Military Memories By American Veterans

Transcription

Military Memories
By
American Veterans
A Service Project
of
RSVP of Clearfield County
November 2012
Thank You
Our heartfelt thanks goes to the
Vietnam Veterans of America,
Clearfield Chapter 974,
for their contribution
towards the printing
of this special booklet.
To all Veterans:
We thank you for your courage and dedication.
We thank you for our freedom.
Please know that your time, commitment,
and service are appreciated.
Your sacrifice to protect our freedom
will never go unnoticed.
You are the pride of our country.
There will never be a way for Americans
to accurately convey the admiration
and gratitude that we have for you.
We would like to thank every veteran
who served our country
and especially each veteran
who shared their story with us.
Private Joseph Michael Aravich
United States Army
DuBois, Pennsylvania
I enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and was discharged in November 1945. During my
military service, I was a rifleman, a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) gunner and a company
scout.
Some of my first war experiences occurred as I was on a ship crossing the Atlantic. We were on
our way to Africa. The main threat during the ocean crossing was enemy submarines. When the
ship’s alarm sounded, most soldiers were to head to the top of the ship. If the ship was sunk, the
soldier would have a better chance of surviving – so when the ship neared land and the ship’s
alarms went off, the soldiers stormed to the top deck. They did not find greater safety though,
but found enemy planes attacking and machine gunning of the deck! As the 40 or so ships
passed through the Straits of Gibraltar, seven troop ships were lost and headed toward the shores
to beach themselves so the thousands of troops on board would have a better chance of
surviving. I was surprised by the number of soldiers who were not fit for combat anymore just
due to the Atlantic crossing. Finally, we arrived in Northern Africa and we prepared for the
attack on southern Italy.
I experienced intense combat fighting in southern and central Italy. My heart pained when I saw
the American hospital accidentally bombed by American bombers. One day, on one of our many
attempted advances up a mountain known as Monte Casino, it became very quiet. I had lost
sight of all American soldiers in front of me. I stopped and took cover. The soldiers behind me
did the same. Something was wrong! I was not going forward. The thought of a German
ambush was a strong possibility. Contact could not be made with the soldiers who had been in
front of us. We retreated back down the mountain to report the incident. The men who were in
front of us going up that mountain appeared on a POW list a few months later. That fate surely
would have faced other platoon members if we would have not followed our training and
instincts in that moment of chaos.
When I was assigned to a BAR machine gun, I hated it. It was heavy and we were always called
to hot areas to provide cover. I believed that I was a walking dead man. It was not a question of
if I would be killed; it was a question of when it would happen. Yet, I kept doing what I had to
do – fight, move, fight and move again.
One day, the captain advised me that I would become the company scout. The scouts advance
ahead of the company to assess the danger. No one wanted the job, but I did as I was ordered.
The only good thing about becoming a scout was that you got a pistol. I was looking forward to
the day I got my pistol!
The Germans were being slammed by the Americans. They were
retreating through France. One day two other soldiers and I crossed a large canal. The Germans
then blew out the bridge with mortar fire. I was hit by a fragment of mortar shell. I decided to
go back across the canal. My wound was bleeding, but it did not seem too bad. I jumped into
the water and began to swim. My swim occurred under enemy fire. I was confused and I
couldn’t understand why I was so weak. I was floating, but could barely move my arms and
legs. I felt German bullets splashing my face as they entered the water near me. I tried to move
again and again, but could not. All of the sudden, I was moving toward shore. Someone had
jumped into the canal and was pulling me out! I was taken to a hospital where surgeons removed
shrapnel from my leg. I never did get my scout pistol. I did not last long enough as a scout. The
captain gave the pistol to another young soldier.
Many wounded soldiers were sent home. That was not in the cards for me. I was assigned to a
grave registration unit. The job was not pleasant, but the job needed done. I remember going to
an airfield to process a dead aircrew gunner. Crew members helped remove their fellow crew
member in a complete silence. This sad silence will always be remembered.
I was the recipient of a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the European Africa Middle Eastern
Campaign Medal with five major battle stars, and a Good Conduct Medal along with other
decorations.
In 1949, I married Julia who was a cadet nurse during nursing training, but she did not have to
serve because the war ended. I do have a few good memories of my war experiences, but good
memories are rare to a combat soldier. I expected to die at war, but God had other plans for me.
Julia and I have three children, 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any
price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to
assure the survival and success of liberty."
-John F. Kennedy
Corporal Howard Askey
United States Marines
Hyde, Pennsylvania
I enlisted in the United States Marines to serve my country while the Vietnam conflict was going
on. I started my service at Paris Island, SC. Basic training was a little tough. It was very
physical and mentally challenging. It was a very rigorous training – like nothing I had ever done
before. We were taught to take orders and not to question why you had to do something. I
learned it was for my own good.
After Paris Island, I took Infantry training at Camp Geiger, NC then off to Camp Pendleton, CA
for Artillery training. From CA, I was sent to Hawaii (Camp Kaneohe) for another four months
of Artillery training with a 105 Howitzer. My best experience during my service was being
stationed in Hawaii.
After all the training, I went to Viet Nam for thirteen months. At times, it was very trying. My
best friend was killed in action while we were there. That was hard to get over. You learn that
anything can happen at any place and at any time. “Once a Marine – always a Marine” is very
true for me and always pulled me through – along with my FAITH.
I received an honorable discharge as Corporal, an E-4, at the end of my tour of duty. I will never
forget the friendships formed and stories, both dangerous and funny. This wasn’t the best time
of my life, but it wasn’t the worst either. My military experience gave me pride in myself and
more pride in my country. I still have a great LOVE of God, my country and the United States
Marine Corps, Semper Fi. As long as our country puts GOD first we will always be the
LEADING nation on this earth. I hope we always put GOD first.
John 15:13 – Greater love hath no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Joseph Francis Cook, LCPL, USMC – Foxboro, MA was my friend and Joe did NOT die in vain.
Amen
"This nation will remain the land of the free
only so long as it is the home of the brave."
-Elmer Davis
Sergeant John F. Beard
United States Army
Curwensville, Pennsylvania
I was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict, March 1st, 1951 to March, 1953. Basic
training was tough, but physically it was good for me. The first day in the field, a cold rainy day,
lunch in our mess kit was cold beans, potatoes and topped off with ice cream. What a picnic! I
had twelve weeks at Camp Pickett, Virginia then we were assigned to outfits that best suited us
from the testing they gave us.
I was assigned to Tank Company, the 169th Infantry Regiment in the 43rd Division. In about a
week, they picked tank personnel out of the three regiments in the Division and sent us to Camp
Irwin, CA for gunnery training on the 90 mm. We were in the desert for eight weeks;
temperatures ran from 92 degrees to 120 degrees. It was July and August. Then we were sent to
Fort Brag, NC for a three week maneuver. After the maneuver, we received a ten day leave
before being shipped out to Germany as part of the “Army of Occupation”. We were surprised
as we thought that we would be sent to Korea!
We landed in Port Bremerhaven, Germany; we went by train to the area south of Munich to Bad
Tolz then to the Kaserne. This was a training center where Hitler had trained his SS troops
during WWII. General Patton made mention of this place on his march through Germany in
WWII. This Kaserne was built in the early to mid 1930’s. We thought we were on a college
campus; a large quadrangle three stories tall, ball fields, swimming pool, motor pool and a small
air strip just outside of town. We did a lot of training there.
One morning at Revelry, our captain said he would like to have five volunteers to report to his
office. The assignment was for us to each go to Christmas dinner with a German family. He
said, “You are to go as Good Will Ambassadors, govern yourselves accordingly.” We were each
given the name and address of a family that we were to go to for Christmas dinner. Bad Tolz
was a small town so it did not take me long to find the Reitmire family. The problem was that I
could not speak any German and the family could not speak any English! Mrs. Reitmire said
“Einen moment” and went next door to bring over a young school girl who spoke English. She
acted as our interpreter. It was a nice experience and when I was ready to leave, they gave me a
German beer stein with their name engraved on the lid.
In January the Army sent our company to Grafenwoehr. This is where Hitler trained his “Panzer
Division”. While at Grafenwoehr, we received our brand new M-47 tanks with 90mm canons,
range finders and 50mm machine guns. Our 22 tanks made quite a showing on maneuver. We
spent six weeks in Grafenwoehrf, then on to a small town near Nuremberg where there was an
old German air base, still painted camouflage. Our barracks were near the rail head.
Our platoon was selected to go to Ulm, up near the Czechoslovakian border for five weeks. This
is where the Russian fences and plowed fields were – along the border. Anyone caught there
was shot! If you remember, the Russians were not on friendly terms with the US at this time.
Our platoon of five tanks was shipped by rail to a town about 20 miles from Ulm where we then
drove on the Autobahn the rest of the way to Ulm. The M47 tanks were equipped with a cross
drive transmission, meaning it could turn around in its own length. This is something that the
German Panzers could not do and the day we unloaded them at the rail head it was interesting to
see the former German soldiers react to this “new” tank mobility.
On the second day of coming home to the United States, our ship was hit with a storm that lasted
three days. Everyone on board was sea sick! The bow of the ship would rise up and then go
down under water and the propellers would then come out of the water behind and set up a
vibration that shook the whole ship. The captain said later that he thought that the ship would
break in two pieces. The only place you were allowed to smoke on the ship was in the toilet. It
smelled so bad that to this day, I have not smoked another cigarette! God had a plan for me to
quit smoking and that was it!
The most frustrating thing after being away from home for eighteen months was that when our
ship entered New York harbor and we anchored just off the Statue of Liberty, we could not dock
because the longshoremen were on strike. After two days of waiting, the captain realized that he
had better do something so he got a tug boat to move us over to New Jersey and we off-loaded to
a train that took us to Camp Kilmer. From there, we went on to Indiantown Gap for our
discharge.
I enjoyed the travel while I was in the Army. I got to see a lot! I will always remember the
speech General Eisenhower made before he left Germany to come home and run for President.
Always remember, the “Army of Occupation” is very important if you are to sustain peace.
"I'm proud to be an American, Where at least I know I'm free. I won't forget the
men who died, who gave that right to me. I'll proudly stand up next to him to
defend her still today, Cuz there aint no doubt I love this land. God bless the
USA."
Lyrics to “Proud to be an American"
By Lee Greenwood
Corporal Robert Bogle
United States Air Force
I was drafted into the United States Air Force when I was 21 years old. Basic training was
different from anything I had known. It was hard. We would have to get up in the middle of the
night to go run a few miles.
I was stationed in Fresno, CA and my specialty was in the Airborne. This was right around the
time of the transition from the US Army Air Force to the United States Air Force. The enlisted
rank chevrons retained the “Army” look. I was a Corporal. The first thing I think about when I
think of my experiences is the men that served under me.
I think the best thing about being in the service is the friendships you form. I had a good buddy
named Donnelly that I will never forget. I had a lot of missions that really scared me. Through
it all, it helped me to think of all the good that I was doing serving America.
The Flag Code
The United States Flag Code, which was adopted in 1923,
describes the following rules for proper flag protocol:

Always display the flag with the field of blue in the upper left-hand
corner. To display it upside down is considered a distress signal.

It should be carried aloft and free, never flat or horizontally.


The flag should always be kept clean and safe;
never let it become torn, soiled or damaged.
The flag should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Always treat the flag with respect.
Never embroider it on household items or pieces of clothing.

People who are unable to dispose of the flag in the prescribed manner
should contact their nearest American Legion or VFW post.
Most of them have an annual ceremony in which
old and worn flags are properly destroyed.
SOG 2 James Bolam
United States Navy
I joined the regular Navy on October 26, 1956. I went to Boot Camp at Bainbridge, MD on an
X-GI schedule because I had been in the Navy Reserve my senior year in high school. After a
month in basic training, I got to come home for 14 days leave. I left again on December 12 th for
Key West, FL for temporary duty at Naval Ordinance where I retrieved experimental torpedoes
until I started Sonar School. Sonar is like radar except sonar has sound. With the cold war and
Russia having so many submarines, Sonar was very important. I graduated from Sonar School
the last week of October 1957 and came home for 14 days leave.
I reported aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Zellars (DD777) on November 12, 1957. We operated in
the North Atlantic until February 1, 1958 when we left for the Mediterranean Sea. The cruise
lasted 151 days and we traveled 27,592 miles. We were in port a total of 64 days, visiting ports
in Spain, France, Italy (we took a tour to Rome), Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon. We returned to
Norfolk, VA on July 2, 1958.
We operated out of Norfolk playing war games until our division was sent to operate off Cape
Canaveral to keep Russian subs down while they were launching a new experimental rocket.
After we headed north to return to Norfolk, we ran into a storm that was moving North to South.
They had the Zellars steam North into the storm at a speed of only 8 knots to keep the ship
steady. Twenty-four hours later, we were 64 miles south of where we were the day before! The
Zellars was lucky as we received no damage from the storm. Other destroyers that were with us
at that time received heavy damage.
We continued to operate in the Atlantic until February 5, 1959 when the Zellars headed back to
the Mediterranean again. We visited the same countries as the 1958 cruise and returned to
Norfolk around the middle of July. Shortly after that, the Zellars went into the Naval Yard for a
FramII remodeling. They removed dead wire from where the nose of the Kamikaze fighter plane
ended up during WWII. They hadn’t taken the time to remove all the dead wire because the war
was still going on. The electricians just ran new wire beside the damaged ones. All the structure
above the main deck, with the exception of the bridge area, was removed and rebuilt with a
hanger and landing deck for drone helicopters to attack submarines with torpedoes. We came
out of the Naval Yard in June, 1960 and left on a shakedown cruise at Guantanamo, Cuba in
July. While we were there, we had liberty in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We also
operated off Swan Island keeping all ships from entering the three mile limit (there was a rumor
that the Mexican rebels were going to try to take the Island over). The United States had a
tracking station to track all rockets fired from Cape Canaveral. The Zellar’s crew did very well
in all the war games.
We came back to Norfolk in August to learn that the Zellars was returning to the Mediterranean
Sea area again in September 1960. I was due to be discharged on October 25, 1960 and since the
ship was leaving near the end of September, I was told that I would be discharged on September
15th – 39 days early.
I then had the experience that I will never forget. On September 11, we found out that Hurricane
Donna was going to hit Norfolk the next day. The Zellars was tied up to a half pier with a
destroyer in front of us. The middle of our ship back to the fantail was sticking out in the open
with the fantail lines tied to a platform. Our captain wanted the ship moved to hurricane
anchorage, but the Navy insisted that she would be okay tied up where she was. The ship
couldn’t get under way on her own power because the boilers were torn down for inspection
prior to leaving for the Mediterranean.
We had seven nylon lines, four steel cables, and an anchor chain hooked to the pier. Hurricane
Donna hit Norfolk around 8 a.m. on September 12, 1960 with 120 knot winds (around 130 – 135
mph). The wind and water hitting the port side (where she was sticking out into the open water)
caused the steel cables and nylon lines to break. The Zellars hit the destroyer in front of us and
swung around, then the sides of the two ships hit together. We threw all the mattresses we had
on board in between the two ships to try to cushion the ships. The anchor chain stopped us from
hitting the sea wall. After the ship was secured to the other destroyer, I watched the water go
over the sea wall, pick up rows of cars, and crash them into the next row of cars. We were lucky
that the hurricane hit at low tide or there would have been more damage.
My black ’57 Chevy was not damaged, just covered with salt spray! I was discharged on
September 15 and headed home to DuBois. I enjoyed my four years in the Navy, but that was
enough!
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any
price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to
assure the survival and success of liberty."
- John F. Kennedy
E7 James L. Buck
United States Army Reserves
Grampian, Pennsylvania
I enlisted in the Army Reserves on August 1, 1955. I was a junior at Curwensville High School
and could not find work at that time. I served in the Reserves until February 12, 1992.
My basic training only lasted two weeks! An E6 Sergeant stepped on my right foot and split my
big toe open. I was taken to an aid station for care. I spent my second week on guard duty in a
vacant building. I was not recycled and am now retired after serving over 36 years.
While serving in the Army Reserves, I was in the Military Police, Combat Engineers, and Field
Artillery. I was not called up for active service and served only in the United States.
I think my best experience while serving was getting to ride in an open-door helicopter. It was
quite an experience.
I feel that serving over 36 years in the U. S. Army Reserves was a great learning experience for
me.
"But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot
hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have
consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or to detract. The world will little
note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here."
-Abraham Lincoln
Sergeant George M. Burns
United States Army
Clearfield, Pennsylvania
I was drafted into the United States Army. I received my draft notice Christmas Eve, 1942. I
had medical basic training at Camp Pickett, VA. While there, I also played in the Camp Pickett
Marching Band.
I was then sent to Billings General Hospital near Camp Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana
to be trained as a laboratory technician. After that, I was an original leader in the 188th General
Hospital, a unit that was in the process of getting organized for overseas duty. We trained at
Camp Joseph T. Robinson in Little Rock, Arkansas.
After training in Arkansas, we were off to Cirncreste, England. My best experience during my
service was being in the 188th General Hospital. Because I was one of the first 13 men in the
outfit, I knew most of the personnel and we went to England with 500 men. We helped finish
building the hospital in Cirncreste and ran it for almost two years.
The officers that ran the laboratory were very good. Captain Boissevain impressed me with his
intelligence.
All in all, I enjoyed being a hospital laboratory technician. It was a good experience.
Motor Machinist Third Class Orlando Carfley
United States Navy
I was drafted into the Army, but when we declared war on Japan the Government asked me if I
would transfer to the Navy and I said yes.
I had just gotten married in December of 1941 and left for training in February of 1942. Basic
training was in Norfolk, VA and was rough at times. My tour was in the South Pacific on the
USS Aaron Ward. On the ship, when we were in battle, every man had a job to do and he did it!
My worst experience was when I was wounded. We had no doctor on our ship. The medics
helped us until we could get to another ship that had a doctor aboard.
I was glad when the war was over, but I was happy to serve my country in time of war.
Master Sergeant Harold Carlson
Kylertown, Pennsylvania
I enlisted in the service because I wanted to have my choice of which branch of the military to
serve. I chose the United States Air Force.
In basic training, we had to get up at 5 a.m. to have calisthenics, marching, and other physical
activities. We then had classes in the afternoon. We had trouble staying awake so we did a lot
of standing so we could keep our eyes open. We had two days of KP while in Basic Training.
Our days there started at 3 a.m. and didn’t end until 10 p.m. because the mess hall fed a couple
thousand troops three times a day.
During my 21 years in the service, I spent five years in the Air Police and 16 years as a Jet
Aircraft Mechanic. I served at Sampson AFB, NY, Camp Gordon, GA, Shaw AFB, SC,
Sembach AFB, Germany, Claysburg AFB, PA, Carswell AFB, TX, Clinton-Sherman AFB, OK,
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, and McConnell AFB, KS. I got to see a
lot of the United States.
I did not get to a war zone, but had to be ready to leave for a forward base on 30 minutes notice.
So, my duffle bag was always packed and ready to go. My best experience besides our regular
training flights was that we flew what was called “Operation Steel Trap”. This involved flying
fully loaded B52s, 24 hours for three months. For this operation, we were awarded the Air Force
Outstanding Unit Award.
One of my first commanding officers always said, “Be where you are supposed to be and on
time. Other people are depending on you and you are depending on them to return the favor.” I
have always tried to live up to that.
I am proud of my military service and have met a lot of good people from all walks of life.
"Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of
tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning, it’s
also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life
for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew."
- President George W. Bush
Aviation Chief Radioman L. Hayes Chambers
United States Navy
I enlisted in the United States Navy because the U.S. citizens were in danger. I chose to
volunteer because I was young and able.
When I completed Boot Camp, I was scheduled to go on to Aviation Mechanic School.
However, when the “Blue Goose” was stopped and names were chosen for Radio Control
School, my plans were changed and I became a “Dit Dah” boy. My specialty was changed to
Aviation Radio.
I was first stationed at the Norfolk Naval Operating base and then after training went on to
Barber’s Point, VA.
Since I was in the Navy, I always wondered if I would be assigned to a ship. I wasn’t. My best
experiences were being a Radioman on an aircraft. I did not get assigned overseas.
While in the Navy, I had the privilege of meeting Ivan C. Duke, Dean of College. I really
admired him. He was strong and taught us to stand up for what we believed in.
The best way I had to cope with my years in the service was by following orders and doing my
job well – communicating by radio. I do feel proud to have served in the Navy because of its
proud tradition and what it stood for. I learned to like radio work.
Third Class Mailman Francis Clark
United States Navy
My mother signed for me to join the Navy when I was 16 years old. I wanted to join the Navy
because I didn’t want to wait and then be drafted into the Army.
I served as a mailman in the Navy. My tour was in the South Pacific. I did not see a lot of action
during my tour, but I enjoyed doing the work. I was glad that I went in at 16 years old.
Staff Sergeant James C. Clark
United States Army
I was drafted into the Army when I was 18 years old. I received my training for kitchen duty,
but was pulled out sporadically for combat training.
I became a Mess Sergeant and got to see a lot of places during my time in the Army. Some of
the places I served were France, Belgium, Philippines, Yokohama, and Tokyo.
I think the best experiences I had was meeting up with my brother and then a schoolmate while
we were on tour. It was great seeing someone from home.
I will never forget fishing when I was in Tokyo. I was sitting on the top of a wall and fell off! I
did, however, catch an eel and a nice Chinaman cooked it for me! One of the most disturbing
memories is of a Staff Sergeant being caught selling merchandise illegally.
I am not sorry I was drafted into the Army. I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but I
wouldn’t give it up! It was a good learning experience.
The origin and history of Veterans Day: In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson
proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World
War I. The end of the war happened at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the
11th month, so that's why November 11 was chosen.
Congress changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day, a legal
holiday in the U.S., honors all who have served in the nation’s armed forces,
whether they are living or dead.
Sergeant E-5 Scott B. Davis
United States Army
During my first year of college, 1969, the draft lottery was put into effect. I had a 4S student
deferment and fortunately my birth date ended up as number 304 out of 365. However, quitting
college after that year moved me to the top of the 1A list. Having been contemplating military
service, I decided to take the qualifying tests and did well in all the branches. Additionally, my
grandfather was a doughboy in the trenches of France in WWI and my father flew B-29 bombers
in WWII, so I'm sure that factored in.
I enlisted in the Army, specifically the Army Security Agency (ASA).
Although basic combat training was transitioning into a more "humanitarian" mode at the time, I
ended up in an "old school" basic training unit, living in WWII wooden barracks with open
squad bays and forced marching or running every place we went. It was the hardest thing, both
physically and mentally, I have ever done in my life. Getting promoted to Private as a result of
my performance in Basic was the most personally rewarding accomplishment of my life.
My training began like every other soldier's, basic training as an infantryman. Then, following a
week's leave, I reported to Fort Devens, MA for advanced training (AIT) as a Communications
Security Operator/Analyst. This was a ten month course, where we were taught to intercept all
types of communications from our own troops to determine if there were any security breaches,
and to train personnel how to avoid disclosing information the enemy would be waiting to
collect.
However, due to a reduction in force, I, along with several others from ASA, was sent to Military
Intelligence School in Fort Huachuca, AZ to be re-trained as an Intelligence Analyst. This was
an intensive three month course which I thought was excellent. Our class advisor, an
unimpressive Army Major, told us upon our graduating at the top of the class that the best thing
he could do for those of us who had lost our jobs in ASA, would be to keep us together in our
next assignment. He arranged for all of us to go to Vietnam together! Bless his little heart.
Additional training which I received included radio operator, truck driver, order of battle
specialist and reporter. I also volunteered to be the driver of the gun truck, "BABYSITTERS,"
when our unit found itself imperiled as American combat troops were withdrawn from the
theater.
I took basic training at Fort Dix, NJ and ComSec training at Fort Devens, MA. I spent several
months at Fort Hood, TX as a duty station before being sent to Fort Huachuca for Intelligence
School.
Upon arrival in Vietnam, I was immediately sent to the 8th Radio Research Field Station in Phu
Bai, in northern South Vietnam, and spent twelve months there. I was one of the last 200
American troops to leave the five Northern provinces with the troop drawdown. My last month
was spent in DaNang, commonly known as "Rocket City", because we took incoming rockets or
mortars every night. Upon returning to the world (U.S. soil), I was given a six month early out.
The highest rank I attained was E-5, first as an acting sergeant at Fort Devens and then as a
Specialist 5 in Vietnam.
War is Hell.
Aside from surviving the 1972 Easter Offensive and not getting overrun by the enemy, and
making it back home alive and intact, no best experiences come to mind.
My worst experience was the Easter Offensive when it appeared that we were going to be
overrun. Nearly all American combat troops had returned home and there were about 1200 of us
intelligence types, with top secret clearances and holding all kinds of classified documents and
cryptologic equipment sitting alone on the attack route in Phu Bai. Our "allies" who were tasked
with protecting our perimeter joined the mass ARVN exodus to the south, leaving us to fend for
ourselves, which we did. And as part of that, sappers were successful in blowing up our ammo
dump, which exploded for three days. To this day I shy away from fireworks displays.
The one leader whose memory has remained with me was my company commander in Phu Bai,
CPT Charles Kibert. Chuck was a West Pointer and the best officer or NCO I ever served under.
He was very intelligent, knowledgeable and fair to his troops. I went to work for him as the
company flunky and truck driver, and I guess because he and I had such mutual respect and
confidence in one another, he pretty much turned over closing down the company for relocation
to DaNang to me since he was so busy with other issues. He essentially put in excess of a million
dollars worth of equipment for disposition in my hands. I kept him updated and ultimately he
signed the papers when I told him it was done. I drove him to the air strip when he got reassigned
to DaNang, and my last words to him were, "Keep your head down." Within two weeks we got
word that a rocket made a direct hit on his Quonset hut office, but thank goodness he wasn't there
at the time.
Two questions here. Coping with the frustrations of war at my rank was basically just sucking it
in and getting through it. I used that lesson learned throughout my life.
Coping with the horror of war is probably quite personal to each warrior. In my case I certainly
didn't experience the horror of war of combat troops but surely faced the fear and uncertainty of
war. I fortunately was mostly on a combat base and fairly secure except for indirect fire.
However, I felt the fear, homesickness and uncertainty which are the bedfellows of all soldiers.
Coping with that, gosh, we're Americans; we just did it, relying a lot upon one another.
I think my family and friends should understand that my military experience is simply one of
millions. I never felt badly that there were no welcome home parades and although I feel
strongly that veterans should receive the benefits they've earned, I despise them being considered
"Entitlements" by the government. I like the adage, "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you
are reading this in English, thank a veteran."
E-4 Andrew Joseph Dobash, Jr.
Morrisdale, Pennsylvania
I enlisted in the United States Air Force because I wanted to get involved in weather observation
or eventually be a pilot. Neither of those things happened, but I was glad to serve as a security
guard in the Air Force.
Basic training was a little rough because I was homesick and it was very strict. After basics
though, I realized the reason for the strict discipline. I made good friends in basics, especially
one buddy from Georgia.
I trained to be a Security policeman for the Air Force. I was involved with guarding aircraft and
other vital Air Force property. I was stationed at RAF Alconbury, England. The base was
located about 60 miles north of London.
The first thing I think about when I think of my service is that some of the guys I graduated with
were killed in action in Vietnam. One died in June of 1968, a month after being stationed at
Alconbury. One time, shots were fired near one of my buddies. This incident was never solved.
The best thing was being able to see some of the big aircraft, like the C-130’s and also being able
to attend a reunion in Dayton, Ohio with the 10th Security Police Squadron, now known as the
10th Security Police Association. I was reunited with some of my buddies there.
I coped with the frustrations of that time in my life by talking with my God and Savior, Jesus
Christ and reading his word, the Bible. There are many good things that I still cherish like the
discipline and camaraderie – especially enjoyed at the reunion. We stuck together back then,
depended on each other and learned from each other.
Private First Class Donna Boyle Dodge
I enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 because I wanted to see different things. I tried
to get friends in Clearfield to go with me, but no one wanted to go. I left Clearfield to go to
Altoona by bus. In Altoona, I boarded a train and headed to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
There were two other girls who were going to Lackland, so I did have someone to travel with
after all.
Basic training was long and hot! We learned to march and marched everywhere – to classes, the
mess hall, etc. After basics, I earned my PFC stripe and was sent to Cheyenne, Wyoming to go
to school. Next came my orders – to Washington, DC.
At the Pentagon, I had to go through all the clearances because of the top-secret material I would
see. I was a teletype operator. The messages would come through to me in Morse code and I
would transcribe them.
I met my husband while I was stationed in Washington. He was in the Marine Corps at that
time. Back then, women could not be married and have children and still be in the service, so I
was discharged.
I will never forget when I was discharged. We had to take a physical before our discharge and
while I was there, five-star General Dwight D. Eisenhower was there too. He came around and
shook hands with me. It is something I will never forget.
Even though I left the Air Force, I didn’t really leave military service. I traveled with my
husband to North Carolina, South Carolina, Boston, Massachusetts, and California as a military
wife. When my husband was ordered overseas, I came back to Clearfield.
I loved my experiences in the service and would advise young people today to join the service
after their schooling is done.
"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer
and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
- Douglas MacArthur
Private First Class Donald Farace
United States Army
I was drafted into the United States Army. I remember ten weeks of intense training at Fort
Hood, Texas. I trained for and was part of the crew for mechanical repair of tanks.
I was not deployed overseas. After Fort Hood, I served in Louisiana. I enjoyed being in the
service because I never had to go to combat.
I have no regrets about the time I served and would encourage young men to go, especially if we
aren’t in a war.
Corporal James E. Flowers
United States Marine Corps
In January 1953 I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve and defend our nation
during the Korean Conflict. Basic training was thirteen weeks long, 24 hours a day. It was a
transition from civilian life to the Marine Corps way of life. Basic Training endeavors to prepare
and adjust each recruit physically, mentally, and spiritually to face life and meet obligations of
service in the Marine Corps as well as civilian life upon discharge.
My service in the Marine Corps helped prepare me for civilian life. I served 40 years at the Bell
Atlantic Corporation holding craft and management positions and have had many positions of
community service such as six years as a School Director.
I have been married for 53 years. My wife and I have four adult children, seven grandchildren,
and one great-grandchild. I am proud to have been a U.S. Marine and I am a better citizen and
member of life because of my service.
Sergeant First Class Marlin E. Freeman
United States Army Reserve
&
Pennsylvania National Guard
Ramey, Pennsylvania
I enlisted February 16, 1978 in the military because my father was a military man (Navy) plus
the concept of traveling to other places interested me. Basic Training was the hardest thing I
ever did in my life! I not only had to rely on myself, but also my comrades to achieve our
ultimate goals. We had to work individually but also as a group.
I was placed in the Armor Artillery. I had many jobs, such as fuel handler, helicopter mechanic,
truck driver, and mechanic and maintenance supervisor.
I began my 26 year career at the Reserve Center at Golden Rod Farms, Clearfield, PA. I also
have been stationed at Black Moshannon, PA and Lock Haven, PA. I had two tours to
Reykjavik, Iceland and was also deployed with the 728th Co. D unit to Operation Enduring
Freedom Task Force Keystone in July of 2002.
I was never sent to a war, but I would have done what I was trained to do – defend and honor my
country. When I was thinking about joining the military, I listened to the stories and war
experiences of already active soldiers and that made me even more interested in the service.
The experiences they encountered were enticing and compelling to me.
I think my best experience during my service was my deployment to Europe. I was Sergeant
First Class and was a platoon supervisor in charge of various numbers of men. The worst
experiences were each time my unit was activated or deployed. It was difficult dealing with the
unknown. When deployed in 2012, we were not told of our final destination. When put in the
position of being activated or deployed, I was trained to do what needed done. You take the fear
and turn it into something positive.
What would I like my family and friends to know about my service? It would be how much my
military experiences mean to me and how important it was.
"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask
what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what
America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
- President John F. Kennedy
Seaman First Class Richard M. Gabrielson
United States Navy
I was drafted into the United States Army on April 25, 1944. Just in time for World War II.
When I left, I left my wife and six-week-old son behind.
I did my basic training in Bainbridge, Maryland. What I remember about basic training is that
there were lots and lots of people there. There were thousands of servicemen from all over.
I then had training at Lido Beach, New York and San Francisco, California. I was in the US
Navy Supplies in Okinawa so I also had some training at the Okinawa Supply Base.
I remember the typhoons and no place to go. On the other hand, I remember meeting up with my
brother on the island.
I had the desire to serve my country and get back home with my family. Once was enough. It
was not fun and I was very glad when it was over.
Staff Sergeant Isaac Gearhart
I was drafted into the United States Air Force. Basic training was tough. While I was in the
service, I served in Florida, New Mexico, Georgia, Japan, and Guam. I got to see a lot of new
places.
I was an Air Crew Tail Gunner in the Air Force. We flew the Boeing B-29 Super Fortress. This
was the plane that ended the war. I defended against enemy attacks from the rear or “tail” of the
plane.
When I think about the war, the first thought that comes to mind is that my plane was next in line
to drop an atomic bomb on Japan. The plane before mine ended the war.
Most of my time in the service was good because the Air Force is a good experience. My worst
experience would be falling 2000 feet in a B29. That is scary! I also remember how we had to
eat in the plane. We would have to take our oxygen masks off, eat, and then replace our mask
quickly.
We spent long nights up in the air. I learned to sleep when I could. I am proud to have served
my country in the Air Force and would encourage young men to enlist – enlist smart – the Air
Crew was the best!
Senior Airman E-4 Todd F. Grady
I joined the United States Air Force and left for basic training February 6, 1996. I joined
primarily because my best friend from high school quit college and joined the Air Force. He left
the week before me.
The first night of basic training was scary. We got to the base about 11:00 PM. The instructors
yelled at us until 2:30 AM. We went to bed until reveille at 5:00 AM. I was so scared I slept
with my glasses on! I made it through basic training and it created a man full of self confidence.
I went on to technical training at Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi. I was training to
become an avionics technician. I was there for six months, and then received orders to
Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany. I thought I was scared in basic training, but I was
really scared now! I was going to a country thinking I don’t know a soul, they don’t even speak
English!
I was in Germany from October 1996 to March 1999. I worked on A10-OA10 aircraft. I
remember the first time sitting in the cockpit of the A10. There were switches everywhere. I
wondered how I was going to learn it all.
While I was in Germany we went on multiple deployments. We went to Al Jaber Air Base in
Kuwait and Aviano Air Base in Italy.
We left the cool weather of Germany in September of 1997 on our way to Kuwait. I was flying
with the A10’s in a C-141. We flew from Germany to Sicily and spend 5 days on a naval base. I
recall sleeping in the cargo bay of the C-141 under an engine for our airplanes. I had learned to
sleep anywhere at any time. We traveled to Kuwait City and transferred to a C-130. We landed
at a base and the back cargo door opened and it felt like a blast furnace. It was about 125
degrees Fahrenheit. I spent forty-seven hot days and nights in Kuwait. I remember walking to
work and having to stay on a roped path because the rest of the area wasn’t checked for
explosives.
Aviano Air Base was a nicer deployment. I was there for about 20 days, got sick and went to the
base medical clinic, and they transferred me to the Italian hospital for 5 days. I learned all about
diabetes from a doctor speaking Italian. Diabetes ultimately led to a medical separation in May
1999.
Sergeant Patrick Granater
I joined the United States Marine Corps for the G.I. Bill so I could go to college. Basic training
was rough! It was hard leaving home. I had such a drastic change of lifestyle. I went from an
altar boy to a Marine!
I became a Drill Instructor and served at Paris Island, Guam, and Korea. My best memories are
the comradery with my fellow soldiers.
I think the most compelling thing was witnessing my fellow colleagues chasing the Chinese
communists back to China.
I wouldn’t give up my experiences! I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but I wouldn’t give it
up. It was a good learning experience.
Lieutenant Colonel Albert R. Hinkle, Jr.
I enlisted in the United States Air Force because the United States was in a war and needed men.
I served in England (European Theater) as a Bombardier/Navigator on a B-17 in the 8th Air
Force. My worst experience was being shot down over Germany. The happiest day was April
29, 1945 when I was liberated at the war’s end – after being a prisoner of War for one year.
E5 Sergeant Edward A Hullihen
United States Army
I was drafted into the United States Army right out of school. They sent me to Fort Benning, GA
for Basics. It was a little rough at first, but it got easier as time went on and I made it through.
The entire eight weeks. I served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. I went over as a replacement.
When I got there, I was an Ammo Sergeant.
Everyday was a new experience for me. I still think about the friends and buddies that were
killed there. I can still see their faces. The worst experience I had was being there when the Viet
Cong was over running us, and we didn’t have a weapon in hand.
Everyone has their own thoughts about the war, different thoughts that most just hold inside. In
order to cope, you had to make your mind up to not think about home and other things. You just
had to concentrate on what you were doing there.
I am proud to be an American and stand up for our country, family, and friends. We need to
guard what is precious.
The Salute to the Flag
To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate
formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the
heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder,
hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon
command of the person in charge.
Machinist Mate Second Class Robert D. Ingram. Sr.
United States Navy
In 1951, I was faced with a possible draft. I was partial to the Navy so I went to DuBois from
Emporium and met with the Navy recruiter. From DuBois, I was sent to the Great Lakes Naval
Training Center.
After graduation from Great Lakes, I was sent to the Anacostia Naval Receiving Station in
Washington, DC. Of the eighteen months that I was attached to Anacostia, I spent twelve of
those away from base in civilian quarters.
From Anacostia I was transferred to the destroyer USS William R. Rush DDR714. At the time
the Rush was in Boston in dry dock for repairs of damages incurred off the coast of North Korea.
Once out of dry dock the Rush concentrated on anti submarine detection. She also operated with
numerous air craft carriers. Our purpose was to rescue downed pilots or crew members that were
lost in the ocean. Many were saved – some were lost.
During my tour on the USS Rush we made two trips to the Mediterranean and two trips to
England & Ireland. In all, I visited numerous cities in twelve different countries.
I was fortunate that I did not have to serve near the conflict in Korea. Considering the fact that I
was eighteen years of age when I joined the Navy, the service taught me discipline,
responsibility and respect for God, family and country.
The Navy is one of my most treasured experiences.
“The
eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving
people everywhere march with you."
- General Dwight D. Eisenhower,
Address to his troops D-Day 1944
Radioman Third Class Louis Jacobs
United States Navy
Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania
I was drafted into the Navy in 1944 and was sent to the Great Lakes for my basic training. I was
fortunate; I became a company clerk. I handed out passes, helped with health records, etc., and
didn’t have to do a lot of extra duties.
After basics, I was sent to the University of Wisconsin to study Morse code and radio and
became a Radioman. I was promoted to Radioman Third Class.
From Wisconsin, I was sent to Pearl Harbor. I was assigned to a Sub-Chaser along with 17 other
men. Sub-Chasers were small ships that were used to “hit and run”. We would drop depth
charges to destroy an enemy sub. As soon as we dropped a depth charge – we ran. We would go
on patrol to seek out enemy subs and when we detected a sub, we would radio in to headquarters,
let them know the position of the sub, and they could tell us if it was one of our subs or one of
the enemies. If it was an enemy sub, we would drop depth charges to try to destroy the sub.
Our Sub-Chaser was designated the communication ship. When we were planning to invade
Japan, we were told that we would be the first wave to hit Japan. We were also told that the
chances of coming back home were “nil to none”. Fortunately, Harry S. Truman gave the OK to
drop the atomic bomb and we were not sent at that time.
There are things that bring back good memories – like showering at a waterfall in Okinawa.
There were also things I didn’t like – like being told everything, even how to dress for the day.
During Mass on ship one day, word came that the war was over. I was standing on the bridge of
the ship and I will never forget seeing all the sailors kneeling in prayer of thanks.
I was privileged to be present when the Japanese carried the sword on to the Missouri and placed
it on the table, signifying the formal surrender of Japan. I am glad to have had the experiences of
being in the Navy and proud to have served my country.
"We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not
to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls."
- Robert J. McCracken
E4 James Jamison
United States Army
I was drafted into the United States Army. Basic Training was terrible. While in the service, I
was stationed in San Francisco and Oklahoma. I think the best experience was being shipped to
Alaska and then to Brazil. The war was finally over when I was drafted so I didn’t have to deal
with that.
My military specialty was First Infantry and then Airborne.
I think the worst thing for me was being away from home. I was glad when I got out. I did get
to see a lot of our country while in the service. It seemed like I got shipped all over the place!
SP5 E-5 Kenneth W. Jewel
United States Army
I enlisted in the United States Army in May of 1965 because I was bored with college. Basic
Training was in Georgia. I had eight weeks of hot, rainy weather for Basic Training.
I was a Combat Engineer 12B20. We could assist combat engineers and bridge and poweredbridge specialists in performance of duties; read, interpret, and plot maps, overlays, and photos;
assist with tactical operations; use hand tools and engineering tools that assist with excavation,
earth moving, rigging, and concrete work; supervise and instruct subordinates; operate
excavation and earth-moving heavy equipment; or perform rigging, concrete, and masonry work.
I worked in Personnel because I could type.
I was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany. I was not in the war zone and I was very happy to be in
Germany. My best experience during that time was meeting my wife from Punxsutawney while
home on leave. Later, she came to Germany and we were married in Basel, Switzerland in 1967.
It was good to have her to talk with during my time in the service.
My worst experience while in the service was going to the field for Winter Bridge Operations in
January. We lived in tents and it was very cold – with lots of mud.
All in all, the service was a good training experience for life. The military gives you discipline,
teaches you how to think under stress, and to confront life’s problems head on. It gives one
stature.
Corporal Forrest W. Johnson
United States Army
I was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 when I was 19 years old. I was sent to Fort
Lee, Virginia for a rough Basic Training. While I was in the service, I was a Quartermaster. We
distributed supplies and provisions to the troops.
After Basics, I was sent to California and then put on the General J. C. Breckinridge and taken to
the Western Pacific. I served in Okinawa and later Korea. My first experience was seeing
American personnel being removed from a rice paddy. I saw what looked like telephone poles
coming out of the hillside and realized that they were enemy guns.
My worst experience was being trapped in a foxhole for three days. We had no way out.
Finally, they brought in a tank to straddle the foxhole and opened the bottom hatch for us to
climb up into the tank. Good experiences were getting letters from home. I was lucky – I got at
least one a month.
We had to be tough. I couldn’t let things get to me. You thought about things afterward when
you had time to think.
My best experience was coming home! I do think that my military experience made me a better
man. I think I understood a lot of things that I never would have known before my service.
Seaman Richard M. Johnson
United States Navy
In 1944, I enlisted in the United States Navy because I wanted to get away from home to see
different things. My specialty was the Naval Air Force. Basic training was a little rough.
Everything had to change to be done their way.
While in the Navy, I was stationed mostly in Florida – Jacksonville, Milton, and Pensacola.
Once you got into the routine, it wasn’t too bad.
I think my worst experience while serving was the time that two planes collided and we were
sent out to pick up the pieces. I really admired General McArthur. He was a man who kept his
word.
After I got out of the service, I learned the carpentry trade on the GI Bill.
WHAT DAY(S) SHOULD THE FLAG BE DISPLAYED?
EVERY DAY! It is quite appropriate to fly the flag any and every day of the year.
The Flag Code (§174d) does outline certain days on which it is especially
important and desirable to fly the flag:

New Year's Day (January 1st)


Inauguration Day (January 20th)
Lincoln's Birthday (February 12th)

Washington's Birthday (3rd Monday in February)

Easter Sunday (Varies in early Spring)


Mother's Day (2nd Sunday in May)
Armed Forces Day (3rd Saturday in May)

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Flag Day (June 14th)


Independence Day (July 4th)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October)


Navy Day (October 27th)
Veterans Day (November 11th)

Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)

Christmas Day (December 25th)

Other Days as proclaimed by the President of the United States
Birthdays of States (Based upon the date of admission to the Union)
Various State holidays


♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫
The Marines Hymn
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We will fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
United States Marine
The Army Goes Rolling Along
The official United States Army Theme Song
Based on "The Caissons Go Rolling Along"
by Brigadier General E.L. Gruber
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory
We’re the Army and proud of our name
We’re the Army and proudly proclaim
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along.
Anchors Aweigh
The United States Navy Theme Song
Stand, Navy, out to sea, Fight our battle cry;
We'll never change our course, So vicious foe
steer shy-y-y-y.
Roll out the TNT, Anchors Aweigh.
Sail on to victory
And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!
The Air Force Song - Full Lyrics
by Robert Crawford,
courtesy USAF Heritage of America Band
Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun;
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun! (Give 'er the gun now!)
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!
Sergeant Jack S. Karchner
United States Army
Woodland, Pennsylvania
I was drafted into the United States Army.
reservist the second time.
Then after I got out that time, I was recalled as a
Basic training was pretty tough. None of us were accustomed to what we went through, although
it was good for our physical being. My military specialty was the infantry, the artillery, and also
the armory.
The first time I served my country, it was in Fisher’s Island, New York. When they called me in
the second time, it was for the Korean War.
When I think about my war experiences, I just think of how terrible it was. There was such
devastation and loss of life – on both sides. I think going into battle was the worst experience
and going home was the best experience!
It was great the way we stuck together and looked out for each other. Our leaders were
outstanding! My best experience was the day I was told I was going home. Also, I guess at the
end of each battle that I was still alive was a great experience for me.
How do you cope with the frustrations of war? It seemed to become a little Caesar as time went
on. I believe your brain does something to help you get through it. Even after all this time, it is
kind of hard to talk about some of the horrible things I saw and was involved in.
“We identify the flag with almost everything we hold dear on earth, peace,
security, liberty, our family, our friends, our home. . .But when we look at our
flag and behold it emblazoned with all our rights we must remember that it is
equally a symbol of our duties. Every glory that we associate with it is the result
of duty done.”
- Calvin Coolidge
Sergeant Paul B. Kline
United States Army
Upon graduating from high school in May 1943, a lot of men from our class were drafted into
different branches of the Armed Services. I was one of six men that went into the Army. We all
served together in the same military battalion from June 1943 until July 1945. After the war
ended on VE Day, May 8, 1945, we were sent to different units to await our orders to come
home to the United States.
Basic training consisted of formation in the morning, roll-call, calisthenics, and chow call, after
which we attended many classes and learned how to handle ourselves on the obstacle courses,
gun ranges, parades, and watched many training films and movies.
I served at Fort Rucker, Alabama and Fort Riley, Kansas in the United States. When we arrived
at Fort Rucker, we had to live in tar-paper buildings or tents for nearly two months in very hot
weather where we had unit and individual training. Only a very few of us had a drivers license
so we were assigned different vehicles to drive and maintain. Training was rough and we had
very little time off. An overnight pass to some town was a luxury.
We also had trouble
understanding that Southern talk.
We left Fort Rucker on January 6, 1944 and went to
Tennessee for maneuvers where the weather was cold, rainy, and muddy. No shelter was
keallowed except small pup tents. Some of us agreed those maneuvers were more disagreeable
than actual combat.
We left Tennessee by train and arrived at Fort Riley, Kansas. What a nice beautiful place. We
had a lot of training to prepare us for overseas duty. We did so much firing of all weapons on the
shooting range. We also had to stand guard over German Soldiers who were Prisoners of War
there. I told some of them they would hate to leave the USA and have read a few stories of some
who came back to the USA and became citizens in later years. A few of them could speak some
English.
Our battalion was alerted for shipment to Europe the very day Allied Forces landed in
Normandy, D Day, June 6, 1944. We moved by train from Fort Riley to the New York port and
then the ocean voyage to Great Britain. We also spent time in the area of Wales and then we
arrived in Liverpool, a war zone of many bombed out buildings and sunken ships littered the
harbor. We went by train from Liverpool to Abergavenny, Wales then we went to Cardiff, a sea
port, to pick up our equipment. A few weeks later we went to the South Hampton staging area,
an area destructed by war.
After two days, we crossed the English Channel and arrived in
France. August 1, we joined the 12th Army Group commanded by General Bradley. We were
in combat for 268 continuous days, fought under five armies and eight divisions. Also we
travelled 4,241 combat miles. One of our officers, Frank H. Armstrong, wrote a book entitled,
Payoff Artillery. I presented a copy of this book to our Clearfield Library and to the Clearfield
Historical Society. This is a very interesting book about my unit’s duty in World War II.
Our artillery had five battalions: Headquarters, Service, and three firing batteries, A, B, & C.
The 105 shell contained different fuses and we had to adapt to different situations. It was a very
good weapon and could be set up to fire in quick order depending on the terrain and land
situations.
During my war duty, I was a member of the 283rd Field Artillery Battalion. I was a driver, radio
operator, and machine gunner. After the war, I became a head gunner and was promoted to the
rank of Sergeant.
My first thought of my war experience is that all of us soldiers took care of each other. That is all
we had to do in order to win. I also remember all the dead bodies of men, women, and children
in war-torn camps. I always appreciated the discipline and the chain of command. I learned to
honor and obey all my superiors.
While in Germany, some of my worst experiences included the German Concentration Camp at
Dachau, Munich, Germany where thousands lay dead and when the town of Juelich, Germany
was mostly destroyed. Also, On February 24th, our battalion crossed the Roer River and saw the
ruins of the town of Duren. The next day, German aircraft returned and our unit was one of their
targets. A lot of men were injured, including me. I was taken to the field hospital and was there
until March 13th. I was then returned to my unit by one of our men. Most of our wounded were
returned as we did not want any to go to the replacement depot. We were lucky to be a close
bond of men. After VE Day, they had a point system to determine the order in which we would
return to the United States. I was in Germany until Jan 3 1945 when we returned home. I was
overseas for 20 months in France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Holland, and Germany. I returned
home for a ten-day leave and then reported to Crile VA Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. I received
an honorable discharge on April 6, 1946.
We had so many fine officers but Lt. Wolfe and I were on many missions together and I admired
his advice and courage. I could go to him for help and advice. My favorite Sgt from Fort
Rucker to VE Day was Sgt. Pitts. He was a fine soldier and friend who stood by my side at all
times.
My young age of 18 helped me to cope with the horrors of war. I was carefree but learned to
focus on the desire to survive.
I would like to let my friends and family know that I believed that America, the greatest nation
on earth, was at war. I wanted to go and fight for my country like my ancestors did in all
previous wars. Freedom isn’t free. My heroes are the men who gave their lives in war.
Remember, some gave some, some gave all. Always maintain a strong defense for our country.
We live in a world of constant danger.
Lieutenant Alton H. Knepp
United States Army
Native of Curwensville, Pennsylvania
In 1940, I was working at the Piper Cub plant when a fellow worker who had joined the Army
talked me into joining too. I also wanted the extra money that I could get. My basic training was
at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
After basics, I served stateside for Officers Training Corps, Hawaii and England. One of my
worst experiences was breaking my wrist. Out of that worst experience though, came my best
experience. I married Mary, my nurse. She was serving in the Army, too.
I have great admiration and respect for my brother-in-law, Ned Noble, who served in the Battle
of the Bulge.
When I got out of the service, I continued my education at Harvard to become a Physics teacher.
I was hired at Dover High School, but then called back to active duty and was sent to Germany
for two years. After I was discharged the second time, I joined the reserves. So, I have served
seven active years and thirteen in the Reserves.
I became the Assistant Principal for Dover High School in 1956 and was promoted to Principal
in 1962. After my retirement in 1982, I served two years on the Dover School Board. Since my
retirement, I have enjoyed fishing, genealogy, rock collecting, and reading. I have visited Alaska
14 times, every state in the United States, and many countries in Europe.
"It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle.
It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle."
- Norman Schwarzkopf
Corporal Joseph G. Kopchik
I enlisted in the United States Marines because my parents insisted. Basic training was a little
tough. It was pure hell.
I was in the Infantry and stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. After that, it was Quang Tri,
Republic of Vietnam – Khe Sanh.
When I think back to my time in the Marines, my first thought is how awful it was - and scary.
One of the worst experiences was when my buddy was shot in the head by a sniper. He had just
been sitting there eating C-rations. I remember the Chaplin, too. He told us to have faith in God
and trust Him.
The best experience was getting on the plane leaving Nam and heading for home. You learn to
cope with the frustration by talking about it. My wife listens to me. I guess I would just want
my family and friends to know how hard it was and the change it brought into my life.
Seaman Second Class Theodore Lansberry
United States Navy
In 1943, I was drafted into the Navy at age 18. I left Altoona for Bainbridge, MD where I had
my basic training. I had only 21 days of Boot Camp so it was not too bad.
My specialty was in the Utility Squad, this squad did anything that needed to be done. We had
380 men in this unit. I was stationed on North Island, Australia for two years. We set targets for
the airplanes that were in the war zones. It was really hot in the area we were stationed,
sometimes it got up to 120-140 degrees.
One thing I will never forget about my service was a frightening experience. I once got too close
to an airplane propeller and the forceful air started to draw me in. Thankfully, my fellow crew
members pulled me back to safety.
I was proud to serve my country during World War II.
Technician 5th Grade Philip Lee
United States Army
In August of 1942, I was drafted into the United States Army to serve in World War II. During
my three years of service, I served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy (Anizo Beachhead).
I was assigned to the 34th Division Infantry, 5th Army to help fight Germans. I served as a
Cannoneer on a Howitzer (a short cannon used to fire projectiles).
I got out of the service in August of 1945 with a Purple Heart, 7 Campaign Ribbons, and 5 Battle
Stars.
Colonel William B. Leonard
United States Army
I was drafted to the United States Army in March of 1941. I didn’t have much basic training due
to the immediate need of soldiers during WWII. We did have a little training of firing the rifles
before heading overseas. My military specialty was supply and maintenance, repairing the
trucks, machine guns, tanks, etc. I was the shop clerk who completed the necessary paperwork
and purchase orders to be sent to the correct departments. I was stationed in Fort Knox,
Kentucky and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri during the war. I then went on tour to Honolulu to
defend the islands from the Japanese.
When I think of my war experiences, the first thing that comes to my mind is during the attack,
on Friday, July 13th, 1945, I was shot in the leg. I became hospitalized for eleven months and
then discharged from my duties. After two years, I returned to the military and was stationed in
Italy. In Italy, I was promoted to Captain. After my tour in Italy, I was sent to Aberdeen,
Missouri where I received my Bachelors Degree in Military Science/Political Science. I then
served in Vietnam for one year. I returned home and started teaching military tactics at
Lafayette College in Pennsylvania where I was promoted to Major. I received an assignment for
a three year tour to Spain. I first went to Monterrey, California to study the Spanish Language so
I could prepare for my duties. In Spain, I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. I was stationed
for a short time in Lawron, Oklahoma then assigned to the Dominican Republic to supply the
United State Forces and Latin American Forces to protect the government against communism
for nine months. I returned back to Oklahoma for only 30 days and then it was back to Vietnam
for one year.
I finished my military career in Washington, DC assigned to the Army General Staff at the
Pentagon as a Logistics Staff Officer for two years. I was then promoted to full Colonel and
became Advisor of the International Logistics for the Secretary of the Army office for four years.
I was then transferred to headquarters of the Department of Defense as Director of Logistics for
Investigative Services of the Department of Defense. I retired from the United States Army in
April of 1974.
God Bless America
"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
- Words and music by Irving Berlin
Sergeant Robert Malone
United States Army
I enlisted in the United States Army in April of 1950 because I needed a job. Basic training was
tough, but I learned respect for others and for myself.
I served mostly in Korea. I participated in Inchon Landing in September of 1950 and North
Korea Landing in November of 1950. The entire time I was in Korea, the temperatures were 30
to 40 degrees below zero. It was very cold. From our landing in November until the first of the
next year, none of us soldiers had a bath.
When I think about the Korean War, I think of all the casualties I saw from both sides. My most
compelling story of the war was when President Truman fired McArthur for supposedly sending
troops into Northern Korea without proper gear and equipment.
My best experience was leaving Korea in 1951. As far as the frustrations and horrors of war, I
still deal with it day and night.
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.
Sergeant E-5 Jason W. Martell
United States Army
Pennsylvania National Guard
Mineral Springs, Pennsylvania
I enlisted in the Army to serve. It wasn’t until I completed my first two tours that I took
advantage of the G.I. Bill for college.
Basic Training was tough, but it was a much-needed “life changing” event. It is nothing today
compared to what it was when I enlisted and that is too bad. Now there is too much politics and
not enough discipline.
During my military career, I have served as Infantry, Mechanic, Medic, Security, Artillery, and
Mechanized Infantry. At the present time, I am a Lab Technician. I have served in Fort Hood,
Texas; Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Giebeistadt, Germany; Iraq (too many posts to
list), Bosnia, and Saudi Arabia.
The safety and welfare of my troops comes first with me. That is priority #1 for any NCO (NonCommissioned Officer). I was trained to put the mission first, but without good soldiers, there is
no mission.
When I think about the time I have served my country, I think the best assignment was when I
was assigned to a Merchant Marine Cargo Ship that was transporting equipment from Texas to
Kuwait. The trip was 32 days on the sea and in enemy canals. I loved that job and would gladly
do it again. The worst experience was being on Vehicle/Body Recovery in a combat zone.
One of my leaders has made a great impression on me. I was serving in Bosnia under First
Sergeant Karen Ross. I was her driver. We were on a vehicle/body recovery mission when we
received a call to assist three soldiers who were wounded and had a disabled vehicle.
On our way to assist, we were hit with mortar fire and our vehicle was torn up pretty bad, but
still operational. We made it to the site and as I was helping a wounded soldier back to our
truck; we took more mortar fire. First Sergeant Ross had the other two soldiers in our vehicle,
before I knew what had happened.
I was a PFC at that time and didn’t have a clue of what I was doing! First, Sergeant Ross was a
22 year veteran and worked well under that kind of pressure. She performed first aid on two of
the three soldiers while under fire and traveling at high speeds to get out of the impact zone. All
this was after carrying the two soldiers more than 100 yards to our vehicle – she was tireless!
When it was over and we had gotten the soldiers to a medic area in a safe zone, she came to me
to tell me what a good job I had done. I was floored! I had done nearly nothing and wanted to
crawl into a hole and hide the entire time! She had done all the work with no fear or hesitation.
It wasn’t until after she and I had gotten checked out by the medic that I learned she had
sustained three broken ribs in the first mortar attack and still managed to complete her mission –
putting the safety and welfare of her troops before her own.
First Sergeant Karen Ross is the reason I wanted to become a Non-Commissioned Officer. If my
commitment to my soldiers is even half of what hers was, I will have done a good job. I have
turned down offers to become an officer and a warrant officer just to remain a part of the NCO
core and be with my soldiers where I belong. I asked First Sergeant Ross why she didn’t defer
the mission to another team so she could have gotten medical help sooner and I will never forget
what she said –“Without good soldiers, there is no mission.”
You learn to cope with the frustrations of combat. It is a job. You do the job to the best of your
ability, then move on to the next job. Other people count on you to do your part and if you are
too caught up in the stress, you will fail them.
The service isn’t for everyone. The pay is not great, but if you can tough it out, it is something to
be proud of for the rest of your life.
C4 Adolph Misko
I was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. I enjoyed the basic training. My specialty
was the Military Police Guard. I did not have to do combat.
I served at Fort Lewis, Washington and then on Bataan, Philippines. Bataan is a peninsula
located between Manila Bay and the South China Sea.
I enjoyed being a Patrolman for the Marines and really liked learning how to box while in the
service. I remember that while I was in Fort Lewis, I had a boxing match with Joe Lewis. I
knocked him out!
The worst thing that I remember is losing friends to the war while serving in Bataan.
I am proud to have served my country and proud that I was a great boxer.
CT5 Robert Mohney
United States Army
I was drafted into the United States Army. Basic Training was very interesting. It was also hard
at times. I started my military service in Atlanta, GA and then was shipped overseas to England.
When I think about my experiences during the war, I think about how I just wanted to make it
home safely. The thing that kept me going was the letters I got from home. Soldiers appreciate
knowing that someone from home is thinking about them.
Sergeant Cecil E. Morris
United States Army
Woodland, Pennsylvania
I was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. Basic training was very
rigorous. I remember lots of pushups and 20 mile hikes.
I was in the Infantry, HQ Co 3rd Battalion 302 Regiment, 94th Infantry Division.
overseas. I served in France, Germany, Luxemburg, and Czechoslovakia.
I saw a lot
When I think about my war experiences, the comradeship with my buddies is what I think about
first. We were like brothers. Six of us met nearly every year since the sixties – we are down to
three now, but we still meet.
My worst memory is when my battalion was surrounded by the German Army. But, I believed
in God and had the will to survive and I did.
I am proud of my service and that my family has copies of my military record.
Second Lieutenant Margaret Pfaff Nelson
Army Nurse Corps
I became a registered nurse in 1941. The military needed nurses so I enlisted in the Army Nurse
Corps in November of 1944 and served in WWII. Two of my brothers were already in the
military so I wanted to serve too. Nurses were given military rank upon entry.
Basic training was one month long at Ft. George Meade in Maryland. I was in the 3 rd Service
Command. 48 nurses were in my unit and all of us were from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and
Maryland. I learned to march, salute, pitch tents, and had classes in chemical warfare. Our
uniforms were olive drab woolen with visor caps. I also had to learn how to knot the necktie. I
remember we marched as a group to classes and to the mess hall.
My first assignment was to Deshon Army Hospital in Butler, Pennsylvania. The patients were
mostly from the Battle of the Bulge. They were so very young – many of them with amputated
legs. Penicillin was the miracle drug that saved their lives. It was given intra-muscularly every
three hours.
After five months, I was given an overseas assignment with the 318th General Hospital in
Schofield, Oahu (30 miles from Honolulu). Our patients were from the battle on Okinawa,
mostly shrapnel wounds. The atomic bombs were dropped in 1945. In September of 1945, our
unit was sent to Okinawa and Osaka, Japan to serve with the occupational forces. Finally, in
1946, most everyone was being discharged.
It took 12 mostly sea sick days to sail on a victory ship to Seattle, Washington and then three
days on a troop train to Fort Dix, New Jersey where I was discharged 3 days before my 26th
birthday. It was a happy day and I felt honored to have served my country and proud of it.
In 1947, I married Raymond Nelson who also served our country as an airplane pilot in the Air
Transport Command in World War II. His flying was mostly to different points of the United
States, Canada, and Alaska while stationed at Great Falls, Montana. Raymond’s overseas duties
were in China, Burma, and India. Raymond served from 1942 to 1946 and attained the rank of
Major.
"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed;
it must be achieved."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
E-3 Frank Pasquariello
I enlisted in the Air Force because I wanted to serve my county. My basic training was at
Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Compared to Marine’s basics, it was easy.
I had my schooling at F. E. Warren Base in Wyoming and then I had a year of communication
training at Edwards Air Force Base in California before being sent to Libya for two years. I
earned the rank of E-3. I was a Communication Center Specialist.
I think the time I enjoyed the most was my time in basic training and the time I spent in Libya.
While stationed in Libya, I was married to Rosa D'Agoscini.
I served my country and was asked to re-enlist, but declined. I had served my country with pride
and had learned a trade. I am very proud to be an American.
Honor Our Military
Let's honor our military,
The men and women who serve,
Whose dedication to our country
Does not falter, halt or swerve.
Let's respect them for their courage;
They're ready to do what's right
To keep America safe,
So we can sleep better at night.
Let's support and defend our soldiers,
Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,
Whose discipline we can't imagine,
Who follow each order and rule.
Here's to those who choose to be warriors
And their helpers good and true;
They're fighting for American values;
They're fighting for me and you.
By Joanna Fuchs
First Sergeant Daniel W. Robbins
I enlisted in the Marine Corps as soon as I graduated from high school. Vietnam was warming
up and I wanted to go serve. I was part of the Marine Corps from 1966 until 1975.
Basic training was a challenge, but it was something I knew I wanted to do. It was like the rite
of passage – at the end, I became a Marine. I was assigned to be in the Artillery. I always said
that they gave me a job I would have done for nothing – I enjoyed it that much!
When I began my service, I was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA then completed a year in
Vietnam. When I returned from Vietnam, I volunteers for Embassy duty. I spent 2 and a half
years being assigned to Moscow, USSR and Vienna, Austria. When I returned to the states, I
was with the 2nd Division with cruises to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Later, I was sent to
Okinawa, Japan. I truly enjoyed the Embassy duty. I served as a Marine Security Guard.
Vietnam was very hard, very dirty and with periods of sheer terror. Boredom was not in this
story. Otherwise, it was an adventure. We (the Artillery) worked very hard. Several times I was
close to being killed or wounded under enemy shell fire. Very scary, but actually thrilling. I
experienced near misses and even being blown into a bunker while under shell/rocket fire, but I
survived, without any adverse effects.
Among other Marines, I think the Marine Infantry had to be the most compelling. Just being
with the “Grunts” almost guaranteed a purple heart. The Artillery gun crews always went out of
their way to do for them – fire support, food, and water – anything we had we would share with
them.
I dealt with the war in a head on manner. I do not suffer from PTSD. I do remember what
happened without going into a tailspin or a cold sweat. I feel compassion for those who do.
Combat is a very complex combination of trying to live and work under very, very stressful
conditions. Even with the most descriptive and graphic descriptions, a person cannot understand
what war was and all of the meanings and conditions that are involved means. “For those of us
who have fought for it, freedom and life has a taste that the protected will never know.”
"If the events of September 11, 2001, have proven anything, it's that the terrorists
can attack us, but they can't take away what makes us American - our freedom,
our liberty, our civil rights…."
- September 11 Quote by Jon Stewart
Corporal John Ross
United States Army
I was drafted into the United States Army. Basic Training was kind of rough. I think it was my
worst experience in the Army – just being there.
I was stationed in France and Germany. While I was there, I was a Quartermaster.
trucks.
I drove
Being in the war didn’t bother me too much. I was glad to come home.
The History of the Service Flag
The Service Flag is an official banner authorized by
the Department of Defense for display by families
who have members serving in the Armed Forces
during any period of war or hostilities the United
States may be engaged in for the duration of such
hostilities.
The history of the Service Flag is as patriotic and
touching as the symbolism each star represents to the
families that display them.
The service flag (also known as "blue star banners" or
"son in service flags") was designed and patented by
World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the
5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the
front line. The flag quickly became the unofficial
symbol of a child in service. President Wilson became
part of its history when in 1918 he approved a suggestion made by the Women's
Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child
serving in the war to wear a gold gilt star on the traditional black mourning arm
band.
This led to the tradition to cover the blue star with a gold star on the Service flag
to indicate that the service member has died or been killed.
The color of the stars is also symbolic in that the blue star represents hope.
Major Richard L. Rothrock
During my senior year in high school, four of my friends and I decided to enlist in the United
States Marine Corps. Basic Training was very demanding and also very disciplined. The most
rewarding moment in boot camp is graduation when the Drill Instructor tells you that you have
earned the title “U.S. Marine”.
While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, I served in many different places such as: Parris Island,
SC; Camp Lejeune, NC; Johnstown, PA; Keflavik, Iceland; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Vietnam;
Long Beach, CA; Twentynine Palms, CA; Okinawa, Japan; and Fresno, CA. I served as a Tank
Crewman, Administrative Clerk, Administrative Chief, Administrative Officer, Adjutant, and
Legal Officer. My highest enlisted rank was Gunnery Sergeant and my highest officer rank was
Major.
When I was in Vietnam, I was with a helicopter squadron stationed at Marble Mountain. I was
the Administrative Officer for the squadron so I didn’t see any actual combat. Our base did
receive several rocket attacks during my tour of duty and several troops were injured and/or
killed.
My worst experience was being fired upon by small arms while landing in a helicopter at Quang
Tri, Vietnam. My best experience was being commissioned as an officer in the United States
Marine Corps.
While I was stationed in Johnstown, PA, I worked as an Administrative Clerk for a Reserve Unit.
Captain John P. Murtha, Jr. was the Commanding Officer of that Reserve Unit. Captain Murtha
later went on to serve in Vietnam and then was elected as a Representative of Congress where he
served several terms until his recent passing.
I did not see most of the horrors of war, and since I was a career Marine, I didn’t have to cope
with the anti-war protestors of the 60s and 70s. I am proud to have served in the U.S. Marine
Corps and proud to have served my country. I had the opportunity to travel all over the world
and the United States of America.
"Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men."
- George S. Patton
Seaman First Class Ralph Rudolph
United States Navy
I was drafted into the United States Navy. I remember basic training being 10 hard weeks of
learning to do things the Navy way.
I trained to be a Yeoman – I performed clerical duties. I served on the USS Hinsdale and then
transferred to Pearl Harbor.
My best experience while serving was going through the Panama Canal. I think the worst thing
about being in the service was my loneliness for my family. It was frustrating to only have
correspondence with them and not be able to see them.
I enjoyed being on the ship and was proud to serve my country.
Star Spangled Banner
(Composed by Francis Scott Key,
"In Defense of Fort McHenry" in September 1814.
Congress proclaimed it the U.S. National Anthem in 1931.
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Private First Class Domenic Sciamanna
United States Army
I was drafted into the United States Army in August of 1942. My basic training was at
Hackettstown, NJ. I was sent to MP boot camp because I couldn’t speak English very well. The
guys who had something wrong with them or couldn’t speak English very well were made MPs.
After boot camp in March of 1943, I was assigned to Camp Reynolds in Greenville, PA. I was
the company tailor during the entire time. While I was there, Judy Garland visited our camp at
Christmas. From September to November of 1944, I was sent to Muskogee Army Air Field in
OK to have refresher training to prepare for going overseas.
In November of 1944, I was sent to Fort Benning, GA for 5 weeks of paratrooper training and
two weeks of combat maneuvers. I finally had a one week furlough.
Now it was time to go to the Pacific Theatre of War. We went to Fort Ord, Monterey, CA. Our
ship went to sea for one week but had to turn around because it was too slow to keep up with the
convoy. We returned to Camp Stoneman in Oakland, CA to get another ship. It took 31 days to
sail to the Philippines. We landed on the island of Leyte and joined the 503 rd Regimental
Combat Team. We flew to Panay Island – our mission was to save a lumber mill that was said to
be the largest in the world. The Japanese blew up the lumber mill before we got there so our
jump was canceled.
On April 25, 1945, we arrived by ship on Negros Island, Philippines. We had no sleep for the
first three nights of combat. I was wounded on our 4th day of combat when a mortar shell landed
in the middle of our company. Nine men died and 21 men were wounded. I was transported to a
hospital in Iloilo on Panay Island. When I woke up in the hospital, I found a Purple Heart at the
bottom of my bed. I spent two months in the hospital due to my injuries and a typhoid outbreak
in my company.
When released from the hospital, I returned to the base on Negros Island. We were engaged in a
mop-up operation (guerilla warfare). We pushed the Japanese up into the mountains to starve
them out. It took 5 days to go up the mountain. Then we learned that the war ended. It took us
only 1 ½ hours to come down the mountain! We later learned that there were 7,000 Japanese
soldiers in the mountains. My regiment had only 700 men. We waited a few days until five
Japanese officers came down the mountain to surrender. Then they brought down their sick.
After that we allowed only 200 men at a time to come down the mountain to surrender. We
arranged for them to lay down their weapons about 6 miles from our camp at the base of the
mountain. This operation took a couple of weeks to complete. There were no incidents. The
Japanese were hungry and ready to give up. We all wanted to go home.
On November 11, 1945, we left the Philippines for Japan. Before leaving Negros Island, our
regimen was disbanded. Men who had been overseas more than two years were sent home. The
rest of us went with the 11th Paratrooper Infantry to Japan. We arrived on Thanksgiving Day and
had Thanksgiving dinner as soon as we landed. In January 1946, we returned to Camp Stoneman
in Oakland, CA and then took a train to Fort Dix, NJ. I was honorably discharged on February
12, 1946.
When I think about my war experiences I think that the Army discipline made me a better
person. I had the opportunity to see different cities and how different people live. Every city
was beautiful in its own way. I enjoyed being in the paratroopers. We were as close as brothers
and watched over each other. I do think also, that war should never happen. It brings hunger to
many people. Some Philippines would go through our trash to find food.
In order to cope with the frustrations of war I decided to take it one day at a time. I tried not to
worry about it. I did not hate the Japanese like some soldiers did. I trained to save my life. I
figured those men were doing what their government told them to do – just like we were told
what to do.
In the United States of America, the Armed Forces are the people who are serving
our country in the military in different ways.
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Army - soldiers prepared to fight on land with guns, tanks, trucks, etc.
Navy - sailors prepared to fight on water with ships, boats, aircraft
carriers, planes, etc.
Air Force - airmen and women prepared to fight in the air with
airplanes, jet fighters, bombs, missiles, etc.
Coast Guard - sailors prepared to defend our coasts and perform search
and rescue duties.
National Guard - reservists prepared to answer call to action.
Marine Corps - specially trained forces for landings, security, etc.
Corporal Jack Searle
I graduated from Clearfield High School in 1948 and went to work in construction. When it
rained or snowed, the younger guys got sent home. Instead of going home one day, I walked
down to the Army Recruiting Office. The Air Force Officer was there. He was taking 76 men
over to Altoona. I made number 77. Thirteen of us passed for entrance and by midnight we
were on a troop train headed for San Antonio, Texas.
When we arrived in Texas, we all received our shots, clothes, haircuts, bedding and had our teeth
fixed. After that, it was off to school. I was sent to Champaign, Illinois, for six months training
to work on big airplanes. After my training, I was sent back to Texas where we took care of 131
single engine planes. While there, I received a letter from Harry Truman wanting me to do
another year – in Korea.
I was able to return to Clearfield for a ten-day furlough before taking a four-day train ride to
Camp Stoneman, California, which served as a major staging area for the army in WWII and the
Korean War. The train ride was an experience! We had no dining car during part of our trip.
When we stopped in one town, I went in to an establishment and asked for a quart of milk and a
hamburger. I gave the clerk a twenty dollar bill. He gave that back to me along with 20 silver
dollars! Those 20 silver dollars took 4 of us to the movies 5 times before we left for Japan.
We sailed out under the Golden Gate Bridge. When we arrived in Japan, we had a six hour train
ride to southern Japan where we were to get on a ship that would take us to Korea. We arrived
around 4 A.M. It was dark, noisy and raining. I was about 50 yards from the gang plank when I
heard my name called out. I went over to where a big jeep was sitting and got in. The officer in
the jeep told me and two others that he had sergeant stripes for us.
We arrived at Tachikawa Air Base just in time for Christmas dinner. The three of us new
Sergeants were glad to help them out with that dinner! After dinner, a captain took us to our
work place. I ended up in a very large warehouse, working with 24 men and 8 ladies – all
Japanese and Korean. We never did get on the ship to Korea. We stayed there and shipped
supplies to the troops.
Our First Sergeant said we did a real good job and might have helped shorten the war. We asked
when the train would be there to begin our journey home, he told us we had three days and
suggested we climb Mt. Fuji. He told us that he tried one time; he didn’t make it and had never
tried again. It took us 12 hours to climb up. It was very hard. I could not get my breath. We
slept in a cave about 100 yards from the top. We saw and talked to the Monks and about 80
Japanese soldiers that were training there. We were so high that we could see the ocean on both
sides of Japan. When we told the Sergeant about our trip, he said he might try to climb it again
to see that.
Then the train came to get us. We were taken to another base where the Japanese were
celebrating May Day. The Air Force men sat up all night with their carbines and clips of shells.
Fortunately, nothing
"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live
taking the form of readiness to die."
- G.K. Chesterton
Staff Sergeant Forrest Shaffer
United States Army
I enlisted in the United States Army because I figured I was needed. I did six weeks of basic
training at Fort Meade, Maryland.
I was in the military police. I was a detective in the Military Police so I was fortunate compared
to those who had to go through the mud walking.
I served at Fort Meade, England, France, and Germany. I enjoyed working on many different
cases.
All in all, my military experiences were not that bad.
"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"
- Maya Angelou
E-5 Russ Sweitzer
United States Army
Brookville, Pennsylvania
I enlisted in the United States Army because there were no jobs to be found when I got out of
school. There were seven of us who enlisted at that time, one of them being my younger brother.
My basic training was at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I served in Hawaii and Vietnam. While
in Vietnam I was stationed at Soc Trang, 121 Aviation Co. I was a Door Gunner on a Huey.
The worst part of my service was seeing my friends killed. May 17th and 17th, 1966 was THE
day. I have said I was born in the USA, but I grew up in Vietnam.
There were frustrations and horrors in the war. How did I cope? I drank a lot, prayed a lot and
forgot like Hell! I don’t know that most of my family and friends would understand.
My best experience was leaving Vietnam alive. Many didn’t. I am proud that I served my
Country.
CPL Gene Tubbs
United States Army
I was drafted into the United States Army when I was 20 years old. Basic training was a real
learning experience. After basics, I was placed in the 1st Cavalry Division, 70th Tank Battalion.
The Army's Armor Branch is responsible for all the tank and cavalry/forward reconnaissance
operations on the battlefield.
When I think about my service, the ship rides come to mind. The first one was from Washington
to Japan when I was deployed. Next came the ship from Hokkaido, Japan to Mount Fuji while I
was in active duty. The best experience was coming home on the ship from Japan to
Washington.
My worst experience was having my hand smashed in a Tank Retriever. There is a lot in my
experiences that I still cannot talk about.
Specialist E-4 Doug Turner
United States Army
Kerrmoor, Pennsylvania
I enlisted into the United States Army in 1996 when I was 19 years old. I had spent a year in
college and in the work force and had become disenfranchised with both. I had no idea what I
wanted to do with my life, so I did the last thing anyone would have expected. I felt I needed
direction and the military would give it to me, not to mention money for college if I decided to
go back at a later date.
My Basic Training was at Fort Jackson, SC and my Advanced Individual Training (AIT) was at
Fort Lee, VA. Basic Training was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. South
Carolina in September is still really hot and the red ants down there bite…a lot! It was tough,
but in time you adjust and it gets tolerable – if not much easier. I was definitely in the best shape
of my life, though I can’t say that now. AIT was all about training in your specific field and it
was relatively mundane. I was a Supply Specialist and Armorer responsible for the upkeep,
security, and distribution of weapons and sensitive items throughout the unit. I managed to reach
the rank of Specialist E-4 and was training to become a Sergeant E-5 before my discharge.
Although I was not active during war time, I was stationed in Camp Greaves, South Korea for
my first duty station, in the Headquarters of an Infantry Unit (1st/506th). It was located in the
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the tension between North and South Korea is always high.
Because it was such a dangerous area and the fact that I could not have my family there with me
for one year, it was considered a hardship tour. The military deemed, politically correct or not,
that this camp along with one other on the DMZ be populated by all males. I had seen my share
of horrible things there regardless of it technically being peacetime. I spent my remaining year
and a half at the NCO Academy in Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX, where my daughter was born. My
stay there was pretty enjoyable for the most part, albeit another hot spot with desert conditions
and poisonous critters. I was discharged in 1999.
My experiences were legion and many of them were overwhelming in multiple ways, but
through it all I became a better soldier, man, son, brother, husband, and father. I left my wife
just days after our marriage to depart for South Korea and did not see her again until the birth of
our son. At least I got to spend my entire month of leave with the two of them before departing
again for another 9 months. The worst part was simply dealing with the sheer amount of fear
and anxiety I had coping with being homesick and adjusting to a new lifestyle in a foreign land
when I had rarely been outside of my own state.
Although I did not make the military my lifetime career, I have never regretted my decision to
enlist and would encourage any young man or woman to give it a shot. At times, I feel that
maybe it should be mandatory, at least for a year or two, but I don’t know how well that would
go over with the masses these days. I have so many good memories, but what I cherished the
most was the camaraderie I built with so many incredible people – soldiers, commissioned and
non-commissioned officers alike. All of whom became special parts of my life and helped shape
and influence the person I am today.
My family’s military experience is well documented and profound as many of my aunts and
uncles have served along with my father and brother who were both in the Marine Corps and
Reserve Units. My wife and mother, as military wives, as well as all of the men in my family
know what it takes to be a soldier and what that life entails: Leadership, Duty, Respect, Selfless
Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage, and for that I an extremely grateful and proud.
"Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and
women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount
of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not
return."
- Colin Powell
E4 Diane Vail
United States Army
Kersey, Pennsylvania
I grew up in Kersey and was the youngest of four children. After I completed high school, I was
looking for opportunities that I knew were not available in our small community. I decided that
the Army seemed like a great place to acquire the experiences I was seeking, so I enlisted. Also,
my brother and sister were both in the military.
My Basic Training was at Fort Dix, New Jersey. That was tough. Talk about culture shock!
Here I was a girl from a small hometown in Pennsylvania, thrown into a barracks with 500
women! I remember my Drill Sergeant was a Southern woman who was small in stature with a
booming, loud voice!
Fort Sam Houston, Texas was where I went for my specialized training. I became an Army
Combat Medic. They offered me a choice of assignments toward the end of my specialized
training. I was to choose between Europe or Japan. I chose Japan, but was assigned to
Nuremberg, Germany.
I celebrated my 19th birthday two days after landing in Germany. A week after our arrival, we
had a brand new Humvee ambulance with all new equipment. One part of our assignment
involved being present at the rifle range to provide medical assistance in case of any firing
mishaps. We went into the field with other companies so they would have an ambulance
available to them. We participated in war games at Grafenwohr and Hobenfels. Even though we
had rifle training as a company, medics are not allowed to fire unless fired upon.
I was listening to the Armed Forces TV network one day and learned that the First Armored
Division, which included my F Company, was being deployed to Iraq. We had two months to
prepare.
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, while waiting for our Army truck to get us, we found ourselves
providing medical assistance to the nomadic Bedouins who came to the Army hospital with cases
of food poisoning or with injuries resulting from cooking stove malfunctions, etc.
I remember celebrating my 21st birthday on the border of Iraq. Two days later, the ground war
associated with Desert Storm began. When we traveled in the convoys at night, we wore full
chemical gear. The sky would have a pink glow. We needed to follow the blue lights on the
vehicle in front of us to travel. Blue lights were used since the light from them didn’t travel well
and reduced the possibility of the trucks being seen from a distance by the enemy. Bullets would
fly everywhere. Friendly fire hit my vehicle and the one in front of us one night, just missing the
oxygen tank contained in the vehicle in front of us. If the oxygen tank had been hit, both trucks
would have been blown up.
While I had many experiences and challenges as an Army Medic, I decided not to re-enlist. I
returned to the states in 1991. Now twenty years later, I am about to receive my baccalaureate
degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
I know my future holds more challenges and a mission for me. I would like to run my own
agency and work with senior citizens, especially veterans of the Korean War, Grenada, etc.
Many of these people are slipping through the cracks and need services.
Private First Class Robert P. Wallwork
United States Army
I enlisted in the Army in 1942 because I felt that it was what I should do at the time. Basic
training was a learning experience, sometimes tiresome, but we made it through.
I was in Communications. My job was to run the wire. While in the states, I was stationed at
Fort Eustis, New Jersey, Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, and Camp Shanks, New York and got
to see a lot of other places in the United States. Then I went overseas. I saw Scotland, England,
France, Germany, Austria, and Luxemburg. I participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
When I think of my war experiences, the first thing that comes to mind is seeing one of my best
friends being wounded and helping to get the medics to him. I also remember going out to fix
communication wires under enemy fire. My worst experience was being strafed (shot at) from a
German plane. We had nowhere to get off the road.
I really admire the medics that served. They were always there for us when we needed them.
I was happy when I was discharged from the Army, but I was also glad to serve my country.
When I came home, I got a job and just had to cope with my memories of the war the best I
could. Life goes on and I had survived.
E-4 Benjamin Warfel Jr.
United States Navy
I joined the United States Navy to learn a trade and to fulfill my military obligation. I was being
introduced to learning how to get along with all kinds of people to teamwork.
I was stationed in Boston, MA and went on to serve on the USS Wasp CVS18 as an electrician
on the ship.
The Cuban missile crisis of the 1960's was the most frightening experience of my service. We
circled Cuba keeping a watch for ships carrying missiles and we did intercept several,
unfortunately we lost several of our shipmates due to accidents. I was one of the lucky ones that
came back home.
I think the best thing I remember about my service is the camaraderie of missions accomplished
together. Another one of my happiest memories was when we completely assembled a Lionel
Train set at one of the Boston orphanages. The children were so happy and that made all of us
happy.
Lt. J. G. Hopkins was a great officer and worked with me to help me learn my trade, to him I will
always be grateful. He was one of the most competent electricians and understanding officers I
served under.
I always felt a great need to defend my country and was very proud to do so.
E-5 Hiram B. Westover
United States Army
Pennsylvania
I was drafted into the United States Army on August 21, 1965. Basic training was tough.
I was trained as a surgical technician and stationed at the Fort Gordon Hospital.
My time in the service enabled me to get a college degree through the GI Bill.
Tech Sergeant Lewis F. Wetzel
United States Army Air Corps
I was drafted March of 1943 and placed in the United States Army Air Corps. What can I say
about the basic training? It was necessary. I was stationed in the 8th Air Force, England.
The first thought that comes to mind when I think about my war experiences is the nine months I
spent as a P.O.W. I was taken prisoner on July 29, 1944 by the S.S. Troops. I was flying my
32nd mission. We were headed to Munich, Germany when our plane was shot. We tried to fly to
Switzerland, but couldn’t make it so we were forced to bail out over Innsbruck, Austria.
We were interrogated for three days, sent to Munich and interrogated again. Our final
destination was P.O.W. Camp Stalag Luft No. IV in Statein, Germany near the Baltic Sea. We
were transported there by train in a box car that measured eight feet by forty feet. There were
eighty of us jammed in that car, forcing us to stand the entire trip. Upon arrival at the camp we
were interrogated again.
In early January 1945, we heard rumors that the Russians were marching west toward our camp.
It proved to be true. On February 5, 1945 the Germans in charge of our camp decided to ship the
3000 and some crippled prisoners to Bathe, Germany and the rest of us – around 7000 - would
start marching toward the Allies. This became known as the Black March. We left Stalag Luft
No. IV Camp on February 6, 1945 with one food parcel per man, two blankets and the promise
that we would only march 14 kilometers a day for 14 days. Well, the 14 kilometers turned into
20 or 30 per day and the march lasted long past the 14 days. In total, we marched 1500
kilometers (932 miles). There were a lot of hardships along the way. Food was scarce or nonexistent. When we slept out in the open, three or four of us would get together and use two of
the blankets to make a tent and then sleep on the remaining blankets. One of my friends was so
sick that another buddy and I carried him for three days until we were able to find medics for
him. He was taken to a hospital and we found out later that he did make it back home to San
Francisco.
It was a very difficult time in my life. Without my faith in God, I don’t know how I would have
survived the experience of being a P.O.W. His love and grace sustained me and brought me
home.
"No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom
unless he be vigilant in its preservation."
- Douglas MacArthur
Airman First Class Robert Yates
I enlisted in the United States Air Force. I remember basic training being tough. I was in
Explosive Ordnance Disposal. This is specially trained and equipped personnel who render
explosive ordnance (bombs, mines, projectiles, booby traps, etc.) safe, make intelligence reports
on such ordnance, and supervise the safe removal.
I got to see a lot of the United States while I served. I was stationed in New York, Colorado,
Alaska, and Idaho. I didn’t like being stationed in Alaska much.
My worst experience while I was in the Air Force was a life-altering motorcycle accident I had
when I was traveling to Idaho where I was to be stationed.
I enjoyed hanging out with the other enlisted men. My military experiences had good points and
bad.
We Owe Them a Lot
On Veterans Day we remember again
Our men and women who served;
We honor them now for what they did then:
The liberties they preserved.
Let’s never forget their sacrifice,
The hard, heavy work they have done;
They did what was asked, crucial needs they fulfilled,
With a telephone, pencil or gun.
We’re happy and proud to honor them;
They gave so much more than they got.
Our heroes, our veterans kept freedom safe;
All of us owe them a lot.
By Joanna Fuchs
Shipfitter Second Class Mike Zedek
United States Navy
Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania
I was drafted into the United States Navy, but I wanted to go. I could have stayed out because of
my job. I worked as a repairman at a coal mine and that was considered vital because they
needed the coal.
I served in the mid-1940s and did my basic training in the Great Lakes area. Basics were tough.
After basics, I served on the Destroyer DD797 Cushing. I was a shipfitter so I took care of
damages to the ship whether it was due to weather or other problems. Some of the welding I did
was underwater. I also had to do patrol duty.
We served in the Pacific. My ship was in the first group of ships that went into Tokyo bay. Our
captain was the commander of the group of ships that went in. I was on the lead ship. A World
War II story, “The Ships that Sneered at Tokyo Bay”, was written about my ship and the others.
When I think about my war experiences, I know that I would gladly go back to serve my country.
Sometimes it was hectic and sometimes calm. We were always on the lookout for Japanese
planes – Kamikaze pilots. I remember one time our ship was chasing a Japanese submarine. I
think it was sunk by our ship.
I think the worst thing about the war was waiting for the Japanese planes to attack us. We were
on alert day and night. We took turns sleeping a little and then getting back up to go on patrol
duty again. We had some pretty short sleep. You learned to cope with it and take it as it came.
I will never forget an African-American cook we had on our ship. He was the friendliest man.
He made you feel wanted and as a friend. On a ship that big, you didn’t know everyone.
My best experience was coming home. My job was waiting for me when I got home. I would
want my family and friends to know that I was proud to serve my country.
The Best on Earth
If someone has done military service,
They earn the title "veteran," and more;
They earn our deep respect and admiration;
That they are special no one can ignore.
They sacrificed the comforts we enjoy;
The list is long of all the things they gave.
Our veterans are extraordinary people;
They’re loyal, dedicated, true and brave.
When terror and invasion were real threats,
They showed us they could handle any storm.
We owe our freedoms and our very lives
To our veterans, who served in uniform.
Our veterans should be celebrities;
They’re exceptional; no other group compares.
We’re grateful for the many things they’ve done;
They’re always in our hearts and in our prayers.
We owe our veterans support and friendship;
Let no one ever question what they’re worth.
These men and women served us and our country,
Our veterans--the very best on earth.
By Joanna Fuchs
These recollections of military service are from the memories of the veterans who submitted
them. We hope you enjoy each and every one.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Clearfield County and its sponsor, the
Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc., are not responsible for nor do we endorse any of
the opinions and facts presented by those who submitted information contained in these pages.
103 N Front Street
PO Box 550
Clearfield PA 16830
(814) 765-2226
(800) 225-8571
RSVP is sponsored and partially funded by the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Additional funding is
provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Clearfield and DuBois Area United Way
Agencies, memorials, and contributions.

Military Memories By American Veterans

Transcription

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