VETERAN’S DAY • NOVEMBER 11, 2014
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD AND BLUEBAGMEDIA.COM
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Life on both sides of the ocean
Richard and Joan Eley can relate to a lot of families today that have a spouse serving overseas in one of many hotspots across the globe. The couple has spoken with school children about their experiences during World War II. Joan recalls graduating in 1943 and the boys in her class being jerked out of the class as soon as they turned 18. Several of her classmates never came home – Bob Gillette, Harold Marshell… While many were off fighting, the war effort was not lost only on the
soldiers. Those at home were making sacrifices. Joan remembers the rationing of sugar, tires, shoes, meat and gasoline. Richard was in the Navy during World War II and served in the Seabees from 1942 to 1946. He did construction for the Navy. In his first tour of duty he was with the 30th Battalion. They went to Trinidad, but it wasn’t for a tropical cruise. The Germans had a base on the French island of Martinique after France surrendered and they had a large U-boat presence in the Caribbean.
Honoring Their Service & Sacrifice
On one occasion Richard witnessed, the US PBY (seaplane) caught a U-boat on the surface and was able to damage it enough that it wouldn’t come back up. The Navy sent up a dirigible and the Germans shot it down. They sent up airplanes and the Germans shot one down and the others came back with holes in them. Richard was transferred in to the 147th and it took them six weeks to get Okinawa. He remembers going to see a buddy and hitchhiking and two guys in a jeep picked him up. I could tell they were pilots and saw a P-61
Black Widow and asked them what they started carrying. He asked what they were bombing and they said they were hitting Japan with everything that would carry a bomb. They informed Richard they hit something the day before. “I was flying at 30,000 feet and the cloud was 15,000 feet higher than that,” Richard was told. He learned later they saw the dropping of the atomic bomb. Two weeks later, Japan surrendered. Richard returned to the US in January 1946.
ERK COTTRELL POST 140 of the AMERICAN LEGION Greenville, OH
Veteran’s Day, the time to remember the sacrifice of some who gave willingly and more importantly those many who gave all selflessly for the future of America. Our freedom is non-negotiable and unconquerable. Our loyalty to each other comes to the surface with a powerful statement I AM AN AMERICAN.
Thank you to all the brave men & women who have served in uniform. We thank you for your commitment to preserving freedom at home and around the world GREENVILLE 548-7284 ACE HARDWARE Mon.-Sat. 8-8 1241 Russ Rd. Sunday 10-5 Greenville
We, as Post 140 Legionnaires, Woman’s Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion support our Veterans both past and present through various programs and local support of our community. HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY FROM THE MEMBERS OF POST 140. WE SALUTE YOU.
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D.R. Shafer D.R. Shafer was born Jan. 30, 1918 near Gettysburg and was inducted into the US Army on March 6, 1941 at Ft. Thomas, Ky. He was drafted, but had a low number, so he volunteered. Basic training was served at Camp Walters Texas and his advanced training was at Ft. Snelling, MN. On March 4, 1942 he was promoted to the rank of corporal and was in the 3rd Infantry. The 3rd Infantry is one of the oldest units in the army and they are the unit that guards the Tomb of the Unkowns at Arlington Cemetery. Shortly after his promotion he left Ft. Snelling for the New York Replacement Center. He boarded s hip in Boston on April 20, 1942, but because they missed the convoy to North Africa he was sent to Greenland. Germany had weather stations in Greenland forecasting weather in the North Atlantic. D.R. was on guard duty on top of the mountain when planes came into land. He was earned the rank of Sergeant on Sept. 9, 1942. He left Greenland on July 2, 1943, but stopped at another base further north on the west coast of the country. He was north of the Arctic Circle. Upon leaving Arctic Circle, the ship he was on hit an iceberg. They could see it early in the morning and could still see it in the evening. The captain and sailors thought they were far enough away, but it scraped the sides and bottom. It was estimated to be 10 stories and would cover 10 or 12 city blocks and that was what they could see. Approximately
3/4ths of the iceberg was underwater. The ship was undamaged. He arrived in Boston on July 24, 1943. After spending time at Camp Myles Standish and Ft. Brag, NC, D.R. was placed in the Glider Infantry and was sent to Rockingham, NC. Unfortunately, World War II was winding down and they determined they didn’t need any more pilots and he was put back into the regular army. On Aug. 22, 1944 he left Ft. Ord in California for the South Pacific, where he arrived on Dec. 31, 1944. After stops in New Guinea and Leyte, D.R. joined a company from Lingayen Gulf. On Feb. 12 he took a truck into Manila, 190 miles away. He joined the 37th division on the front line in Manila. On march 31, 1945 he ran into heavy fighting, with a lot of Japanese around. This was one of the Japanese Headquarters. He faced steady artillery and shelling for two weeks. As he continued to advance, he recalled a smoking grenade between his feet. He heard it land and immediately took two men with him and jumped over a terrace before it exploded. D.R. faced several more battles and was hospitalized with malaria while in the Philippines. On Aug. 10, 1945, he headed for the mountains where a large collection of Japanese soldiers were spotted. Since the war was drawing to a close, they were ordered to capture a few, but no killing. They took eight prisoners with one killed. They went out several days later to the same place
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Orville W. Borchers and passed three semi’s loaded with prisoners and a stack of rifles as large as a house. On Aug. 19, 1945 a Japanese General arrived for surrender. The war was over. In September 1945, his unit was ready to move on, but were delayed. D.R. was elected to start a club and bar for noncommissioned officers. He got the bar set up and was given access to a jeep to get supplies. He ran the bar for a couple of weeks and had officers in and out trying to figure out how they had better and cheaper drinks than they had in their bar. On Nov. 24, his unit loaded onto a ship to return home. They arrived in San Pedro on Dec. 5. After several delays, he was able to leave on a train for Indiana and Camp Atterbury on Dec. 17. He arrived on Dec. 21 to a lot of snow and was finally discharged on Dec. 23, 1945. In his diary he wrote, “I wouldn’t take a million for my experiences, nor would I would I do it over.”
I was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry on June 18, 1941 and received my honorable discharge on August 11, 1945. Basic training was at Camp Roberts, Calif. and was followed by my assignment to the 35th Infantry Division at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, near Little Rock, Ark.. I was on guard duty there on Dec. 7, 1941 when news came over the radio that the Japanese were bombing Pearl Harbor. Since the 35th was a National Guard outfit, a few days later we were on a train headed to California to protect a number of possible targets. We spent time up and down the California coastline, but especially guarding waterfront warehouses and the shipyards at San Francisco where damaged ships were being brought for repairs. Later we were ordered east to Camp Rucker, Ala. and, following Tennessee Maneuvers, to Camp Butner, NC. In May 1944 we sailed past the Statue of Liberty and joined a convoy headed for England.
Jeanette (Cleghorn) Rowland I served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973. I was in San Antonio Texas for basic training. I was in McGuire AFB in New Jersey for two years working in the field of Communications. I came to WPAFB in Ohio in 1972, while there the Vietnam war was coming to an end a I
was instrumental in communications to assist the evacuation of military and civilian personnel. I am very proud of my time in the Military. I learned many skills, may many friends, one I still keep in contact with. I want to thank all veterans past and present for protecting our freedoms.
After two wretched weeks on rough seas, we arrived at North Hampton. We were fortunate enough not to be deployed to France for a couple of weeks after DDay, but once we arrived, the first time we were exposed to enemy shelling we had one casualty and several wounded. We fought hard through the French hedgerows where the openings were mined by the Germans and targeted by their snipers. Casualties ran high! In addition to France, we fought in Holland, Germany and Belgium, often marching long distances with full gear in frigid temperatures. Fighting under a number of generals, but mostly under General George Patton, we were part of the Normandy, Northern French, German and Ardennes Campaigns. I was wounded in both feet by artillery fire on January 9, 1945 near Bastogne, Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge. Amid attempts to shell the medic transport, I was evacuated from the front line to a field hospital in France. Later I made it to England and was back in the States by late February 1945 to continue treatment at Fletcher General Hospital in Cambridge, Ohio. On a brief furlough, I married my sweetheart, Marlene Simon, on April 14, 1945. We had a very short honeymoon at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Dayton. In August, I was discharged from the Army from Camp Atterbury, Indiana. I said, “Good-bye!” to the Army and headed home to Marlene in Willowdell.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 5
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Jack Evan Beam
Elva Saylor & Sons Mrs. Elva Saylor (upper center) has five sons who have done and are doing a magnificent job on the fighting fronts of the world. While her boys are gone, Mrs. Saylor is doing her part on the home front by working every day at her job. Pfc. Dale Saylor (upper left) has been in the service for three years and served in Africa and Italy with a Chemical Corps for over a year. He participated in two invasions and was returned to the states some time ago because of injuries and “trench feet.” He is now stationed at Camp Detrick, Md. Sgt. Lacy Saylor (upper right) is an Air Corps engineer and has been in the Philippines for some time. He has been in the Air Corps for two years
and overseas for a year. S 1-c Herbert Saylor (lower left) joined the Navy the night he graduated from high school last May. He is now stationed on a battleship in the southwest Pacific. Raymond Saylor (lower center) received a medical discharge from the service recently after suffering back injuries during training. Sgt. Paul Saylor (lower right) enlisted in the army five years ago and was stationed in Iceland for 22 months. At the present time he is in the European Theater of Operations with a Communication and Radio Cannon Company. He has been in Europe for seven months. This story appeared in the The Flare-Maker
Jack Evan Beam was born Oct. 14, 1945, the second son born to Fred and Edith Beam, of Hillgrove (Union City, Ohio). Jack grew up with siblings David, Steve and Jo An. He grew up with a normal childhood as he gathered many friends and truly enjoyed his life to the fullest. Sadly, in 1956 Jo An, little sister, died of cancer at the age of 4. David, Jack and Steve had many friends and the entire neighborhood was always at their house for all the fun. Jack was known as the funny one. Jack was very active in school at Mississinawa. Jack was drafted in July 1966 and started his Army career. He was in the 196th Infantry in the Iron Triangle, Veing Tau, Vietnam. Sgt. Rex Tipple and his squad were pinned down by sniper fire as heli-
A plaque recognizing Jack Beam’s ultimate sacrifice can be found in the Memorial Park at the Greenville VFW.
copters rushed into the area to evacuate the men. Jack was the Radio Man. Rex was by his childhood friend carrying the equipment that day when they reached the open area. Snipers opened fire on the squad. They all hit the ground. Rex looked up as Jack screamed and realized one of the grenades had exploded. Jack was hit in the chest. It was the intent of Charlie to always target the Radio Man – to knock out the communications soldier. Of the platoon, many from Greenville and surrounding area, 47 men who were all buddies – only six men came home. It was an experiment of the Army to keep men from this area together through
boot camp, training for the war and through Vietnam. They thought it would make them closer. It was a complete failure. Pfc. Jack Evan Beam died Dec. 21, 1966 at the age of 20. (Five months of service.) He was awarded posthumously the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals. They were presented at the Hillgrove Federated Church – Jack’s lifelong church. After Jack’s death, his father died in Dec. 1987. His brother, David, 51, Sally sister-in-law, 51, and his mother Edith, 75, all died in 1993. Steve, the youngest son, is the only survivor of the family of six.
This is the last picture of the Beam boys with their father. Shown are Fred, Steve, Jack and Dave.
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Everyone at Dave Knapp Ford would like to say
Thank You
To All of Our Veterans
Steve Stebbins It was April of 1969 and I was on my way home from Vietnam after 13 months in country. I had just left the Army Separation Center in Oakland, CA flying via “military stand by”. I had called my parents and told them I would be home soon and was on my way. I made it to Chicago without any ‘complications.’ If you are non-military then you may not understand what I mean. You fly free, but there is one hitch, you fly what is called “stand by,” meaning if there was an empty, unpaid seat you could fly. Open, of course, to people buying tickets at the last minute. I was close to home and getting anxious to see my family. I boarded a plane twice to fly to Dayton only to get bumped off both times. I waited, wondering how many more times that would happen before I was successful. I boarded the plane the third time and was seated near the window. A man and a woman sat next to me and noticing my uniform asked me questions, one of which was why I was slumped down so far in my seat. I explained about me getting bumped off twice be-
fore and was hoping this would not be a third time as I really wanted to see my family. They both immediately told me that before I was asked to get off the plane they, themselves, would get off so I could get home. As it turned out neither they, nor I, had to get off the flight. As we flew to Dayton we talked more. I found out they too were from Greenville. They asked me my name and I got theirs. After I got home I got a job at Harter’s Shell Station and worked with an older gentleman who was the father and father-in-law of the man and woman who were so kind to me. As I’m sure many know, there are many horror stories but I wanted to pass on a good story that is a great memory. After all these years tears still come to my eyes when I tell this story at the thought of those wonderful people who were kind enough to help this soldier get home to his family. The name of the older gentleman was T.O. Caldwell but I cannot remember the name of the kind man and woman I sat next to but I would like to tell them thank you again, thank you for caring!
Colonel Herman A. Heuss Colonel Heuss is a Vietnam Veteran, retiring after 30 years of service as a pilot in the US Air Force. In 1968, as a Major, he was recalled to active duty with the 71st Special Operations Squadron. He flew 85 missions in AC119G Gunships in South Vietnam with the 71st Special Operations Squadron, Nha Trang AB, Vietnam. He flew the first combat mission in the AC-119G Gunship on Jan. 8, 1969 and later be-
came the Chief AC-119G Gunship Pilot in South Vietnam. He returned home with the 71st and flew A-37 Jet Fighters until his retirement as the Vice Wing Commander of the 434th Tactical Fighter Wing at Grissom AFB, IN in 1982. He and his wife Helen, along with son Tim, own and operate Montano Lumber Co. in Union City.
937-548-3212 500 Wagner Ave., Greenville www.daveknappford.com
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Fax: 937-548-6160 201 E. Fifth St., Greenville, OH 45331
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John Fourman My name is Libby Fox. I am nine years old and I am in the third grade. I want to write about a very special Veteran; my grandpa, John Fourman. My grandpa is a very nice man and let me interview him about his service in the Army. He was in the Vietnam War in 1968 and was there for about a year. My grandpa’s rank was an E5, which meant Buck Sergeant. His job was a heavy equipment operator. My grandpa is very brave. He lived in a hooch, which is a barrack for soldiers, it had a concrete floor and burlap sides. They had a mongoose in their hooch because the snakes and rats were very bad; they named him Mongo. Mongo was mean, but they
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like him anyway. Sometimes they would put a sheet on two phone poles and watched movies and sat on homemade benches. They ate sea rations and canned food. My grandpa was very happy when he came home. He was on his way home and they held a plane for him and another soldier in Chicago and when they got on everybody stood up and cheered for him. His family was waiting for him at the airport. I am very proud of my grandpa and I think it is really neat when he wears his Veterans hat and people come up to him and shake his hand. My grandpa, John Fourman is my hero!
Henry H. McEowen During the civil war Mr. McEowen loyally responded to his country’s call for aid, enlisting on the 5th of August 1862 at Greenville as a member of Company G, 44th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served until the close of the war in mounted infantry and cavalry forces and was once taken prisoner and twice his horse was shot from under him, at Martinsburg. He was incarcerated one month at Richmond, in the Pemberton building, and then released. Always found at his post, he faithfully defended the old flag and stood by the Union cause until its supremacy was established. He now holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and finds much pleasure in recalling memories of tented fields in the
midst of his old army comrades. In politics he is a Republican, but has never been an aspirant for office. At the age of 19 years he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has since been one of its consistent representatives. He has served as a class leader and he has always endeavored to mold his life after the teachings of the denomination with which he is connected. His has been a useful and honorable career, such as commands the respect and confidence of all. McEowen was 39 years of age when he volunteered. The previous came from the Darke County Genealogical and Biographical Records – Page 401. Submitted by Roger L. McEowen.
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MSgt. William L. McDaniel II MSgt. William McDaniel II was assigned to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, Kadena AB, Japan as the Special Tactics Pararescue Flight Superintendent. He entered the Air Force in 1984 and initially served as a maintenance squadron crew chief and weapon system coordinator, serving his country during Desert Shield and Desert Strom at an F-117 Nighthawk Crew Chief. In 1997, Bill realized his lifelong dream of becoming a Pararescueman when he completed the “pipeline” and was assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron as a Pararescueman. While
at the 66th RQS, Bill again served his country during multiple rotations to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Northern and Southern Watch. In January 2001, he joined the 320th Special Tactics Squadron and took over as Pararescue Flight Superintendent. His superb performance in this position led to his selection as 320th Special Tactics Squadron Pararescueman of the Year for 2001. At the 320th STS, MSgt. McDaniel led the preparations, deployment and initial execution of Special Tactics missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines in early
Marion Bridenbaugh The following letter from the Secretary of the Navy was received by Marion Bridenbaugh after his separation from the U.S. Navy – dated April 25, 1946. My dear Mr. Bridenbaugh: I have addressed this letter to reach you after all the formalities of your separation from active service are completed. I have done so because, without formality but as clearly as I know how to say it, I want the Navy’s pride in you, which it is my privilege to express, to reach into your civil life and to remain with you always. You have served in the greatest Navy in the world. It crushed two enemy fleets at once, receiving their surrenders
only four months apart. It brought our land-based airpower within bombing range of the enemy, and set our ground armies on the beachheads of final victory. It performed the multitude of tasks necessary to support these military operations. No other Navy at any time has done so much. For your part in these achievements you deserve to be proud as long as you live. The Nation which you served at a time of crisis will remember you with gratitude. The best wishes of the Navy go with you into civilian life. Good luck! Sincerely yours, James Forrestal
2002. It was during this conflict that he paid the ultimate sacrifice while returning from a mission to insert Special Forces troops. His aircraft, “Wild 42,” and MH-47E from Echo Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, crashed violently into the Sulu Sea killing all 10 personnel on board, including teammate SSgt. Juan Ridout. Bill was the epitome of a quiet professional. All he wanted was to operate and be the best at what he did. He cross-trained into Pararescue late in his career, but quickly excelled in the demanding profession and saving
lives. He led his men from the front and always sought ways to gain more experience. He loved jumping out of airplanes, shooting, flying in helicopters, and working in the water. Bill was a dedicated family man and a bornagain Christian whose priorities were the Lord and his family. He is missed but not forgotten. MSgt. McDaniel was recently honored and remembered at a special ceremony on Oct. 10 at the Air Force Memorial in Washington, DC. He and 21 other soldiers killed in the Philippines, Afghanistan and Iraq were honored.
Duane Hiatt Duane Hiatt, son of Ralph and Lenora (Edwards) Hiatt was born Dec. 31, 1932. He was a premature baby, so small he was wrapped in cotton and put in a shoebox to keep warm. He went to school in Palestine and worked at the Palestine Elevator, the Palestine Exchange and farmed with his dad. He joined the Marines in 1950 and spent 14 months on the frontlines in Korea. He was an MP at the Navy Base in Norfolk, VA. Duane farmed for several persons and worked at the Chicken
Barbecue Tent at the Darke County Fair. In 1986 he had a severe heart attack and died at home in his favorite chair. After his death, President Ronald Reagan sent a certificate to the family that stated – The United States of America honors the memory of Duane Hiatt. This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States.
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The following is an excerpt of letters sent home by Pvt. Alvin Young while serving in the US Army during World War II. The letters were written between November 1943 and September 1944. They were compiled by Gloria Royer and submitted by Louetta Goubeaux. Nov. 27 – Dear Family, I could show you how to make up a bed because the top blanket has to be tight enough to bounce a 50-cent piece, and that is tight! I am learning who to salute and who not to. I have my field pack, uniforms, gas mask, foot locker and rifle. I sure am proud of that rifle. I haven’t shot it yet, but it won’t be long before I will. It’s an M-1 Springfield .30 caliber. It really is hot down here in Florida. All you see is white sand and pine trees. You carry your pack, canteen full of water and your rifle and march for five miles. You really sweat! I have never been really homesick because I knew it wouldn’t do any good, so I keep a stiff upper lip. The meals are really good. I forgot to tell you that on Thanksgiving Day we had turkey and for three days afterwards, we had turkey. Keep smiling for me and write. You don’t know what it is to get mail from home. Dec. 25 – We didn’t have to do anything today. We had a good Christmas dinner, and it rained most of the day.
Pvt. Alvin Young It doesn’t seem like Christmas around here, only in the mess hall they have a few Christmas decorations. Jan. 16, 1944 – I sure miss the Ohio winters. When it is windy on the firing range, the white sand blows and looks just like a snow storm. Feb. 17 – I wish we had some of that snow that makes a noise when you walk on it because it is so hot. March 14 – I am getting ready to go on guard. I will be glad to get my feet back on good old Ohio soil again. There is little doubt but what I will have to go across. You know that no one wants to, but you can’t win a war staying at home. May 25 – Dear folks, you should see the new shoes they gave me. You can’t and don’t need to shine them; they are combat shoes. I will only be here about 10 more days, then I will be going to New York. June 6 – Dear folks, it was just seven months ago today that I joined the Army. All the news today, as you may know, is about the invasion of Europe. I will be on my way in a very short time, probably tomorrow night. In a way, I will be
glad to just get across and back safe. Yet I know you can’t win a war from over here. Just go to church for my sake. I hope the next time I get home there is a deep snow because I haven’t seen any snow for a long time. July 3 – Dear folks, I am somewhere in England and am OK. It really is a pretty country. Everything is so green and the land is rolling. It looks funny to see people driving on the left side of the road. July 27 – I am somewhere in France and have seen combat. I hope the fishing is good back home at Wayne Lakes. Aug. 6 – I am still somewhere in France. I shook hands with Edward G. Robinson last night. He is really a nice guy. Sept. 5 – I am somewhere in Belgium still after the Gerries. It is a pretty country and cooler here. Sept. 15 – I am somewhere in Holland, the land of wooden shoes and windmills. I haven’t seen many windmills, but there are lots of wooden shoes worn mostly by the farmers. Sept. 20 – I am somewhere in Germany. The country is about the same as
everywhere else. I received your package and everything arrived in good shape except the candy kisses at the bottom which were soft and melted. The letters from Pvt. Young stopped. This last letter was written by his mother and was returned to her – unopened – from “somewhere in Germany.” “Dear son, I believe this is the hardest letter I have ever tried to write. We received a telegram that you were missing in action since Oct. 2. We got it on the 24th of October. That was a week ago. Now I feel I must write again. If you get this, we all want you to know that we are still hoping and praying that you are all right. We are not giving up. We are thinking of you all the time, and Daddy says he prays every night for you, even if he hasn’t written. At times like this, it is so hard to keep smiling for you. But we will keep trying. Everything here is OK so don’t worry about us. We are looking for a letter and better news every day. We will close with all our love, Mother. Alvin did get his wish about the snow. When they brought his body back to the US nearly three years later in December 1947, there was snow on the ground. On the day of the funeral it was very cold and still, and the taps echoed through the pines and over the hill of the little cemetery in Fort Jefferson.
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Wallace R. Seiber Wallace Seiber served his country proudly and received a message from J. Perry, Rear Admiral, US Navy after the signing of the peace treaty with Japan and the United Nations during WWII. The following are excerpts from that message: This Wing ended the war where it first took up the fight: in the front lines. Patrol Wing One, from which Fleet Air Wing ONE was created, was bombed at Kaneohe on 7 December 1941. There is appropriateness and justice in the fact that when the final victory was won, ships and planes of this Wing were within sight of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Wing has traveled every miles of the long devious route to Tokyo. It moved into
the South Pacific area in the early days of that campaign. Last year it moved forward into the Central and Western Pacific, taking active part in the assault and post-assault phases of the Marianas campaign, the capture of the Palaus, and the conquest of Iwo Jima. Finally it moved boldly into the Okinawa area for the most protracted, bitter struggle of all. Nearly all of you have earned the Asiatic Theatre campaign ribbon with one or more operations stars. All of you have richly earned the satisfaction of knowing that your Wing – which includes you as a member – has played a major park in achieving victory over an ambitious, ruthless, powerful enemy of the United
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 11
Richard Christman
States. You share the pride of knowing that the assignment given to this Wing for the Okinawa operation was unprecedented. Never before had search planes and tenders attempted so much under such difficult combat, weather and field conditions. You performed the assignment brilliantly. You swept the enemy’s shipping from the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea. You pursued it night and day, in good weather and bad, among countless coves and anchorages of China, Korea, the Nansei Shoto and even the Japanese home islands. You swept ahead of the fast carriers and battleships to help them achieve tactical surprise. You rescued down aviators in the open seas and in the shadow of heavily defended enemy shores. Yours were the first Allied search and photographic planes to fly over many parts of the Empire.
On Sept. 30, I thank her so much 2014 I got a phone for them. That sure call from a lady was nice of you. I now from Port Orange, regret that I did not Fla. She asked me continue to write her if I was Richard after I got out of the Christman and Army. Sorry about if I was in Vietthat Karen. nam and if I had a Karen said she daughter Lisa that wondered all those Richard Christman was just 10 days years what I looked old when I left for like back then. She Vietnam (now Lisa had sent me a sixth Mayo). grade picture of herThe lady, Karen self, but I did not DeStefano, said have one of myself to she was my pen send her. After she pal when I was in called I sent two picVietnam in 1965 tures of myself when and 1966 – 49 I was over there and years ago. a current picture. Karen DeStefano She was a sixth Karen and I are grader and lived in now friends on FaceWayne, NJ. She said that she book. wanted to send me the letters I hope one of these days I that I wrote her back then. get to meet her in person so I She thought my daughter or can give her a big hug for being wife may want them. Karen such a great friend. did send the letters to me and
HONORING ALL
WHO SERVED
VETERAN’S DAY 2014
5410 St. Rt. 49 • 548-1101 • Greenville
from
Heartland of Greenville
243 Marion Dr., Greenville, Ohio
PAGE 12- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014
Loyal Order of the Moose # 329 The Letter Jacket Lodge
1200 Sweitzer Street ~ Greenville, Ohio 45331
937-548-2662 Garry L. Davidson My military service began on 13 Sept. 1967. The military draft was in full swing due to the Vietnam War. Two close friends, Roger Magoto and Mark Kunk, had received their induction notices; they were being drafted. Back then the military had a program called the Buddy System. This system allowed inductees to request to go through boot camp together. I had not received my draft papers when Roger and Mark did. It was only a matter of time till I did. In order for me to join them for boot camp I volunteered for the draft. This meant I volunteered to get drafted for a two year duty verses volunteering for a three or four year duty. On 13 September 1967, the three amigos raised our right hands in the induction center in Cincinnati, and gave our oath to uphold the laws of this great land. We boarded our bus to Ft. Benning, Ga. and began our two year career in the military. After Boot Camp came A.I.T. (Advanced Individual Training). Roger received orders to report to Ft. Knox, Ky. He would be trained as
a tank operator and then reassigned to a unit in Germany. Mark and I received orders to report to Ft. McClellan, Ala., Infantry School. We were put through eight weeks of intense jungle training. The Drill Instructors burned one thing into our brains, learn everything that was taught to us as if our lives depended on it. We graduated A.I.T. and I received orders for Vietnam. I was at Ft. Lewis, Wash. just long enough to get my gear, inoculations and orders for Vietnam. I flew out of Seattle on a commercial Boeing 707 in mid February 1968. Our flight was loaded with troops heading to Nam. Even to this day I can remember how deadly quiet it was during the flight. My orders were to report to the 4th Infantry Division. We would be moving out first thing next morning for Pleiku (Central Highlands) where the 4th was stationed. The next morning we were loaded on a Chinook helicopter and headed to Pleiku. The TET Offensive by the NVA (North Vietnam Army) and the Viet Cong (Charlie) was still in full
swing. By the time we got to Pleiku five of us had our orders changed to report to the 1st Battalion 12th Cav First Air Cav Division at LZ Sharon, West of Quang Tri City. I would be 15 miles from the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone that separated South Vietnam from North Vietnam). The 1st/12th was hit hard during the first part of the TET Offensive. Casualties’ were heavy and they needed replacements. We were issued a backpack, poncho (which I thought was to protect you from the rain, but later found out it would also be used to carry a wounded or dead soldier), ammo, two canteens and iodine pills to kill the bacteria in the water you would drink. I was in the jungles and rice paddies for seven and a half months. The guys in my platoon had been there awhile. When they talked, you better listen and learn or your poncho would be used to carry you out! I walked point for a month and carried the M60 machine gun for three months. I figured if the crap hit the fan, and it did on numerous occasions, I wanted the weapon that
would bring the most hurt to Charlie (Viet Cong). During my seven and a half months of field duty, I was engaged in the 1968 TET OFFENSIVE and four Campaigns, OPERATION PEGASUS (Battle of Khe Sanh), OPERATION DELAWARE/LAMSON 216 (Ashau Valley), OPERATION JEB STUART 111 and OPERATION LIBERTY CANYON. I was wounded twice, once during PEGASUS and again during JEB STUART 111. Around the end of September my Company Commander, Captain Davidson, was transferred to the rear to be Commander of Headquarters Company. He wanted me to be his personal driver. I hated to leave all the fun I was having, but what the hell, duty called! I finished out my time attached to the motor pool driving the Commander wherever he wanted to go. I drove for him till ended my tour in Vietnam on Feb. 24, 1969. Finally Home: I remember walking in the back door of our house, (nobody knew I was coming home). Mom was sitting in her chair. She looked up thinking it was one of my siblings walking in.
When she saw it was me she screamed my name. I thought she was going to faint. After hugging me and crying, she finally let me go and yelled at me for nearly giving her a heart attack. Dad rushed home from work with tears in his eyes. Before I knew it the whole neighborhood showed up. It was great to be home! After a year in Nam and sleeping with one eye open the whole time, and two days of nonstop partying at home my body was drained. I went to bed and slept for 24 hours. On Sept. 12, 1969 I was released of my duties in the Armed Forces of the United States. I try not to think of how we were treated by the American people upon arriving home after a year in hell. Our country was in turmoil; we were in a war that nobody wanted, college protests, the beatnik era, drugs and pot and draft dodgers running to Canada to avoid the war. All wars are fought for a reason - to keep the enemy off our door steps. What the American soldier does is ultimately for the people of this country. We do it to keep you safe.
Saluting Our Military Personnel Who Protect Us and Our Freedoms GREENVILLE BRADFORD 1-800-859-2131 • 548-2131 448-2950 515 East Main St. • 9-5 Daily • Thursday & Saturday 9-12
Since “1860” Auto • Home • Farms
110 E. Main St., 9-5 M-T-W-F & 9-Noon Thurs.
www.littmanthomas.com
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 13
Vets Club is active in Versailles
VERSAILLES – The Versailles Vets Club is one of the few clubs in Ohio that has the distinction of combining two veteran organizations; the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #3849 and the American Legion Post #435. The Club is extremely active with a color guard of more than 20 men who perform military funerals under the direction of Mike Barga. The unit has performed military funerals in most all of Darke County’s cemeteries, as well as the surrounding areas. The color guard is responsible for presenting the colors (flag) during the home football games, Darke County Relay for Life, All Class Reunion, and military events at the local museum, Versailles Health Care Center, and Versailles schools. These veterans also conduct the annual Memorial Day parade and decorate every veteran’s grave in eight area cemeteries; Greenlawn, Holy Family, St. Valbert, Yoder, English, Oakland, Christian and Hoover/Weaver, as well as conducting a Memorial Day service with a 21 gun salute at Gettysburg.
Also to their credit, they have conducted two educational programs that were open to the public. Their first program was on the attack of Pearl Harbor. Because of its impressive success a second program was held regarding the Battle of Midway. The programs were coordinated by Dave Miller and Orville Bohman; both long time members of the VFW and American Legion, respectively. Most recently, Dave Miller with the support and aid of VFW Commander Tim Wagner and American Legion Commander Roger Henry, honored the Vietnam era veterans during the town’s Poultry Day’s festival. The committee collected stories from veterans, or their family members, and requested military photos of those who served during the dates of the Vietnam War (December 22, 1958 to May 1975). The community wide support was phenomenal creating an impactful Vietnam Era Veterans Celebration. The committee proudly shares their digital collection of the military photos of those men and
women honored for their patriotic service to the United States of America. Nearly 120 photos were collected and
are featured on these pages with Darke County’s service men and women from all eras.
Members of the Versailles Vets Club’s Honor Guard line up during the annual Memorial Day Parade.
VETERANS
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“German fighter pilot” Eric Williams with his Chuck Garrettt tells the story of the man Fokker Pine Decker plane. (Clinton Randall behind his British SE5a fighter plane. (Clinton photo) Randall photo)
Dorian Walker with his Curtiss JN replica aircraft. (Clinton Randall photo)
A group of WWI soldiers gather at the 100th anniversary of the war at the WPAFB Museum. (Clinton Randall photo)
Air Force Museum honors 100th anniversary of WWI BY CLINTON RANDALL STAFF WRITER www.bluebagmedia.com
FAIRBORN - The United States Air Force Museum held the 9th annual flying event, called the Dawn Patrol Rendezvous, in September to honor the 100th anniversary of World War I. Enthusiasts and collectors from all over brought their vintage automobiles, large scale replica planes, remote control
planes and much more. Many of those in attendance dressed the part of World War I soldiers and citizens from the early 1900’s. During the entire weekend in September, all models of early planes could be seen flying around the military base. “We don’t want to forget our foundation of aviation,” said Dorian Walker of Bowling Green, KY. Walker was one of the American aviation collectors who
brought his Curtiss JN series biplane which was the chosen airplane that helped train nearly 95 percent of all American pilots in WWI. According to Walker, he dedicated over 5,700 hours in the re-build of this classic American aircraft. As an American ally in World War I, there were several British aircrafts at this year’s event. Chuck Garrett of Grand Rapids, Mich. told The Early Bird the story of Capt. James McCud-
den as he got ready to fly his 7/8 scale replica of the British SE5a aircraft. Garrett took interest in early fighter pilots and open cockpit aircraft as he grew up watching clips of World War II. He said he especially loved watching the double-winged planes in action. Of course not all the WWI enthusiasts were on the American side, there were several German and Japanese planes, to name a few, lining the runway at the
USAF Museum. Dressing the part of a German pilot with a large mustache and knee-high black leather boots, Eric Williams of Angola, Ind. showed off his vintage Fokker Pine Decker scout plane. You can learn more about this annual event at the U.S. Air Force Museum website at www. nationalmuseum.af.mil/wwi. asp. Log on to Blubag Media on Facebook to browse and share photos from the event.
Honoring those who have made the greatest sacrifice and their families.
Closed Tuesday, November 11 to honor our Veterans and to thank you for all you have done & continue to do for us and the USA. 937-337-3111 • 300 S. Main St., Ansonia www.ansonialumber.com
Greenville National Bank MEMBER
FDIC
www.greenvillenationalbank.com
VETERANS
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 15
1220 Martin St., Greenville 548-7800
Roy and Agnes Matthews Family History of Service It all started with Robert Matthews (b. 1828 d. 1898) when he settled where McFeeley-Petry Road crosses the Hillgrove-Ft. Recovery Road, Mississinawa Twp., Darke County, in a little settlement known as Buck’s Corner. He and his wife had a least one child, William Matthews in 1852. William and his wife Laura had two sons, Roy Eugene in 1888 and Elmer. Roy married Mary Agnes Hart (b. 1887) in 1908 and they had eight children – Ruth Irene (Lee Ingle), Mildred Gertrude (Gerald Pearson), Edith Olive (Charles Sink) (Robert Martin), Estella Pauline (Chester Greer), Kenneth Harold (1915-1929), Robert Eugene (Onda Fae Hopper), Ralph Leroy (Lucille Bowman, Cecil Eldon) Floreine Martin). Elmer married Opal Warren and lived on HillgroveSouthern Road. They had two children, Lester and Paul. They eventually moved to Muskegon, Mich. Roy was a kind person and didn’t talk much. He loved three things in life – pie, his shiny black Mercury or Lincoln and Democrats. Agnes sewed her own dresses, aprons and sunbonnets and
cooked meals on a wood burning stove until 1948. Roy and Agnes farmed in Mississinawa Twp., Jaysville and Savona from 1908 to 1948. Up until he bought his new John Deere Tractor in the 1940’s, Roy farmed with work horses with his family helping out. He had an accident on his new tractor and lost his leg. The Matthews family grew closer together and every Sunday the family gathered at the farm to get through the tragedy of losing a leg and WWII. He continued
George Lewis US Air Force, Lt. Col. Bomber Flight Test, WPAFB Vietnam, Distinguished Flying Cross, 11 air medal, AF Commendation Medal, American Defense Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Vietnam Combat Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Vietnam Service, 1951-1976, Husband of Patricia Ann Ingle (granddaughter of Roy and Agnes Matthews and daughter of Lee and Irene Matthews Ingle)
to farm with his wooden leg until 1948 when he moved to Greenville and began working for the Ohio State Highway Garage as a night watchman until he injured his other leg in 1955. That leg finally had to be amputated, but he did not get better and doctors had to go in a second time and amputate more of his leg. The Roy and Agnes Matthews family would like to present its bold and brave soldiers and recognize them for their courage, bravery and dedication.
George Dickson US Air Force, 1st Lt., WWII Air Offensive Japan, China Offensive, Ryuskyus American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Japan Occupation Medal, Victory Medal, Lapel Button issued, 1943-1946 Husband of Betty Jean Ingle (granddaughter of Roy and Agnes Matthews and daughter of Lee and Irene Matthews Ingle)
Robert Matthews, Jr. US Marine, Sgt., Vietnam Dong Ha, Da Nang, Phue By, Khe Shaun, Chulie National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (3 stars), Vietnam Service Medal (with device), Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Pistol Marksmanship Badge, Active Duty - 1966-1969, Reserves – until 1972, Grandson of Roy and Agnes Matthews and Charles and Nellie Hopper Son of Robert and Onda Fae (Hopper) Matthews
Lester Matthews US Army, Tech 4, WWII Italy, Philippines, Victory Medal, European Theater Ribbon (3 bronze stars), Asiatic Theater Ribbon, Philippines Liberator, 3 overseas bars, service bars, lapel button issued 1943-1946 Nephew of Roy and Agnes Matthews. Son of Elmer and Opal Matthews
Cecil Matthews US Army, SSgt., WWII Rhineland, Central Europe American Theater Ribbon, European Theater Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, WWII Victory Medal, 1943-1949, Son of Roy and Agnes Matthews
Larry Matthews US Marine, Lance Corporal Chauffeur for the Admiral of NATO, National Defense Service Medal, Active duty 1969-1971 Reserves until 1975 Grandson of Roy and Agnes Matthews and Charles and Nellie Hopper, Son of Robert and Onda Fae (Hopper) Matthews
Matthew Ramirez US Navy, 2006-present Great great nephew of Roy and Agnes Matthews Grandson of Paul and Liliah (Christie) Matthews; son of Juan and Pamela Matthews Ramirez
Lloyd Pearson US Army, Sgt. 1st Class Sharp Shooting M1 Rifles Medal, Good Conduct 1952-1954 Grandson of Roy and Agnes Matthews, Son of Gerald and Gertrude Matthews Pearson
Charles W. Sink, Jr. U.S. Army, Sgt., WWII Germany, 1944-1949 Grandson of Roy and Agnes Matthews Son of Charles and Olive Matthews (Sink) Martin
Chester Greer US Army, Corporal, WWII, Southern France – Ardennes, Rhineland, European African Middle Eastern Theater (3 bronze stars), American Theater Ribbon, Purple Heart, Victory Medal, Lapel Button. Wounded in action Dec. 17,1 944 in Germany, 1944-1946, Son-in-law of Roy and Agnes Matthews,Married to Pauline Matthews, (Photo with Greer family) Bruce Sink US Marine, Great grandson of Roy and Agnes Matthews Son of Sgt. Charles W. Sink
Heartfelt Appreciation Is Deserved By The Brave Veterans That Made Incredible Sacrifices So That We Can Live Safely In Our Homes Scott Zumbrink, Darke County Treasurer
VETERANS
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WE HONOR OUR VETERANS IN ALL BRANCHES OF SERVICE. ALIGNMENT • TIRES • BRAKES • SERVICE • REPAIR
www.grilliotalignment.com
8008 Arcanum Bears Mill Rd., Greenville
937-548-7039
Charles and Nellie Hopper Family History of Service In 1836, Charles and Susan Hopper left Knoxville, Tenn. with their son, James (b. 1830) and settled in Preble Co. On Nov. 22, 1849, James married Sarah Cox. They had six children, Perry, Peter, William, Eli, Levi, and Martha Alice. On Aug. 11, 1864, James and his family moved to Darke County and settled on Ft. Recovery Pike near Teegarden Chapel. Another daughter, Ida Bell, was born in 1867. Eli, twin brother of Levi, married Martha Straight and they had one son, Jim. Martha died when Jim was only three. Eli married Alemeda Riegle. They had five children, Roy, Hazel, Charles, Forrest and Ray. They build a house on Ellis Road and resided there until Eli’s death. Charles Sidney Hopper met Nellie Rae Davis while she was teaching at the Railroad School (located by the sink hole on State Route 49 N.). Nellie was from St. Henry. Charles and Nellie were married on Aug. 14, 1919 and set up housekeeping in Woodington. They had six children, Onda Fae (Robert Matthews), Robert Eugene (Lavaughn Oliver), Ellen Fern, (Lawrence Fenstermaker d. 1944 and Paul Peters), Patricia Lore (Ralph Pottkotter), Myrna June (Dwight Detling died in the 1970’s and Clyde Curtis d. 2010), and Carolyn Ann (Jim Hart). From 1919-1933, Charles and Nellie lived several places around Ellis and Light Road. In 1933, they moved to Dawn
and in around 1936 they started their own businesses. Hopper’s Produce was the egg business and Sun Rae Farms was a cattle business. Charles raised registered Polled Herefords and was a cattle judge. The egg business eventually grew large enough to provide eggs to local grocery stores, bakeries around the area and
Ralph Pottkotter US Air Force, Airman 1st Class Air traffic controller and radar control during Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam Era, Expert Rifleman, Good Conduct and highest score ever on traffic control test 1961-1965, Son-in-law of Charles and Nellie Married Patricia Lou Hopper
Marvin Detling US Army, Pvt. 1st Class Good Conduct Medal Active Duty - 1954-1956 Reserves 1956-1962 Son-in-law of Charles and Nellie Married Myrna June Hopper
in Dayton where they were delivered to almost all of the hotels. The Hopper house was a place where the family gathered every Sunday and through the week. Every Christmas was a big celebration with a gift for everyone. On Christmas Eve 1943 a big knock came at
Larry Matthews US Marine, Lance Corporal Chauffeur for the Admiral of NATO, National Defense Service Medal, Active duty 1969-1971 Reserves until 1975 Grandson of Roy and Agnes Matthews and Charles and Nellie Hopper, Son of Robert and Onda Fae (Hopper) Matthews
Roy Chavez US Marine Corp.,Sharp Shooting Award, Good Conduct Medal 1983-1984, Great grandson of Charles and Nellie Hopper Grandson of Ralph and Patty Hopper Pottkotter and son of Becky Pottkotter Chavez
Ryan Benge US Army, E-4 Specialist Operation Freedom, Baghdad, Iraq, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal 2008-2013, Great grandson of Charles and Nellie Hopper Grandson of Ralph and Patricia (Hopper) Pottkotter Son of Sherry (Pottkotter) Benge
Clyde D. Curtis US Army, Specialist 4th Class Counter guerilla Warfare School Vietnam, 1975-1979 Son-in-law of Charles and Nellie Married Myrna June Hopper Detling
the door. When the door was opened, much to the surprise of the kids, in walked Santa Claus. The kids screamed and hid behind doors and under the sewing machine. After they calmed down, Santa handed out all of the presents and wished them a Merry Christmas. Santa turned out to be Lawrence Fenstermaker. Right after Christmas, Law-
Paul Burnell Peters US Army, Sgt., WWII Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct, Lapel Button issued, 1942-1945 Son-in-law of Charles and Nellie Married Ellen Fern Hopper (Fenstermaker)
Robert Hopper US Army, Tech 5, WWII Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, Ardennes EAME Theater Ribbon (4 bronze stars), Lapel Button issued 1943-1945 Son of Charles and Nellie
rence was sent to the Battle of the Bulge and was killed on Jan. 19, 1945. The Hopper family would like to present its valiant soldiers who honored our country with their dedicated service. Some left and didn’t return; some fought the battles on the front lines and did return; some served on other ways to support and protect our country.
Lawrence Fenstermaker US Army, Private Killed in Action in the Battle of the Bulge, Jan. 19, 1945. Buried 3 years later in Greenville Union Cemetery., Purple Heart, Son-in-law of Charles and Nellie Married Ellen Fern Hopper
Paul Eugene Peters US Marine Corp Reserves – 1969-1975 Grandson of Charles and Nellie Son of Paul and Ellen Hopper (Fenstermaker) Peters
Sean Hart US Army/National Guard Company Commander Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Award 1985-1999, Grandson of Charles and Nellie Hopper, Son of Jim and Carol Ann (Hopper) Hart
Robert Matthews, Jr. US Marine, Sgt. Vietnam Dong Ha, Da Nang, Phue By, Khe Shaun, Chulie National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (3 stars), Vietnam Service Medal (with device), Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Pistol Marksmanship Badge Active Duty - 1966-1969 Reserves – until 1972 Grandson of Roy and Agnes Matthews and Charles and Nellie Hopper Son of Robert and Onda Fae (Hopper) Matthews (Photo is with the Matthews Family
VETERANS
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 17
Proud To Honor Our Veterans!
www.ctrental.net 7679 Greenville-Celina Rd.
November 11, 2014
Mike Barga US Army, Vietnam
Denny Batty US Navy, Vietnam
Gary Batty US Army, Vietnam
Bill Ahrens US Army, Vietnam
David Armstrong US Marine Corp., Vietnam
John Ball Army, Captain, WWII 1942-46 Korean War, 1951-53
Ted Baltes US Navy, Vietnam
Keith Batty US Air Force Vietnam
Jack E. Beam US Army, Pfc. Vietnam Killed in Action Dec. 21, 1966
Al Bergman US Army Vietnam
James Bergman US Navy Vietnam
Douglas L. Black U.S. Army, SSG E-6 Bronze Star with Valor, Combat INF Badge, Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam, 1965-1967
Albert M. Bliss US Navy, Lt. Retired
Fred Bohman US Army Vietnam
Marion Bridenbaugh US Navy, F1c, WWII Victory Ribbon, American Area Ribbon, 1942
Richard Broerman US Army Vietnam
Ryan Berry Air Force, Sgt. Served in Turkey Jan. 1986 to Jan. 1990
David Bey US Navy Vietnam
Jerome Bey, Jr. US Navy Vietnam
Roger Bey US Army Vietnam
Orville Bohman US Army Vietnam
David L. Booher US Army, SP/4 Vietnam 1966-68
Donald Booker US Army, Sgt., Engineers Pacific Front WWII, 1942-1945
Orville Borchers US Army, SSgt. WWII 1941-1945
James Bornhorst US Navy Vietnam
VETERANS
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24 HOUR EMERGENCY TOWING
Hurd’s Service Inc. 1363 Sater Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331 www.1wp.com/go/hurds-service
President Ralph Hurd Jr., Vice President Ralph Hurd Sr.
Call 937-548-0733
Mike Brown US Air Force Vietnam
Dick Canan Air Force Korean War
Nelson Brown US Marine Corp Vietnam
Elaine (Harter) Campbell U.S. Air Force, Sft. AF Training Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award, 1977-1983
Garland Burger Army WW II
Tom Butts US Marine Corp. LCpl. Dong Ha, Vietnam, Alpha Company, 1967-1971
Bill Cashman US Army, Cpl. WWII
Richard Christian US Army Vietnam
Jack Cain US Air Force Vietnam 1969-1973
Richard Christman US Army, SP4, H.H. Co. SPT Command, 1st Cavalry Div. Ankhe, Vietnam, 1964-1966
Jesse Camacho US Army Vietnam
Carla Lynn Hill-Clark (Teeter) US Navy, retired AM 1 (AW), Gulf War Veteran Bahrain, 1984-2008
Billie R. Campbell US Air Force, CMSgt. 1961-1982
Wayne D. Coblentz U.S. Army Air Force Attended Aircraft Mechanic School – June, July, Aug. 1943; Dec. 1942 to June 1946
Robert Clingen US Navy, HM2 Served 6 years
Larry Joe Coffield US Navy Vietnam
Richard Coffield US Navy Vietnam
Tom Coffield US Navy Vietnam
William C. Cook US Army, Tec 4, Medical Technician, Alaska, 1946-1947
James Condon US Air Force Vietnam
Denny Copeland US Air Force Vietnam
Harry Cotterman US Army Vietnam
Gary Davidson US Army Vietnam 1967-1969
John Davis US Navy 1943-1945
Keith Davis US Marine Corp Vietnam
Donald Delaplane US Army Vietnam
Carl DeMange US Army Vietnam
Harry Dean Derr US Army Vietnam
VETERANS
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 19
Little Piece of Home In honor of our troops who have sacrificed so much. 3,116 care packages have been sent to our troops throughout the world. We want to thank our troops for their service and our community for their support. Call the staff at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home for details on how to send your care package to our troops. 937-548-4141 or 937-526-4440
Richard Detrick US Navy Vietnam
Dale Dickmann US Navy Vietnam
Richard Didier US Army Vietnam
Gary Dues US Army Vietnam
Richard E. Eley US Navy, Sea Bee 30th construction Battalion WWII, 1942-1946
Bruce E. Enochs US Navy Vietnam 1968-1969
Eugene Epperly US Army Vietnam
MSgt. James D. Fetter US Air Force Active Duty Oct. 1966-Oct. 1970 Reserves – retiring in July 2000
Waldo Fine Army WW II
Beverly J. Floyd US Marine Corp., Pfc. WWII, Killed in Action at Cape Gloucester, New Britain on Jan. 26, 1944, 1942-1944
John Fourman US Army, E5 Vietnam 1968
Harry Foutz U.S. Navy WWII
Bernard Frantz, Jr. US Air Force Vietnam
Ron Fritz US Air Force Vietnam
George Doyle Garbig US Army, Sgt. 1945-1946
Gary Garland Army Vietnam
Albert Gasper US Navy WWII
Anthony Gehret US Army Vietnam
Dale George US Army Vietnam
Ed Gerlach US Navy Vietnam
Sam Greer Army WWII
Charles Greer Army WWII
Everett Greer Army WWII
Chester Greer Army WWII
Robert Greer Army WWII
James R. Fry Army, Sgt., WWII Victory Ribbon, Army Occupation Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon Served in France and Germany 1944-1946
Gerald J. Greer Army, Pvt. 1st Class 1949-1952
VETERANS
PAGE 20- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014
Maid-Rite
Sandwich Shoppe Greenville, Ohio
Robert Gerling US Army Vietnam
Jerome Gigandet US Marine Corp Vietnam
Linda Welch Hampshire US Navy Vietnam Era
Thomas M. Harless US Army, Philippines with four decorations Japan as MP after Japan’s surrender WWII, 1943-1947
James Heck US Army
Richard Heck US Navy
Doyle L. Hemmerich Army Air Corps, Sgt. Served in WWII as an Aviation Engineer in Okinawa 1944-1946
Glenn Hemmerich Army, Quartermaster Served in Germany and France during WWII, 1942-1946 Died in 2007
Mack Goodpaster Air Force WW II
Dale Hart US Army Vietnam
Carl Heiser Navy WW II
Duane Hiatt US Marines Korea
Kenneth Haines Army WW II
Denver Harter U.S. Army, Sgt. Occupation Medal (Japan) Korean Service Medal (with 3 Bronze Stars) Served in Korea for 1 year and 21 days 1949-1952
Virgil Heitkamp US Army Vietnam
Michael J. Hiatt US Marine Corp. 2001-2005
A Darke County Tradition for Over 80 Years (937) 548-2251
125 North Broadway
Joe Hanna US Air Force, Major Chaplain, 1977-1997
Neil Hannan US Army Vietnam
Donald Hampshire US Navy Vietnam
George Hathaway Army WW II
Francis Heck US Army
Gib Heck US Army
Roger Henry US Army Vietnam
Tom Hemmelgarn US Army Vietnam
Naomi V. (Kimmel) Hemmerich Navy WAVES, Telegrapher, 3rd Class, Serving during WWII 1944-1946, Died in 2011
CJ Hocker Army WW II
Larry (Tom) Hofacker Army, Sp/4 Vietnam 1969 Active Duty - 1968-1971 Army National Guard-1988-1995 Army National Guard
Richard E. Hill US Army WWII
VETERANS
PAGE 22- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014
Lowell Marshal US Army Vietnam
Wayne Marshall US Air Force Vietnam
Vernon D. McClain US Army, Pvt. 1st Class, WWII Company M 148th Infantry 1941-1945
Stanley W. McEowen U.S. Navy, Lt. Commander May 2, 1932-Dec. 31, 1957 Grandson of Henry H. McEowen
Norbert McEldowney US Army Vietnam
Maynard Darrell McLear U.S. Naval Reserve 1943 – 1946
Mike McClurg US Army Vietnam
Phil McClurg US Army Vietnam
Harold L. McKnight Army, PFC, European Theatre 5th Armored Division Tanks “Patton’s Ghosts” The Victory Division, 1944-1946
Jack Meckes Navy WW II
William “Bub” L. McDaniel II US Air Force, MSgt. Desert Shield, Desert Storm Killed in Action on Feb. 22, 2002
John Thomas Mendenhall US Army Vietnam
Ronald Mescher US Army Vietnam
Ben Metzger Ohio National Guard - 2½ years Air Force 1951 – 1955
David Miller US Army Vietnam
Donald N. Monnin US Army Vietnam
Stephen Monnin US Air Force Vietnam
Gene F. Morrison US Marine Corp Vietnam
Tom Mumaw US Army Vietnam
James Nerderman US Army Vietnam
Walter Nieport US Army Vietnam
Robert Olwine Army Korea
Tom Parin US Navy Vietnam
Bob Pearrell US Marine Corp Vietnam
Always A Welcome Stop for
GOOD CHICKEN!
1326 SWEITZER 548-1803 GREENVILLE
Henry H. McEowen Union Army, Private Greenville, Aug. 5, 1862 Company G 44th Infantry Jan. 4, 1864 transferred to Company G 8th Cavalry Mustered out May 30, 1865
Thomas Mendenhall Marines Vietnam
Tom Mowery Korea Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service (2 bronze stars), National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Act Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, Good Conduct Medal, Korea 1963-1964 Vietnam – 1965-1966
James Pearrell US Navy Vietnam
Greenville 800-844-0993
VETERANS
Billy E. Peeples US Army, 1st Armored Div. Tank Commander under Gen. Patton, WII, 1943-1946
Roger Peltier US Army Vietnam
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 23
Kenneth L. Pence US Navy, MM3 USS Noa DD 841, USS Kimberly DD 521, Korea Honor Flight May 2014 1948-1953
Thomas L. Pence US Navy, GM3 USS George Clymer, Korea Honor Flight Oct. 2014 1952-1955
Tom Pepiot US Army Vietnam
James Kearney Pequignot US Navy Vietnam
Nancy Taylor Pequignot US Navy Vietnam Era
James Perkins Sgt. US Army, Korean War, Stationed in Germany 1952-1954
Charles Petitjean US Army Vietnam
Dennis Petitjean US Navy Vietnam
James Pleiman US Air Force Vietnam
Dennis Plessinger US Air Force Vietnam
Daniel A. Pond, Jr. US Navy, Signalman 3rd Class Two tours in Viet Nam, South China Seas, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Philippines. 1963-1967
Larry Prenger US Army Vietnam
Donald Rhoades US Army, Sgt. Korea 1952-1954
Richard Rhoades US Army, Cpl. Philippine Islands 1951-1953
Royce Rhoades US Army, Cpl. France, Germany 1951-1953
Franklin Rhoades US Air Force, Col., Pilot, pilot instructor, base commander WW II, Korean War and Vietnam 1942-1972
John W. Richard US Marine Corp Vietnam
Robert Rinderle US Army Vietnam
Louie Rivetti, II US Navy, Seaman 1c WWII 1945-1946
Richard Whitey Robbins Navy 1950 - 1955
Jeanette (Cleghorn) Rowland US Air Force, Vietnam Era 1969-1973
Michael Rowland US Army Ft. Dix, NJ, Germany, Vietnam 1970-1973
Duard G. Runner World War II, 11th Air Force, Sgt., Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Served in Amchitka, Aleutian Islands, 1943-1945
Robert Sargent Army Korean War
Ian L. Rismiller Army, Sgt., Cavalry Scout S. Korea (3 years) and Afghanistan, Stationed at Ft. Knox, KY, Enlisted in 2003
WE SALUTE OUR VETERANS 1250 Martin St., Greenville, 937-547-1888
Richard L. Polei U.S. Army, Corporal Korea 1952-1953
In honor of our military personnel and their families 19 W. George St., Arcanum, Ohio 45304 OfďŹ ce: (937) 692-5139
VETERANS
PAGE 24- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014
Ted Schmitmeyer US Army Vietnam
D.R. Shafer U.S. Army, WWII American Defense Service, American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Theater (bronze star), Philippine Liberation Ribbon (bronze star), Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Arrowhead, Victory World War II 1941-1945
Timothy Schultz US Air Force Vietnam
Herbert Sease Army WW II
David Schutz US Navy Vietnam
Mike Seiber US Air Force, Sgt. 1971-1974
Wallace R. Seiber US Navy, South Pacific WWII
Wilbur Warren Shotz U.S. Army Good Conduct, European African Middle Easter Service Medal (w/4 bronze stars), World War II Victory Medal 1943-1945. Died in 2008
Allison R. Siefring U.S. Army, Sgt. May 5, 2002 – May 5, 2010 Army National Guard Detachment 1, 1487th Transportation Co. 3rd Platoon. Was stationed at Camp Navistar, Kuwait for 13 months running missions into Iraq
Lloyd Shaeffer Air Force WW II
Raymer “Gene” Sharp Navy WW II ‘43
Lorie R. (Bales) Shoemaker US Army, Chemical Operation Specialist Iraq, 2003-2011
Jim Short US Navy Vietnam
Lewis Stahl US Army Vietnam
Robert Stauffer Army WW II
Steve Stebbins US Army, 9th Infantry Div. Vietnam, Wounded twice and received the Purple Heart 1968-1969
Roy Stitchter Navy WW II
Dave Stonebraker US Navy Vietnam
Stanley Stover US Army Vietnam
Dan Streib US Navy Vietnam
James Streib US Army Vietnam
James Strobel US Army, Cpl. 1st Army WWII
William Strobel US Marine Corp Vietnam
Daniel M. Subler US Air Force Vietnam
Carroll Sullenberger Army WW II
Scott Swisshelm Marines and Army, SSG Tour in Afghanistan 1998-2013
Jervis Thomas Navy 1956 - 1960
Proud to be an American
Bolyard
HEATING & COOLING INC.
1480 Sweitzer St., Greenville, Ohio
548-6772
Dan Simon US Army Vietnam
“Service before and after the sale”
1400 Wagner Avenue, Greenville, OH 45331
The Right Choice
mlongfellow@earthlink.net www.cbfirstchoice.com
MOLLY LONGFELLOW, Broker
FIRST CHOICE REALTY
Bus. (937) 548-5464 Cell (937) 459-8607 Fax (937) 548-0103
VETERANS
Hubert Thompson Army WW II
Duane Ward US Army Vietnam
Kenneth Wion US Air Force Vietnam Ohio Owner/Realtor®
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 25
Jack Turpen US Marine Corp Vietnam
Jerry Voisinet US Army Vietnam
Norman Voisinet US Army Vietnam
Coleman Wages Army WW II
Tim Wagner US Army Vietnam
John L. Warner Navy Air Corp WW II
Cecil Warrell Army WW II
Daniel R. Warvel US Army, Pvt. WWI, Aisne-Marne; Oise-Aisne; Meuse-Argonne, Army of Occupation Wounded in action 1917-1919
Roy Weikert Army (106th General Hospital) WW II
Harry V. White, Sr. US Army WWII and Korea
Harry V. White, Jr. US Army 1965-67
Jonathan P. White US Army SF, Col. 1993-present
Jeston “Jake” Wiest Air Force WW II
Gerald Wilker US Army Vietnam
George Willingham Air Force WW II
Paul H. Wilson US Navy, MAM 1 WWII
Roger Jerome Winner US Marine Corp Vietnam
Leo Witwer Army WW II
Sammy L. Davis US Army Medal of Honor
Gene Gigil
Joe Goebel US Army
Steve MaBrey US Army
Al Tookolo US Marine Corp
Loren S. Troutwine U.S. Marine, Pfc., 5th Division WWII
DOUG HARMAN
Indiana Broker/Owner
FIRST CHOICE REALTY The Right Choice
1400 Wagner Avenue, Greenville, OH 45331
Toll Free (866) 903-5464 Cell (937) 623-9959 Fax (937) 548-0103 dougharman@earthlink.net www.cbfirstchoice.com
KATHY’S RESTAURANT 416 Martin Street Greenville • 547-1651
SALUTING OUR AMERICAN HEROES
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS-PAGE 27
950 Sater Street, Greenville, OH 45331
937-548-9402
Hajoca Corporation was built on the American Dream - with one enterprising individual investing his life savings of $200 back in 1858. We have a robust history of helping to shape advances in plumbing.
We are proud to honor all who serve - those who give us the freedom to be a part of this dream. Thank you to each and every one of you!
PLUMBING • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING
PAGE 28- A TRIBUTE TO OUR VETERANS -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 9, 2014
VFW Post 7262
219 North Ohio Street, Greenville, Ohio, 937-548-4004
VFW Boosters • Men’s Auxiliary • Women’s Auxiliary • VFW of Ohio Charities
Tom Mowery US Army, Korea 1963-1964 Vietnam 1965-1966
John (Jack) Campbell US Army
Dwight Emmons US Navy, World War II
Awards: Korea Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Act Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Good Conduct Medal
Bob Klosterman US Army, Kuwait
Jacob Whittaker US Army Guard 2009-Present