursing as far as we could see toward Saigon. Carl decided to ask the adjacent Regional Force Outpost what units had gone by them in the middle of the night. They reported seeing nothing (but their radios has disappeared). Since the outpost had reported nothing, Carl was immediately suspicious that a large enemy unit had "harvested the rice" by marching through it, and threatened the locals to silence as they passed. Carl then said, "Let's go cross country and see if we can find them." I replied, "Let's call the ARVN Regiment and let them go find them, I'm just here on TDY!"  I lost the argument so away we went.

About one mile later, we took some incoming AK rounds and had to dismount behind the Jeep for cover. Carl dug an M-79 (shotgun 40mm) out of the rear seat and we tried to engage, at the same time calling the Regimental Commander who appeared on the scene shortly thereafter. About four of us were standing behind the paddy barrier talking strategy when a sniper knocked down the Regimental surgeon and an NCO standing about four feet from us. I immediately got down behind the paddy dike and was amazed to see Carl and his ARVN colonel counterpart remain standing and exposed despite sporadic incoming AK fire. An ARVN fire team ran them off shortly thereafter with the Regiment in hot pursuit. Welcome to mini-Tet May 1968!

I asked Carl and the Colonel why on earth they did not take cover and get down behind the paddy dike. The Colonel's reply was that "The VC/NVA always shoot low, so if you stand tall you only get hit in the legs.  If you get down, you will be shot in the head." The two of them were clearly playing "chicken."  As in Korea, there never was a bullet that had Carl's name on it. Next day the battle for Cholon was begun in earnest."

Bernard, Joseph "Fred"

Fred Bernard, member of Anglico from 1948 until 1952, died on December 27.  According to his daughter, Ann Berger, "Dad was getting weaker this year and then last weekend he fell and broke his hip. This week has been difficult but we were fortunate in that all five of us arrived in time to be with him when he died last night." His obituary, which was published in the Chicago Tribune on 12/29/04, appears below:

Joseph ''Fred'' Bernard Jr., 75, of Hendersonville, NC died Monday, December 27, 2004. A native of Larchmont, NY, he had lived in Northbrook, IL for 30 years before moving to Hendersonville ten years ago. He was the son of the late Joseph F. Bernard Sr. and Edith Mayer Bernard. Mr. Bernard was a 1955 graduate of Iona College in New Rochelle, NY and retired in 1991 from Family Circle magazine. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church and was a United States Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Judy Bernard; five children, Jacquelyn Barron and her husband, Robert, of Cincinnati, Mary Jo McNeily and her husband, Kevin, of Western Springs, IL, Ann Berger of New York City, NY, Joseph F. Bernard, III and his wife, Carole, of Short Hills, NJ, and Margaret Koett and her husband, Kevin, of Jefferson City, TN; nine grandchildren, Kurt, Adam, Leah and Gwen Barron, Eric, Ryan and Jack McNeily, Nicholas and Katharine Berger, Samuel and Tyler Bernard, and Jessica and McIntyre Koett; and one sister, Lola Trefzger of Delmar, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in Hendersonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Mainstay, 125 South Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or to Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, PO Box 2395, Hendersonville, NC 28793. E-mail condolences may be sent to www.thosshepherd.com.

Bifulk, Frank M.

Frank M. Bifulk, Korean War Marine and Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, age 79, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 26, 2007, surrounded by his loving and caring family after a long bout with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on October 2, 1928 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Joseph and Philomena (Quercia) Bifulk. Frank will be remembered for his keen wit and sense of humor. He was an avid traveler criss-crossing the country and making friends everywhere.

Frank distinguished himself as a United States Marine serving in the Korean War. He was a member of the "Frozen Chosin" and Baker Company, whose heroic exploits have been detailed in several books. The Purple Heart and Bronze Star were awarded to Frank for his extraordinary valor while being attacked by hordes of Chinese from across the border. Only eight survived the ordeal and walked out on their own, two of which were Frank and his long time buddy from St. Paul, Merwin Perkins.

He worked for the Ford Motor Company for 10 years and the City of St. Paul for 27 years. His skills covered a wide range. He happily volunteered his help to anyone in need. Frank will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by sons, Lance (Jeanne) Bifulk Albany of Wisconsin and Warren (Gloria) Bifulk of Tucson, AZ; seven grandchildren, Daniel Bifulk of Victorville, California, Julie Bifulk of Rockford, Illinois, Andrew Bifulk of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Angelo, Jacqueline, and Anthony Bifulk, all of Tucson, Arizona, and Eva Bifulk-Trauscht; sisters, Dorothy (Bill) Crockett and Angie Bethke; brothers, Phillip (Bonnie) Bifulk and Mike (Rachel) Bifulk; one very special friend, Beverly Parkinson; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Philomena Bifulk; sister, Mary Roland; brother, Archie; wife, Clare; and daughter, Ann Marie.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2007 with visitation one hour prior at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 4th St. N., Oakdale. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Guardian Angels Catholic Church.

Billen, Glenn E.

Glenn Eugene Billen, 76, of Edmond, Oklahoma, went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2006. Glenn was born September 7, 1929 in Britton, Oklahoma. He attended Luther and Deer Creek Schools in Oklahoma. Glenn left Oklahoma and ventured to California in 1946, where he later joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Dolly, on April 9, 1954. In 1971, Glenn brought his family to his Oklahoma roots. Glenn was a skilled and versatile cement contractor for nearly 60 years, owning Billen Concrete prior to his retirement. He passed on his work ethic and skills, love for the outdoors, and especially his sense of humor to his children. Glenn is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dorothy (Dolly). He is also survived by 5 sons: Bob and his wife, Colleen; Bill and his wife, Karla; Tony; David and his wife, Kathy; Matt and his wife, Helen; 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, it is the family's desire that donations be made to the Disabled Veterans of America.  Glenn was a very loving and caring man that was proud of his short tenure in the military.  He will be truly missed by all.

[Submitted by Matthew Billen, Yukon, OK.]

Note from Matt to KWE readers:  My dad was a wonderful person who never bragged about his service in the military. He was a humble and caring person. He did, however, teach me and my brothers about respect to our veterans, what they stand for, what they fight for, and to be thankful each and every day for our freedoms that we have because of their sacrifices.

Blagg, John William

My father, John (Toot or Jay) William Blagg, was born 06 April 1931 in Butler County, Missouri, and died 13 September 2001 in Houston, Texas. He had gone to Houston where a daughter lived for some tests. He lived most of his life in Butler County, Missouri where he was born. He enlisted in the Army January 13, 1949 at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. His home address at that time was Box 101, Star Route, Neelyville, Missouri. He served 3 years and 12 days, 1 of those years was an involuntary extension. He served in Korea for 1 year 3 months and 26 days. He earned the Korean Service Medal with 5 bronze stars during that time. He was in "A" Battery, 78th AAA Gun Battalion, APO 301. He was discharged on the 24th day of January 1952. Dad very seldom talked about his military experiences. I came across this site and wanted to include my father. - Sharron Blagg McElhaney

Bonner, Emory R.

Obituary - Anniston Star newspaper, Roanoke, AL — Funeral services for Mr. Emory Royce Bonner, 76, of Roanoke, Ala., will be at 2 p.m. Friday, November 24, 2006 from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Billy Allen, the Rev. Stoney Halsey and the Rev. Rob Steinbrook officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Home Christian Church Cemetery with Quattlebaum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 8 this evening. Mr. Bonner died Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at East Alabama Medical Center.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Cowan Bonner, of Roanoke; one daughter, Nina Gibb, of Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Laura Bartlett, of Rock Mills; three grandchildren, Bill Welstead, of Omaha, Neb., Jesse Welstead, of Omaha, Neb., Andy Welstead, of Denver, Colo.; two step-children; and five step-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be the United States Military.

Mr. Bonner was born November 4, 1930, son of Emory Guy and Elizabeth Boyd Bonner. He served in the United States Army, Sergeant First Class, and Green Beret Special Forces, during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Mr. Bonner stood at the head of President John F. Kennedy, while he lay in state in the Capital Rotunda, at the request of Jackie Kennedy. He received the following medals; Silver Star, four Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal with clasps, silver with one loop, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan clasp, Bronze National Defense Service Medal; four bronze and one silver Korean Service Medals, one bronze Vietnam Service Medal, United States Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Marksman Badge with carbine and pistol bars, Expert Badge with rifle and machine gun bars.

Bridgman, Meade Charles

Aloha - I'm writing to post the death of my father-in-law, Meade Charles Bridgman, a brave Marine Corps veteran who fought valiantly at the Chosin Reservoir in November/December of 1950. He died peacefully on January 8, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., surrounded by his family and friends, in his bedroom, listening to the ocean outside his window at Kawela Bay, O'ahu, Hawaii. We were honored to be present.

His stories of Chosin were stirring. His memories of his buddies are something special. If anyone remembers him, please e-mail his sons, Charles (Joe) and Scott, here at this e-mail address: bridgmanj001@hawaii.rr.com.  We are planning a memorial this Sunday, January 10, 2010, in the afternoon. If anyone wants to attend, even though this is short notice, please call us at 808-638-7193. We want to give him a great celebration. - Thank you, Connie Bridgman

Briggs, Capt. Ann

Captain Ann King Briggs, ret. (born Julia Ann King) passed away on July 31 at the age of 86.  A Korean War veteran, Ann was born in Williamsburg, Kentucky, on March 2, 1919. She was one of seven siblings of Melvina and Joseph C. King. After attending Williamsburg High School, she entered nursing school with her sisters Vera and Ruth at St. Joseph's in Lexington, KY. After completing her nurses training, she enlisted in the Army Air Corps and soon requested assignment in the Korean theatre, where she served during the Korean War. While
serving in Korea, she was one of the first two flight nurses to land in Pyongyang.

After the Korean War ceasefire, she was stationed in Japan at Yokoska Air Base. In 1953 she returned stateside to Montgomery, AL, where she met her future husband, Major John Alden Briggs. They were married in 1954. That same year, she left the armed forces to raise her family. Sons Kevin Bradford and Robert Craig were born in 1954 and 1959, respectively. Three children were lost in infancy, Alan, Priscilla and Hillary. After raising her two sons, Ann returned to nursing in Florida, first as a volunteer for the Red Cross, and later, as registered nurse working at Patrick Air Force Base. Ann retired from nursing in 1989, having spent 35 years in nursing treating soldiers and their children, at war and at peace.

In April of this year, Ann moved to Diamondhead, Mississippi, to be near son Kevin Bradford and wife Heather. Quite unexpectedly, on July 29, Ann suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. She is survived by sister Vera Russell (Capt., ret) and Joe C. Smith, Jr. (Capt, ret) and wife Jane of Bardstown, Kentucky; sons, Mr. Kevin Briggs and wife Heather of Diamondhead, MS, and Mr. Robert Craig Briggs and wife Daisy of Hong Kong; granddaughter Shane Yahn of Flanders, New Jersey, and grandson Jake Briggs of Hong Kong; and, two great-grandsons, Zachary and Spencer.

Ann was a member of the World War II Flight Nurses and was immensely proud of serving her country.

Brooker, Lt. Col. David Brown (Ret.)

Lt. Col. David Brown Brooker (retired) 78, passed away June 24th at Lexington Medical Center following a brief illness. Funeral services with full military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m.on Thursday, June 29, 2006 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Broad River Road with burial to follow at Melrose Family Cemetery in Swansea. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28th at Dunbar Funeral Home Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street in Irmo. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Enrique Janer, Lucius Culthbert Brooker, III, Chuck Statler, the ladies and gentlemen of the Columbia Bank of Cooperatives and Pearson Professional Center of Columbia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carolina Children’s Home.

Born in Lexington County, Lt.Col. Brooker was the son of the late Honorable, Dr. Lucius Cuthbert Brooker, Sr, MD (Lexington Representative to the House) and Margaret Brown Brooker. He was a graduate of Carlisle Military School, attended The Citadel where he was a pianist for the Citadel orchestra and graduated from Presbyterian College with a BS in Biology as a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and Pi Sigma Chi science fraternity. As a youth, he achieved the level of Eagle Scout of the Order of the Arrow of the Indian Waters Council.

Upon graduation from college, he became a commissioned officer in the US Army, serving as a Company Commander and Battalion Intelligence Officer with the 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions during the Korean War where his company was recognized for heroism under fire. He was highly decorated receiving the United Nations Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, The Korean Services Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. He also served in the Retirement Honor Guard for General Douglas McArthur. Once separated from active duty, he became an Army Reserve Training Officer and later was appointed as the SC Liaison Officer to the United States Military Academy at West Point due to his natural leadership ability. He was inducted into the SC West Point Graduate Association as an honorary member.

In his retirement, Dave found that he could not remain idle. He served as the Lead Test Administrator for the Pearson Professional Centers of Columbia. In addition to retiring from the US Army, Dave retired after twenty-five years as the Senior Vice President to the Columbia Bank of Cooperatives in 1986. He then joined the SC Department of Commerce as an Economic Development Manager where he later retired after fifteen years of service.

He was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church and Chairman of the Board of Deacons at Rose Hill Presbyterian Church. Prior to marrying Martha Ellen Alvoid, he was a member of the Columbia Batchelor’s Club. Later he became a charter member and past president of the Evening Optimist Club of Columbia, past charter member-organizer and director of the Cayce Rotary Club, past member-organizer and director of Triangle City Merchant’s Association, past president and director of Columbia Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) receiving the Key Member award in 1955.

Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Ann M. Brooker, children from his first marriage, Kathryn E. Brooker and fiancé Owen Holmes, IV of Newberry, David B. Brooker, Jr and wife Dawn of Columbia, Douglas C. Brooker and wife Ana of Atlanta, Ga; grandchildren, Graham Brooker, Haley Brooker and Dakota Brooker; stepchildren David E. Starkey of Atlanta, Ga., Sharon S. Statler and husband Chuck of Columbia, Darryl L. Starkey and wife Missie of Columbia as well as Step-grandchildren David Starkey, Alyssa Starkey, Robby Statler, Susannah Starkey, Jack Starkey and Garret Starkey; sister-in-law, Millie Brooker of Summerville, nephew Lucius C. Brooker, III of Denver, CO and niece Deborah S. Brooker of Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, LC Brooker, Jr. (Ex-navy WWII) with whom he was extremely close.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff of the 4th floor ICU at Lexington Medical Center for the loving care they provided to Dave during his final days. Your kindness and support will always be remembered, with special thanks to Judy, Sam, Jenny and Erica.

To quote General of The Army, Douglas McArthur, revered by Lt. Col. Brooker, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”  Although you are gone and at rest, you will never fade away in our hearts.

Bruce, Bobby E.

Bobby E. Bruce died September 3, 1996. He served in the 24th Infantry Division and was wounded in action May 17, 1951 in South Korea.

Cady, Leon Ashley

Leon Ashley Cady, 77, of West Hartford passed away peacefully on Friday (September 2, 2005) surrounded by his family. He was born on December 6, 1928 in Sayville, Long Island, New York, the son of Paul Revere and Ivy Rose Cady.  He lived most of his live in West Hartford. He graduated from Hall High School in 1946. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September of 1946. He fought with his fellow Marines of "I" Co., 3rd Battalion, 1st Division in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. He received the Purple Heart in March of 1951. He was discharged from the Marines in September 1951.

He was a journeyman tool and die maker by trade. He worked most of his career at Nielsen Tool & Die Company in Hartford/  He was interested in photography and had great knowledge of military history.  He was also fascinated by aircraft history. In 1943, he received a commendation from the U.S. Navy for building hand-made models used for aircraft spotting during World War II.

Leon was married to Sarah (McAnearney) Cady in 1954 and remained devoted to her until his passing.  Besides his wife Sarah of West Hartford, he is survived by his son Bruce Cady of Canton, his daughter Lynne Purcell, his son-in-law Tim Purcell, and his grandson Daniel of Alta Loma, CA. He is also survived by his older sister, Jean Doughty of West Hartford, and his younger sister, Barbara Cady of Lake Elsinore, CA.  He was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Diane.

Those who knew him will dearly miss his kind, gentle nature. He was an active member of the Korean War veterans organization, The Chosin Few. He will sincerely be missed by everyone whose life he touched. Rest in eternal peace. A funeral service was held on Friday, September 9, at 10 a.m. at the St. James Episcopal Church, corner of Farmington Ave. and Walden St., West Hartford. Burial with full military honors followed at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours were held on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main St., West Hartford. Memorial contributions can be made to the Veterans Administration, Newington.

Cantarella, Michael

I am writing to let you know, my father, Michael Cantarella of the Wolfhounds, 27th Regiment (Korean War time frame) passed away today, Nov. 17, 2007, at 5:10 p.m. He was 79, and passed on while napping in a nice rehabilitation facility where he was recovering from an artery blockage operation, and coping with advanced cancer. Over the years, he told me, his only child, stories about being in the Army, and the Korean War. He was very proud of his participation in the Army and in the war, and we, the rest of the family are also very proud of him and all the others. His honorable discharge was always hanging on a wall in his bedroom. He always said the Army was good for young fellows, as they learned so many good methods and priorities right from the beginning of the service experience. I never thought to search online for a site such as this one. If I had realized so many people were connecting here, I would have helped my Dad enter something on this site. He was not one to adapt to modern electronics or conveniences. He married a local girl from Union, NJ, my Mom, where he grew up and moved us to Iselin when it was just all farmland. He owned a paving business, and for years helped lay the asphalt you see from Central Jersey down past Freehold and out past Flemington, NJ. He gave to the local Catholic Church, and helped parishioners out by buying whatever they were trying to sell to make a living. The 50's here in Iselin were interesting. The Monsignor at the time often would say, "Mike, come on over here, and buy some of this from so-and-so." My Dad would. My Dad put neighborhood men who lived on our street to work paving driveways when they were laid off from places like General Motors or Ford. Please feel free to put a note in your columns, and write back to me if you like. If you do anything like have members of your groups on this site raise money, or crochet or in some way contribute to vets, count me in. Just let me know how I can figure in and help a bit. Best regards, Patty Coleman, Iselin, NJ 08830

Carcamo, Eddie

Eddie M. Carcamo passed away at the Loma Linda VA on 11/24/05.  He was a Korean War veteran and former POW.

Carlock, Dale Terry

Dale Terry Carlock of Tyler, Texas, was born in Independence, Missouri, on August 28, 1929, a son of Charles and Iva Carlock, died August 19, 2007.  He joined the US Navy in June of 1948. Mr. Carlock was one of the minesweeper 12 survivors of the sinking of the USS Magpie during the Korean War.  His memories of the sinking are available for viewing on the KWE's Memoirs page.  He was discharged from the Navy in June of 1952.

After discharge, Terry Carlock worked in an oil refinery before eventually going to an IBM school to learn how to operate punched card equipment. He worked for two companies in that field, and then got a job with the Mobil Oil Corporation. With Mobil, he graduated into computer programming when they came into widespread use. Mobil Oil became his career company and computers his career vocation. He worked all over the United States. In 1975, he was transferred to the Exploration and Producing Company of Mobil Oil and was sent to Nigeria in a management position. His wife Iola went with him, and they lived in Lagos, Nigeria, for four and a half years. In 1980, they were transferred to Medan, Indonesia. Medan was the provincial capital of North Sumatra. After one year, Mobil transferred the offices to Jakarta on Java, and Terry and Iola lived in Jakarta for five and a half years. In 1979, Mobil brought Terry back to the United States to Dallas, Texas. He elected to retire in 1980, and returned to California, living north of Santa Barbara at Santa Ynez and then Lompoc. In 2001, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and later he moved to Tyler, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Evelyn Iola Carlock, his parents, and his brother Donald Lee Carlock,  He is survived by daughter Teresa Plowman and her husband Michael of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his son Brett Carlock and his wife Paula of Las Vegas, Nevada; his stepdaughter Linda Tye of Oak Grove, Missouri; his two sisters, Jo Ann Hall and her husband Jim and Wanda Rowan, all of Independence, MO; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  He was cremated and buried at a later date.

Case, Bernard Lee

Bernard Lee Case died in 1988 at the age of 53.  He served in the Korean War.

Christiansen, John

Chosin Reservoir veteran John Christiansen died in Huntington Hospital in San Marino, California, on December 14, 2005.  He was surrounded by family and will be missed.

Christopherson, Robert Glenn

Born December 17, 1930, Robert Glenn Christopherson died April 17, 1975.  He was in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Pusan Perimeter, where he lost his right leg in September of 1950.  After he returned to the states he was a drill instructor and range sergeant at Parris Island.

Chumley, Frank

Frank Chumley, 78, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, died Sunday, March 2, 2008 after a short illness.  He was born in Maury County, Tennessee on June 12, 1929. Frank was a devoted Christian, husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by Jean Chumley, his wife of 62 years; daughters, Mrs. Jimmy (Dawn) Czermak and Missi Dodge; granddaughters, Jamie and Maggie Czermak; one brother; three sisters; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Frank served his country in the Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Chapter 86, Nashville, TN.  He preached at congregations throughout the southeast for over 50 years. A celebration of his life was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the Forest Lawn Chapel with Stacey Durham officiating. Graveside service was held at 1 p.m. following the service at Rose Hill Cemetery, Columbia, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to faithful gospel preachers who are working to spread the Gospel.

Clark, Jim L.

Jim L. Clark, Vet Korean War, died November 19, 2004, beloved husband of Beverly, nee Foxx; dear father of Nicole (Tom) Fritsch; loving grandfather of Jordan; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Resting at Beverly Ridge Funeral Home, 10415 S. Kedzie Avenue, where services will be held Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln Cemetery. Member of AL Post #854 and Oak Lawn Lodge #1166 A.F. & A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mt. Greenwood United Methodist Church, 11000 S. St. Louis, Chicago, IL 60655, appreciated. Visitation Monday, 3 to 9 p.m. 773-779-4411.

Published in the Chicago Tribune on 11/22/2004.

Cline, George Willis

I would like to notify the Korean War Educator web site of the death of my dad, George Willis Cline Jr.  He died on July 21, 2005 at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He had spent close to 12 years in the Army and left as a Sergeant 1st Class in the First Calvary Division. He very seldom spoke of things that happened in the actual war, but he did open up to me and my nephew about some terrible things that had happened to them. He was VERY proud to have served his country, and taught all four of his children to love it and defend it whenever necessary. He did attend the appreciation ceremony in our home town a few years ago, and was deeply touched by the gratitude of the Korean people he met.

Posted by Larry Cline, Christmas Eve 2005

Cole, Richard M.

My dad, Richard M. Cole died November 21, 1977 in Spain from cancer. His body was flown back for burial at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. He was born February 12, 1931 in Portland, Oregon to Albert and Tropha Cole. He lived in Oregon until his death. He always wanted to visit Spain and did just that. He died peacefully in his sleep.

My dad served in Korea from April 22, 1951 to March 31, 1954. He was a map maker in Korea and got out of the military as a TSGT. Dad married Barbara Carson in September of 1958 and they had three wonderful daughters. Candy, Cindy and Deirdre. He was a favorite for all his nieces and nephews and especially us kids. He now has 5 grandkids and 3 great grandkids. I know that wherever he is, he is watching all of us, from his wife to his kids. We miss him lots and love him lots.

If anyone knew my dad, I would appreciate any and all stories and/or pictures of him while he was in Korea. He never talked much about the war, but then again, we didn't ask. If I only knew then what I know now.... We are proud of our dad, and all veterans. He knew that Candy and her husband are veterans of the Navy, and I know that he knows his youngest daughter and her husband are proud veterans and retirees of the Coast Guard.

So to all Korean Veterans, you are all heroes to me and my family, and to dad. I salute you and love you!  If you know my dad, please send any stories to ladaea@adelphia.net. Thanks! - Deirdre L. (Cole) Alheim

Collingsworth, Raymond Edward

Eulogy of Raymond Edward Collingsworth
(deceased Thursday, March 9, 2006)

Raymond Edward Collingsworth (Click picture for a larger view)

Raymond Edward Collingsworth was born on October 24, 1930 in Portsmouth, OH, the oldest of four children born into the home of Thomas Edward and Leona Nichols Collingsworth. Most of his growing-up years were spent in the Wheelersburg, OH area. He would tell stories of both his Grandpa Collingsworth and Grandpa Nichols, recalling times when their families visited back to the old home place in Kentucky. He was the big brother to three fun-loving sisters, Ruby, Patsy and Janice, also born to Thomas & Leona.

Raymond only completed schooling through the 9th grade, then left home at a very young age to join the United States Army. He was immediately trained and shipped to the Asian Theater, where the Korean War was already in progress. Raymond always spoke with great love and respect of the years he spent in service to his country. Matter of fact, just recently, he had told his son Phillip that he highly regretted that he did not make a complete career of his Army service. He felt those years were the best years of his life and in retrospect, had wished he had given all his years of strength to his country. Nothing roused greater emotions or a livelier argument in him, than when issues of his nation, the military and politics were mentioned. He loved to debate and would do so in a very lively exchange with anyone who disagreed with his beloved Democratic Party.

On August 13, 1950, at just 19 years of age, Raymond was granted the 3rd highest medal available (among more than 200 medals) to a soldier in the US Army. It might also be interesting to know that this medal is only granted to 1 in about 500,000 soldiers and only 1 Silver Star has been awarded since the current conflict with Iraq has ensued. This gives you some idea of its extreme significance.

The following is a synopsis of the actual presentation of the award made on August 13, 1950:

By direction of President Harry S Truman, the Silver Star (which you can see on display here tonight) for gallantry in action is awarded to the following named officers and enlisted men: Private First Class Raymond E. Collingsworth, RA15412586, Field Artillery, United States Army, a member of Battery B, 52nd Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, is awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on 16 July 1950, near the Kum River, Korea. The 19th Regimental Combat Team, to which the 52nd Field Artillery battalion was attached, had been overrun by overwhelmingly large enemy forces. The enemy had also succeeded in placing a road-block between the withdrawing American units and safety. Several attempts had been made to clear the block. Private Collingsworth approached the senior officer present and volunteered to undertake any duty assigned to him. In the face of withering enemy fire, he assisted in rallying drivers, in overturning wrecked vehicles blocking the road, and in moving unattended vehicles that were impeding progress. He assisted in leading the wounded on operable vehicles and volunteered to man a machine gun that was mounted on one of them. With the approach of dusk, it was determined that a last effort should be made to clear the road-block since, at that time, enemy fire would be less accurate. Just before the signal to move was given, the driver of a quarter-ton truck abandoned his vehicle, thus blocking all behind him. Private Collingsworth coolly took over. He secured an automatic rifleman and a rifleman to assist himself and the convoy started. Private Collingsworth drove skillfully and courageously, refusing to stop even when other vehicles did so. He drove through three islands of enemy resistance in his break for safety. By his daring coolness and gallantry, Private Collingsworth assisted materially in extricating a group of completely surrounded men from certain annihilation. His actions brought high credit to himself and to the military service. He entered the military service from Dayton, Ohio.

This extraordinary display of courage and valor brought many accolades from home and he was the subject of several newspaper articles both in the Dayton, OH and the Portsmouth, OH areas. Raymond was later wounded in action and was transferred back to US soil where he was stationed at the Pentagon in Washington DC. He was given a high security clearance, where it was his job to destroy and burn secret intelligence documents relating to the War in Korea. By this time, he had been promoted to the classification of Sergeant in the US Army.  Raymond received a Honorable Discharge upon completing his time in the US Army and he returned to Dayton, OH, where his parents now lived.  He was able to obtain work right away at Delco Moraine, a division of The General Motors Corporation, in Dayton and he remained employed there for 37 years as a jobsetter, retiring in 1988.

On June 5, 1954, Raymond married his bride of 51 years, Billie Jacqueline Sparks. To their marriage was born three children: Connie Rae, Rena Joy, and Phillip Brian. His wife Billie proceeded him in death by just 14 weeks, after fighting a 6-year valiant battle with ovarian cancer. Just last week, a day or so before he died suddenly and unexpectedly, he told his housekeeper that he was going to see Billie again real soon and that he was ready to go. Raymond very rarely dressed up and to see him in a tie was almost non-existent. But when those rare occasions came along and Billie coaxed, pleaded, and begged him into putting on a tie and suit, he would always wear a tie clip, as he thought this was a part of the unusual event of finally putting on a tie and it was only to be worn for a very special occasion. So it was with much surprise that his Son-in-Law, Dave Hilligoss noticed that his tie clip was laid out on top of his entertainment center just a day or so before he passed away. When Dave asked him why the tie clip was laying out, in a reply that was the personification of Ray’s outlook on life, he told Dave not to worry about it, that it was none of his business. He must have thought that seeing Billie again was a VERY special occasion. So, he is dressed with that rare tie & tie clip tonight, as his daughter Rena ran out and bought a new tie to go with the tie clip, after the rest of the family learned of this incident.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Billie J Collingsworth. He was also proceeded in death by his parents, Thomas Edward Collingsworth and Leona Gebhart, and one sister, Patsy Storey. He is survived by his children: Connie Rae and her husband, David Hilligoss of Arcadia, IN; Rena Joy and her husband, Lowell Lavy of Versailles, OH; and his only son, Phillip Brian and his wife, Kimberly of Burlington, KY. Also surviving are his two sisters, whom he loved dearly: Ruby and her husband, Bob Linville of Dayton, OH and Janice and her husband Rob Mahoney of Columbus, IN. Ray and Billie had 11 grandchildren: Janella and her husband, Jonathan Thompson of Indianapolis, IN; Brandon and Justin Hilligoss of Arcadia, IN; Regina and her soon-to-be husband, Jason Baker, of Erlanger, KY; Danette Lavy of Erlanger, KY; Brent and Allyson Lavy of Versailles, OH; and Brooklyn, Courtney, Phillip & Olivia Collingsworth, all of Burlington, KY. Also, surviving are a host of nieces and nephews, some of which are present here tonight.

Raymond will always be remembered as a man who was very diligent in his work ethic, rarely missing a single day of work in his 37 yrs of employment at General Motors Corp. Even when a terrible blizzard hit the Dayton, OH area in 1977 and everyone else in the neighborhood was inside, trying to stay warm, Ray was outside, alone, trying to get his car started, planning to head out for work, until he found out that even his shop was closed, due to the weather. He always faithfully provided for his family. His children will never forget those Hershey Candy Bars and Matchbox Cars he brought home every Friday, when he stopped to cash his paycheck at Diamond Drug Store, on his way home each Friday evening.

Raymond forged some close friendships with neighbors who lived in the neighborhood where he & Billie lived in the same home for 49 years. When Ray & Billie bought the home at 5355 Haverfield Road, Dayton, OH in December 1955, they had only been married for 1 ½ years and the home was brand new. They were its only occupants. Charles & Sue Blackwell, Dan & Pat Votaw, and Harold & Mary Brown were long-time nearby neighbors who became close friends with Ray & Billie and all helped out many times when their health failed. Ray knew he could call any of these friends to simply walk across the street and help when he and Billie could not do things for themselves. Their children wish to express their sincere thanks to these three couples for the support and friendship you gave to Ray & Billie in their declining years.

Raymond will be remembered for his love of nature, as he always had bird feeders filled with food and watched with great interest as the different species of birds flocked to the feeders. He loved gardening and always kept both an abundant vegetable and flower garden at his home. Many of you here tonight have enjoyed the samples of tomatoes he was so proud of, coming from his own garden. His children will never forget the experiences of their mom & dad canning tomatoes from the garden, then having the jars explode all over the pantry closet. They’ll also never forget the crooked Christmas Trees that were picked out by the children, then brought home for him to try and set up. The scene will forever be in their minds of Raymond, trying to get them to stand up straight, and his signature response to such crazy situations.

He’ll also be remembered for his love of working with his hands. Both he and his sisters Ruby & Janice loved crafts and would work together on projects, a lot of them built by Raymond’s own hands by spending many hours in the workshop in his garage. The beautiful Oak Casket that is the final resting place for Raymond was chosen by his children to signify his love for working with wood and he would have so loved and appreciated the artistry and craftsmanship that went into making the casket.

To each of you that have joined his family tonight to remember Raymond, thank you for coming. You have honored Raymond, just by being present.

Collis, Clifford E. Sr.

Clifford E. Collis Sr. died of cancer in January 1998.

Conde, Gabe "Moose"

Member of Stable Able 1/7, Gabe "Moose" Conde of St. Louis, Missouri passed away 1/25/2006 in St. Louis.

Obituary:

Gabriel Clarence Conde 'Moose' age 79, Tuesday January 24, 2006. Beloved husband of the late Virginia E. Conde (nee Winkler); Loving father of Mary Rae (Greg) Hunt and Martin Conde; Dear grandfather of Trevor (Katie); and great grandfather of Tyler; Dearest brother of Marie Faulkner, James Conde and the late Noralee LeBrun, Cortez, Harrison, Percy and John Conde. Our dear brother in law, uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend. Services: Visitation at KUTIS South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. (Butler Hill) on Sunday January 29 from 3-9pm then taken to Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 Soulard (63104) for Funeral Services Monday January 30 at 10 am. Interment St. Trinity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church appreciated..."

From: The St.Louis Post-Dispatch Newspaper online edition
Published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 1/28/2006.

Cornish, Robert J.

Robert J. Cornish, 73, of Fairmount, died Thursday, April 7, 2005, at Community Hospital. Born in Ogdensburg, NY, he was the son of the late Harold and Lena Cornish. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He retired from Onondaga Beverage and T. J. Sheehan, where he worked for over 33 years. Robert was past commander and a lifetime member of the Tipperary Hill Post #1361, and a past member of the Salt City VFW and Korean War Veterans. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Marion (Brigandi); daughters, Debbie (Alvin) Burch of Weedsport, Judy (Roma) Miller of Baldwinsville, and Wendy (Randy) Bochino of Fairmount; seven grandchildren, Alvin and Christie Burch, R.J. and Erica Miller, Randy, Chelsea, and Bobbie Bochino; two sisters, Shirley Parhow of Weedsport and Joanne Morrison of Solvay; and several nieces and nephews. Services were held at the Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home and 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Burial was in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 4/9/2005.

Counts, Charles W.

Charles W. Counts, veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, died November 2003.

Cox, Bobby Joe

Bobby Joe Cox of Almont, age 76, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 27, 2006, at his home after an extended illness.  Bobby Joe was born April 19, 1930 in Dickson, Tennessee, the son of Alfred and Rosa Mai Cox. He later served in the Korean War, where he earned many honors, including a Purple Heart. However, due to his humble nature, Bobby Joe refused the Purple Heart, saying there were others who were more deserving than himself. Likewise, his family, knowing the amazing person he was, believes he was truly deserving of the Purple Heart he left behind.  He was a Staff Sergeant in Company M, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

On October 12, 1978, Bobby Joe married Pauline Ann Wegner in Lapeer. The two enjoyed many family times together, traveling, bingo, gambling, hunting, and fishing from their boat called “The Little Brown Jug.”  Later, in 1995, Bobby Joe retired from the Chrysler Corporation after many years of dedicated service.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pauline Cox of Almont; children, Kevin (Kathy) Cox of Metamora, Darrell Cox of New Baltimore, Debra Wegner of Imlay City, Kimberly Wegner of Lapeer, Karen (Ron) Ruzycki of Goodland Twp.; grandchildren, Kevin (Heather) Cox, Samantha and Jessica Cox, Heather Moore, Crystal (Ed) Guerrero, Nicholas and Tifani VanDenBerg, and Kristole Ruzycki; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Corey Cox, Madison Lowe, Dominik and Aden Guerrero.  His parents, and his only brother, William Cox, preceded Bobby Joe in death.

Visitation was at Kaatz Funeral Home in Capac. A military funeral service was held Thursday, August 31, 1 p.m., at the Funeral Home in Capac. Burial took place at West Berlin Cemetery in Berlin Township, followed by a luncheon in the Berlin Twp. Hall in Allenton. Heartland Hospice Chaplin Burt Davis officiated over the service.

Cox, Jack H.

Jack H. Cox, veteran of World War II and Korea, died September 1989 and was buried in Lithia Springs, Georgia.

Crain, Dennis Felbert

Mr. Dennis F. Crain, 79, entered into rest Tuesday, April 18, 2006.  Mr. Crain was born in East Lake, North Carolina, the son of the late John Will and Martha Jane Bateman Crain. He was pre-deceased by a son, Rex Allen Grover. Mr. Crain was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Army in World War II and from 1955-1956 with Co C, 13th Armored Infantry Battalion and Headquarters Co. CCA 3 AD. He enlisted at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina in 1945, and was a Chief of Police for 23 years. The "Guitar Man" as he was known to many, sold guitars and stringed instruments in the area. Mr. Crain is survived by his wife Irma Jo Bishop Crain, daughter and son-in-law Lynn and James Holton of Midway, Georgia, a sister Ina McGowan, and a niece Ginger Mackel, both of Bellhaven, North Carolina.

Cyr, William

To let fellow comrades know - Sgt. William Cyr who served with the U.S. Army's Third Infantry Division in Korea, died June 2, 2006, at home.

Dabbs, Ralph

Lt. Col. Ralph T. Dabbs, Retired U.S. Army, of College Park died August 31, 2006. Colonel Dabbs had a long and distinguished Army career, serving in World War II and Korea. He was honored with a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. At one time he was Commander of the President's Honor Guard and the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Dabbs graduated from The Citadel and Emory University School of Law, and he also taught ROTC at several schools in the Atlanta area. Colonel Dabbs was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Lang Dabbs, and he is survived by his brother, Charles F. and Mary Dabbs of Ann Arbor, MI; his nephew, Michael F. Dabbs of Ann Arbor, MI; his nieces, Patricia Dabbs of Charlotte, NC and Julia Dabbs, PhD. of Morris, MN; and dear friends, Judy and Ron Cleveland of Stockbridge, Peggy Isenburg of Snellville, and Ruby Reeves of College Park. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date and burial will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the American Cancer Assoc., 2200 Century Pkwy, Suite 950, Atlanta, GA 30345. Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home, East Point, GA 404-761-1138. Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 9/3/2006.

Davis, Nick

Nick Davis - born 9/30/1929 - death 11/10 2006

My father's name was Nick Davis. He was a Greek American drafted into the army from Michigan and sent to California for quick basic training. He said as soon as they found out he was a cook he was shipped to Alaska. I remembering him saying that the army bus in California he was in tipped off the road and he woke up in the hospital a couple days later. He served as head cook (Sergeant) in Alaska during the Korean War. He was in charge of feeding all the troops and USO that passed through. I remember him saying thousands of souls passed through his kitchen daily. His favorite story was that he received a cigar from Red Skeleton after feeding him and his USO Company. He came home and worked as a bouncer in a Detroit bar before becoming a chef. I know he worked at Detroit Yacht Club, the Roostertail and Carl's Chop House on Grand River during the 50's or 60's. In the mid 70's he opened D & H Tire store on Van Born road in Taylor, MI. His family carries on his name in Bloomfield, MI. God Bless

Davis, Ray

From the Korea Times by Jeffrey Miller, Feature Writer:

Korean War Hero Dies at 88

Raymond G. Davis, a retired U.S. Marine general who was one of America’s most highly-decorated military officers, died on Wednesday in Georgia after suffering a heart attack. He was 88. Davis, a recipient of the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor had an impressive military career that spanned over 33 years and three wars--World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.

He is perhaps best known here in Korea for his valiant efforts during fierce fighting around the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea in 1950 when he led a battalion of marines over a treacherous mountaintop to rescue a beleaguered rifle company. For his actions he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest American award for heroism. During his military career, he was also awarded the Navy Cross, two Distinguished Service Medals, two Silver Stars, two Legion of Merit awards, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart among his many awards.

President Richard Nixon nominated Davis to the rank of general in 1971. Gen. Davis ended his military service as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, the nation's second-highest ranking Marine when he retired in 1972. After retiring from the military, Davis worked tirelessly for the creation of the Korean War Veterans Memorial as well as his efforts in the search for the remains of U.S. service members in North Korea. He was also a board member of the U.S.-Korea 2000 Foundation, Inc., which worked closely with Korean War veterans and helped to promote a better understanding of the war and its legacy. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Willa Knox Davis, two sons, one daughter and seven grandchildren.

Davis, Virgil L.

Virgil L. "Virg" Davis, beloved husband of the late Evelyn Davis, devoted father of Shirley "Sam" (Eric), Timothy (Pam), Dale "Tony" (Olivia), Thomas (Deb) Davis, also survived by 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, dear brother of Susan Burgess, died Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at the age of 79. Funeral services were held at the Naegele, Kleb & Ihlendorf Funeral Home, 3900 Montgomery Rd, Norwood, Friday, June 1 at 1:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Korean War Memorial Fund, PO Box 2372, Washington DC 20013-1372.

Diehl, Robert (Bob)

Bob Diehl died October 27, 2006 after fighting cancer for the last five years.  He served in the 2nd Platoon (7th Marines) in Korea December 1951 to December 1952.  His widow lives in Elgin, IL.

Doan, James C.

James C. Doan died August 1, 1998.  He served in Korea January 9, 1951 through May 9, 1952.

Doyle, Pat

Pat Doyle, 40th Infantry Division, 223rd Infantry Regiment, Item Company, 3rd Platoon, passed away June 2005. Twelve of us from San Antonio, TX, served with Pat from January 1951 to April 1952 when he was wounded while on patrol. Ruben Castro, from San Antonio also, was killed on that same patrol.  Three of us from San Antonio visited with Pat in May of 2004, during a 40th Division reunion in Schulenburg, TX. It was great to see Pat after all these years.  Pat is no longer with us, but he will always be remembered by veterans from Item Company.

Submitted by J. Alvarez.

Duran, Joe Raymond (J.R.)

Joe Raymond (J.R.) Duran, was called home by Our Lord and Savior, Saturday, October 1, 2005 in Littleton, Colorado. He was born March 16, 1930 in El Ojito, Colorado (near Hoehne) to Jose Emmitt Duran and Antonia Mestas. He attended Hoehne High School and Trinidad State Junior College. He married Maria Lidia Medina on November 3, 1951 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Together, they made a home and established Duran Oil Company and J.R.'s Fuel Stops. He was the co-founder of J.R.’s Country Stores.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1949 – 1952, 24th Infantry Division, 34th Infantry Regiment, 63rd Field Artillery Battalion B Battery and suffered from a severe head wound. He was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery, one Bronze Camp Star, Korean Service Medal, Army of Occupation (Japan), Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. He was also an honorary member of “Task Force Smith”, the first wave of soldiers to battle in Korea. He worked at Couey Storage from 1952-1953. He earned a degree in auto mechanics from Trinidad Junior College 1953-1955. He worked for Rosen-Novak Ford in 1956, Sanders Skyline Service 1956-1957 and Continental Oil Company (Conoco) 1957-1977.

J.R.’s honesty, integrity and hard work was the foundation to starting his companies. Today Duran Oil Company and J.R.’s Fuel Stops employ 185 people in nine different cities located in Colorado, New Mexico and Oklahoma. His employees were an extension of his family and he would do everything in his power to help them. His sense of humor was endless with everyone. His employees have said of J.R. and his wife that they were the nicest people they had ever met. J.R. and Lidia promoted Trinidad, Las-Animas County and the surrounding area on a daily basis as a great place to live. J.R. spread the word about Trinidad and the area he loved not only in the United States, but also abroad. He will be remembered for helping many people including complete strangers. Being a humble man, he never spoke of the many compliments he received from people. He didn’t look for praise, recognition or expect anything in return. He felt contributing back to his community was his duty and a privilege.

He founded the Korean War Veterans Southern Colorado Chapter with the help of area veterans. J.R. lost many friends from Las Animas and Huerfano counties during the Korean War and wanted to honor their sacrifice with a memorial. After a lot of hard work, the Korean Memorial came to fruition and now stands at the Colorado Visitors Center. He also spearheaded the Coal Miners’ Memorial in downtown Trinidad to honor the local coal miners and their families. J.R. always said the coal miners helped make the area unique and special and they deserved recognition.

In J.R.’s spare time he enjoyed ranching, tending to his horses and cattle. When he wasn’t busy doing that he was irrigating, raising and bailing hay on his farms while attending to all other issues that a farmer is confronted with.

He was a member of the following organizations: Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers, Fisher’s Peak Volunteer Fire Department, Trinidad Historical Society, Southern Colorado Korean War Veterans, North American Truck Stop Association, Trinidad Riding Club, Trinidad Round-Up Association, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post 11, VFW Post 984, Las Animas County Planning Commission. He was also the founder, first president and board member of the Trinidad-Las Animas County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was Grand Marshall of the Trinidad Labor Day Parade and also the Trinidad Parade of Lights.

He was a dedicated husband, a wonderful father and grandfather and an honest family man. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers Jose Florencio and John Emmitt Duran.  He is survived by his children: Veronica (Joaquin) Rivera, Pueblo, Bernadette Duran, Trinidad, Ray (Christina) Duran, Trinidad and Corinne Duran (Fritz) Abeyta, Littleton; grandchildren Teresa Rivera, Lucita Rivera, Carson Ortega, Steven Ortega Jr., Brett Duran, Chelsea Duran, Bethany Duran, Chanel Duran, KylieRae Duran, Brittany Duran-Abeyta, Jayden Duran-Abeyta; great grandchildren Nicholas Ortega, Kayleen Ortega, Riley Ortega, newborn Jamison Ortega; brother Max Duran, Trinidad, sisters Dolores (Herman) Sanchez, Pueblo, Virginia (Tom) Valdez, Mountainaire, N.M.; sisters-in-law Corinne Arguello and Sue (Lee) Lucero, all of Pueblo, brothers-in-law Greg (Dolores) Medina, Trinidad and Piedad (Henrietta) Medina, Pueblo; and many members of his large extended family. Special friends Judie Matticks, Felix Chavez and especially Jim Mangino and his family for the donation of Jim's kidney to extend the life of this extraordinary man.

Honorary pallbearers are Leandro Lucero, Ron Sanchez, Mickey Montoya, Felix Chavez, Jim Mangino, Orlando Baca and George Mondragon, all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005 from 2-7 p.m. Rosary will follow at 7 p.m. at the Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home.  Military burial will be held Friday, Oct. 7, 2005 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with Father Bob Hagan, S.J. as the celebrant. Burial will follow at Trinidad Catholic Cemetery. After the service the family may be contacted at St. Joseph hall. Donations may be made to the J.R. Duran Diabetes Memorial Fund, in care of Bank of the West, located at 125 North Commercial Street, Trinidad, CO.

The family has entrusted the Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home with the arrangements. A video memorial tribute may be viewed on Thursday, Oct. 6 on local cable channel 71 at 8:00-8:30 a.m., 12:30-1:00 p.m., and the rosary may be heard live at 7:00 along with the presentation memorial tribute.

Duran, Ruben J.

Ruben J. Duran died August 20, 2001, in Denver.  He was a U.S. Army photographer.  He resided in Thornton, CO.

Dutton, Irvin C. Sr.

Irvin C. Dutton Sr., 85, St. Joseph, died Thursday, April 12, 2007, at Heartland Regional Medical Center.  Mr. Dutton was born October 30, 1921, in Independence, Missouri. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, the Korean War, and in Vietnam. He married Thelma L. (Sherman) Dutton November 1, 1976. She survives of the home.  He was a cook for the United States Navy and retired after 25 years of service. He also retired from Skaggs in 1985.

Mr. Dutton was a member of McCarthy Baptist Church, American Legion Post 359, and was a V.F.W. lifetime member. Irvin loved his family and America. He was a great American hero to his family and friends.  If you knew him the family would love to hear from you! Contact his granddaughter Kayla at: xkaylaleex@yahoo.com.

[Posted 4/18/07]

Esensten, Sid

Sid Esensten passed away yesterday (Feb. 08, 2006) in Palm Springs, CA, the day before his 83d birthday. Sid was captured within hours of his arrival at his unit in the 25th Infantry Division, and was one of the few surviving doctors who witnessed the worst month of American captivity in North Korea, having been one of the doctors put in charge of the “hospital” at Camp Five during the winter of 1951. Sid said that at least a thousand men died during February of that year, many of them from the combined effects of exposure, malnutrition and disease. He knew both Kapaun and Mac, and spoke highly of them both.

Farnum, John Lenox

John Lennox Farnum served in World War II and Korea. He was career Army National Guard after Korea.  He is the father of 11 children, grandfather of 27, and great grandfather of 16. He died April 2, 1985 of a heart attack. His service was instrumental in two of my brothers joining the Guard, one brother joining the Navy, and the baby of the family (a girl) joining the Marines. He is greatly missed by me and my siblings. To all others who have served or are serving their country and therefore us--your fellow citizens, I just want to say Thank You. - Lisa

Farwell, Charles R.

Mr. Charles R. Farwell, aged 77, of Grand Rapids, a decorated veteran of the Korean War, passed away Saturday April 19, 2008. Surviving are his sisters, Rose (Richard) Fliearman, Alberta Hodges, Carol (John) Keenan; numerous nieces and nephews, special friends, Lisa and Paul Siebert and family, Duane DeRoo, Jennifer and Sylvain Stym-Popper. He was preceded in death by parents, Reuben and Agnes; brother, Martin; and nephew, Christopher Fliearman. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, 10 a.m. at the Arsulowicz Brothers, East Mortuary, 937 Michigan St. NE, where the family will accept visitors one hour before the service. Interment Fort Custer National Cemetery where full military honors will take place. Memorial contributions to Midtown Neighborhood Association will be appreciated. Arsulowicz Brothers, East Mortuary, www.arsulowiczbrothers.com.

Published in the Grand Rapids Press on 4/20/2008.

Fento, Stephen F. Jr.

Stephen F. Fento Jr., 72, of 26 Plum Street, Oil City, Pennsylvania, died at 6:35 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2007, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. He was surrounded by his family.

Born August 24, 1934, in Oil City, he was a son of Stephen F. Fento Sr. and Harriett Swartzlander Fento.  Mr. Fento served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  On August 30, 1958, he married Sandra Beach.  He retired from Oilwell Supply where he was a crane operator.  Mr. Fento was an active member of the Free Methodist church of Oil City.  He enjoyed playing golf.

He is survived by his wife Sandra; his five children: Steve Fento and wife, Colleen, of Oil City, David Fento and wife, Carolyn of New York, Tim Fento and wife, Danielle, of Oil City, Kaylene Cartney and husband, Patrick, of Titusville, and Terry Fento and wife, Carolyn, of Oklahoma; and 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are two sisters, Janet M. Haniwalt of Franklin and Wanda McDaniel of Maryland; four sisters-in-law, Linda Miller, Lori Bly and her husband, Fred, all of Oil City, Diane Worley and husband, Bo, and Joan Sanford, all of Louisiana; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rose Tarr, and three brothers-in-law, Tim Beach, Bob Miller and Daniel Beach.

Funeral services were held at the Free Methodist Church of Oil City with the Rev. T. Christopher Hill officiating.  Interment was in Rockland Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Free Methodist Church of Oil City.

Fenton, Col. Francis Ivan "Ike" Jr.

Colonel Ike Fenton died of natural causes on 11 October 1998.  Captain Fenton at the time, he commanded Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade.  As commander of Baker Company, he was involved in the action along the Pusan Perimeter in the early days of the Korean War.  He was well known within the Marine Corps.

Ford, Lt. Col. Jim Gibson

Lt. Col. Jim Gibson Ford, United States Air Force Retired, of Oceanside, California, passed away, Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at Mount Vernon, Washington. Born December 9, 1919 in Sherrill, Arkansas, he began life as a Southern country boy, joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1939, and then became a commissioned officer in 1942. A 27-year career officer in the Air Force, he served in Europe and the South Pacific in World War II. He also served in the Korean War. He completed his service at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona working with NORAD. After his retirement from the military, he worked as a software engineer for G.E./Honeywell Corporations. Beyond his second career, he was active in retirement through his church, as an ombudsman for residents in local retirement homes while living in Arizona and as a Pastoral Minister for prisoners in the CA Penal System. He was a firm and constant believer in God, family, and country and an eternal optimist. "Hopefully, the story I tell may enrich your life, strengthen your will to stand tall and show that you can change the world, at least that around you." (My Life As I Lived It, Jim Gibson Ford, 2005).

At the rank of Captain he was awarded the Legion of Merit for his extraordinary service to his country for his leadership on the "The Voice of the United Nations" Psychological Warfare campaign during the Korean War.
www.centercomp.com/cgi-bin/dc3/stories?1965

Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley K. Ford, his six children and sons-in-law/daughter-in-law; Christie Ford, Carol and Tom Hecker, Marian and Steve Webber, Ann and Dennis Hoins, Julie and Doug Kays and Margaret and John Ford, and his 13 grandchildren. Surviving sisters and brother: Helen Ford Swindle, Dorothy Lee "Jane" Kennedy and Robert Franklin Ford, Jr. We will all miss his smile, his laugh, and his love of life and of us. Services to be held Monday, August 22nd, 10:30am at the Church of St. Thomas More, 1450 South Melrose Dr., Oceanside, CA. Internment will follow at the Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery, 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside; reception after at the Church of St. Thomas More.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of St. Thomas More Building Fund.

Frank, Hal T.

I am writing to report that my father, Hal T. Frank, about whom I vented in a distressed letter to the Korean War Educator several weeks ago, died on Saturday, December 18, 2004. He was buried with full military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on December 23, 2004. The ceremony was profoundly moving. We were able to celebrate his life in a very meaningful way. He would have liked all the things people said about him, and the piper, and the beautiful songs and hymns sung by an Irish tenor. (I wish he could have heard it all!)

Hal Thurston Frank was born on March 30, 1928, to Geneva (Thurston) and Leroy Winslow Frank, in Poland, Maine. He was the first-born of eight brothers and sisters, including the late Gertrude M. Frank of Vassalboro, ME, the late Timothy Frank of Poland, ME, and the late Philip Frank of Hanover, MA. He is survived by two sisters, JoAnn Frank of Auburn, ME, and Sally Belisle of Lewiston, ME, and two brothers, Freeman Frank of Melrose, MA, and Royal Frank of Poland, ME.

He was a member of the 1946 graduating class of Edward Little High School, Lewiston, ME. In July, 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army, and, according to his discharge papers, arrived at Fort Banks, MA, on August 7, 1946. He wanted to be a medic, and had dreams of becoming a doctor someday. He quickly became fluent in German, and was sent to Germany to serve after the war. He was stationed in Germany for three years. Told he would be stationed stateside if he "re-upped", he did just that--and then conflict broke out in Korea. He was deployed there where he served as a medic in combat with a unit that put up power lines (or the equivalent). He was discharged from the Army at Camp Kilmer, NJ, on July 25, 1951.

He studied at Boston University, Northeastern University, and Boston College for several years. While in college, he worked at Metropolitan State Hospital and Boston State Hospital. He met a young nurse, Kathryn Ruth MacKay, at Met State, in 1953. They married in October, 1953. I was born in September, 1954. My parents had two more children after me--my sister Sara (born in 1956), and my brother Tom (born in 1961).

My father's ambition to become a doctor died on the battlefields of Korea. For thirty years, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, but the passion of his life was always books--He loved poetry, history, science, philosophy. He loved Irish music and folk music. He was brilliant and humble, never accepting that he was special in any way. He passed on his love of learning to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed conversation with all kinds of people. He was tolerant of everyone, but detested "braggarts, liars, and windbags".  He enjoyed the camaraderie of many people, and loved good pubs, good food, good stories, good music, and Guinness Stout—not necessarily in that order! He loved parades, historic sites, museums, New England Autumns, Spring, Poland, Maine, libraries, bookstores, all the Holidays--and all occasions of family celebrations and dinners.

My anguish is all the greater because he suffered so much in the end, and his death was the result of a doctor's tragic mistake; but I am so grateful I was blessed with extra time with him, and was able to tell him how much I loved him. My sister and I held his hands until his heart beat for the last time. I am so glad we were able to be with him at the end of his final battle. (Death may be a necessary part of this life, but this pain is almost unbearable. How do people get through it? I can't do his paperwork or sort through his things. I miss him so much.)

Thank you for writing to me, Lynnita, and for your reassuring words about my father being in the arms of the Savior. My greatest fear has been that he would go to a Christ-less eternity and that I would never see him again. In the end, I know, and throughout this ordeal, my father's life has been in God's hands alone. I knew once he left this life, there was no point in continuing anxious prayers on his behalf. My hope was and is that he did meet Jesus again, and embraced him as he did once as a little boy. If this is the case, I know he is experiencing a peace and a joy greater than anything he could ever have had if he stayed in this life on Earth, and that I will see him some day in Heaven.

I am so glad for your website, the Korean War Educator. It has been such a comfort. It is extremely important to my siblings and me that my father's life is not simply "erased". We want the world to know he lived, loved and was loved, and that this world is a better place because he was once apart of it. The inscription on his grave marker comes from one of his favorite poems: "...Gentle sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over." Thank you, Lynnita, for all your support. May the good Lord continue to bless you and all those you love in the coming year! - Brenda Charrier

Freitas, Edward

Edward Freitas of 14275 Shiffy Lane, Casterville, CA 95012, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2006.  He was a member of the Outpost Harry Survivors Association.  He served in Korea in Company G, 15th Regiment, 2nd Battalion.  Cause of death was cancer, lung infection, and pneumonia.

Fuller, Gene A.

Gene A. Fuller, 75, of Chesapeake, Ohio, husband of 51 years to Janet Curry Fuller, died on Friday May 4, 2007, in St. Mary's Medical Center. Graveside service were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday May 8, 2007 at Rome Cemetery, Proctorville, Ohio by Rev. Richard Black. Chesapeake American Legion conducted military graveside rites.

Gene was born September 4, 1931 in Huntington, WV, son of Ora and Gladys Weaver Fuller, who are also now deceased. He was also preceded in death by brothers Gary and Forest, and sisters Verna Lee, Lucille, and Evelyn. In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by five daughters: Gina (Harley Jr.) Finch, Kelly (John Jr.) Skeens, and Kristi (Philip) Wilson of Chesapeake, Karen Leslie (Roger) Dillon of Scottown, and Dianna Fuller of South Point; ten grandchildren: Katie, Brady, and Bailee Wilson, Adam and Seth Skeens and Jennifer Finch all of Chesapeake, Mindy (Will) Breeden of St. Albans, WV, Jessica (Talmadge) Bacon of South Point, John (Kelli) Finch of Morehead, KY, and Josh Murdock of Scottown, OH; three great grandchildren Alycia and Jordan Bacon and Nicholas Finch; brothers Bill (Betty) Fuller and David (Blanche) Fuller of Seneca, SC; brothers-in-law Mike, Buzz and Bob Curry; and sister-in-law Sue Vickers all of Chesapeake, OH; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was a Marine Corps veteran and served his country in the Korean War. He was a retired steel worker and served as a union steward for the United Steel Workers Local Union 37. He enjoyed working the last seven years of his life at Sam's Club of South Point, Ohio, where he had made many friends and loyal customers. Gene loved working, and in Sam's Club he found an employer who appreciated his hard work and treated him well.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Children's Miracle Network, which can be done at any Sam's or Wal-Mart.

---

Note to the Korean War Educator:  "My father passed away suddenly on May 4, 2007, at the age of 75 years old. He died of a massive heart attack with severe three vessel coronary artery disease.  My father had no idea he had heart problems. My father was an excellent father, husband, brother and friend to many. He was also a proud Marine and served his country with pride and dignity.

He is was in the First Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, F.M.F., 1st Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Anti Tank & Assault Company, attached to I Company. The major battles he did talk about most often were the battle of the Hook and the battle of Bunker Hill, also known as Hill 800 . My father was a true Marine and served his country with pride. He never forgot any of his buddies he served with and was able to re-connect with a few of his buddies or their families before he died. I am forever grateful to Steve Alves who is the son of William Lux Alves who served with my father in Korea. Steve talked to my dad, and with Steve's dad’s memories, they were able to talk about things in Korea. My mother passed away a week ago on Thursday morning, February 7, 2008, after a battle with renal cell carcinoma of the kidneys. I promised my mother I would re-connect with Steve again since she had lost contact with him in 2001. I am sad to say I didn’t find him until after Mom’s death after going through many papers. But I am happy to say I fulfilled what she had asked of me to do. Steve will be getting in contact with me soon. I appreciate everything this website does to bring other vets together and their families." - Karen Leslie Fuller Dillon, the third daughter of Gene and Janet Fuller

Gibson, Ralph D. "Hoot"

The Associated Press, Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ralph D. "Hoot" Gibson, a Korean War ace and former lead pilot for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team, has died.  He was 84.  Gibson, an Air Force colonel who founded a Tucson real estate firm after he retired in 1974, died January 2 after striking his head while showing a buyer a piece of property, his son Scott Gibson said.

Gibson, born in Keensburg, Illinois, and raised in nearby Mt. Carmel, joined the Army Air Forces in 1943 and went to flight school, but did not see combat during World War II.  Assigned to the 4th Flying Group during the Korean War, he flew 94 missions in the F-86 Sabre and downed five MiG-15 fighters to become the nation's third jet fighter ace.

In the 1960s, Gibson led the Thunderbirds for two years and flew 104 missions in F-4 Phantoms over Vietnam as a squadron commander, according to an Air Force biography.  Gibson's awards included two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star for valor, a Meritorious Service Medal, 14 Air Medals and an Air Force Commendation Medal.

Gibson isn't related to former NASA astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson.  Services for Gibson were held Friday in Tucson, with a flight of Air Force F-16 fighters making a flyover.

Giles, Ralph Oliver

Private Ralph Oliver Giles served in the Second Infantry Division from sometime in late 1950 to February 1951. He was wounded by a Chinese soldier and his most significant injury was to his left lung. After returning to the United States, he continued to serve his country as a civilian employee until his retirement in 1979. After retirement, he still continued to serve his community through church, community organizations, and helping children in the neighborhood with hobbies and other activities. He died on July 25, 1984. He is missed by his wife, Carolynn Giles, his daughter Sharon Giles, and his two sons, Marshall and Ernie Giles. His daughter Sharon is an English professor in South Korea. His son Marshall was a missionary to the Philippines and is now a businessman. His son Ernie served in the US Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma from 1982 to 1984.

Ginnis, Lt. Col. Robert W.

Lt. Colonel Ginnis left this world in the afternoon of August 9, 2005.  He is survived by his wife, Constance Ginnis of Germantown, Maryland, four loving children, and eight grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Marie Constance Ginnis.  He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Gledhill, Arlee McKelvey

Arlee McKelvey Gledhill died 20 September 1993 and was buried at National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.  Arlee joined the Marines on August 19, 1948 when he was 17. He was deployed to Korea from San Diego on August 17, 1950. He was in the 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Battalion, Charlie Company (Captain Robert Wray). He participated in the amphibious landing at Inchon, the seizure of Seoul (was WIA on 26 September), the Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin campaign, and surviving all that, remained to fight “against enemy forces in south and central Korea,” returning to San Francisco on 25 May, 1951. As far as I know, Arlee never married or had children. He was always “on his own.” It makes me sad when I think about him pulling out of port for Korea with no family waving good-bye, no one to write him letters during his nine hellish months in Korea, and no one to welcome him back. He re-enlisted and served at the Naval Ordnance Plant in Pocatello, Idaho and at the Naval Station in Adak, Alaska. I don’t know how he spent the rest of his life, except that in his later years, he enjoyed playing dominoes. I think that his fellow vets were all the family he had. Arlee, you were a good man, and God and your country know that.  Arlee was my father's cousin. - Posted by Marcia Simpson

Glenn, Carl Junior

Carl Junior Glenn
US Navy WWII Pharmacists Mate
Hospital Corps, 3rd Marine Div. Field Medical School.
June 16, 1943 to May 6, 1946

USNR 1946 1951
USN Korea,
US Haven Hospital Ship
March 20, 1951 to April 23, 1952

Born June 22, 1924 in Lanes Parries, Missouri, Carl was the older of two sons.  His father was Carl F. Glenn and his mother was Oma (Wallace) Glenn. He had one brother, Jewell Calvin “Babe” Glenn.

He was from the rural area of Phelps County, MO. His family were all farmers or factory workers. He grew up during the depression. As a teenager, he worked in the CCC projects in the rural areas of Missouri. He attended and graduated from high school in Rolla, MO, and then went into the Navy during World War  II. He served as a Hospital Corpsman on the US Haven.

After discharge he attended St. Louis Mortuary College and graduated in 1947. He began working as an embalmer and funeral director in St. James, MO. He met his future wife in St. James, MO, and after they married, relocated to Springfield, MO where he worked as a funeral director.

A short time after his first daughter was born he was recalled from the USNR into the US Navy during the Korean War. Having had the experience as a Hospital Corpsman, he was stationed on the US Haven Hospital Ship.

After his discharge he continued his work in the funeral business, and later bought his own business in Rolla, MO. He operated the Glenn Funeral Home in Rolla until his untimely sudden death in 1975. He was 51.

He was survived by his wife, Jean L. (Zimmerman) Glenn; three children--his daughter Cathy L. Glenn Stahl, son Douglas C. Glenn, and daughter Janet E. Glenn; and his brother, Jewell “Babe” Glenn.

During his life, besides his interest in his business, he enjoyed an active time with hobbies, trout fishing, collecting antique rifles, and traveling to Northern United States and Canada on fishing and hunting trips. He was active in his community of Rolla, and also served as a Rolla City Councilman. Having grown up in a rural area, he always enjoyed the time to visit with farmers and people with common interests.

He did not talk very often about his Korean War experiences. There were some times that he mentioned routine care for the wounded servicemen on the hospital ship. Most likely there were things he did not share of his experiences.

This is written by his son, Doug Glenn. My father was a very caring and devoted husband and father. He was a good provider and successful with his business. Having died unexpectedly at an early age of 51, his children did not have the time to know him as they became adults. We missed him as we have grown up. I know he would be proud of all his children and grandchildren.

This forum on Korean War Veterans is enlightening. Thank for preserving the memories of these servicemen. For me to be able to read the personal memoirs of the different servicemen, I feel like I can know a little bit more about my dad and the other men he served with during World War II and Korea. We all have the knowledge that each one of them made their sacrifices in one way or another. They gave up a lot for the freedom we have. Thank you veterans!

Goff, Robert Lloyd

Robert Lloyd Goff, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division Military Police, died in March of 2003.

Goode, Lem

Lem Goode of Fresno, California passed away August 26, 2006, 1900 at the VA Hospital in Fresno.  Lem was a member of Weapons Co. 1/7 (USMC) in Korea.

Greenwood, Col. Bartley Jay Jr.

Col. Bartley Jay Greenwood, Jr., of Pensacola, FL, died August 31, 2005 at Baptist Manor.  He was born in Chattanooga, TN on 12 September 1918, but the family soon moved to Granite City, IL, then to West Frankfort, IL.  He attended McKendree College in Lebanon, IL from  1938-1940, where he participated in football, basketball, track, and was coeditor of the college newsletter.

Bart entered the Army in 1941 and served until 1944 in the South Pacific.  In 1944 he received a medical separation.  He earned a BS in Education from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL in 1945; and an MS in Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, in 1951.  In 1952 he was teaching and coaching about to become Headmaster at Onarga Military Academy, Onarga, IL, when he was recalled to military service.

• 1953-54: Performed in various staff and command positions in 2nd Infantry Divisional Artillery Unit in Korea; worked with UN Repatriations Group in the demilitarized zone.
• 1954: Served with an air defense battalion in Chicago
• 1956-60: Taught military history in the Georgia Tech ROTC Program; served as curriculum coordinator for career office courses at Fort Bliss, TX; attended Command General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS
• 1960-63: As assistant intelligence officer, V Corps Artillery, was responsible for Russian and East German Order of Battle and the Corps Nuclear Target Plan
• 1963-66: Army advisor to a Missouri National Guard Air Defense Battalion in the Kansas City, MO Air Defense
• 1966-68: Chief of the Rest and Recuperation Branch in Bangkok, Thailand, in support of the US Command in Vietnam; responsible for briefing and debriefing 6,000 troops per month
• 1968-69: Analyst on the Continental Army Commanders' Regional Manpower Survey Team, Fort McPherson, Atlanta, GA
• 1969: Retired from service as a colonel in USAR

He received the Bronze Star Medal; American Defense Service Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; National Defense Services Medal; Commendation Ribbon w/Metal Pendant w/1 OLC; Basic Missileman Badge; Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Upon retirement from the Army in 1969, Bart moved to Pensacola, where he met and married Estelle Lorenz.  He taught 8th grade Civics at Wedgewood Middle School.  He retired in 1980, and because he believed in giving back to the community, he devoted many years to volunteer work with Reading is Fundamental, the Humane Society, and 15 years with the Five Flags Dog Training Club "Responsible Pet Ownership" program.

He and Estelle also reestablished connection with friends from McKendree College, and organized 9 "Florida Fling" reunions, and for 15 years published "Open Line," a quarterly newsletter for McKendree friends.  Bart wrote a chapter, "McKendreans in World War II," for the McKendree College History 1928-1978.  In 1990, he received the prestigious Peter Akers award for outstanding service to the college.

Bar was an avid reader.  He loved to play golf, fish, garden, travel, bake, and cook.  He was dubbed "The Happy Cooker."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bartley J. and Nancye Cushman Greenwood.  Bart is survived by his wife of 32 years, Dr. Estelle Lorenz Greenwood; sister, Mary Greenwood of Gifford, IL; cousin Betty Cushman Berry (Sandy) of Hilton Head, SC; stepdaughter Dr. Brenna Lorenz (Dr. Mike Pulte) of State College, PA; stepson Philip J. Lorenz (Valerie) of Winchester, TN; daughter-in-law Karol Greenwood Williams (Curtis) of Clifton, VA; grandchildren Megaera Lorenz (Glenn Garrabrant) of Chicago, IL; Malachi Pulte; Carter, Jeffrey, and Matthew Williams; niece Norma Carole McDonald (Ray) of Mt. Olive, NC; nephews Tony Winstead (Lynn) of Mt. Olive, NC and Dr. Daniel C. Sumerlin Jr. (Suzie) of Roanoke, VA; brother-in-law Fred Alphin, Jr. (Glenna) of Raleigh, NC; sister-in-law Mary Alphin of Issaquah, WA; Goddaughter Kathy B. Gardner of Los Angeles, CA; and last, but not least, his beloved cats, Shana and Schatze. 

A memorial service will be held at the Navy Hospital Chapel sometime in late October or early November.  Memorials may be made to the Estelle and Bart Greenwood Scholarship Fund, McKendree College, 701 College Rd., Lebanon, IL 62254.

Griffin, Julius Benjamin

Lt. Col. Julius Benjamin Griffin died unexpectedly on January 25, 2003. He had served 20-plus years in the United States Marine Corps,  During the Korean War he was shot down in Korea while on a mission. He received the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.

According to his daughter Patricia, "He did a lot of things in his life."  He went to college on a football scholarship at Mississippi State and ended his college career playing Center for them in the Orange Bowl. He had been approached by the New York Giants to play football, but the war came up. He then went to Navy flight school in Texas.  He married Winnifred L Holland from Tennessee. They had four children.

After Korea he went to Law School at the University of Florida and went on to become an attorney in Orlando, Florida. He stayed in the USMC Reserves stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. While he was practicing law in Florida, he ran as a Democrat for the House of Representatives from Orange and Osceola Counties. While he was an attorney, he also helped open several independent banks in Florida.

Patricia said, "He was always doing something. He was always there to help others. When he died the church was over-flowing with people. He surely is missed by his family and the people who knew him."

Julius Benjamin Griffin was born in Ocoee, Florida on March 31, 1917, and died in Ocoee January 25, 2003 from a massive heart attack.  He was a veteran of World War II and Korea.  According to Patricia, "He had a friend Robert Woodbury (Woody) who was in the Korean War. After the USMC he became an entertainer and had several records out. Woody lives in the Ft. Lauderdale area and is writing a book about his life. He has a webpage which is WoodyWoodbury.com if you would like information on him."

Guild, Bruce R. Jr.

Bruce R. Guild Jr., born 17 March, 1929, died 31 October, 1967 in Humboldt, CA.

Hackett, Jerry R.

Jerry R. Hackett, born July 10, 1930, died January 19, 2008.  He served in the United States Marine Corps in Korea with C-1-5 from August 2, 1950 to May 5, 1951.

He was employed with the Howell Township Road Department for 25 years, retiring in 1990 as the traffic maintenance manager.  He was a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church in Lakewood.  He was a member of the Marine Corps League, and former member of the Knights of Columbus and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union Local No. 560, both of North Bergen.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Loretta M. Miranda Hackett; a son, Michael A. of Palmerton, PA; three daughters, Karen Davis and her husband, Clay of Howell, Maureen Sosville of Brick, and Amy Hackett of Hamilton; a sister, Ellen Jerkovich of Oak Ridge; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family requests any memorials to be made to: St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

Hadden, Stanley E.

Stanley Edwin Hadden, 88, of Gulf Breeze passed away Friday, February 9, 2007 at a local nursing home.

Stan was a native of El Dorado, AK and resided in Gulf Breeze for the past six years, where he attended St. Frances of Assisi Episcopal Church. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the Korean War Veterans Association. Mr. Hadden served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Stan was instrumental in the design and construction of the Korean Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Hadden was a Colonel of Louisiana Governor Earl K. Long's staff, author of numerous publications, and writer and publisher of the The Eagle and The Angel, a weekly web newsletter. Stan was an accomplished artist of over 500 works of art distributed throughout the world, with his trademark dog, Buzzy, and the mysterious "Lady in Brown". Most notable is "The Reading of the Declaration of Independence", hanging at the headquarters of Colt Industries.

Preceding Stan in death was his son, Timothy Delano Hadden, his daughter-in-law, Marlene Troxclair Hadden, wife of Stan II, one sister Omelia, and one brother, Arthur.  Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Ruth P. Hadden of Gulf Breeze; daughter, Patricia H. Woodburn of Gulf Breeze; son Stanley E. Hadden II of Corrigan, TX; four grandchildren, Lisa A Salom (Jaime), John P. Woodburn (Michelle), Susan G. Kacachos (James) and Kim A. Schwager (Robert); seven great grandchildren, Justin, Katherine, Madalyn, Michael, Jordan, Sydney and Abigail; four sisters, Anna Belle Patton, Bertha Nichols, Jennie Murphy and Laura Ward; and two brothers, Perry Hadden and Billy Hadden.

Memorial services will be at a later date in Harper's Ferry, WV with inurnment in Port Hudson National Cemetery in Louisiana.

Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 2/13/2007.

Hagelin, Burton M.

Burton M. Hagelin of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, died on October 20, 2005, after a long illness.  In Korea, Burt was a member of Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.  He leaves his wife and four sons. [Source: Newsletter, Cpl. Clair Goodblood [MOH] Chapter, KWVA, Augusta, ME]

Haffey, Eugene H.

Eugene Haffey was the commander of Charlie Company, 7th Marines, during the Korean War.  According to his widow, he died in 1990.

Hamm, Walter Owen

Walter Owen Hamm, born 6/29/1932, passed away in his home on February 23, 1999.

Hansen, Milton Warrington

Milton Warrington Hansen, born 11 May 1931 in Bear River City, Utah.  Died 13 February 2006 in Pioche, NV.  He served on the USS Oriskany as a plane captain.

Hansen, Wallace C.

I have been trying to do some research to see if there are any photos of my father (Wallace C. Hansen) from his service days. He was a Korean War veteran and his years of service were 1951- 1955.  I believe he trained in Biloxi, Mississippi at Kessler's Air Force Base. He passed away on 8/14/90 from cancer. My brother had all of the family photos, but they were destroyed many years ago in a house fire. I was hoping to find a picture of my father in his service uniform that I thought perhaps the Air Force Base may have had from graduation. I have been unsuccessful locating any pictures at all. Can you please post his name and date of death to your website? Thank you.

Contact: lmshallow@hotmail.com

Harkless, Donald M.

Donald Melvin Harkless, 75, of Wheeling, WV, died Thursday, November 20, 2008, in Ohio Valley Medical Center.

He was born May 22, 1933, in Carroll County, Ohio, son of the late Harry P. and Anna May Burriss Harkless.  Mr. Harkless was retired from the C&P Telephone Company.  He was a four year Councilman in Valley Grove, WV, and was a manger of Clearwater Travel Resort, Clearwater, FL. He was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Douglas, and his step-mother Soprona Harkless.

Surviving are his wife, Martha Mae McCormick Harkless; a son, Donald Bradley Harkless and his wife, Beverly of Mt. Olivet; a daughter, Charlene L. Eames and her husband, Keith of Dover, OH; two granddaughters, Charlea Ebert and her husband, Brad, and Donni Lehew and her husband, Donald all of Mt. Olivet; four great-grandchildren, Donald Dean Lehew, Karson Payne Ebert, Emmylea Dianne Lehew, and Kurstin Everly Ebert; a brother, Greg Harkless of Delroy, OH; four sisters, Esther Capper, Kay Elifritz and her husband, Bill all of Delroy, OH; Jean Elifritz and her husband, Jim of Leavittesville; and Jean Ann Bradford and her husband, Don of Wheeling; a step-grandson, Josh Price; and step-great-grandchildren, Austin, Ella and Gina Price.

Friends were received 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2008, at the Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger Street, Elm Grove, Wheeling, where services were held on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Debbie Dague officiating. Interment was in Halcyon Hills Memorial Gardens, Sherrard, WV.

Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com.

Harmon, Harold Williams "Curly"

AIKEN, S.C. - Mr. Harold Williams (Curly) Harmon (Captain, US Navy Ret.), 80, died Sunday, March 9, 2008 at his residence. He had been a resident of Aiken since 1957.

Mr. Harmon was born in Lexington, South Carolina, a son of the late George Lee Harmon, Sr. and Catherine Ann Harmon. Funeral services were held at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert T. Byrne officiating. Entombment followed at Southlawn Mausoleum with full Military Honors.

Harold served a hitch in the Navy during the ending days of World War II. When he got out, he went to college, earned a degree, and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. He was a gunnery officer on the USS New Jersey BB-62, serving off the coast of Korea. A gun turret exploded, damaging one of his ears, ending his active duty as a Lieutenant (JG) in the Navy. He remained in the Navy Reserves, retiring as a Naval Captain.

He was employed as an Engineer with E.I. Dupont at the SRS.  He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, charter member of the Sgt. Harold F. Adkison Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 255, Naval Reserve Officers Association, VFW, and the American Legion.  He served as a 1st Vice President of the KWVA Chapter and was a Trustee from the Chapter to the Department of South Carolina. He was chairman of the Korean War Memorial Committee of the CSRA. The beautiful black granite memorial in Augusta, Georgia, is a monument to his fine leadership.

Survivors include his wife, Retha Black Harmon; two daughters, Melinda Gay Harmon, Charleston, SC, Cindy (Ted) Groomes, Aiken, SC; one son, Michael W. Harmon, Aiken, SC; one grandchild, Sela McGee Groomes; one sister, Betty Harmon Powell, Lexington, SC; one brother, George Lee Harmon, Jr., Lexington, SC.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Harold Harmon Memorial Fund, 961 Trailridge Rd., Aiken, SC 29803.

Harrald, Van D. Sr.

Van D. Harrald, Sr.
Called home to be with the Lord
Monday, September 07, 2009

Born in Abbott, AR on May 26, 1934, Van was the middle son of five children born to Doyne and Rose Harrald. He learned to be tough and work hard at a young age, whether it was carrying water on his uncle’s farm for fifty cents an hour, bagging coal for five cents a bag, or digging and selling worms for ten dollars for 2000. At 17 he joined the Navy and served his country bravely in the Korean War on the USS Carmick DMS 33.

He completed his Navy service when he turned 21 and by the age of 22 he met and married the love of his life, Pat Strupith. For fifty-three years they worked hard and raised their children to love God by daily example and faithful service at the North Edwards First Baptist Church in California. Van became a machinist/electrician for the U.S. Borax Company located in Boron, California, where he retired in 1996 after 39 years as one of the famous “20 mules.”

He had a fondness for golfing, guitar-playing and CB radios. He was well known as the “local talent” where he volunteered to provide music through playing the guitar and singing at many local functions and at church. Van was also known for his creativity. When he was young he built a two-wheel cart and strapped it to his sturdy dog, Troubles, to haul his two-year old sister around. In the Navy, he didn’t care much for the dungarees, so he sewed bells into his blue-jeans. Through the years in Boron, his creativity was seen in many ways, most notably by his “Guit-jo” (combination guitar and banjo) and his home-made “Mo-ped” (conglomerate of bicycle parts and a battery).

He was 75 years old when he succumbed to cancer and is survived by his wife of 53 years, his four children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother and two sisters.

A memorial service was held on September 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church of North Edwards, California. A military funeral will be held at the Bakersfield National Cemetery upon the return of his grandson from serving our country in the war on terror.

Hartzel, Charles J.

Our father and husband died on June 14, 1987, in Pensacola, Florida.  He was a veteran of World War II and Korea.  He served in the Pacific Theater of operations from December 7, 1941 to July 1, 1944.  He was attached to Company E, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.  He fought in campaigns in New Guinea, where he and some of his men were cut off from their company. He and his men stood their ground and fought off Japanese attacks while securing the position they had been ordered to take and hold. He did this without the loss of a single man.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for this action. After the New Guinea campaign, he took part in the invasion of Leyte.  He returned home in 1945.

In 1952 our Dad was again asked to go to war when he was assigned to the 176th Armored Field Artillery, Battery C, Pennsylvania National Guard. After Korea he came home to his family and tried to lead as normal a life as possible. He retired from the US ARMY in 1961 with 20 years of service. During that time he was awarded the following citations:

• Bronze Star Medal (while assigned to the 34th Infantry regiment, 24th Infantry Division, on or about 15 February 1945)
• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Good Conduct Medal with 3 Loops
• American Defense Service Medal with Clasp
• World War II Victory Medal
• Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal with 2 service stars
• Korean Service Medal with 3 service stars
• Republic of Korea Presidential Citation
• Meritorious Unit Citation
• National Defense Service Medal
• United nations Service Medal

He was truly a hero, as all men and women who went through and suffered the pains of war are. To paraphrase a saying from the Greatest Generation, "When these men and women arrive in heaven and meet St Peter, they can truly say, 'Another warrior reporting, Sir.  I have served my time in hell.'"  May they all find comfort and rest in peace.

Sincerely, the sons of Charles J. Hartzel

Hatcher, George

George Hatcher passed away on December 15, 2004.

Heckelman, Theodore H. "Ted"

Theodore (Ted) H. Heckelman, age 79 of Bellingham, Washington is at home with the Lord. He passed on Saturday May 23, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital with his loving family at his side.

Ted was born June 25th 1929 in Norwalk, Ohio to the late Henry and Ella (Aust) Heckelman. He grew up attending local schools there, where at an early age he met the love of his life Shirley Oberg. In spite of that early distraction, Ted joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948. He was a member of the 1st Provisional Marine Division, 1st Marine Brigade, serving in major battles in the Korean War. He fought courageously while in Korea with many meritorious efforts, but most notably at the murderous battle of Chosin Reservoir. Ted received two bronze stars with V for valor, and for his Valor was inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame in April 2008.

Ted married his childhood sweetheart Shirley Oberg in 1951. Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1952, he attended college and earned his Bachelors of Science degree in business accounting. A devoted family and business man, he worked for Chrysler Corporation for 31 years. Ted was key in establishing the nationwide network of Chrysler Parts Depots, moving his family endlessly in that pursuit prior to his retirement from Chrysler in 1985.

Arriving in Bellingham in 1990, he continued his life work as Financial Controller for the Lummi Indian Business Council from 1991-1996. Finally retired, his affection for Bellingham and his friends only increased. He faithfully served as Santa Claus each Christmas from his lighted and festive home on James St. Court, distributing candy canes and Christmas blessings to countless children and families. Ted enjoyed gardening and yard work, playing bingo and solitaire, local casinos, and traveling cross-country with his family. He had friends all over the country and enjoyed keeping in touch with them. Ted loved his country as a very proud Marine and American, but especially loved his family and the Lord. He enjoyed life and never took it for granted.

Ted is survived by his wife of 58 years and family – daughters and husbands, Jodi and Scott Stewart of Norwalk, Ohio, Jill and John Lettow of Wasilla, Alaska, grandsons Jonathan and Jacob Lettow of Wasilla, brother and wife Tom and Nancy Heckelman of Norwalk, Ohio, and sister JoAnn Flew of Norwalk, Ohio. He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister Edith Heckelman.

A memorial service took place at Jern’s Funeral Chapel at 1 PM on Wednesday May 27, 2009.  Memorial contributions may be made to the “Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund” at www.semperfifund.org or similar charity of your choice.

Hendrix, Marvin Raye

Marvin Hendrix, who served with 3/5 Marines in Korea, passed away from cancer in 1980 and is resting in Milledgeville, GA.  He was in Korea from 1950 until 1952, according to his family.

Higgins, Jack

Jack Higgins passed away February 21, 2005.  Funeral mass was held Friday, February 25 at Our Lady of the Cape, Brewster, MA.

Holt, Marvin Benton Sr.

My father, Marvin Benton Holt Sr., served in the Korean War.  He passed away on September 4, 2003.  He was from Newton, Georgia. - Candi Mathis [see Buddy Search, Deceased, Holt]

Hunter, William R.

William R. Hunter, Charlie 1/7, died Friday, October 13, 2006 at 3 pm. He was buried Monday, October 16, with full military honors by 13th Force Recon Company and I & I staff members at Mobile Memorial Gardens, Mobile Alabama.

Isaacson, Leonard

My name is Gregg Isaacson.  I'm sad to inform you that my father, Leonard Isaacson, passed away on Friday the 11th of May 2007.  He served in the Korean War and was a man very proud of serving his country.  The honor guard came to the cemetery and their presence meant a lot to my entire family, especially my dad.  Please pass this information on for me.  Thank you and all who served this great country, past and present.

Jones, Col. Robert Ellis

Col. (Ret.) Robert Ellis Jones, 90, Clarksville, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at his residence. Born 19 July 1917, in Montreal, Canada, Colonel Jones was commissioned in the United States Army as a 2nd Lt. Infantry, 22 May 1939. Jones served in Troop F, 111th Cavalry, NMNG, CCC, and 33 years active duty. Upon graduation from Parachute School 23 May 1942 and assignment to 502d PIR, he served in various assignments, to include participation in Normandy and Rhineland Campaigns WWII. Jones was wounded in Holland during Operation Market Garden while commanding "H" Company, 502d PIR, and returned to the US in February 1945 for hospitalization.

Colonel Jones was assigned to The Parachute School, Fort Benning, Ga., May 1945 to May 1948, then to 511th PIR, 11th Airborne Division, Camp Haugen, Japan. He was subsequently assigned to the 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division in April 1949. Jones engaged in five offensive campaigns in Korea. He participated in the Inchon landing as Company Commander "C" Company, 32d Infantry. As a participant in the Chosin Reservoir attack in North Korea as S1 of the 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry, Jones led the remnants of that Battalion, himself, two other officers and 18 soldiers, out of Chosin Reservoir while attached to the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He remained in Korea as Executive Officer and Battalion Commander until his return to the United States in June 1951.

Jones served as an Airborne Instructor at the Command and General Staff College 1951-1954, followed by a three year tour in Hawaii as a National Guard Advisor, G3 Staff Officer and as G5 US Army Pacific. His next assignments were with the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 327th Infantry 1957-1960, and as Executive Officer, Deputy Commander and Group Commander, Fort Campbell, Ky.

In 1960, Jones was assigned as an Infantry Unit Advisor to the Turkish Third Army. In 1961, he was selected to attend the US Army War College; upon completion he was assigned to Special Warfare Directorate, Office of the Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army at the Pentagon 1962-1964, then to the Joints Chiefs of Staff J3, actively engaged in planning and operations of the Vietnam Conflict. Initially assigned to USAEUR Heidelberg In August 1966, Jones assumed command of the 10th Special Forces Group (ABN) Bad Toelz, Germany. Upon return of the Group to the US in September 1968, he traveled to Vietnam to serve as Deputy Director, Phoenix Directorate, COORDS, HQ MACV until June 3, 1970. He then departed to be Chief of Staff and Deputy Installation Commander, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Colonel Jones received his Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico A&M College in 1939, with Post Graduate work at the University of Texas. In 1965, he received a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from George Washington University.

Colonel Jones' awards and decorations include: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two clusters, Bronze Star with cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal with two clusters, Purple Heart with cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Metal Pendant, Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Presidential Unit Citation 1st and 2d Awards (Navy), Belgian Fourraguere, French Croix De Guerre with Palm, Netherlands Orange Lanyard, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnamese Police Medal of Honor 1st Class, Vietnamese Rural Revolutionary Development Medal, and various other Service Medals. He received the Combat Infantry Badge with Star, the Master Parachute Badge and a Glider Badge. Jones was awarded the Departments of Army General Staff Identification and Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badges.

After retirement from active duty in 1973, Colonel Jones resided in Clarksville, where he continued his public service through many military and community pursuits. He was granted and assigned the distinction of being the original Honorary Colonel of the 502nd Infantry Regiment, a Distinguished Member of the 502nd Infantry Regiment and a Distinguished Member of the 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Jones was past President and Chairman of the Board for the 101st Airborne Division Association; Chairman of the Board for the 32d Infantry Regimental Association; and a Member of The Chosin Few, survivors of the Chosin Reservoir action. In 1997, a building at Fort Drum, N.Y. was named for Colonel Jones by the 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment to recognize his leadership in bringing the Battalion’s last remnants out of Chosin Reservoir.

Colonel Jones was named by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a past Worthy Patron of Eastern Star; 32d Degree Mason for more than 50 years, a Sojourner and a Knights Templar. Jones was named by the 101st Airborne Division Association as The Airborne Man of the Year when he was president of the Association. He received the ultimate honor of being named The Airborne Man of the Year from The Static Line, an organization of all airborne associations comprising many tens of thousands of warriors.

Colonel Jones was a co-incorporator and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation, which is building the Wings of Liberty Military Museum at Fort Campbell.

Robert (Bob) Jones is survived by his daughter, Reta Nicholson and husband Donald of Columbia, Mo.; stepson, William N. Weems and companion Linda Bowles of Clarksville; sister, Elisabeth Oakberg of Oak Ridge; brother, Raymond Peterson of Sequim, Wash.; sister-in-law, Opal Edmundson of Clarksville; sister-in-law, Lois Atchison and sister-in-law, Ruby Grayson and her husband Lloyd, all of Poynor, Texas.

Also surviving are grandchildren, James R. Robinson of Columbia, Mo., and Karen Robinson Rivera and husband Greg, of Leavenworth, Kan.; step-grandchildren, Sonya Nicholson and husband, David Adams, and Kurtis Nicholson of Columbia, Mo. Great-grandchildren surviving are Laura Talbert, husband Alonzo and their children Jonathan, Erin, Sydney and Andrew of Camp LeJeune, N.C.; Sarah Robinson and husband Scotty Kunefke and daughter Hattie of Kansas City, Mo.; Austin Robinson and Lauren Robinson of Merriam, Kan.; and Isaac Adams of Columbia, Mo., Greg and Chad Rivera of Leavenworth, Kan. Additional survivors include many loving nieces, nephews, their spouses and children in Texas, Tennessee and Washington, plus many friends and their families locally and across the world. A very special survivor is Bob’s longtime companion, Alice Goodrich of Clarksville. Her family became his loving family as well.

Bob was preceded in death by wife, Dorothy Milner Jones of Poynor, Texas in 1957, wife, Martha Edmundson Weems Jones of Clarksville in 1987; sisters, Reta Johnston, Muriel Sipe and Lois Piazza, and brother, Jack Peterson, all of California.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, at 502nd Chapel, Fort Campbell. A second service will be held on Friday, Sept 28, 2007 at Hilldale Church of Christ at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 at Neal-Tarpley Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the hour of service Friday, Sept. 28, 2007 at Hilldale Church of Christ. The remains are to be cremated. A masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 at Neal-Tarpley Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to FCHF-Wings of Liberty Military Museum, P.O. Box 2133, Fort Campbell, KY 42223.

Jones, Roy C.

Marine Down:  F/2/7 Marine veteran and member of the Chosin Few, Roy Jones died May 30, 2005, in Jacksonville, FL.

Katelhut, Robert Sr.

My grandpa's name is Robert Katelhut Sr. He passed on January 8, 2006. His wife passed a few months earlier. He is buried in Oregon at the military cemetery. He was a good dad, grandfather and great grandfather. We will all miss him. - Jean Reed (granddaughter)

Robert Katelhut Sr. & Granddaughter (Click picture for a larger view)

Keil, Lillian

Gentlemen and Ladies of the Chosin Few: It is with deepest sorrow that I must report to you that "our angel of mercy", Captain Lillian Keil, USAF, Flight Nurse has passed away early this afternoon. Lillian has been ill for the past several months and passed away quietly in her sleep with family members at her side. Funeral arrangements are pending, however, interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery. More details to follow.
- Bob Licker [submitted 6/30/05]

Gentlemen...  As a member of the Orange County Chapter It has been my privilege to know Lillian Keil for 20 plus years. Prior to her service in Korea she was a flight nurse in Europe during WWII. Lillian made many evacuation flights into and from Hagaru, N. Korea. Information received indicates she never failed to have a large basket of oranges aboard for the wounded. How and where she obtained the fruit is still a mystery. As Bob indicates above, she wishes to be interred at Riverside National Cemetery (among the Marines she so loved and administered to.) Go with God, Lillian. Surely the Marines guarding Heavens gate will honor you as you enter. - Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas - "Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever" - United States Marines
- The IceMan, Howard Mason, Weapons 1/7, The Chosin Few, iceman_1_7@earthlink.net

Viewing --- 2-6 PM Thursday, July 7th --- Forest Lawn - Covina Hills
Rosary --- 7:30 PM Thursday, July 7th --- Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 314 W Workman St, Covina, 91723 - (626) 332-3570 (just west of Citrus Avenue, east of Hollenbeck) From I-10 east, exit at Citrus Avenue, go north to Workman Avenue, turn left. Parking behind the church.
Funeral Mass: --- 12 Noon, Friday, July 8th --- Sacred Heart Church
Military Honors: --- 3PM, Friday, July 8th --- Riverside National Cemetery

After service gathering at West Covina’s VFW Hall Post 8620, 2328 W. Merced Ave. West Covina, 91790. 626-337-2102 --- I-10 Freeway exit Puente Ave. in West Covina/Baldwin Park. VFW is on the south side of the freeway. Any questions contact George Ogden at the Post at 626-337-2102.

Bye, Lil! A true patriot, trailblazer - She dodged death to save soldiers* lives
11:57 PM PDT on Friday, July 8, 2005 by Joe Vargo, The Press-Enterprise

A Hero Remembered - Lillian Keil, Air Force captain and flight nurse

• Age: 88
• Evacuation flights: 425, including 23 transatlantic missions
• Medals: 19, including a European Theater medal with four battle stars; four Air Medals, and a Presidential Unit Citation from the Republic of Korea
• Died: June 30, 2005
• Buried: Friday in Riverside National Cemetery

The wounded and frostbitten soldiers she treated called Lillian Keil, "the Angel of Mercy."  Captain Keil was a pioneer flight nurse, a harrowing job that often required her to fly into airfields under fire to pick up scores of men and evacuate them to safety.  She made more than 425 evacuations in World War II and Korea, becoming one of the most decorated and revered women in U.S. military history.  She was buried Friday with full military honors in Riverside National Cemetery.  She died of cancer June 30 at the age of 88.

Navy chaplain Norm Goodwin, who presided over the service, called Captain Keil an "outstanding individual" who earned "many honors in service of the country she loved."  In a letter read on his behalf to the family, Governor Schwarzenegger called Captain Keil a "true patriot and trailblazer for women in the Armed Forces."  The Blue Eagles Honor Guard from March Air Reserve Base fired a 21-gun salute and served as pallbearers.  Dual bagpipers played "Amazing Grace."  Lillian Keil, 88, a flight nurse during World War II, was buried at Riverside National Cemetery.  Keil earned 19 medals in 11 battle campaigns.

Harrowing Flight

Captain Keil, a longtime Covina resident, took to the air for the first time in 1938, becoming one of the first stewardesses for United Airlines.  By that time, she had already earned her certification as a registered nurse but fell in love with aviation from the first moment she saw an airplane.  The U.S. entrance in World War II in 1941 gave Captain Keil the opportunity to make use of her skills.

By 1943, she was stationed in England, where she pulled wounded airmen from battle-damaged B-17 flying Fortresses when they returned home from bombing raids.  She made the D-Day Invasion in June 1944, helping evacuate wounded soldiers from the Normandy beaches and later saw action in the Battle of the Bulge.  She often carried large baskets of oranges, which she gave to the wounded.

It was during the withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea that Captain Keil faced her ultimate challenge.  About 20,000 Americans were overrun by a force of 200,000 Chinese communist troops who threatened to annihilate them.  The U.s. held the airstrip at Hagaru, and American pilots and nurses evacuated 4,690 wounded soldiers during a nine-day airlift, fighting temperatures that fell to 35 below zero.  Captain Keil flew on the last plane out.  "It was a vary harrowing flight," said Bob Licker, 74, a Korean War veteran and president of the Chosin Few, an organization of campaign veterans.  "She was a marvelous lady who calmed everyone and told them they were going to be all right.  She was a sweetheart, warm like a mother, an angel of mercy."

Most Decorated Woman

Captain Keil always downplayed her service.  "It was a privilege to serve them," she said in a 2000 interview to mark the 50th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.  "I'm a nurse.  I liked flying.  I liked being needed.  It was my work, what I was put on this earth for."  Captain Keil said all of the casualties shared characteristics.  "They were scared, they were wounded, they were scared they were going to die," she recalled five years ago.  "They were so happy to be out of war.  I reminded them of their mothers and sisters and sweethearts."  Captain Keil served as the inspiration for the 1953 movie, "Flight Nurse," starring Joan Leslie and Forrest Tucker.  A 1961 appearance on the television show "This is Your Life" generated thousands of letters from soldiers she cared for.  She retired as a captain, earning 19 medals in 11 battle campaigns.  Many reports, including one compiled by the U.S. Air Force, listed Captain Keil as the most-decorated woman in U.S. military history.

Keller, Milton

Milton Keller, 40th Infantry Division, 223rd Infantry Regiment, Item Company, 3rd Platoon, passed June 12,2007.  Milton, also known as "High Pockets" because of his height, was one outstanding soldier. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He was always willing to help you with your load. We lost track of each other until around the year 2000. His illness prevented him from attending any of the 223rd Regiment reunions until 2005 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 53 years later when he and his wife Greta attended our reunion there. Still tall as ever but a little older.  Item Company veterans will miss "High Pockets," but I don't think that it will take another 53 years for us to "hook up" again. - J. Alvarez

Kendrick, John G.

My name is Sharon Holmes. I am the daughter of John G Kendrick. Dad passed away March 10, 2009 at the Tucson, Arizona VA Hospital from cancer. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran. He served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1953. He trained at Camp Shelby in Mississippi.

In 1950 he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 services stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star.  In 1951 while serving as a member of Battery A, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division in Korea, he was awarded the Silver Star.

I would be very interested in talking to anyone who served with my dad or their families. I do have some original pictures of his time in Camp Shelby, Germany, and Korea. A few of the pictures have names on them but there are some that do not. I can be contacted at sholme38@yahoo.com.

At this time I would also like to say "THANK YOU" to all the men and women who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces. We have the freedoms we do today because of your sacrifices.

Kent, Dan Sr.

Dan Kent Sr., 79, formerly of Crossville, passed away October 22, 2008.  A funeral service was held October 26, 2008, from the chapel of Crossville Memorial Funeral Home with Paul Ishman officiating.  Special music was provided by Christie Strickland.  Burial was at Crossville City Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Mr. Kent was born June 24, 1929, in Ray City, Georgia, the son of Rozzle Daniel and Myrtle Lee Studstill Kent.  He was a heavy equipment operator.  He was a veteran of the US Army and Air Force, having served during the Korean War.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Survivors include wife, Jeanette Hope Kent of Wray, GA; son, Dan Kent Jr. (Cindy), of Crossville; daughters, Kathy Ward (John) of Rockwood and Peggy Russell (Mark) of Crossville; grandchildren, Joseph Kent, Kris Phillips, Kevin Phillips, Karl Phillips, Jessica Kent, Chantilly Young, and Mandy Ward; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Tyler, Hannah, Chloe, Ryan, Dylan, Pariss, Kirstan, Jaeden, Kasey, and Kayden; sisters, Winnie Jeffries, May Beth Corbitt, both of Bradenton, FL; and Vida Pearl Ligon of Zolfo Springs, FL; step-sons, Lonnie Paulk (Harriette) of Hinesville, GA; and Hugh Paulk (Theresa) of Wray, GA; a step-daughter, Jane Paulk of Douglas, GA; five grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by wife, Gloria Jean Overby Kent; parents; sister, JoAnn Townsend; and brother, Snooky Kent.

Pallbearers included Joseph Kent, Kris Phillips, Kevin Phillips, Karl Phillips, Rick Holoway and Darryl Frazier.  Crossville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. were in charge of arrangements.

Kiernan, George

George Kiernan, a C-1-7 Marine, died in February 2006.

Lake, Jerome "Jerry"

Jerry Lake of Tappan, New York, died February 20, 2006 of cancer.  He was born on March 14, 1927 in New Ulm, Minnesota, the son of Ernest and Teresa Battes Lake. He attended Ulm High School and Northwestern University before joining the US Navy in April 1945. In June 1951, he returned to active duty and spent the remainder of his service in Japan during the Korean War working on logistical support for Naval and Marine aviation.

He was married to Mary Jane Hillesheim of Springfield, Minnesota, on January 12, 1950. She survives him, as does one son, Thomas Lake, and two daughters, Patricia Melia and Debra Selkow, five grandchildren and three sisters. After the Korean War, Jerry worked for Aluminum Co. of America and later the Zeltine Co. in Pearl River.

A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, February 24, at St. Catherine's Church in Blauvelt. Burial will follow in Frederick W. Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery in New Hempstead.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 or to the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

Lambert, Gail L.

Gail L. Lambet, 77, of West Union, West Virginia, Big Flint Community, departed this life on Friday, March 13, 2009, at the Louis A. Johnson V.A. Medical Center, Clarksburg, WV.

Gail was born on November 13, 1931, at Pennsboro, West Virginia, a son of the late James and Louella DeMoss Lambert Bunner.  He was retired after 22 years of service from the Doddridge County School System as a school bus driver on the Big Flint route.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War from August 12, 1952 until June 18, 1954.  He was in Company B, 74th Engineer Combat Battalion.  He was a CPL(T) upon separation.  He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jo Davis Lambert; sons, Gail "Buck" Lambert, Jr., Greenwood, WV, and James Lambert, East Run near Big Flint Community, WV; daughters, Lanette Davis, Pennsboro, WV, Tammy Lowe, Greenwood, WV, and Daphne Cox, West Union, WV; half brothers Mike, Jim, Amos, Glen and Bobby Bunner; Half sister, Patty Moneypenny; grandchildren, Athena Moneypenny, Jed David, Maranda Cokeley, KaCea Lambert, Mikka Lowe and Destiny Lambert; and great-grandchildren, Christian Moneypenny, Samantha Cokeley and Victoria Davis.

In addition to his parents, Gail was preceded in death by sisters, Midge Jones and Marguerite Ball, and brothers, James J. Lambert and Rondle Lambert.

Lander, Richard "Dick"

Marine Corps veteran Richard "Dick" Lander, age 75, passed away March 9, 2005 in Mariposa, California. Dick was born November 14,1929 in Wichita, Kansas. His family moved to California in 1938. He was a graduate of Canoga Park High School in 1948.

Dick was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in E-2-7, 1st Marine Division. While serving in the 7th Marines he was awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat. After returning to the States he served as a Drill Instructor at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego.

Dick attended Pierce College and in 1952 married Katherine Fouts.  They settled in Northridge to raise their family. He was active as a 4-H club leader for 15 years. For 35 years he worked as an auto transport truck driver for Pacific Motor Trucking in Van Nuys. For many of those years he served as a steward for Local 63 of the Teamsters Union.

Dick was a life member of the VFW Post 6042 and a life member of the 1st Marine Division Association.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Katherine; his two children, William "Bill" Lander (Tami) and Stacy Lander Potter (Danny); and four grandchildren, Doug and Steve Lander, and Brad and Kenna Potter.

He was a fine man and a great Marine!

Lane, Fred L. Jr.

The Herald-Sun, Monday February 09, 2004, Final Edition, Obituaries Section, Page B2 [Information submitted to the KWE by the Green family.]

DURHAM - Fred L. Lane, Jr., of 605 Stoney Creek Circle, died Friday February 6, 2004, in Duke Medical Center. He was born in Hillsborough May 19,1932, to the late Fred Marion Lane Sr. and Sally Andrews Lane. Mr. Lane was a restaurant manager over 35 years with Nance Cafeteria.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Korean Conflict and was a Prisoner of War from 1950 to 1953, where he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He also wrote a song used at the Korean War Memorial Dedication in Washington. Mr. Lane was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the Chosen Few and former member of the American Legion.

Surviving are his wife, Blanche Adams Lane; five sons, Clinnie Lane of Tacoma, WA, Freddie Lane, III of the home, Eddie Lane (Donna) of Oxford, Sidney Lane (Melody) of Creedmoor and Gary Hamm of Durham; two daughters, Teresa Hamm and Kim Lane Green (Greg) of Durham; three brothers, Kenny Lane, Steve Lane and Ronnie Lane, all of Florida; four sisters, Anne Lane of Florida, Joyce Godwin and Marie Gillingham, both of Hillsborough, and Billie Rodman of Florida; 15 grandchildren, Brandie Atkins, Eddie Lane, Jr., Clint Hamm, Chris Hamm, Brooke Hamm, Amy Redmond, Jessica Woods, Sidney Lane, Jr., Ciara Green, Timothy Green, Marty Lane, Caitlin Lane, Sarah Lane, Jordan Lane and LeAnne Lane; and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Lane was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Ronald Lane.

Funeral services with full military rites will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Woodlawn Mausoleum Chapel. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Hudson Funeral Home in Durham.

Lawrence, James F.

James F. Lawrence; Won Navy Cross in Korean War
By Matt Schudel
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, September 24, 2006

James F. Lawrence, 88, a Marine Corps brigadier general who was a hero of the epic Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War and later a lawyer and Pentagon legislative liaison, died Sept. 18 of pneumonia at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. He lived at The Fairfax, a military retirement community near Fort Belvoir.

Gen. Lawrence joined the Marine Corps Reserve as a student at the University of North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1941. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he was assigned to active duty.

During World War II, he commanded a rifle platoon with the 1st Marine Division and took part in the six-month Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 and 1943, the Allies' first major land victory against the Japanese. He later served in Australia before participating in the December 1943 Marine landing at Cape Gloucester during the battle of New Britain Island. He was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

After the war, Gen. Lawrence did advanced work in Asian studies and the Japanese language at Yale University before serving in China and Japan for three years. In September 1950, he was with an infantry battalion in the 7th Marine Regiment as it landed at Inchon, Korea. In November of that year, he was part of a U.S. force that found itself surrounded by advancing Chinese units at the Chosin Reservoir in a mountainous region near the present-day border of North and South Korea.  Outnumbered 10 to one, the Marines fought one of the most heroic battles in U.S. military history. In temperatures of 25 degrees below zero, the Marines climbed sheer rock faces and sustained horrific casualties as they repelled the Chinese attack. Gen. Lawrence's commanding officer cracked under battlefield pressure and was relieved of his duties. The deputy commander was severely wounded, leaving Gen. Lawrence, then a major, to lead the battalion. After five days of fierce fighting, he and his unit were able to punch through enemy lines and make their way to safety. Survivors of the battle became known as the "Chosin Few." Gen. Lawrence received a second Bronze Star and, at the instigation of rank-and-file Marines under his command, was awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest honor for military valor. His role in the battle is described in the recently published book "Empowered by Faith," by Richard G. Capen Jr., a former U.S. ambassador to Spain.

After his combat service in Korea, Gen. Lawrence returned to Washington and enrolled in law school at George Washington University, graduating with honors in 1953. He was a legal adviser in the office of the Marine Corps commandant at Quantico Marine Base and participated in long-range planning. Gen. Lawrence later served as a senior legal officer in the Marine Corps Pacific command and was a military adviser to the assistant secretary of defense. From 1966 to 1972, as deputy assistant secretary of defense for legislative affairs, he was the Pentagon's primary liaison with Congress. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1972. In addition to his other honors, he received two awards of the Distinguished Service Medal.

From 1972 to 1992, Gen. Lawrence practiced estate law in Springfield with the firm of Clary, Lawrence, Lickstein & Moore. He also served as counsel to the Marine Corps Association for 20 years and, in 1979, was one of the founders of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. He had an important role in planning the Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

He was a director of the National Association for Uniformed Services and a member of the Army and Navy Club, the Mount Vernon Country Club and various veteran and Marine Corps groups. After the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Gen. Lawrence nominated one of his subordinate officers, Edward "Bud" Seeburger, for the Navy Cross. Decades later, after learning that his nomination had been lost in a fire, Gen. Lawrence resubmitted the paperwork. Seeburger was awarded the Navy Cross in 1995, 45 years after the battle.

James Fugate Lawrence was born March 17, 1918, in Rutledge, Tenn., and grew up in Candler, N.C. For many years, he lived in Alexandria, where he was a vestry member and treasurer of St. Aidan's Episcopal Church. He was a founder, board member and chairman of the St. Aidan's Day School and also served as chairman and counsel of United Community Ministries in Alexandria. After the death of a daughter-in-law, Gen. Lawrence and his wife raised three grandchildren in their home. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Diana Lawrence of Fort Belvoir; three children, Darrie Lawrence of New York, James Lawrence of Chevy Chase and Richard Lawrence of Wilmington, N.C.; a brother; and seven grandchildren.

Note from Jim Ward, President of the Aloha Chapter of the Chosin Few, Hawaii: Gen. Lawrence was our (2/7) Battalion XO and later moved up to 2/7 CO. He came to our tent (ANGLICO/2/7) to play chess since we had the only set available.

Lee, Brigadier General Carlton L.

Retired August 1, 1972. Died May 20, 2003.

Brigadier General Carlton L. Lee was commander of the 1st Composite Wing, Headquarters Command, U.S. Air Force, at Andrews Air Force Base, MD.

General Lee was born in 1919, in Eastman, GA. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for three years prior to his enlistment in May 1941 in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet. He completed flying school in December 1941 and received his pilot wings and commission as second lieutenant.

During World War II, from January 1942 to July 1944, he was a flying instructor at Laughlin Army Air Field, Texas, and then Las Vegas, Nevada. He next was a B-29 aircraft commander and in November 1944 was assigned to the 41st Bombardment Squadron and went with the squadron to Guam.

After the war from May 1946 to September 1948, General Lee was in the inactive Reserve. In June 1947 he returned to active military duty and was assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group of the Far East Air Forces where he served as operations and training officer, executive officer and squadron commander. He returned to the United States in June 1951 and was assigned to the 305th Bombardment Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, as operations and training officer and later became commander of the 305th Air Refueling Squadron.

In February 1956 General Lee became director of safety for the Second Air Force with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. He was transferred to Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Bass, Nebraska, in February 1958, where he held the positions of deputy chief and then chief of the Operations Division. He attended the National War College, Washington, D.C., from August 1961 to July 1962. He then went to England to command the 3919th Combat Support Group at Royal Air Force Station Fairford and in July 1964 was transferred to High Wycombe Air Station as director of operations and later became deputy commander of the 7th Air Division.

General Lee returned to SAC headquarters in June 1965 as chief of the Plans and Programs Division, and later became chief, Officer Division, Directorate of Personnel. In October 1966 he was assigned to the 7th Bombardment Wing, Carswell Air Force Base, Texas, as vice commander and became commander in June 1967. He assumed command of the 40th Air Division with headquarters at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, in August 1968.

In March 1970 General Lee became commander of the 1st Composite Wing, Headquarters Command, U.S. Air Force, at Andrews Air Force Base, MD.

He is a command pilot with more than 5,000 hours of flying time and flew the B-29 aircraft on 36 combat missions totaling more than 470 flying hours during World War II and the Korean War. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.

General Lee's hometown is Atlanta, GA.  He was promoted to the temporary grade of brigadier general effective February 6, 1970, with date of rank January 16, 1970.

Lee, Major Hee Sung

Major Hee Sung Lee passed away on June 25, 2006. The funeral will be held in Show Low, Arizona on June 29, 2006 beginning at 11 a.m. Major Lee held very dear to the fact that he participated in fighting for democracy for his country.  His account of his experiences is posted on the memoirs page of the Korean War Educator.

Lentz, Earl R.

Earl R. Lentz, age 76, of Wharton, Ohio passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at his residence. Earl was born on March 30, 1931 in Hancock County to the late Paul and Florence (Coppes) Lentz. He married Leita Buckmaster on April 18, 1953 and she preceded him in death on March 28, 2000. Earl served in the United States Army from 1950-1952 during the Korean War. He was also a 50-year member of Marion Local 574. He loved his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He also loved flowers, gardening, mushroom hunting, fishing, hunting and trapshooting.

Earl was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Lentz and Mary Hartman, and grandson Jeff Egbert. Earl is survived by his children William "Rick" (Sandy) Lentz, Jill (Steve) Egbert, Thomas (Jeannie) Lentz and Robert (Linda) Lentz; brothers Dave (Jean) Lentz, George "Shorty" (Becky) Lentz, John Lentz, Arthur Lentz; sister Leota Lafferty; grandchildren Anthony, Cassie, Tim, Sara, Emily, Nick, Miranda, Josh; 11 great-grandchildren Chase, Kyle, Brittney, Mckenzie, Austin, James, Austyn, Taylor, Alyssa, Mikey, and Rylee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at the Coldren-Crates Funeral Home and the funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at the funeral home with visitation for one hour prior (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.) with Rev. James Williams officiating. Burial followed in Bechtel Cemetery, Van Buren, where full military rites were conducted by the Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad.

Littleton, Frank

Indiana State Commander Frank Littleton of Lafayette, Indiana, died at 10:20 a.m. December 31, 2004, after a two-year bout with lung cancer.  He was a Navy veteran who also served as the first commander of Korean War Veterans Association Central Indiana Chapter 259.

Lynch, James Henry

James Henry Lynch of Little Rock, Arkansas, died February 12, 2008.  He was born in Washington, D.C. on July 31, 1914. He was the grandson, son, nephew, and brother of West Point graduates. His father, George A. Lynch was graduated from West Point in 1903 and later held the distinction as a major general of serving as the last Chief of Infantry for the United States Army.

Jim attended schools in Washington, graduating from Western High School at age 16 and taking his freshman year at George Washington University and the University of the Philippines in Manila. His sophomore year was at Columbia University after which he entered West Point, graduating with the Class of 1938. His first posting was to the 29th Infantry regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he met Dee Butler, whom he married in 1939.  Jim spent 30 years in the Army. He was stationed overseas in Germany (twice), Turkey, France, and in Korea. He fought in the Korean War and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross twice. For their actions, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Distinguished Unit Citation were awarded to his battalion.

In 1990 the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas established a combat leaders' memorial to recognize one leader from each of the major conflicts in US history. Such names as Anthony Wayne (Revolutionary War), Winfield Scott (War of 1812), and Leonard Wood (Spanish American War) are remembered. James H. Lynch was selected as representative of field grade commanders from the Korean War. His photograph and an appropriate narrative are on display at the College.

His stations in the United States were in Georgia (3 times), Kansas, Pennsylvania, New York, Oklahoma, the Pentagon, and Ft. Monroe, Virginia, his last station before retiring in 1968. He and Dee moved to Augusta, Georgia. He often said what a fortunate decision it was for both of them. They came to have many friends and many meaningful activities. He worked with the Red Cross Board and enjoyed the fellowship of the Kiwanis Club. As a cadet at West Point he had been captain of the cadet golf team, so naturally, he returned to golf in his retirement and played many happy hours at the West Lake Country Club.

In 1992 the City of Augusta honored him for his accomplishments in the Korean War with a memorial on the Heroes Overlook at Riverwalk. At the age of 92, Jim and Dee moved to Little Rock and enjoyed their 68th wedding anniversary before Dee passed away in July, 2007. James Henry Lynch died on February 12, 2008, and is buried next to Dee at Mt. Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He is survived by his son, James Patrick Lynch and his wife, Jolynn, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; daughter, Sherry and her husband, George Worthen of Little Rock: and grandchildren, Bryan Lynch, Emile and Ellen Worthen. He has joined the Long Grey Line. A private graveside service was held at Mt. Holly Cemetery. Memorials in his name may be made to Mt. Holly Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 250118, Little Rock, 72215 or Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th St., Little Rock, 72206.

McClure, Vern L.

Vern L. McClure, 79, of Algona, Iowa died on Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.  Vern's family will receive friends on Friday, May 4, 2007, at Wilson-Lentz Funeral Home in Algona from 5 to 8 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church in Algona.  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Algona, with military rites conducted by the Algona VFW Post 2451 and the Haag-Turner American Legion Post 90 of Algona.

Vern was born July 26, 1927 in Creston, Iowa to Gladys (Downey) and Arthur McClure.  He was raised in the rolling hills of southern Iowa where he farmed with his family near Thayer and raised purebred shorthorn cattle until he was drafted into the Korean War.  From 1951 to 1953, Vern served in the Army and was stationed in Korea in the 1st Battalion of the 160th Regiment of the 40th Infantry Division and served as their Message Center Chief.

A beneficiary of the G.I. Bill, he graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. degree in Commerce and graduated from the University of Iowa Law School in 1959.  While at the U of I Vern met the love of his life, Gloria Schaper.  They were married on April 19, 1958 in Des Moines.

Vern practiced law in Algona and Swea City in the Buchanan Law Firm from 1959 until his retirement in 1988 and served as the City Attorney for Algona from 1976 to 1982.  In 1960 he became Secretary of the Kossuth County Fair.  For 17 years he guided the fairgrounds renovation and helped make its race track an area attraction.

Friends will recall Vern's bountiful gardens, proud allegiance to the Iowa Hawkeyes, voracious reading, especially of Civil War, World War I and World War II books and his happy and kind Scottish nature.

Left to cherish his wonderful life are his wife of 49 years, Glroia; three children, Cheryl (Ron) Beaver of Clarinda, Iowa, Kevin McClure of Centennial, Colorado, and Natalie (Jeff) Burnham of Windsor Heights, Iowa; four grandchildren who brought him immense joy, Sarah and Laura Beaver, and Evan and Savannah Burnham; and his sister, Erla Eastabrooks of Hampton, Iowa; three nieces, Lynne Porter, Diane Fink and Julie Holmberg.

The family suggests any bequests be made to the Algona Public Library, the Kossuth County Fair, or the University of Iowa Law School Foundation.

McConnell, Hugh E.

Hugh E. McConnell was a Korean War Veteran.  He passed away October 12, 1990. He earned a Bronze Star, and he was injured in the line of duty.

McLaughlin, Major Fred Calvin

Feb. 29, 1920 - Oct. 24, 2006

Frederick Calvin McLaughlin, a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the first Personnel Manager of Mecklenburg County government, as well as a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died on October 24, 2006 at his residence in Charlotte. He was 86. Mr. McLaughlin was born February 29, 1920 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Bennett Baxter McLaughlin and Beatrice Anne Spratley.

Mr. McLaughlin is survived by his wife, Rosemary, with whom he celebrated his 64th anniversary just a week prior to his passing. He also leaves behind sons, Michael Allan of Vero Beach, FL, Steven Marc of Jupiter, FL, David Calvin of Bozeman, MT, and Robert Thomas of Charlotte, as well as 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His son James Frederick passed away in 1975. Aside from a love of his large family visiting and filling his home, Mr. McLaughlin was especially fond of his time in the Marine Corps. He entered the Corps on his 18th birthday in 1938, and shortly after enlistment went to Shanghai, China as part of a peacekeeping force in the pre-World War II days. He was only back from China a matter of weeks when World War II broke out. During the war he served as driver for then Lt. Colonel Chesty Puller, probably the most famous Marine of all time.

While stateside, following his return from China, he courted and married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary Rogers. They were married on Oct. 17, 1942 in a war-time ceremony in Arlington, Va. Within days, McLaughlin became the First Sergeant aboard the U.S.S. West Point and remained there for the remainder of the war. McLaughlin was commissioned second lieutenant after World War II, and later served as a front line Company Commander in Korea. During his 21-year military career he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He retired a major in 1959.

He and his family moved to Charlotte in 1959. Following his position as Personnel Manager of Mecklenburg, he decided to enter college on the G.I. Bill and at age fifty-six graduated from UNC-C. After graduation he taught in the Mecklenburg school system. He will be sorely missed by his family.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 27, 2006, at 11:00 AM in the Hankins and Whittington Dilworth Chapel. Interment followed in Sharon Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to service.

Published in the Charlotte Observer on 10/26/2006.

McLennan, Charles W. Sr.

Charles W. McLennan, Sr. died 9/17/1998.  He was with Co. H, 2nd Batallion, 223rd Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. He was from Belle Plaine, Iowa.

McManus, John Leo

My father, John Leo McManus, passed away in 2000. He was a Korean War vet.

Mackenzie, George R.

From the Seventh Marines message board 12/27/05: "Roger King reports that George Mackenzie suffered a massive heart attack and died instantly."  George was an A/1/7 veteran of the Chosin Reservoir campaign. The family address is 10218 Cemetery Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063-9013.

Macy, Jack Edward

Jack Edward Macy, born December 6, 1929, died February 11, 2009.  He was a resident of Oakland, CA.  Jack, born to Arthur and Anna Macy, was the youngest of seven and is survived by his sister Bobbie Reginato and pre-deceased by Edna (Lane), Harold, Dorothy (Cronin), Charles and Arthur. He married Jean Mickleburgh, the love of his life, on June 12, 1955. Jack was the beloved father of Anna (Crvarich), Kevin, Matthew, Nancy (Levey) and Mark. He was a devoted, adoring and loving grandfather to Timothy, Lisa, Jack, Miles, Neil, Jacquelynn, Brian, Janie, Maggie, Reed and Riley. He was a wonderful father-in-law to John, Clare, Melanie, Bill, and Kirstin; a grandfather-in-law to Maura; and a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. Jack was a surrogate father, mentor, and loyal friend to so many and all brought such joy and pride to his life. He attended Saint Mary's College High School and remained an active alumnus until his death.

Jack was an honored member of the United States Marine Corps, listed as one of the most decorated soldiers of the Korean War, receiving a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross.  He was a member of the Legion of Valor and former member of G-3-5 Marines in Korea.

Jack was the owner of Macy Movers (founded by his father in 1915), where he worked six days a week until his death. Jack was a past president of the California Moving & Storage Association, the National Defense Transportation Association, and the Oakland Traffic Club and an active agent of Atlas Van Lines. Jack was very active in the community with benefactors including Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, the American Heart Association, the Alameda Community Food Bank, the Cerebral Palsy Center, the Alameda County Blood Bank, and St. Lawrence O'Toole, just to name a few.

Jack was a man that dedicated his life to the service of country, family, friends, community and through all, found time to have fun and enjoy life to its fullest until the very end. He will be missed by so many. A mass will be held at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church, located at 3725 High Street in Oakland on Friday February 20th at 11 a.m. and a celebration in honor of his life immediately following. Those wishing to donate in his memory, please do so to your favorite charity or Hanna Boy Center, Sonoma, CA.

Martenhoff, James II

James Edward Martenhoff II died June 2, 2005 at the age of 85. He was an Associated Press war correspondent during the Korean War. He took a photo of Richard Coate that became famously known as "The Soldiers Watch." The image is etched on the surface of the Rensselaer County Korean War Memorial in Troy,  New York. The monument was dedicated in May of 1996.  The image was taken early in March of 1951 for AP release during the Easter Season, 1951.

Martin, Charles Elwood Sr.

From the Indianapolis Star, May 25, 2007:

Charles Elwood Martin, Sr. 75, Indianapolis, passed away May 23, 2007. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Charles served his country with distinction during the Korean War. He worked as a bus driver for the Indianapolis Transit Company for 15 years, prior to becoming the owner and operator of two Shell service stations at 16th and College and 34th and Keystone for ten years. He then worked as a truck driver. Charles lived at the Mozel Sanders Homes in the Meadows for twenty years, where he worked as the Maintenance Supervisor. He retired in 2001 from Consolidated Freight Trucking Company and was a member of Teamsters Union Local #135. Charles was preceded in death by five of his brothers and sisters, Otis Martin, Julia Bradley, Will Martin, Jesse Martin and Ethel Fowlkes, and a grandson, Benjamin Martin. Services will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at 1 p.m. at Stuart Mortuary Chapel with calling from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stuart Mortuary. Interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Karen E. Martin and Sharon D. Martin; sons, Charles E. Martin, Jr. and Tony (Cheryl) Martin; grandchildren, Kimberly M. Martin, Erin D. Martin, April N. Martin and Charles E. Martin, III; great-granddaughter, Ji'Aire A. D. Martin; brother, John (Frozeen) Martin; sisters, Blanche Evans, Georgia B. Jackson, Susie Dartis and Lolita Thompson. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Stuart Mortuary.

Martin, J.W.

J.W. Martin died in November of 2005.  No further details are available for the KWE at this time.  He served in "C" Company (Seventh Marines)  in World War II and in the Air Wing in Korea.

Medlin, Clarence J.

Clarence J. Medlen, 77, of Tolono, IL died February 21, 2008.  He was born December 9, 1930, in Tolono, the son of William and Clara Butz Medlen.  He married Marlene A. Goddard on May 22, 1954, in Arizona.  She preceded him in death on November 29, 1997.

Surviving are two sons, David W. (Laurie) Medlen of Tolono, and Donald J. (Kim) Medlen of Catlin, IL; two daughters, Diane E. (Mike) Lieb of Champaign, IL and Donna L. (Craig) Rosson of Tolono; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; brothers Edgar, Carl, Walter, and Jimmy Medlen; and sisters Joann McGuire and Flossie Nugent.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Mr. Medlen was the Fire Chief of Tolono Fire Department, a member of VFW Tolono Post 1237, Masonic Lodge A.F.&A.M. Post 391, and was retired from Alltel.  He was the past president of the Community Workers of America Local 5070.

He was a veteran of the Korean War and a proud veteran of the United States Navy Seabees.  He loved fishing, woodworking, hunting, and his grandchildren.

Merna, Richard G.

Posted by the Merna Family:

"Our wonderful Brother Richard left us today [July 04, 2006], at 1:55 p.m. He was 71.  We were with our Rich since 1:00 o'clock this afternoon after getting a call that he was "not doing so good." He went into the hospital on June 2. He was there for four weeks, three of them in the CCU (Critical Care Unit) where he had three operations. He never knew we were there; we knew we were there.  He lived a devout Catholic life. He was one of the nicest guys you would ever hope to meet. He never married. He's with God tonight; we know that for a fact!  We lost a brother... We lost a Marine... today. He served his country on two tours in the Marine Corps, including almost 15 months in Korea.   He joins Roger Stanaitis, the brother of another St. Agnes Alumni, who died yesterday, as they travel together to their just rewards.  We miss him already... badly.  Please pray for both of them!  We lost a Marine today."

Millatti, Ross "Zottie"

Ross Anthony "Zottie" Millatti, 73, of Belleville, Illinois, died Thursday, June 30, 2005, at Jefferson Barracks  Veterans Administration Hospital following a long illness.

Mr. Millatti worked for many years at National City Stockyards and farmed in St. Clair County, Illinois. He was the past vice president of the Imjim Chapter of the Korean War Veteran's Association and was a U.S. Marine and a combat veteran of the Korean War where he served as an infantryman with E Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment. Mr. Millatti participated in the Chosen Reservoir campaign, where he was wounded twice by enemy fire. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and several medals.

Discharged from the Marine Corps, Mr. Millatti returned to the metro area where he married Sandra Knapp on July 3, 1955 and raised a family of five children. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Millatti of Belleville; his children, Debra Ann Millatti of Ouray, Colorado, Ross Anthony Millatti Jr. of Maryland Heights, Karen Louise Martin of Lake St. Louis, John Knapp Millatti of Belleville, and Lisa Evelyn Anne Meyer of Columbia, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Jonathan and Farrah Reed of Valdosa, Georgia, Sarah Louise Wiest and Andrea Louise Wiest of St. Louis, Missouri.  Mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, July 6, 2005, at St. Henry's Catholic Church, Belleville. Interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Belleville.

Miller, James Woodrow

James Woodrow Miller, age 66 of Dayton, departed this life Tuesday, January 6, 1998 as a result of complications from surgery.  James was born in Hazard, Kentucky, February 10, 1931.  He was retired from Harrison Radiator and was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Galielo and Easter; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pearl and Mary Woods; two brothers, Marvin and Arlas; a sister Edith; and a daughter Janice.  He was survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Lois; one daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Dennis Brewer; sons and daughters-in-law, James and Kim and Mike and Linda; son, Roger; six grandchildren, Sara, Joshua, Benjamin, Greg, Sean and Glenn; sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and husband; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Jeannie, Rufus and Dema, Thorton and Janice, and Earnest and Maxine; sister-in-law and husband, Fannie and David Henderson; brothers-in-law and wives, Clarence and Mamie Woods and Carl and Osie Woods; and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

We miss you and love you forever.

Miller, Paul "Leon" Sr.

Paul "Leon" Miller Sr. of Falls Creek, Pennsylvania died February 15, 2007.  Born October 18, 1932, a son of Robert Ivan and Bertha Gaynelle (Potts) Miller, he was married to Shirley Connor Miller.  She preceded him in death July 6, 2006. He was a graduate of the Falls Creek High School. He was a graduate of the National Radio Institute of Washington D.C. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, serving with the 28th Infantry Division, A Battery, 229th Field Artillery from 1950-1952. He was deployed to Germany with the European Pact during the war.  He owned and operated Miller Electronics for 50 years. He was a 50-year member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and a 50-year member of the James J. Patterson Post 813, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed hunting, antiques and bottle digging.

Survivors include three sons: Lee Miller, Brian Miller, and Mark Miller; one daughter, Vicki Bundy; 12 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and two brothers, John Miller and Arman Miller.

Mooney, Frederick T.

Oakfield, New York – Frederick T. Mooney, 75, a Korean War Veteran, an avid airplane enthusiast and a cartoon artist died Saturday, March 10, 2007.  He was born July 23, 1931, in Stafford, a son of the late William H. and Pearl Valkenberg Mooney. Fred was employed with Lapp Insulator, in Le Roy, New York, for 42 years and was a member of the VFW of Oakfield. He served four years as a Navy corpsman and approximately 15 months of his corpsman duty with the 1st Marine Division in Korea as a front line Field Medical Technician.  While in the Navy, Fred was awarded a "Letter of Accommodation" for his excellent illustrations.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Florence A. Brumsted Mooney; two daughters, Roxanne Mooney of Oakfield and Rhonda (David) Waters of Albion; two sons, Robin (Linda) Mooney of Port Orange, Florida, and Ryan (Noreen) Mooney of Oakfield; a brother Jerold (Sue) Mooney of Penfield; a sister, Carol (Nelson) Stamp of Byron; eight grandchildren, Sara Rose, Zachary, Ryan, Patrick, Staci, Lisa, Michelle and Amy; several great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.  He was brother of the late William H. Mooney Jr. And Edmund, Richard "Jack" and Jerome Mooney.

Morin, Phil

The death of HM2 Hospital corpsman Phil Morin took place on August 16, 2006. Phil served in Korea through the battle of the "Hook" and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was buried on the 21st in Haydenville, MA.

Nelson, Harold J.

Harold J. Nelson, 72, of La Crosse and formerly of Westby, Wisconsin, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at his home after a long illness.

He was born June 6, 1932, in Taylor, Wis., to Lewis and Mabel (Olson) Nelson. He married Jacquelyn Lawrence of Westby on July 18, 1953, at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Harold served three years in the Army and was in Korea with the 3rd Infantry's 3rd Signal Company from February 1951 to February 1952. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. Harold enjoyed his family most of all (especially his grandchildren) and spent many a day traveling with them. He drove a semi truck for 42 years, retiring in 1994 from Fleming Foods in La Crosse.

In addition to his wife of 51 years, Jackie, he is survived by four daughters, Dawn (Mike) Skrede of Westby, Deanne Nelson of Minneapolis, Kala (Mark) Muenzenberger of Winona, Minn., and Kari (Bob) Nelson of Westby; three grandchildren, Jenna Skrede of La Crosse, Matthew (Michelle) Skrede of La Crosse and Andrew Nelson of Westby; one precious little great-grandson, Zander Harold Skrede of La Crosse; one sister, Mildred Nelson of Edina, Minn.; three brothers, Mahlon (Verna) Nelson of Westby, Eldon (Mardell) Nelson of Lakeville, Minn., and Leland (Deanna) Nelson of River Falls, Wis.; one brother-in-law, Jack (Elsa) Lawrence of Chandler, Ariz.; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Truman, Oren, Lawrence and Raymond; and three sisters, Luella Overlien, Beatrice Erickson and Alida Nelson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at 11 a.m. at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, 500 S. Main St., Westby, with Pastors Steven Meyer and Mark Solyst officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy. 14, Westby. Friends may also call after 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be directed to Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church or English Lutheran Church in La Crosse (1509 King).

Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.

Norfleet, Bob

Bobby Chilton Norfleet, a veteran of Easy-2-5 Marines, died on September 30, 2005.  His obituary is as follows:

Bob Norfleet left this life to move on to his heavenly home in the early hours of Friday, September 30, 2005. Bob was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was married for over 52 years to the love of his life, Ruth Johnston Norfleet. He was a retired Certified Journeyman Pressman and always provided for his family. He was a master at his craft and talented at many things. He was a musician who loved to play and listen to string instruments. The soothing sounds of a hymn played on an autoharp will always serve as a gentle reminder to his family that he is now watching over them. He was a talented woodworker, and his birdhouses and crafts grace the homes of many.

Bob was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corp. He was a Korean war veteran and two-time recipient of the purple heart. He was a member of the E-2-5 Korea Association. He was proud of his service in the military, a tradition that was carried on through his sons and eldest grandson.

Bob was a member of Parkway Baptist Church and a member of the Forum class. Bob is preceded in death by his eldest son, Bobby Steven. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his daughter, Cathey, his son, Mark (Trish), one granddaughter, Diana, two grandsons, Corey and Christopher, three brothers, Garner (Margaret), Melvin (Bonnie), and Larry (Katherine), and one sister, Dimple Cantrell (Ray).

Visitation for Bob took place at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee on Sunday, October 2, from 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. Funeral services were held at Parkway Baptist Church, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Monday, October 3, at 12 pm, with interment following at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.

If you so desire, donations may be made in his honor to the Residence at Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson Street, Nashville, Tennessee.

Nussmeyer, Carl Henry "Red"

Carl Nussmeyer, 77, Sidney, Illinois, died August 15, 2009 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.  Funeral services will be held August 18 at 10 a.m. at the Sidney United Church.  Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney.

Mr. Nussmeyer was born October 27, 1931, in the Broadlands area, the son of William and Selma Lehmkuhler Nussmeyer.  He married Carole Lee Vaughn at the Villa Grove Baptist Church on January 12, 1954.  She survives. 

Also surviving are one son, Mark Nussmeyer of Divernon, IL; two daughters, Amy Nussmeyer of Tolono and Joy Pisula of Urbana; three grandchildren, Kam Shick, Nikki Pisula and Kati Pisula; and one brother, Irvin Nussmeyer of Tuscola, IL.

Carl graduated from Longview High School in 1949.  He was a farmer in the Broadlands area, moving to Sidney in 1993.  He retired from farming in 1995.  His interests were genealogy, history and traveling.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953 with the 7th Infantry Division and the 17th Infantry Regiment as a medic, attaining the rank of sergeant.  He was awarded the Bronze Star with a V for valor.

He was a member of the Sidney United Church and served on the church council.  He was also a member of the 17th Infantry Regiment Association and was involved in other civic organizations.

O'Brien, Martin J. "Marty"

Martin J. "Marty" O'Brien, 76, died on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at Maine Medical Center in Portland as a result of heart complications.

He was born in Boston on April 2, 1930, the son of Martin (Matt) O'Brien and Ellen (Ellie) O'Brien.  He graduated from Boston English School in 1947 and from Bliss College in 1958. He attended the University of Maine (Extension from 1959 to 1960). He joined the regular Army, 1st Cavalry Division (Armor), in 1948. He served in Japan from 1949 to 1950, and served honorably in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951.

After the war, he transferred to the Continental U.S. HQ 1st Army until 1952, and served in Germany with the 17th Signal Battalion until 1953. In 1955 he joined the active Army Reserve, and in 1965 he joined the active Naval Reserve until 1974. Martin was the recipient of many medals and citations, too numerous to mention, for his dedication and devotion to his country.

As a civilian, Marty worked for the U.S. government for the Department of the Army from 1957-65, and the Department of the Treasury until 1974. He then moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for the Department of Energy until his retirement in 1985. Upon retirement, Martin returned to Maine and worked for Community Service Communications Inc. in Winthrop.

Martin was a lifelong member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association of the American Legion, and the Korean War Veterans Association. He was a former member and a Memorial Committee member of the Burton-Goode-Sargent Chapter, builders of the Maine Korean War Memorial in Bangor. He was founder and past president of the CPL Clair Goodblood (MOH) Chapter in Augusta, builders of the CPL Clair Goodblood Medal of Honor Memorial in Burnham.  He is the author of "The Korean War: Forgotten Soldiers of a Forgotten War ... No Longer Forgotten," "Above and Beyond The Call Of Duty" and "The CPL Clair Goodblood Story."

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Helene O'Brien of Augusta; two daughters, Patty Matthews of Winthrop, and Kathy Walker and husband Greg of Winthrop; two sisters, Eileen Collins and Sheila Dion of Marshfield, Mass.; five grandchildren, Marty Matthews and wife Shana of Lewiston, Angie Matthews of Winthrop, Jeff Matthews and wife Feather of Monmouth, Michael Nelbach of Augusta and Jennifer Nelbach of Winthrop; and one great-grandchild, Darius Dunn of Winthrop.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta on July 26 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Korean War Veterans Association, 163 Deerbrook Trail, Pineville, LA 71360. Arrangements are in the care of Funeral Alternatives, L.L.C., of Augusta.

Osborn, Norman R. Sr.

I am Tish Osborn, the daughter of Norman Osborn. I have the sad job of informing all treasured family and friends that my dad, GySgt Norman R. Osborn, Sr. Ret. passed away at 9:15 am, today (11/16/07) with our family at his bedside.  Dad fought the ultimate battle of his life during the past 7 weeks since emergency surgery. He was a true Marine until his last breath. Semper Fi Dad!

Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Eternal Hills of Oceanside. Viewing will be at Eternal Hills: Wed., November 21st from 4 - 8 pm.  Celebration of Life will be Friday, November 23rd at 1 pm also at Eternal Hills. Reception following at: Encinitas Elks Lodge, 1393 Windsor Rd, Cardiff, CA 92007 (760) 753-2243.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers that donations be made in dad's name to either: (Both organizations support wounded military personnel returning from Iraq.)

Freedom House
c/o Donna Lewis
PO Box 710836
Santee CA 92072
(619) 507-9493

"Nice Guys of San Diego" for the Victory Fund
PO Box 881456
San Diego, CA 92168
858-597-9397

Thank you for keeping my mom and family in your thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Respectfully,
Tish Osborn

Oschwald, Donald E.

Donald E. Oschwald, 80, of Versailles, Kentucky died peacefully at his home surrounded by his children and family on Sunday, January 17, 2010.  He was the husband of the late Doris Martin Oschwald and son of the late Martin and Minnie Oschwald of Springfield, Illinois.  He was born January 21, 1929, in Springfield, Illinois.

He was a member of Gardenside Christian Church.  He was an Army veteran serving in Korea from November 1951 until January 1953.  His memoir can be found on the Korean War Educator's Memoirs pages.  He retired from IBM after 37 years as a Customer Engineer.  He enjoyed aviation books, gardening, and wood working.

He is survived by his dear friend, Sophie Bowman of Versailles; four children, Mrs. Joseph (Deborah) Hoffmann of Lexington, Donald Oschwald, Jr. and his wife Sherri of Lexington, Dean Oschwald and his wife Julie of Versailles, and Mrs. Tony (Dawn) Gossard of Waynesville, OH; a sister, Delores Fowler of Williamsville, IL; 12 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Oschwald of New Berlin, IL.

He was a kind, gentle, and loving man of Christian faith and integrity.  He will be sorely missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him.

Overton, Ernest

Ernest Overton was born in Sullivan County Indiana on 4/9/1927. He was the son of Glessa Overton and Dessie (Shepler) Overton.  Ernest was a corporal in the 71st Signal Battalion during the Korean War.  He was stationed at the former Japanese Imperial Marine Barracks, which was the name for this barracks in World War II, better known as the Elmer Hardy Barracks during the Korean War.

Ernest passed away in his home in West Terre Haute, Indiana on May 30, 2005 at 9:25 p.m. He was alert up till 11 a.m. and was able to tell his family he was 99.9 % dead and that he loved us and will miss us.

Ernest joined the Regular Army in Toledo Ohio in 1948, and was discharged in June 1952. He was a member of the American Legion Post 104 in Terre Haute. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 972 in Terre Haute.

Survivors include his present wife Helen; one son, Ernest Earl Overton of Indianapolis; two daughters, Brenda Brewer and her husband Homer of West Terre Haute, Indiana and Robin Sherman and her husband Raleigh Sherman of West Terre Haute; one sister, Clara Wells of Terre Haute; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his parents Glessa and Dessie Overton; three brothers, Cecil, Virgil, and Eugene; and one sister, Thelma.

Visitation was at the Newkirk Funeral Home in Dugger, Indiana on Thursday June 2, 2005.  He was cremated on June 3, 2005 and his ashes were buried June 4, 2005 in the Woodward Cemetery in Sullivan County, Indiana.  Rev. John Booker officiated at the grave side services.

Ott, Joseph

Sorry to inform you Joseph Ott has passed away. He died peacefully on June 28, and we will be having a burial service at Arlington National Cemetery -- details to follow. Please respond to PJSDECORUM@aol.com. - Thank you, Paul J. Schaeffer (nephew)

Page, Jack S.

My father, Jack S. Page, passed away 30 December 2006 from complications due to lung cancer. During the Korean War he served as a clerk with HHC, 2nd Infantry Division in 1952, in Chunchon. Prior to the army he received a BA from Kansas University.  As to any friends he had in the 2nd ID, I do remember him referring to a Dutch-Indonesian from the Dutch Bn by the name of Jentz, or something similar. - Regards, Michael Page, house_of_lepage@yahoo.com.

Page, Kenneth E.

Kenneth E. Page, 69, of Sunset View Avenue, died Thursday, February 7, 2002 at Samaritan Hospital, Troy, New York.  Born in Potsdam, New York, he was the son of the late Arthur Page and Mabel Houle Page, and the loving husband of Margaret Connor Page for 35 years.  They were married on May 7, 1966.  He was a Troy resident for the past 32 years.

Mr. Page was a graduate of Syracuse University in 1959 and the Syracuse University School of Law where he received his jurist doctorate degree in 1962.  In 1962 he was appointed, through the honors program, as an assistant attorney general for the State of New York.  He retired in 1990 as chief of the Litigation Bureau.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran during the Korean War from 1951-1955.  He was the chapter director of the Northeast New York Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc.  He also served as the group's attorney for all legal affairs and was the editor and compiler for the book, "Rensselaer County Heroes: Korean War 1950-1953, The Forgotten-Remembered" on behalf of the association, printed in January 2000.  He was a member of the Amphibious Forces Association and a life member of the Veterans of Lansingburgh (VFW #1019).  Ken was active in genealogy research and was a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Church, Troy.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Margaret, include a daughter, Kathryn E. Lane and her husband Flint of Princeton Junction, NJ; a son, Paul K. Page of Malta; three brothers, Stanley Page of Rochester and Ronald and Larry Page of Parishville, NY; two sisters, Evelyn Campbell of Timberville, VA and Beatrice Chappell of Plattsburgh; two granddaughters, Amanda and Kacy Lane; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held from the McLoughlin & Mason Funeral Home, 109th St. and Third Avenue, Lansingburgh and in Our Lady of Victory Church.  Entombment was in St. Mary's Mausoleum, Troy.

Perkins, Henry Ford

Retired Sergeant 1st Class Henry Ford Perkins, 80, of Dickson, TN, died on Saturday, August 9, 2008.  SFC Henry F. Perkins, US Army, served two combat tours in Vietnam and a tour in Korea. He was a member of VFW Post 4641 of Dickson and was very active in the VFW Honor Guard in assisting families with military rights at the graveside. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Perkins, two sons and three daughters.

SFC Henry F. Perkins
A Soldier's Soldier

We have lost another great one
Who can never be replaced
He will be missed here on Earth
Though, he's gone to a better place.

Everybody who met Henry
Knew, they'd met a special man
Always helping, when he could
With Veterans always, in his plan.

He was selfless in his Service
For all others, who had Served
And he always tried to make sure
They got all he felt, they deserved.

A true Patriot in every sense
Sergeant First Class in the Army
And as their famous motto says
He was always, all that he could be.

Two combat tours in Vietnam
And one tour in Korea, too
A lifetime member of the VFW
When his Active Duty, was through.

A member of the Honor Guard
Assisting Families of those passed
Doing all he could to ease their pain
Because that's how, his die was cast.

Survived by, loving Wife Patsy
Three Daughters and two Sons
As he leaves on his journey
To that voice above, that hearkens.

Now, the time has come to Honor him
With all the praise that he deserved
So, the memory of this Great Man
Will, for now and always be, preserved.

Rest In Peace, Henry
Del "Abe" Jones
08.12.2008

Pollard, Odis Latemore "Lat"

My dad Odis Latemore “LAT” Pollard served in the Korean War, 578th Combat Engineer Battalion, Company A from December 1950 to January 1952. He died 2 March 06.  He was preceded in death by his father (Bud), mother (May), and brother (Harvey). He is survived by his wife Doris; sons Stanley, Tony (Cheryl) and Scott (Glena); and grandchildren Brian, Brad, Joshua, Mandy, and Levi. He was a lifelong resident of Ballplay, Alabama. He was a great man and I’m proud he was my dad and served his country. If you know where I can find some information about his service or reunions of his unit please feel free to send me an email. - Tony Pollard, tony.c.pollard@us.army.mil

Powell, Rudy Devohn Sr.

Rudy Devohn Powell, Sr., 71, was born on June 02, 1933 and passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2004. Mr. Powell was a resident of Highlands for over 30 years.  He was a member of North Side Baptist Church in Highlands and he enjoyed working outdoors, fishing, traveling.  He really loved his grandchildren and enjoyed helping people. He had served in the Air Force during the Korean War in the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing.

Rudy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Powell of Highlands; 3 sons and 2 daughters-in-law, Rudy Devohn Powell, Jr. of Highlands, Montie and Jayna Powell of Baytown and John and Jill Powell of Highlands; mother, Ruby Powell of Baytown; 3 grandchildren, Joel Powell, Elizabeth Powell and Jake Powell, all of Highlands; numerous other relatives and a host of friends.  For those desiring, memorials may be made to North Side Baptist Church of Highlands, TX.

Primm, Raymond "Ray"

Raymond “Ray” Primm, 72, of Russellville, Arkansas, died peacefully in his sleep on the evening of Friday, March 24, 2006 at his home, following illnesses of several years.

Raymond was born July 17, 1933, in Alix, Arkansas, the fifth child of James (Jim) and Maggie Burchfield Primm. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Roger, who died in 1974. Roger (William R.) was also a Korean War veteran.

Ray is survived by his wife, Virginia Shaffer Primm; four children, Terry Day and husband Mike, of Arlington, Texas; Donna Lang and husband Larry, of Westford, Massachusetts; Shari Melillo and husband Stephen, of Smithfield, Virginia; and son James Primm and wife Kathy, of North Little Rock, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, Melissa Day, Jinny and Ryan Lang, Spencer and Raymond Shaffer Melillo, and Madison, Raydan, and Kennedy Primm; and six brothers and sisters, Eileen Primm of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; Imogene Wiederkehr, of Independence, Missouri; Ruth Wasson, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Gerald (Jerry) Primm, of Mulberry, Arkansas; Marilyn Primm, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Sharon Coffey, of Russellville, Arkansas.

Raymond served in two branches of the United States military. He enlisted in the Army at age 16 and served in Korea from November 1950 to June 1951 as part of the 7th Infantry Division, X Corp, 8th Army. A combat infantryman. Raymond fought in the battles of Operation Thunderbolt, Operation Killer, Chinese Spring Offensive, the Hwachon Reservoir campaign, and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Raymond earned several medals and citations for courage under fire and for physical disabilities incurred in battle. At the time of his death, he was an active member of “The Chosin Few”, an organization of the survivors of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

Following a total of four years in the Army, in April 1954, Raymond enlisted in the Air Force and trained at the Airborne Radio Operator School, in Biloxi, Mississippi. After graduating with distinction, he received the Atomic Energy Commissions “Q” Clearance and was assigned to the 4928th Test Squadron of the 4925th Nuclear Test Group, with which he served from December 1954 through August 1956. Raymond’s home base was Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he was a crew member on B-50 and B-36 Bombers. In early 1955 and again in 1956 he participated in the Operation Tea Pot Atmospheric Nuclear Tests at Indian Springs AFB in Nevada. From August 1955 to August 1956, he served in Eniwetok, in the Marshall Islands Pacific Test Area, where he participated in the atomic and hydrogen bomb tests known as Operation Redwing and Operation Firecracker.

After leaving the Air Force, Raymond worked with Crown Engineering and Data Technologies companies in Albuquerque, under contracts with Sandia National Laboratories. While with Crown, he was part of a two-man team which solved an engineering failure that enabled NASA’s first Lunar Lander project to continue. He worked for many years with companies in Albuquerque, providing engineering support to both Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories.

In 1972, after developing and patenting an improved photo-electric eye for elevator and material handling uses, Raymond and three partners founded Innovation Industries, Incorporated, in Roswell, New Mexico. Innovation produced the electric eye developed and patented by him, which they dubbed the model 1004. The Innovation Model 1004 Electric Eye became the world standard for safety in elevator door controls and also led to work in other control systems that protect people all over the world. One project of interest handled by the company, in conjunction with Disney Imagineering, was the development of a new control system for Disneyland. Many of Innovation’s photo eyes were used throughout the park to trigger motion, light, and sound systems in such attractions as the Pirates of the Caribbean.

In 1983, Raymond left Innovation Industries and founded Keyswitch, Inc. Keyswitch produced another of his patents, which was an improved key operated switch, used to control elevators from both inside and outside the elevator car. Raymond’s keyswitches are now in such places as The National Institutes of Health, and the elevators leading to the justice’s chambers of the New York State Supreme Court. After the first bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City, Keyswitch received a contract for switches to monitor all the elevators and security stations of the center. One of Raymond’s proudest moments was when he was able to visit the World Trade Center and see the security stations with all 168 Keyswitches on line. After selling and retiring from Keyswitch Inc. in 1999, Raymond enjoyed traveling, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and participating in local activities around Russellville. In addition to membership in “The Chosin Few”, Raymond was a member of the Russellville VFW and the Russellville Eagle’s Club, the latter of which he had served four years as president.

A rosary service was held on March 29th, 2006, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Russellville, Arkansas. A Celebration of Raymond’s Life was held the following evening, Thursday, March 30th, also at St. John’s Catholic Church, in Russellville. Members of the Russellville VFW held a military honors ceremony and fired the volleys. The body was cremated and, on July 17th, Ray's birth date, during an honors ceremony, the cremains were inurned in the columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Putnam, James H.

Jim Putnam of Fenton, Michigan, died on Monday, March 13, 2006, of complications from cancer.  A former member of the United States Marine Corps, Jim served in Korea in 1952-53 with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines machinegun section attached to Dog Company.  His memoir appears on the Memoirs of the Korean War Educator.

PUTNAM, James Harold, age 75, of Fenton, died Monday, March 13, 2006 at home. Funeral Services will be held 1PM Friday, March 17, 2006 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton. Interment will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, with military honors performed under the auspices of Marine Corps League, Flint Detachment #155. Visitation will be held 5-8PM Wednesday and 2-4 and 5-8PM Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Genesys Hospice. James was born January 19, 1931 in Durand, the son of Clifford and Grace (McCully) Putnam. He was a 1949 graduate of Owosso High School, and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as SGT in Korea. James married Jacqueline Wilson at St. Joseph Church in Owosso on August 14, 1954. He was employed by Farm Bureau Insurance Company until retirement in January of 1996. James was active in the lives of his 3 sons, coaching hockey in youth leagues and at Lake Fenton High School. He was an avid hunter, of all types of game, and trained English Setters in the sport. In addition, he was a member of the Senior Slowpitch Softball League. More than anything, James loved his family; spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren brought him the most joy. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Jacqueline; 3 sons, Jeffrey W. Putnam and wife Christine of Birch Run, Christopher J. Putnam and wife Ann of Davison, Patrick J. Putnam and wife Kelly of Swartz Creek; 6 grandchildren, Alicia, Michael, Andrew, Jenny, Ashley, James; mother-in-law, Oda Wilson of Parker, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family extends special thanks to the staff of Genesys Hospice for their tender care, and to all the wonderful neighbors, and friends who have shown unconditional love and support. Those desiring may share online condolences or post a tribute at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation Hours: 5-8PM Wednesday and 2-4 and 5-8PM Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be at: Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, Fri. March 17, 2006 1:00 PM. Special Services: Military honors performed under the auspices of Marine Corps League, Flint Detachment #155. Interment will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly. Family suggests memorial gifts to: Genesys Hospice.

Radz, Alfred

Alfred Radz died on March 6, 2006, of cancer at the age of 75.  He died very peacefully at home surrounded by all of his loved ones.  Six days prior to his passing his family was able to have an Army representative come to the house and present him with the medals he did not receive years ago.  Alfred was very alert and knew exactly what was going on.  He even found enough strength to salute the Lieutenant.

Reed, Harry H. Sr.

M Co., 19th Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, 75mm Recoilless Rifleman, Driver 3/4 ton Dodge Weapons Carrier, Outstanding Dad.  Passed away February 21 1990. - Thanks, Harry H. Reed II

Harry H. Reed, Sr.

Rodarte, Paul

Word about the passing of Paul Rodarte ("C" Company, 7th Marines, Korea) this week came from Charles McKellar (7th Marine website) on August 31, 2005.  Paul's last known address was P.O. Box 482, Fallon, NV 89407-0482.  Phone 775-423-5494.  Paul's funeral was scheduled for September 1, 2005.

Rodriguez, Frank Jr.

Born in Brighton, Colorado, Mr. Rodriguez died March 23, 1988.  He was a career U.S. Army soldier and Korean and Vietnam War veteran.  Upon retiring he resided with his family in Trinidad, CO.  He is survived by his wife, four sons, and three daughters.

Rogers, Guy S.

My grandfather, Guy S. Rogers passed away February 8, 1999 in South Carolina. He was a great man, who loved his family dearly. He also believed in the power of the United States Marine Corps and everything they stood for on this earth.

[Posted 12/24/06 at the request of his very proud granddaughter, Christy Thornsberry]

Rounds, David

I am trying to locate a Korean War buddy (or his family members) from Tokyo who was in the "Corn Tones" band that I was in and performed with 1951-52 in hospitals, orphanages, and for fellow soldiers.  We were members of the 71st Battalion during this time.  David was older than me and a Lieutenant with the Special Services at the time.  He was a World War II veteran and was from San Luis Obispo, CA.  His nickname was "Pappy."  Our band played what was then called "Hillbilly" music.  I have a picture of our band.

Contact: John (Jack) A. Diamond, Savannah, GA.  E-mail Whitebluff18@aol.com.

Roy, Laurence J.

Laurence J. Roy (Army) passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, September 17, 2005, nineteen days after he had evacuated New Orleans, his home since birth.

Sabol, Ed

Ed Sabol died Wednesday, April 27, 2005.  His funeral was Monday, May 2, at St. Joseph's church in Lodi, NJ.  Ed was with Mortars 81 at the Chosin Reservoir.  He was a graduate engineer who taught at Bayonne Tech for many years.

Satterfield, Russell

Russell "Russ" Satterfield reported on high on the 22nd of December. He under went an operation that lasted 3 1/2 hours and made that, but complications afterwards caused his death.

Saya, Antonio (Tony) B.

Antonio (Tony) B. Saya, loving father and grandfather, of Syracuse, NY, passed away April 28, 2007, after a long, courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 77. He was a life resident of Syracuse and a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was the most loving and generous man and will be most remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife Joan; four children Lori, Antonio, Jennifer, and John; four grandchildren Natale, Francesca, Adriana, and Jianna, and one brother Rocco. He was “Dad Saya” to so many more. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  He was laid to rest at the Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery. Not a day goes by that my family and I do not think of him. He will forever be in our hearts. - Jennifer Saya Pagan

Before my father passed he attended a Veteran’s Day parade and sadly, he was the only one who stood and saluted as the soldiers drove by. This was remembered by many people who attended his service. (Click picture for a larger view)

(Click picture for a larger view)

In Loving Memory of Anthony Saya
Come to Me

God saw you were getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you,
And whispered, “Come to me”.

With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

Shear, Fred

Fred Shear died in December of 2004.  He was an official in Florida Chapter #106, Treasure Coast Korean War Veterans Association.

Simonds, Frank H. Sr.

Frank H. Simonds Sr., 85, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps, died March 31, 2004, at the Mayfair House in Berryville, Virginia. He had Alzheimer's disease.

Colonel Simonds was born on October 01, 1918 in Sparta, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1941, the same year he joined the Marine Corps.

During World War II, he was a bomber and fighter pilot in the Pacific theater, flying out of the Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Munda. Colonel Simonds also served in the Korean War as a night fighter pilot. He was commanding officer of several fighter squadrons after the Korean War. His decorations included the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1966.

Colonel Simonds then worked for Control Data Corp. until his retirement in 1988, when he was the eastern and southeastern regional administration manager. He lived in Annandale for 22 years and Oakton for 15 years.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Bobbie Simonds of Woodbridge; a son, Marine Lieutenant Colonel Frank H. Simonds Jr. of Woodbridge; a daughter, Kelley Simonds Hardison of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; a brother; a sister; and three grandchildren.

Singerline, William

Sgt. William Singerline, 1st Platoon, Baker Co., 5th Marines (Korea 16 Jan 1951-2 Jan 1952) died at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on 03 May 2005.  Wake at Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home, 15 Cherry Lane, Parlin, NJ 08859; ph. 1-732-721-1290 Friday, May 6 1400-1600 and 1900-2100.  Funeral Mass at St. Bernadette's RC Church, Ernston Road, Parlin, NJ, Saturday, May 7, at 0945 hours.  Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, South Brunswick, NJ.

Siri, Joseph Steven

Joseph James Steven Siri was born on February 5, 1934, in Portland, Oregon, and died January 27, 2009 in Portland. He graduated from Columbia Prep School and attended Portland University. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War.

He was a construction manager. His many accomplishments included Linn County Transfer Station in Eugene, Rabanco Transfer Station in Seattle in the construction end of it as well as traveling to many foreign countries as a marketing representative. He was most heavily involved in the construction of Metro's Central Transfer Station in northwest Portland. He was responsible for the design of the first wood processing equipment. He also worked a number of years for the Oregonian.

He is survived by Jackie Alexander, the mother of his five children Jill, Jenny, Joel, John, Jason; and four grandchildren; his wife, Kelly Susanne; two stepdaughters, Sylvia and Leah (husband, Igor); three step-grandchildren; brother, Fred (wife, Rachel); sister, Annie Pappas; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Antonio and Emilia Siri; brothers, James and Silvio; sisters, Sophie and Marie.

He was greatly loved and will be missed by all that knew and loved him. Service was held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2009, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 10955 SE 25th Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222.  Remembrances to the Oregon Humane Society.

Sirois, Normand P.

Normand Sirois, who served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953, died on January 18, 2005.

Obituary:

Wednesday, January 26, 2005
PLAISTOW, N.H. -- Normand P. Sirois, 75, who was a construction worker and retiree from Gillette, died of cardiac arrest at his home. He was a resident of Plaistow.

Mr. Sirois served in the Korean War, where he received many awards including the Purple Heart for injuries incurred in battle. He returned home in 1952 and lived in the Lawrence, Mass., area with his wife and family until the early 1960s. He moved his family to New Hampshire and provided a loving home filled with love and laughter.

Although Mr. Sirois had a difficult life as a construction worker, he touched the hearts of many with his humor, kindness and grace. He eventually left the construction industry and was hired by Gillette. He continued to work with Gillette until his retirement. He had also previously worked as a custodian at the Pollard School and Holy Angels Parish in Plaistow. During his retirement, he looked forward to visits with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always had a new joke ready for his visitors.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eustache and Blanche; daughter Anne Marie; granddaughter Julie; his brothers Robert and Romeo; his sister Irene; and his daughter-in-law Beverly Sirois. His survivors include his wife Helene G. Sirois of Charlotte Hall, Md.; three sons, Normand J. of Bedford, Daniel J. and his wife Mary Ann of Newport and Roger J. and his wife Michelle of Gorham; his three daughters, Catherine M. Wall and her husband Harry of Charlotte Hall, Helen A. Robbins and her husband Steve of Londonderry and Therese Marrone and her husband Robert of Manchester; sister Gilberte Plouffe of Methuen; four brothers, Edgar of Florida and Maurice, Raymond and Roland, all of Lawrence; 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association. Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral Liturgy to be held on Friday at 1 p.m. in Holy Angels Church, Plaistow. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow.

The passing of Mr. Sirois saddens the family. However, the joy and humor with which he blessed his children will carry them through the remainder of their lives. His memory will hold a place in each of their hearts for many years to come. So long, Konky, until we meet again.

Smith, Dana

See his obituary on the Dana Smith memoirs page on the KWE.

Smith, William L. Jr.

William L Smith, Jr. born 11/01/33 in Barstow, California unexpectedly passed away on 02/16/07 in Phoenix Arizona. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Elayne, his children Raymond (spouse Debbie), Margaret (Rick), Johnny, Billie (Dale), and Rod (Lori). Three step children Kathleen (Ron), Sandy (Leonard), and Roger. He is survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Bill proudly served his country in the Korean conflict and was a prisoner of war. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad in 1976. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by the family and many friends. His body has been donated to Science Care Anatomical and services will be held privately.

Published in The Arizona Republic on 2/20/2007.

Spicer, Albert

Sgt. Albert Spicer, 4.2 mortars, 1-7 Korea, died on July 30, 2006.  He was operating the Fire Direction Center on the Hook the night the company got overran.  It was the same night Lt. Sherrod Skinner was killed.

Steeneck, Charles

Charles M Steeneck, H&S Company, 1/1 passed away on January 26, 2006 at his residence in Germantown, NY from cancer.  He was a member of the Chosin Few and received a Purple Heart for his injuries. His photo appeared in Time/Life Magazine in the January 1951 issue and also in David Douglas Duncan's book "This is War".  His photo caption was "The Thousand Yard Stare". It also appears in the Chosin Few website.  He is the Marine sitting on the front of the Jeep, heading out of the Reservoir.  The photo also appears in the Korean War Memorial in Branson, MO. His funeral was on January 30, 2006 and he has been cremated. The family will be having a memorial with full military honors for him in the Spring, and his ashes will be buried with his wife.

He is survived by 7 children and 9 grandchildren. His daughter, Theresa Steeneck of Valatie, New York said, "He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. He was the most courageous, honorable and caring man that I have known. A true Marine until the end."

StClair, Lorimer

PFC Lorimer StClair, an E-2-7 Marine who served in Korea 1951-52, died June 3, 2005 in Fountain Valley, California.  His body was cremated, but his spirit lives forever.  PFC StClair requested that his ashes be scattered in Truckee, nearby the cities Carson and Reno. The outposts the 7th Marine regiment fought were named Carson, Reno, and Vegas.

St. Cyr, Norman O.

Norman O. St. Cyr, 70, of 57 Clinton Street, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, died Friday, May 24, 2002, in his daughter's home after an illness.

He was born April 27, 1932, in Fitchburg, the son of Eugene and Eva (Morin) St. Cyr, and lived in Fitchburg for most of his life. He served in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Iowa during the Korean War.

For most of the past 10 years he worked at Gettens Electric of Fitchburg, where he is truly missed to this day. He worked 22 years for P.J. Keating Paving Division in Shirley, Massachusetts. He also worked for the former Weyerhauser Paper Company of Fitchburg.

Norman St. Cyr was a former member of the Joseph P. Keating Knights of Columbus Council 99 in Fitchburg, MA. He attended St. Joseph's Church and St. Francis of Assisi Church, both in Fitchburg.

He leaves a son, Navy Lt. J.G. Normand O. St. Cyr, of Newport News, Virginia; a daughter, Michelle E. St. Cyr of Fitchburg; three brothers, Alcide, Roger, and Eugene St. Cyr, and two sisters, Theresa Measles and Anita Bedard; four grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Norman was a very kind, generous man who will always be missed.

Stinson, Bobby Ray

Bobby Ray Stinson, a resident of Abbeville, died late Sunday morning, July 29, 2007, at his home. He was 76. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2007, in the Abbeville Memorial Cemetery with a son-in-law, Ryan Higgins, officiating. Military honors were conducted at the graveside.  Serving as active pallbearers were Randy Cummings, Kurt Cummings, David Cummings, Kenny Murray, Dr. Bruce Hall and Larry Pitchford.  Holman-Abbeville Mortuary was in charge of funeral arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Wiregrass Hospice Inc., P.O. Drawer 2127, Dothan, AL 36302.

Mr. Stinson was born and reared in Henry County, near Abbeville, a son of the late Walter Eric Stinson and Willie Mae Wells Stinson. He lived in Abbeville most of his adult lifetime. Mr. Stinson served his country as a combat medic in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Occupation Medal in Japan, a Medical Badge, two Bronze Star Medals with a (V) device, which signifies medals awarded for valor, which he received for tending to his comrades in battle while undergoing enemy fire, and also the Korean Service Medal and Bronze Service Stars.

Mr. Stinson was the most decorated combat veteran from Henry County during the Korean War. He later retired from the Alabama Army National Guard Unit in Abbeville with rank of Platoon Sergeant (E-7). Mr. Stinson also retired from the United States Postal Service as postmaster in the New Brockton Post Office. He formerly served as postmaster in the Gordon, Midland City and Gulf Shores' post offices. In earlier years, Mr. Stinson was employed by the Abbeville Post Office as a city mail carrier and clerk. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Mr. Stinson was preceded in death by a son, David Keith Stinson; a granddaughter, Christina Nichole Paul; and two brothers, Arthur Grant Stinson and Charles Vickers Stinson. Surviving relatives include his devoted wife of 54 years, Ruby Nell Murray Stinson, Abbeville; three daughters, Karen Stinson Smith and husband, Randall Smith, Troy; Linda Stinson Paul, Abbeville; Lucy Stinson Higgins and husband, Ryan Higgins, Fort Worth, Texas; a son, Ray Stinson and wife, Angie Stinson, Headland; four sisters, Doris Bostick, Abbeville; Jean Culpepper and husband, Marvin Culpepper, Abbeville; Peggy Cummings Jackson, Abbeville; Patsy Clark and husband, Melvin Clark, Eufaula; five grandchildren, Anna Jetton and husband, Curtis Jetton, Andrew Paul, Allison Smith, Eric Paul and Sam Stinson; three great-grandchildren, Adelyn Jetton, William Jetton and Lydia Jetton; sisters-in-law, Guinevere Murray Hall, Dothan; Ruth Stinson, Detroit, Michigan; Myra Earlene Murray Woodham and husband, Edsel Woodham, Ozark; a brother-in-law, Nick Murray and wife, Winnie Murray, Abbeville; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Charles Mathison, Cody Crawford, Bill Skipper, Jesse T. Harpe and Hubert Givens.

Published in the Dothan Eagle on 7/30/2007.

Stone, Col. Richard W. "Dick"

Colonel Stone (USMC Ret.) died the 15th of April.  His wife is Mrs. Kash Stone, 135 Marvin Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT 06840-6906.

Strack, Clarence H.

Clarence H. Strack, Post #188, Sandwich, MA, died June 14 (Flag Day), 2005.  A member of the US Air Force during the Korean War, he was the American Legion District #10 Commander 1993 to 1994.  Burial was in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

Sullivan, William "Sully"

I am looking for William "Sully" Sullivan.  We were stationed at Scott Field in Belleville, IL for Airborne Radio Repair School in 1952.  He was my best man for my wedding at Scott in October of 1952.  Sully was actually in Supply and was sent overseas.  He was born and raised in Pittsburg, KS.  I do not know if he remained in the Air Force or was discharged in 1956.  He would also be in his mid-70s.  I would very much appreciate any information about Sully.  He may not be alive at this time, but I would like to know.

Contact: Gerald Ohlms at JMOHLMS@aol.com.

Sylvester, Walter Hyden

Walter Hayden Sylvester of California died Tuesday, October 27, 1987.  He was 58 years old.  Funeral services were held at Dopkins Chapel. Interment was at Smith Mountain Cemetery. 

Mr. Sylvester served with the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.  He was a member of the Dinuba Christian Church, an honorary lifetime member of the Dinuba Veterans of Foreign Wars, an honorary lifetime member of the Terra Bella American Legion, and was a Dinuba Volunteer Fireman.  Mr. Sylvester worked for Pacific Telephone for 18 years as an installer.

He received several awards, including the Eagle's Homebuilder Award in 1969 for being a good family man, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Buddie Poppy award in 1978.  The Dinuba Recreation Department named the Little League Home Run Trophy after him for his many hours of involvement with Little League.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Sylvester; two sons, Monte and Mickey Sylvester; and two daughters, Connie Logan and Vikki Gillen, all of Dinuba.  He is also survived by his parents, John and Jessie Sylvester of Dinuba; two brothers Junior of Oceano, and David of Jackson, Mississippi; seven sisters, Carmen Rice of Yuma, Arizona, Betty Berry of Dinuba, Sherry Cambron and Patsy Russell of Oregon, Geraldine Sylvester of Visalia, Tulare County, Suzanne Wray of Orosi, and Pam Salisbury of Paso Robles.

Newspaper article, Terra Bella, Tulare County, California, November 23, 1953:

Terra Bella Man is Wounded in Korean Fighting

Mr. and Mrs. John Sylvester of Terra Bella have received word form the department of defense that their son, Private First Class Walter Hayden, was wounded in action in Korea on November 5th. The parents said several days after receiving the official notice of their son's injury; they had a letter from him saying he was aboard a hospital ship. He wrote that he had been wounded in the leg and foot by shrapnel from an enemy hand grenade.

Sylvester wrote he had been in battle a long time as a machine gunner without being hit. On November 5th, he said, he looked out from his machine gun post and the mountain seemed alive with a horde of North Korean Reds. It was during this attack that he was struck by the grenade.

In a later letter, received Tuesday, Sylvester wrote he was in a hospital in Japan.  The 22-year-old Terra Bella soldier had been stationed with the army two years in Japan before the Korean War started. He was with the first group to be sent to Korea as reinforcements in July.

Syms, George L.

Cpl. George L. Syms, 75, of Cocoa, Florida, died at Cape Canaveral Hospital on Sunday, March 25, 2007. Mr. Syms had been a resident of Cocoa since 1982, having previously resided in Broward County since 1968. He was born in 1931 and grew up in the suburban Philadelphia town of Darby, PA. He entered the United States Army in 1948, served during the Korean War, earning a Silver Star and was honorably discharged in 1951. Mr. Syms had been employed by Bordens, Trans World Airlines, and was a proprietor of several businesses, primarily as a restauranteur, having retired in 1987. He was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church, Merritt Island, and had served that congregation as a deacon. He is survived by his wife Natalie; and six children, (Rev.) George Syms, Kansas City, MO, Barbara Campbell, Florahome, FL., Steven Syms, Cooper City, FL., Bonnie Uphues, Port St. Lucie, FL., David Syms, Titusville, FL., and William Syms, Cocoa, FL. He is also survived by a brother.

[See also Silver Star citations page on the KWE.]

Tanner, Douglas Arnold

Douglas Arnold Tanner passed away at home in Gainesville, Florida on February 26,2006 of  heart failure.

Taplett, Col. Bob

Colonel Bob Taplett of Arlington, VA died at 0700 17 December, 2004. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Old Post Chapel at Fort Meyer 31 January. Burial will follow at Arlington National Cemetery. He was CO of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, and participated in the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon Landing, and Chosin Reservoir campaign in 1950.  Following is an article written by Joe Holley, Washington Post Staff Writer, that appeared in the Saturday, January 8, 2005 issue of that newspaper on page B06:

Decorated Marine Robert Taplett Dies

Robert D. Taplett, 86, a heavily decorated Marine colonel who led his 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, in the grueling strategic retreat at Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, died Dec. 17 of congestive heart failure at the Powhatan Nursing Home in Falls Church.

A running battle during the winter months of 1950, in temperatures falling to 40 degrees below zero at night, the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir lasted three weeks, as U.S. and allied forces fought their way back to the sea in the face of relentless assaults from Chinese forces, who outnumbered them by more than 5 to 1. About 15,000 Marines and 3,000 Army troops took part in the battle.

"From Nov. 27 to Dec. 10, we were in almost constant combat," Col. Taplett told USA Today in 2000. "I don't think I slept two hours the whole time. You had to keep moving, or you'd freeze. I left Yudami-ni with roughly 1,300 men and got into Hagaru-ni (at the south end of the reservoir) with 326 effective Marines. Better than half our casualties were caused by weather." The severe frostbite he suffered caused Col. Taplett to have difficulties walking for the rest of his life.

A longtime Arlington resident, Robert Donald Taplett was born in Tyndall, S.D. He graduated with honors from the University of South Dakota in 1940. He was a member of the Army ROTC in college, but in 1940, the Marine Corps corralled Col. Taplett and a number of honor graduates across the country. He resigned his Army commission and became a Marine second lieutenant in 1940. He went through basic training at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

He loved being a Marine, his wife, Patricia Taplett, recalled. Dark-haired, 6 feet 2 inches tall, in his dress blues he seemed made for the Corps. "Some people called him a poor man's Gregory Peck," Mrs. Taplett said. "I always said he was a cross between Tyrone Power and Robert Taylor."

On Dec. 7, 1941, he was serving aboard the USS Salt Lake City at Pearl Harbor. The cruiser was escorting the carrier Enterprise, which had engine trouble and was just outside the harbor when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began. Unscathed, the Salt Lake City headed off in pursuit of the Japanese fleet. He was aboard the Salt Lake City for three years and participated in the major battles of the Pacific, including a decisive engagement in the Aleutian Islands in 1943, a battle that naval historian Samuel Eliot Morison called "the last heavy gunfire daylight action, with no interference by air power, submarines or torpedoes." In October 1944, the Salt Lake City provided fire support at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

After the war, Col. Taplett served as commanding officer of the Navy supply barracks at Clearview, Utah, at Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay and at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, Calif. He also served with the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He was dispatched to Korea in 1950. "From the time he came in with the brigade, from Pusan, up through Seoul, all the way to the Chosin Reservoir, just about every dirty job the 5th Marines had, he led the way," said fellow Marine Frank Metersky, a member of the Chosin Few, an organization of Marines who survived the Chosin retreat. "He, to me, is one of the finest officers in the history of the Marine Corps," said Metersky, co-chairman of the Korean War POW-MIA committee. Col. Taplett was awarded the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit and a Bronze Star.

After the Korean War, Col. Taplett spent several months traveling the country lecturing to military audiences on the importance of close-air support, a Marine concept perfected during World War II, and then became academic director of the Basic School at Quantico in 1951 and 1952. He was at Marine Corps headquarters from 1953 to 1956. From 1957 to 1959, he was based in Hawaii, although he spent most of his time training troops in Okinawa and the Philippines. He was sent back to Quantico in 1959, a member of the landing force development center. Unhappy that he wasn't working directly with troops, he retired in 1960 after 20 years of service.

In retirement, Col. Taplett and his family moved to Arlington, where he worked for several professional associations and then for the U.S. Postal Service, where his duties included teaching management techniques to supervisors. He retired in 1993.

He made two trips back to South Korea, the last in 1985, and while there expressed sympathy for the North Korean people. He remembered how they sheltered Marines during that unimaginably hard winter years earlier and how they shared whatever food they could spare.

He received his master's degree in human resource development from George Washington University, attending class at night, and wrote a combat memoir, "Dark Horse Six" (2003), the title alluding to his battalion's radio call, "Dark Horse." In Iraq today, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines use the same call sign in his honor. He also collected donations for the Arlington charity SOME (So Others Might Eat), volunteered with the Women's National Symphony Decorators' Show House and was a monitor at the Kennedy Center Young People's Concerts.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, of Arlington; six children, Claire Taplett and Marty K. Taplett, both of Arlington, Christine McCarty of Charlottesville, Robert Howard Taplett of Purchase, N.Y., Martin Ross Taplett of Pinehurst, N.C., and Margo Barbara Taplett of Park City, Utah; a brother; and nine grandchildren.

Tedrow, Donald Ray

My wonderful husband, Donald Ray Tedrow, served on the front line in the Korean War.  He later went to Vietnam.  He died from Agent Orange on January 27, 2005--the saddest day of my life.

Posted at the request of Ruth Tedrow.

Thompson, Tommy F.

Tommy F. Thompson died September 25, 2005. He was in the 1st Marine Division, 1st Battalion in Korea.  More information will follow as submitted.

Thornton, James H.

James H. Thornton, 77, of Toledo, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2006, in his home. Born October 7, 1929, in Toledo to Francis "Pat" and Grace (Brown) Thornton, he graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1947. Jim was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a drill instructor from February, 1949 until he was honorably discharged in October, 1952. Jim was a member of the First Marine Division H-3-1 and served his country in the Korean War where he earned a Purple Heart. Jim was a member of the Catholic War Vets, Logsdon_Walla Post #639.

He worked as a tool and die maker first for the Electric Auto-Lite Company and then for the Champion Spark Plug Company where he worked for 32 years, retiring in February 1991. Jim was a devoted and loving husband and father. He spent many years coaching his kids and made it a point to never miss a game. He was a member of the Men's Club of Little Flower Parish where he was very active in volunteer work. He also volunteered his time as a ticket taker at St. John's Jesuit High School basketball games for many years while his sons attended.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosemary Holliday and brother, Robert Thornton. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nancy J. (Gozdowski) Thornton; children, David and Julie (Jordan) and their children, Patrick and Ben; Kevin and his children, Karli (Josh) Woggon and Sam; Valerie and John Myers and their children, Jonathan, Jeremy and Justin; Mark and Christine (Samiec) and their children, Katie (fiance, Mike Evangelist), Betsy, Alex and Marcus; Paul and Sue (Creque) and their children, Andy and Chris; Mike and Micki (Jobuck) and their children, Andrea, Chelsea and Jenny; Connie and Darrel Limes and their children, Jenna and Jessica; great-granddaughter, Maggie Woggon; brother, Richard (Theresa) Thornton; sister-in-law, Roberta Thornton; brother-in-law, Charles "Sandy" Holliday of Crystal Springs, MS and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2456 North Reynolds Rd. (419-531-4424) from 1-8 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 2006. Scripture services will be at held at 4 p.m. and the Catholic War Vets Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church where friends will be received after 9 a.m. Burial, Resurrection Cemetery. Those wishing a memorial for Jim may consider Little Flower Church, Hospice of Northwest Ohio or an organization of their choice.

The family wishes to thank all the friends and neighbors who have been so supportive these last 13-1/2 years. A special thank you to Father Joe, Jane Paquette, the nurses from Caring Services and Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially nurse, Diane Braker.  Dad, you will be missed!

Tims, Robert E. Jr.

Robert E. Tims, Jr., 75, Safety Harbor, Florida, entered into rest Thursday, February 21, 2008, at his home. A graveside military memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at two o’clock, at Sylvan Abbey’s Memorial Park in the Garden of Honor, Safety Harbor, FL. Senior Paster Eric Bargerhuff, Ph.D., of Clearwater Community Church will officiate. An Honor Guard detail will consist of members from the Florida Suncoast Korean War Veterans Chapter 14, who will perform a three-volley salute, the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of “Taps.” The Sylvan Abbey Funeral Director is in charge of arrangements.

Robert E. Tims, Jr. was born December. 15, 1932, to Robert E. and Marion S. Tims in Camden, NJ. He had an older sister, Elva May, and two younger siblings, David Joel and Phyllis Ann. The family owned the Tims-Cinnaminson House Restaurant on Route 130 where Robert worked as a young boy. He graduated from Palmyra High School in 1950 and proposed to his high school sweetheart, Wanda Bruce Wright, in 1952. Following his graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry. He was stationed at Camp Kilmore, NJ and received training at Indian Town Gap, Pa and Breckenridge, KY (101st Airborne), then was sent to serve in Korea from March 1953 to December 1954. He proudly and bravely served in the 26th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 24th Infantry Division in the Punch Bowl, handling half-track mounted quad .50 caliber machine guns. He also served in Masan and Sang-dong. He was honorably discharged from the service as Corporal 1st Class in February 1955.

When he returned home, he resumed working as Produce Manager for American Stores in Morristown, NJ. He married Wanda Wright on March 2, 1955, and they celebrated 52 years of marriage. Robert worked for Jay Whitman and Sons doing heating and air conditioning installation and eventually became a self-employed contractor in the 1960’s. He personally built their dream home.  He also held managerial positions for Sears and Roebuck until moving his family to Clearwater, Florida in 1980. He retired from the City of Dunedin after 14 years of service in 1998.

Robert enjoyed camping with is family, fishing with his best friend, Harry Wenger, a World War II veteran, and going on numerous trips with his wife through the years. He also enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family, cooking, and shopping at Super Wal-Mart.

He is survived by his wife Wanda of Safety Harbor; three daughters, LuAnn Streebel and her husband James, Virginia Johnson and her husband William, Sara Ann and her husband Francis; two sons, Robert E. Tims III and Thomas Arthur and his wife Victoria; six grandchildren Tracey Lynn and her husband Josh Willey, Kelly Ann and her husband Greg Kamprath, Zachary Thomas and Logan Gregory Tims, and Joseph Anthony and Carly Ana Matera; three great-grandchildren; Shy, Moni and Bryce Willey. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Toliver, Patrick

I am writing in to say that my Grandfather Patrick Toliver of the Company M 7th Regt 3rd who served in Korea, and lost his legs in combat on March 31, 1950. Passed away in April of 1998. I have currently have viewed some of his military records. I know that when he lost his legs, he was a CPL and his number was RA 15232567. His mos, I believe was Mos-005. He was taken to the Tokyo Army Hospital near Wongpong, Korea. Any information you might have or pictures, would be greatly appreciated. He was a very dear man, and many of us miss him so.

Contact: Pat's oldest granddaughter, AmyBeth1973@aol.com.

Triantafel, Steve G.

Steve G. Triantafel,  a/k/a Steve G. Trent, veteran US Army Korean War, recipient of the Silver Star, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2006. He died peacefully at his home in Illinois.  His obituary follows:

Steve G. ''Trent'' Triantafel, Veteran US Army Korean War, Recipient of the Silver Star. Beloved husband of the late Candice, nee Kerbs; loving father of Lauren (Vicken) Alexanian; devoted son of the late George and Martha Triantafel; proud grandfather of Andrew and Ashley Alexanian; dear brother of Anita Chakos; fond uncle of Michael (Katherine) Chakos; great-uncle of Ainsley and Leland Chakos. Commander of Hellenic Post #343 American Legion and a member of AHEPA Northwestern Chapter #388 and past Supreme Governor Order of AHEPA. Visitation Monday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave. Family and friends will meet Tuesday morning at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 2727 W. Winona St. Chicago for funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hellenic Post #343 Veterans Memorial Monument Fund 5765 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60659-4730 appreciated. Arrangements by John G. Adinamis Funeral Director, Ltd. 773-736-3833.

Published in the Chicago Tribune on 7/16/2006.

Umrich, Col. William

Col. William Emrich went up on a ladder to clean leaves out of his gutter on 6 November 2005.  The ladder slipped, he fell, and a broken rib punctured his lung.  He died the next day.  Lt. Bill Umrich was a USMC spot team officer in North Korea during the war.

Vansickle, Fredrick Donald

Fredrick Donald Vansickle died March 7, 2006.

Vega, Guadalupe

Guadalupe Vega, a member of the 40th Infantry Division, 223rd Infantry Regiment, Item Company, passed away March 2004. His daughter, Martha Stickney, notified the 223rd Regt Association of his death.  Members of Item Company had not seen Guadalupe for over 50 years until he attended the 223rd Association reunion in San Antonio, Texas, September 2002. He was his old self, had not changed too much, maybe some gray hairs.  We in Item Company will miss Guadalupe, but we had the pleasure of enjoying his friendship one more time in 2002.

Vigliotte, Daniel

Daniel Vigliotte, 40th Infantry Division, 223rd Infantry Regiment, Item Company, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Squad, passed June 2006.  "Vic", as he was called, was from Yonkers, New York.  He passed away while living in Naples, Florida.  You couldn't ask for a nicer friend and he always took care of his squad members.  We will certainly miss Vic and just wish that we could have "hooked up" again before his death.

[Posted by Joseph Alvarez Jr., Item Company, 3rd platoon, 4th Squad]

Wallace, Harry L. Jr.

Harry Wallace died August 31, 2005.  He was #37 of the original members establishing the Korean War Veterans Association.  He was the 2nd Vice President in the national association serving under Presidents Dick Adams and Nick Pappas.  He served as membership chairman and reunion co-chairman in the 1980s and early 1990s.  He was a charter member of Maryland Chapter #33, KWVA--one of the six to form the chapter in 1990.  Memorial service September 7 at 8 p.m. at Duda-Rick Funeral Home, 7922 Wise Ave., Dundalk, MD.

Wasilewski, Walter

Walter Wasilewski died August 18, 1986.

Watterson, Walter Lloyd Jr.

Walter Lloyd Watterson Jr., age 59, died on Sunday, July 27, 2008, at Phoenix Baptist Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

Born October 27, 1948, in Pontiac, Illinois, he was the son of the late Walter Lloyd and Olive May Williams Watterson. Walter grew up in Phoenix, graduating from Washington High School in 1966, and then completing his education at Glendale College in Glendale, Arizona.

A veteran of the United States Army, he served in Vietnam and Korea during the late 60’s and early 70’s.  He worked as a chef most of his life and was employed by Café Eden at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix at the time of his death.

Walter is survived by his brother, Jack Watterson and his wife Linda of Hughesville, Missouri; two aunts, Kathleen Wasson and Motie Callans of Illinois; three nephews, Brad Watterson and his wife Crystal of Hughesville, Brett Watterson of Lees Summit, Ryan Watterson and his wife Angela of Hughesville; one niece, Sara Watterson of Hughesville; three great nephews and two great nieces, Britten Mergen, Rylee, Carter, Dillon & Hanna Watterson all of Hughesville.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Advantage Colonial Chapel in Phoenix, Arizona, with burial in the Veterans National Memorial Cemetery. The American Legion will conduct military rites and a graveside service later this fall.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Walter’s memory to the Center for Human Services - Children’s Therapy Center in Sedalia, Missouri.

Weekly, Dean Vincent

Dean "Poppa Dean" Weekly was born April 27, 1925 in Myrtle Point.  He died November 16, 2001 in Eugene, Oregon.  Mr. Weekly was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.  He was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a tank commander. .His service to our country included the invasions of Saipan and Iwo Jima.  He served with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Company C in Korea.

Mr. Weekly graduated from Myrtle Point High School and attended Oregon Technical Institute, where he was a star linebacker on the football team.  He was employed as a millwright for Norply and Westbrook Wood Products until his retirement in 1990.  Dean was a member of the Coquille Valley Elks Lodge and the Coquille Eagles Lodge.  As an avid sports fan, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling, but was most passionate about golf.  He will be remembered as a faithful and loving father, a proud grandfather and a dedicated and loyal friend.  He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his sister, Ann Perry and her husband, William of Marysville, Washington; sons and daughters-in-law, Chris and Julie of Oregon City, Ray and Delores of Kaiser, Kent and Lorena of Murietta, California; daughters and sons-in-law, Robin Moon and Steve of Myrtle Point, and Mary Sue Oldham and John of Pleasant Hill; eight grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Coos County Logging Museum, P.O. Box 325, Myrtle Point, Oregon 97458; or the Coquille Valley Elks Lodge Christmas Basket Fund, 54942 Maple Heights Road, Coquille, Oregon 97423.

Wehinger, Sgt. Major

Sgt.Maj. Edwin Wehinger died at his home in Rocky Point, North Carolina, on November 15, 2006.  He is survived by his son, Edwin Jr., daughters Janeen Crawford, Colleen Wehinger, and Edana Davis.  Burial in Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Wilken, Roger

Member of 1-7 Marines, Roger Wilken died of cancer of the esophagus on August 20, 2005.  His wife Phyllis said, "He gave it his all and although he was surrounded by the enemy, he went down fighting like a true Marine."

Woolbert, Alexander Joseph

My father was Alexander Joseph Woolbert. He served two tours of duty in the US Army. He passed away on October 24, 2002. First service dates Mar 1946 – Jan 1950 in the 78th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, A Battery in Germany. His second tour included Korea and Occupational Army in Germany. That tour was Feb 1951 – January 1954 in the 229th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery B. Given that he was in Korea, and the 229th was not, I believe based on some pictures that he was in Korea from approximately Mar 51 to January 1952 in the 176th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. His total overseas duty time was 4 years, 9 months. What details would you like for the obituary?

My father served in an extraordinary time. To my mother’s knowledge, he was in Germany and was rotated onto guard duty of a prison that held SS Soldiers and also may have been a guard at some of the prisons where the Nuremburg Trial prisoners were held. In Korea, we believe he was debarked from a ship and was trucked directly to the front lines somewhere on some river. There are a couple of stories that include him going into direct combat against the Chinese at the river and then ended up shooting a young (15 or so years old) Chinese boy. It changed his life forever. Dad was in the Field Artillery virtually at all times for most of his service duty. I think the river battle was one of those emergency needs to hold and everybody on the boat was pushed up to the front to hold.

What I've been trying to do is reconstruct to some degree where he was ad when. That in itself is a large task given there are few records that I have and getting information has been sketchy at best.

Wood, Morton "Pete"

[The following obituary appeared in the Washington Post.]

Morton Wood, 86, a mechanical engineer who owned his own engineering firm, died August 10, 2009, of pneumonia and sepsis at the nursing facility of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington.  He was a Bethesda resident.

Mr. Wood was born in Washington and was a graduate of the old Western High School.  He served in the Army during World War II and survived the December 24, 1944, sinking of the troopship S.S. Leopoldville.  An estimated 800 servicemen died in the ship's sinking.

He was recalled to active duty in the Korean War and was severely wounded by machine-gun fire in 1951.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1947, Mr. Wood joined the engineering firm of H. Walton Redmile Associates.  He later became the owner of the company before retiring in the 1970s.  He then worked as a consulting engineer with the Montgomery County public schools until the 1990s.

He enjoyed singing with the Old Line Four barbershop quartet and was a member of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America.  He also enjoyed golf and owned a driving range in College Park in the late 1940s and early 1950s.  He was a member of Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ella Boothe Wood of Bethesda.

---

Morton Wood, Jr. "Pete"

"Mr. Wood was born in February 1923, in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.  He spent his childhood in Washington, never leaving except for college and military service.  After graduation from Western High School, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), which was a full 24-hour military academy.

When World War II broke out, he was about one-third through his senior year of college.  He immediately went to Officer Candidate School and was assigned to the 66th "Black Panther" Division.  On December 24, 1944, he boarded the SS Leopoldville in England.  The ship was torpedoed in the English Channel that cold, dark, choppy night, taking the lives of about 800 men.

After time, and Europe, peace finally came.  He elected to remain in the reserves.  He took a summer job with H. Walton Redmile, Consulting Engineers and returned to finish his education at VPI in the fall.  He received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and returned to H. Walton Redmile and Associates as a part of the organization.  It was there that he met Ella, his future wife of 55 years.  Mr. Wood loved golf and in his spare time, he and Carl Rasnic, a fellow student from VPO, purchased a driving range.  Pete worked weekends and Mr. Rasnic all the time.

Mr. Wood's recall to the military came in January 1951.  He left a successful business and sold his part in the golf range to Carl Rasnic.  He had one foot on the gangplank, headed to Korea, when orders came from General Parker in Washington to report immediately to the 3rd Infantry Regiment at Ft. Myer in Virginia.

After a short time, he was once again ordered to Korea via the West Coast where he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division.  His training in World War II served him quite well, he said but his stay was short.  After a very short time of intensive fighting, he was severely wounded in the right hip, resulting in a lacerated sciatic nerve.  He received immediate attention, was picked up by a M.A.S.H. helicopter, stayed for three days, and then flown to Japan and subsequently to Walter Reed in Washington, D.C.  He was awarded a Purple Heart.

Though the wound was severe and efforts to rehabilitate took a long time, he returned to his engineering career and became the owner of H. Walton Redmile and Associates from which he eventually retired.  He finished his career doing consulting work with the Montgomery County School Board of Maryland.

He was a lover of poetry, enjoyed the frustrations of golf, mountain hiking, and barbershop music.  He was a member of SPEBSQSA, sang in the chorus, as well as in the "Old Line Four" quartet.  He was in the Honor Society of Tau Beta Tau and a member of Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church of Bethesda, MD.

Mr. Wood cared deeply about those of both wars that served with him and kept in touch with many of them, including his rescuer from the English ship, the Brilliant."

Wright, Vernon Kenneth

Vernon Kenneth Wright, 74, of Denton died Sunday, September 9, 2007 at his residence. He was born December 28, 1932 in Mineral Wells to Vernon and Charlotte Wright. He married Theresa Gail McNatt in Fort Worth. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was retired from American Airlines as Supervisor/Manager of Ramp Services at Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport after 37 years. He was a member of Military Order of the Purple Heart, VFW, 3rd Infantry Division and First United Methodist Church of Denton.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Gail Wright; daughter Cecilia Kim Wright Martin and husband, Edward; daughter Cynthia Lou Wright Brown and husband, Joe; and son, Charles C. Wright and wife, Louanne, all of Denton; grandchildren, Andrew Martin, Eddie Martin, Jr., Toni Chism, Shelby Brown, Annie Wright, Lauren Watkins and Justin Watkins; and four great-grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death.

A memorial service was held Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the Cole Chapel of First United Methodist Church. The family requested that donations be made to American Cancer Society in memory of Kenneth Wright in lieu of flowers.

Wyscarver, Richard L.

Richard L. Wyscarver (How Company, 1st Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division) served in Korea in 1950.  He was born August 20, 1931 and died August 2, 2002.  A message from his daughter, Vicki Blazick, tells the Korean War Educator, "My father received the Purple Heart, Silver Medal, and the Presidential Citation.  He was a disabled war veteran all of his adult life due to his injuries sustained in the battle of the Chosin Reservoir in November 1950.  He was 19 years old at the time.  He was a wonderful man and father and I miss him tremendously.  He is survived by myself and his two sons."

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