MM Vets Final

Mulberry Memories

Mulberry MemoriesHHH Veterans Issue HHH

This morning I awoke early with a very sobering memory of an incident that happened at the Chicken/Pork Chop dinner at the Sesquicentennial.

While Jane, Phil Conlon, Richard Edmonds, John Riggs and I were standing in line, a fellow came up to Richard and they chatted for awhile. I couldn’t hear the conversation, so, nosey me, asked Richard if I should know the fellow. Richard said that he didn’t know the man’s name, but when Vietnam veterans see another Vietnam Vet, they say “Welcome home” to each other. Richard had a baseball cap with Vietnam Veteran something on it.

I’ve led a very sheltered life when it comes to war. My dad was standing in line to sign up for World War I when the Armistice was announced. He was too old for WWII.

I was very young during the Korean Conflict and just remember seeing headlines in the Lafayette Journal and Courier.

Just before I moved to St. Louis area, the world began to hear about Vietnam. I remember our college friends asking where was Vietnam. I knew where it was, because in the fifth grade I got a pen pal from Vietnam through the Girl Scouts. (She came to the US in 1960 and we still correspond.)

Ralph was exempt for the draft because he had children. He worked at McDonnell Aircraft, so the people we associated with would have been able to avoid going to war. He was friendly with a couple of Vietnam pilots (much later), but I never met them.

During the war, I felt that people like actress Jane Fonda and others should be tried for treason. Their actions prolonged the fighting, causing many more deaths, injuries, etc. So, today, I say “Welcome Home” to all Vietnam Veterans and invite you (Mulberryites) to join me in my salute and list the names of all Mulberry service people, deceased and living, who served our country.

Life at SeaNelson Combs

To give you “Landlubbers” a taste of what being at sea can entail, the attached was

sent to me by a Navy contemporary who had served on a carrier. His comment was to the effect that sailing through seas like this was bad enough on a 90,000 ton carrier with approximately 60 feet of freeboard between the normal water line and the flight deck, he couldn’t imagine riding it out on a 2200 ton destroyer.

Well, I can’t imagine it on a destroyer either, but I can on a 1900 ton destroyer escort with only one propeller and an average of about six feet of freeboard. We got caught in a typhoon off Okinawa in the Fall of 1958. That was a couple of days I won’t forget. A Navy description for rough seas is “taking green water over the bridge”. Well, we took green water over the crows nest! From walls of water in a wave trough to nothing but sky at the top. I was scared to death for about 12 hours, but after that

Mulberry MilitarySue Bryan Conley

When Vietnam veterans see another Vietnam Vet, they say “Welcome home”

resigned to my fate. Thank God both our skipper and executive officer were academy grads and both excellent seamen.

Every time I watch the “Caine Mutiny” it brings back that experience. I am also thankful that the book “Halsey’s Typhoon” had not yet been written, and I had no knowledge at that point of that WWII event.

P.S. Louie. Maybe you could forward this to your list of friends who are “Old Salts”. I would be interested in their experiences.

Life at SeaMU2 Brewer Bob

Dr J: I was stationed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) for my WestPac

Cruise in 1970-71. We went first to Hawaii, then to Subic Bay, then out to the line and so forth. We spent some time on Destroyers and eventually came back on the USS Hancock (CVA 19). Never saw any seas like these! Thank you for this.

Mulberry MilitaryClyde Johnson

I can add some who served in the military. Jerry Reiss served at least 20 years in

the navy and was in Nam more than once and had a wall full of medals when I visited him after he retired. I’ve lost track of him now but I think he is still in Hawaii. I also served. I was an army Doctor on active duty from ‘61 to ‘64 at Fort Knox and Fort Ord. I think there are many more in our age group who served because in the ‘50s and ‘60s most males either volunteered or was drafted to serve at least 6 months active duty. I went into ROTC at Purdue so I wouldn’t be drafted and have to serve as an enlisted man. I missed the Viet Nam war by a few months.

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H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

MilitaryNelson Combs

Clyde Johnson is absolutely correct about required military service. Unless

you had a physical disability or family obligations, you were going to get in. I was called twice by the draft board at Frankfort, but managed to delay going in until I had finished college.

I still consider my generation (those of us born in the 1930s) to be extremely lucky. We were too young for WWII. Korea hit us about right, but deferments could be gotten.

Then we were either too old or had done our time by Vietnam. I enlisted in the Navy just prior to graduation from IU in 1957. I wanted to beat the draft board who I knew were watching me carefully. Happy to say I was successful, as the Navy turned out to be the ideal branch of service for me, and even though it required putting your plans on hold for four years, it was worth it.

MilitaryMarcia Cash Wooldridge

At the last Alumni gathering, I remember Earl Dose telling me that he was one

of the many Air Force Pilots that bombed Schweinfurt, Germany because of the ball bearing plant located there. It was vital that the plant be totally destroyed, and it was, along with most of the town.

Schweinfurt was where my husband was stationed with the Army in 1955-56. The apartment we rented was of brick on a bare lot and shrapnel damaged. Most of the homes off the main thoroughfare were still in need of repair.

MilitaryElisabeth Ruch Dubin

If the service person is or was married to a Mulberryite, their name goes on the list,

too.Sue, I send this to you in response to

your e-mail in order to add another family with historic records of military service by citizens of Mulberry.

Daniel Ruch, father of P.V. Ruch, born and lived in Mulberry – Civil War veteran, wounded in battle, served in 4th Indiana Calvary.

P.V. Ruch born in and long time resident of Mulberry – served in Spanish American war in the Philippine Islands, Battery G, 3rd Artillery, 1898-1902. Served in WWI as

Captain of Battery G, 3rd Field Artillery, in France, discharged as a Major, continuing in the Army reserve, retiring as a Lt. Col.

Dr. Karl M. Koons (son of Dr. Koons, and sister of Josie K. Ruch) 1st. Lt. Medical Corps, WWI.

Dr. Monroe K. Ruch (son of Josie & P.V. Ruch) served in WWII as a Captain in the 4th Auxiliary Surgical Unit attached to Patton’s Army. After peace, retained for service in Army hospitals in California, discharged as a Lt. Col.

Hope this is a useful addition to your list of Mulberry soldiers.

MilitaryJim McKinnis writes:

(Vietnam)

That is really nice of you to think about us in such a way, my brother John was

there, too. I was there in 67, 68 – John in 68, 69.

MilitaryMarcia Wooldridge Sandy Cash Gaylor

Several years ago, Marcia Wooldridge and Sandy Gaylor Cash collected articles of

interest for the Class of 1954 from Mulberry Reporters that Fritz Bowers had kept. The following is one of those articles:

Mulberry Reporter Headlines on 8-17-45: War Ends

“Boys from Madison township who will never return are: Jesse Layton, William Force and John Bennett.

Others with community connections are: David Seest, John Elliott, Russell Golden, Garlen and Bronson Packard, Floyd Hanger and Harold Shaffer.

One boy, John Grice, was reported missing and never since heard from.

Among the wounded are: John Dunk, Jim Mitchell, Hadley Martin, Jimmy Hall, George Golden, Harold Brand, Max Gable, Glen Rebman Jr., Carl Rex, Clarence Smith and William Timmons.

Still believed to be prisoners are Wilson DeVoss and Emerson Rex.

Liberated prisoners are John W. Tudor,

William Wilson, Joe Hinesley, John Purner, Clarence Timmons and Vernon Amstutz. An attempt has been made to have these lists compete, but there may be omissions.

From our class of 1954 not mentioned before:

A/1C Charlie Burns, USAFArmy PFC Glen Hart, Company A of

Div. 54th Infantry served in Heilbronn, Germany

Sgt. Neal Gaylor: 3 years in Germany and 3 yrs. stationed at Fort Hood, TX

Jay Mitchell, USAFBonnie Sturgeon, NavyAlso noted: Lt. Billy Joe Wetzel, bomber

pilot... reported 10/13/44: stationed in England has been awarded the Distinquished Flying Cross

Mulberry MilitaryNelson Combs

Spanish American WarHarvie Lipp, while technically not a

Mulberryite, was married to my Grandma Pearl Lipp, and was a veteran of the Spanish American war in the US Army in the Philippines.

World War 1Dr. Karl M. Koons (son of Dr. Koons, and

sister of Josie K. Ruch) 1st. Lt. Medical Corps, WWI.

Joe Hinesley – Liberated POWElmer Rothenberger, maternal uncle

of Jane and Sue Bryan, killed when his Sopwith Camel crashed in France.

World War 2Lyle Barton – commissioned a Ensign

in Navy at Purdue in 1946, served on the USS Gearing, husband of Jean A. Snyder Barton.

‘Bugs’ Bennett – US Army – European theater

Don Bennett –WWII – US NavyBob Bols – US Navy – Pacific theaterFloyd Bolyard, Jr. – saw 30 months

of service as a radio operator in the Air Corps, Pacific Theater.

Harold Brand – WoundedMorris Bryan – WWII – US ArmyBertina Burkhalter – WWII – US ArmyRobert Clark – WWII – US ArmyRoy Cleaver – US NavyNelson B. Combs, MD – US Navy –

several shore stations and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Bill Davis – Severely wounded in WWIIMelvin Dellinger – WWII – US NavyRobert E. Douglass – husband of Phyllis

Joan Layton (class of 1946) WWII vetCharles Gordon Dunk – (class of 1942)

during WW2 was stationed in Hawaii as a Civil Service employee

John Duck – WoundedRobert Dunk – WWII army European

area woundedJohn ElliotCharles FleishhauserDonald Fleischhauer – WWII – Class of

1943Richard Clayton Force – attended MHS,

served 5 years in Army Air Force, two of them in China

Thomas Force – WWII navyMax Gable – WoundedForest Glick – WW2 vetGeorge Golden – US Army – Wounded,

Pacific theaterRussell GoldenSam Goode – WWII – left high school

junior year for the army.Walter W. Gray – husband of Grace

Evelyn RothenbergerJohn Grice – Reported missing and

never heard from as of 8-17-45Jack Haher – Army Air Force B26 pilot

in Europe – married to Peggy Lou FickleJimmy Hall – WoundedFloyd HangerLt. Robert Harper – married Annie

Whitlock in 1952. He was in the Army at Ft. Belvoir, Va. My guess is that Harper might have been in service during Korean Conflict.

J. C. Judge – 3 years with AAF communications service in Natal, Brazel

Kenneth Kleinsmith – WWII navyBronson PackardGarlen PackardKarl M. Koons, MD – 1st Lt, Medical

CorpsDonald Layton – 2 years NavySam Lehr – US Army – European theater

George Marshal – Corporal with the 37th Division in the invasion of Luzon. Eleven months in Philippine Islands.

Hadley Martin – US Army – WoundedElmer G. Maxwell – Sgt. US Army Air

Corps… Southern Command… Mechanic on B-29, B-37, flew planes across Atlantic from South American Bases. Step-Father of Steve Conarroe

Emmet G. Miller – 1935, Commissioned a 2nd Lt upon graduation from Purdue University – 1943, Called to active duty to serve in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) – 1945, Commissioned a Major in the Field Artillery – Received numerous service medals including the Bronze Star

Jim Mitchell – Wounded – left high school junior year for the army.

Eldon Lee Miteff – Army, 1944Reed S. Moody – US Marine Corps,

served 3-1/2 years – husband of Juanita Ruth Bowers (class of 1942).

Joseph E. Pollack – husband of Martha Aileen Fickle (graduate of MHS) 3 years Armed Forces

John Purner – Liberated POWGlen Rebman, Jr. – WoundedCarl Rex – WoundedEmerson Rex – Still believed to be a

prisonerMonroe K. Ruch, MD – US Army – Son

of Josie & P.V. Ruch, served in WWII as a Captain in the 4th Auxiliary Surgical Unit attached to Patton’s Army. After peace, retained for service in Army hospitals in California, discharged as a Lt. Col.

Harold Ruckle – US Marines – Although wounded in action, was one of three machine gunners to leave Guam alive.

Gordon Rutan – 2 years US ArmyEverett Scheirer, Pfc. – Served at Valley

Forge government hospitalDavid SeestHarold ShafferGlenn Robert Skiles – US NavyClarence Smith – WoundedDavid Snyder – husband of Leota

Ruth Peters, radioman in US Navy and a qualified submarine man, having graduated from Submarine School in New London, Conn. July 1941 assigned to a submarine stationed at Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone. Leota would join him in Panama.

Blanchard L. Sprunger – husband of Carol Burkhalter, served 3-½ years in

Army Air Force as a flight engineer on a B-29. Completed 25 missions over Japan and holds the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ned Stephenson – (MHS 1948) ArmyFirst Lt. Thelma Thompson – (MHS

alum) married First Sgt. Amos P. Tomlinson. She joined the Army Nurse Corp in 1944, spent time in England and Japan.

Clarence Timmons – Liberated POWWilliam Timmons – WoundedJohn W. Tudor – Liberated POWJim Vice – US Army – Harold’s dad, was

an Army MP either at the end of WW2 or shortly thereafter

Kenny Weaver – US Army Air Force – C47 pilot in CBI theater, stationed in India and flew the Hump to China

Dixon Weida – US Army – Pacific theaterBilly Joe Wetzel – US Army Air Force

– Lt. – bomber pilot, stationed in England, awarded Distinquished Flying Cross

Charles Whitcomb – Phillippes, Navy, many months on islands in Pacific.

William Wilson – Liberated POWKenneth Woodruff – husband of Louise

Arlene Morrison, WW2 vetVerle Ziegler – husband of Ruth Stewart,

seaman stationed on the U.S.S. Wyoming at Norfolk, Va.

After World War 2Gene Hawkins – US NavyJohn Peters – US Air Force

KoreaErnest Leon AshforthMax Leland BassJohn Albert GoldenLewis Almon HarshmanEdward Franklin HenrichsJohn F. HufferLloyd Mark KelleyKenneth Eugene LucasElmer Douglas MaysJames Andrew OliverRichard Owen PackardKeith Rothenberger – husband of

Joann GlennCharles James SchieryDon Schiery – woundedArthur Edgar SharpJoseph Mertz SmithEldon SkilesJames Fredrick StinsonAmos Paul Tomlinson N

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VietnamMike Lynn ArmstrongA/1C Charlie Burns, USAF, Vietnam in

1968Larry Lee Campbell – husband of Ellen

Ann Bryan, served 3 years in US Army.Waybe Lee DunkRichard Edmonds (Class of 1961)Henry R. Feeser – husband of Linda

Pierson. He was born January 8, 1939, in Springfield, Ohio. His experience includes twenty-five years service with the United States Navy (Commander, USN (Retired)), where he served in combat surface ships, offshore and in-country Vietnam, in combat systems, electronic and ship procurement, and shipbuilding. He is currently receiving disability from the VA for Agent Orange exposure.

Samuel J. GaschoSgt. Neal Gaylor: 3 yrs. in Germany and

3 yrs. stationed at Fort Hood, TXRalph D. GoodnightDavid L. Hansell served in the Marine

Drum and Bugle Corps, 1967-1970.Dennis R. Hansell is a retired Lieutenant

Commander in the United States Navy. He graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1968 and from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1972 and retired in 1992.

Ronald S. Hansell served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam in the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Battalion, Delta Company, 3rd Platoon, 1968-1969. He received two Purple Hearts and a Meritorious Mast Commendation.

PFC Glen Hart, Army, Company A of Div. 54th Infantry served in Heilbronn, Germany

Benton HufferRaymond D. KnucklesDavid Lee Kodman Harry E. Maxell Jim McKinniss, Vietnam 1967-68John Edward McKinniss, Vietnam

1968-69Alan C. Miller, Clinton Central Class of

65, husband of Barb Glenn, Bronze StarGary Fredrick MillerJay Mitchell, USAFLarry Mosier, husband of Janet Miller,

1962 – enlisted in Army, 1966 – Served in Vietnam, appointed rank of Staff Sargent E6, received numerous service medals, including the Bronze Star

Bob Parker – US Navy for 26 years, retiring in January 1991 as a Master Chief Quartermaster. Last duty was as the Command Master Chief of an aegis cruiser, USS Princeton (CG-59).

Larry Peek (Class of 1961)Carl (Charlie) Riggs, Navy veteran of the

Vietnam WarPaul Sharp, retired Air ForceDon Stewart, Marines, served 3 tours in

Viet NamBonnie Sturgeon, NavyHarold Vice, retired Air ForceGary Lee Yuill

And after ????Nelson Combs, Jr. – US NavyJoe Ferry – US Air ForceTom Fickle – US Army, 1958-60, Fort

Ord, CA, Fort Chaffee, AK, Fort Sill, OKFloyd Garrett – US Army, 1960-61, Fort

Ord, CA, Fort Lewis, WADale Gaylor – US Air ForceLloyd Kelly – US ArmyGene Mitchell – US Air ForceBob L. Miteff – Marines, 1969-82 –

Adm, brig guard, cross country chaserDavid E. Miteff – Navy, 1973-74 –

Boiler Tech on the USS SaratogaHoward L. Miteff – Air Force, 1978-88Jerry Reiss – US Navy – made a career

out of the Navy and retired as a Signalman Chief Petty Officer

Charlie Skiver – US ArmyBernie Walker – US Air ForceDave Weaver – US ArmyCharlie Weida – US Navy

Among the WoundedHarold Brand John DunkMax Gable George Golden Jimmy HallHadley MartinJim MitchellGlen Redman, JrCarl RexClarence SmithWilliam Timmons

Prisoners of WarWilson DeVossEmerson Rex

Liberated PrisonersVernon Amstutz Jerome ‘Joe’ Hinesley John Purner Clarence Timmons John W. TudorWilliam WilsonJohn Grice was reported missing and

never heard from as of 8-17-45

Robert D. GaylorFrom Wikipedia

CMSAF Robert D. GaylorUnited States Air Force5th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (1977-1979)Place of birth Bellevue, Iowa, 1930Allegiance United States of AmericaService/branch United States Air ForceYears of service 1948–1979Rank Chief Master Sergeant Battles/wars Vietnam WarAwards Legion of MeritMeritorious Service Medal – 3Air Force Commendation Medal – 2

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor was the fifth Chief Master Sergeant appointed to the highest non-commissioned officer position in the United States Air Force.

Chief Robert D. Gaylor was adviser to Secretary of the Air Force John C. Stetson and Chiefs of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David C. Jones and Gen. Lew Allen Jr. on matters concerning welfare, effective utilization and progress of the enlisted members of the Air Force. He was the fifth chief master sergeant appointed to this ultimate noncommissioned officer position.

Chief Gaylor was born in Bellevue, Iowa; however, most of his youth was spent in Indiana. He entered the Air Force in September 1948 and was assigned to the security police career field, in which he served until 1957. In September 1957 he served as a military training instructor at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, until February 1962. He then returned to the security police field until July 1965. During Chief Gaylor’s security police years, his early assignments were at James Connally Air Force Base, Texas; Laredo Air Force Base, Texas; Kunsan Air Base, Korea; Tachikawa Air Base, Japan; Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.; and Barksdale Air Force Base, La.N


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Chief Gaylor was an honor graduate of Class 65B of the Second Air Force

Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy at Barksdale. After graduation in April 1965 he was selected to be an instructor at the academy and taught there until it closed in April 1966. Following a security police tour at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, Chief Gaylor returned to Barksdale and assisted in reopening the SAC NCO Academy. In February 1970 he became senior enlisted adviser for Second Air Force. In July 1971 Chief Gaylor transferred to Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), where he traveled to USAFE bases teaching management techniques. In June 1972 he established the USAFE Command Management and Leadership Center, an in-residence, 60-hour course of instruction for USAFE NCOs. He continued as noncommissioned officer in charge of the center until his selection as USAFE Senior Enlisted Adviser in August 1973. In September 1974 Chief Gaylor was assigned to the Air Force Military Personnel Center, where he traveled extensively as a management and leadership instructor. He became chief master sergeant of the Air Force in 1977 and retired July 31, 1979.

After retiring from the Air Force, Gaylor taught, coached, and mentored leaders at all levels for USAA, a Fortune 200 company. In 2006, the NCO academy at Lackland AFB was named the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy in his honor.

(Taken from U.S. Air Force Biography)

MilitaryPhil Conlon

I wonder how many guys and gals from Mulberry actually went into battle in

previous wars. I know that Don Schiery was wounded in Korea, but don’t know of others.

MilitaryBarbara Glenn Miller

Sweet Sue, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My husband, Alan C. Miller, served

one year in Vietnam. He is proud of his years of service, but his country has given the men of his generation a cold shoulder up to now. More and more people are taking time to say hello and it does lift the spirit. He has a bronze star license plate on his car. A few people have given him a salute when they see him. (It brings tears to my eyes.)

So thank you for bring this to the attention of the Mulberryites. He was in the Clinton Central Class of 1965.

More MilitaryArticles from Mulberry Reporter

5-5-58“S/Sgt and Mrs. Donald LaPlante and

daughter Yanna K. of Dayton, Ohio, were holiday guests of Sgt. LePlante’s Mother, Mrs. Robert Keller, and family.”

(Mrs. Robert Keller is Zerna Keller, mother of Sharon Keller, a good friend of your sister Jeanne.)

“S/Sgt and Mrs. Walter Freels and children of Rantoul, ILL, spent the week-end with Mrs. Freels’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Burkhalter, Frankfort route 6, and other relatives.”

5-19-58Two M.H.S. Graduates Seek Doctor’s Degree

Garold S. Beals has been released from Active duty with the U. S. Army at Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington D.C., where he has been engaged in medical research, and at the Army Chemical Center in Maryland. He has accepted a research position with the Arteriosclerosis Research Laboratory at the University of Minnesota, where he will begin work on his PH.D. degree. Before entering the Army he was on the teaching staff at Purdue university and did research with the Purdue Cardiac Project.

His twin brother, Harold Beals, is a Research Fellow at Purdue university where he is working on his Ph.D. degree. They are the sons of Mrs. Glendora Beals of Lafayette, Route 5, and both are graduates of Mulberry high school. Their mother teaches at Pine Village.”

6-26-58Jerome Hedderich’s obit says he was a

member of the Trinity Church (Reformed) and a WWl veteran. Son of Phillip and Ellen Goechenour Hedderich (I see that Rossville has an American Legion Post, I’ll try to contact them.)

7-3-58 Obit“Russell W. Howard, 47, brother of Mrs.

Calvin Loveless of Mulberry, died Saturday in Culver hospital, Crawfordsville, where he was a patient two days. Married to Adele Baker, he was a member of the Methodist Church and American Legion at Frankfort, and was a veteran of World War 2.”

7-24-58“Don Wampler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer

Wampler of Osasco, writes that he will be leaving his present station, Camp Hood, Texas, for Germany early in August. His mother expects to go to Texas next week to visit him and to bring his car back home.”

Jane and I were talking yesterday and she thinks she remembers Roscoe Smith’s two sons were in the military – Joe and J Max.

Emmet G. MillerBruce Davies

Emmit Miller was an officer in the artillery in Europe during WWII. I remember him dis-cussing how they very carefully zeroed in on a particular building that today we would call a port-o-potty.

He said they were very successful at delivering a wake up call to a particular officer they had observed.

This was all done as a practical application exercise in Solid Geometry class. If memory serves me correct Dale McKee, Jerry Heavilon and myself were in the class.

More Serice Info:Martha L Wainscott

Here is the information on Emmet Miller and Larry Mosier.Emmet G. Miller

1935 – Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on graduation from Purdue University.

1943 – Called to active duty to serve in the European Theater Operations (ETO)

1945 – Commissioned a Major in Field Artillery

Major Miller received numerous service medals including the Bronze Star.Larry Mosier, husband of Janet Miller

1962 – Enlisted in the US Army1966 – Served in Vietnam1966 – Appointed rank of Staff Sgt E6Received numerous service medals

including the Bronze Star.

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Add to Military ListLewis Almon “Bud” Harshman was in the Army. Bud’s military experience was in Korea as an A & E or Airframe and Engine Technician in the Army 25th Artillery, Air Section. He told me that South Korea is along the thirty eighth parallel which is like taking Chicago and putting it in the mountains. The snow, rain, and mountains caused a lot of complications.

Perry Skiles was in the ArmyEldon Skiles was in the Air Force

MilitaryNancy Doyle

Just wanted to add Andy Prater’s name to the list of those to whom we owe so

much. He served in the army, 1965 to 1967 in the states and in Thailand.

Also, Herman Hitch who lived in Mulberry and had daughters who went to MHS, served in WWII with General Patton. He always had the purple heart license plate.

MilitaryJerry Heavilon

After graduating from Purdue, myself and three of my college Buddies went to

the Air Force Recruiting office in Lafayette to sign up to become pilots. The recruiting Sergeant took the three bachelors. He told me he was going to do me and the country a favor. He tore up my application and told me that I would cost the country too much money since Janie and I had two kids at the time with the third due in about two weeks.

MilitaryEsther Oliver Creamer

My brother, Jim Oliver, was in the military. I really don’t remember how

long. However, I do remember he went in before he graduated from high school. He had enough credits to graduate, but he wasn’t going to get to come home for it. My sister, Leona, and I were arguing who was going to have to go up on stage to accept his diploma. Lo and behold, about an hour before we were going to leave to go the gym, here he walked through the front door. What a welcome sight!!!!! He graduated in 1946.

Charlie BurnsKittie Burns

My husband, Charlie Burns, is a Mulberryite and he served in Vietnam

in 1968, although he would never respond. He is related to a lot of the Ruch’s on his grandma’s side and enjoys reading the updates. He was in the class of 1954. We are currently working in Yellowstone National Park (a paid vacation), and I know he enjoys the blasts from the past.

MemoriesJohn Riggs

Sue, this is a grab bag of some of my Mulberry memories. First, Carl (Charlie)

Riggs was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. Harold Ruckle was a Marine veteran of WW2 and although wounded in action, one of three machine gunners to leave Guam alive. Jim Vice, Harold’s dad, was an Army MP either at the end of WW2 or shortly thereafter.

Patriotic CantataDania Remaly

I attend the Mulberry United Methodist Church. During Memorial Day Sundays

we have a patriotic Cantata that begins with the music from the different branches of Military. Veterans in the congregation stand when their branch refrain is played. It’s very touching. I’ll have to look for it but once our bulletin had a list of these veterans and what they did in the service. There were a lot of “sharp shooters” which was interesting.

MilitaryMarilyn Stewart Givens

Sue, I got the printout and found Herb and Don Stewart. David Rodman, my nephew,

was in the Army and Joe Rodman was in the Marines, between Korea and Vietnam. My husband is enjoying the printout.

MilitaryJerry Heavilon

I can remember several vets that weren’t included in the Mulberry Rip and Snorter.

They are Bugs Bennett, Sam Lehr, Kenny Weaver, and Bob Bols. Bugs and Sam were in the Army in the European theater. Kenny Weaver was stationed in India and flew the Hump to China.

My Uncle Bob Bols was in the Navy in the Pacific and had two ships shot down that he was assigned.

Thank God he survived but he never recovered from the experience. He went off the deep end about 35 years ago and killed my Aunt Eve and two cousins and then committed suicide. We in the family forgave him and felt it was a fault of the War.

More MilitaryNelson Combs

Re: Paul Weaver’s comment re: John Bennett, what I remember being told

about him is this. He was a Lieutenant in the Navy. He survived the Battle of Corregidor, survived the Bataan Death March and survived a period in the Japanese prisoner of war camp in northern Luzon. I was told he met his death while being shipped with several hundred other American prisoners of war on a Japanese freighter to Japan that was torpedoed by an American submarine which had no knowledge the ship was loaded with Americans.

MilitaryDavid Landes

Sue, don’t forget Harold Vice, who retired from the Air Force or Paul Sharp who

also retired from the Air Force.

MilitaryJohn Riggs

Can confirm that it was John Bennett who was Dick and Bob Bennett’s father.

Harvey Estes was an Army veteran of WW2 and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I remember his telling me about firing mortars at 60 degrees or thereabouts, since the Germans were so close, and the only thing that kept his feet from freezing was always having an extra pair of dry socks. Jerry Davis served in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, but I forget which branch. Gary Yuill made a career out of the Air Force, but don’t know when or if he retired.

MilitaryJohn Riggs

Dear Sue, first, thanks for being the nerve center to all of this. Each response

either jogs a memory or adds one. Dale Lone was a combat veteran of the

Vietnam War, but don’t know whether as a member of the Army or Marines. N


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Mulberry MemoriesNelson Combs

As long as we are making the spouses of Mulberryites eligible for our military

list, we should add Don Givens (Marilyn Stewart’s husband) who served in the Navy aboard the USS Laffey.

Mulberry MemoriesSue Bryan Conley

Nelson, thanks for the info on Don Givens. Yes, he should be added to the list. I’ve

met him at two of the West Coast Mulberry reunions and he a delightful guy.

I tried to do some research on my computer to find out if John Grice, who is listed in the The Mulberry Reporter as an MIA in 1945, was ever found. It did not list which branch of the military he was in. Nor do I have a complete name. If anyone can give me more information, I would appreciate it. Even a relative would be helpful.

Once again, thanks Nelson. Keep those names coming in, alums. There will be a Mulberry Memories issue for Veterans.

My husbandMarilyn Stewart Givens

Thanks, Sue, for the compliment on my husband, Don.

My brother, Herb, went into the Marines June 1, 1956, and was there for 2 years… some special deal. He was in San Diego all the time. In 1958, he entered Purdue for veternary medicine and graduated in 1965.

In 1966, my youngest brother, Don, went into the Marines in San Diego, then served in Viet Nam 3 times, for 10 years.

Active ServicemanDania Remaly

Runnar Crane, USMCEnlisted: November 17, 2003

Sergeant, Combat InstructorServed in Fallujah, 2005 – Ramadi, 2006-2007

Born in Mulberry, Runnar was the son of Mark and Virgina Crane, who lived on South Main Street.

Active servicemanJean Hufford

Mark Crane is the father and the grandfather was Faye Emery of

Runnar Crane. Faye lived on a farm east of the Fair Haven church.

Military ServiceBob Parker

Sea Stories (they get better as the years go by). One of my most memorable

Thanksgiving dinners.Thanksgiving 1972 was celebrated

in Vietnam. We, the four Americans on this Vietnamese base, decided to have an American styled Thanksgiving dinner.

One, a welder, was responsible for procuring a turkey and roasting it. The other two were responsible for the salads and vegetables. I volunteered to bake pies.

The welder invited the chief cook of a civilian manned ammunition ship for an evening of pool and beer. By the time the welder returned the cook to his ship, the cook had been talked out of a real turkey, not one of those boneless fakes.

The vegetables and salads were easy. All the ingredients could be bought in the local village. But, the welder had also talked the ship’s cook out of a tub of Cool Whip which, at that time in Vietnam, was worth its weight in gold. That went into one of the salads.

I was able to find a fifty pound bag of flour and a gallon size can of dehydrated apples. A couple days before Thanksgiving, I began cooking those dehydrated apples. I dumped the whole can into a pot. A big mistake.

Those apples began swelling up and swelling up. Before I could find other pans and start dipping some out, those apples were overflowing over the pot’s sides. I kept scooping and dipping. I was up to my elbows in apples if you know what I mean. I never knew so many apples could be packed into one can.

The following day, I started making eleven pies. (I had plenty of apples for more, though.) I poured some flour out, maybe a quart or so. I stared at that flour for a while. Then, I fetched the other guys and had them look at the flour. They agreed… that pile of flour was moving. We had not been drinking, yet, either. A closer look at the flour bag revealed several very small, pin-sized holes. There were maggots, lots of maggots in that flour.

I found some window screen and tried to sift the flour. I would shake about a quart at a time. Of course, window screen is not as fine as a sifter. Out of every quart or so of flour, there was a hand full of maggots. I threw them outside for some grateful birds.

Some of the maggots and some pieces of maggots fell through the screen. It was such a tedious job that I said to myself, “Oh, well. I am not sifting this mess again.”

When the pies came out of the oven, there were these little and some not so little brown specks in the crust. You guessed it. Little pieces of meat.

The next day, we put plywood over a pool table and bed sheets for table cloths. We invited some Vietnamese and a few other Americans in the neighborhood for Thanksgiving dinner. As desert was being served, one of the Americans asked about the brown specks on the apple pie crust. I told him about the maggots in the flour and that some had gotten through my ‘sifter’. Without a second thought, everyone continued eating. It was a fine dinner.

Mulberry Native Killed in Fort Hood fire

By Amanda Kim Stairrett Killeen Daily Herald

September 16, 2008

FORT HOOD, Texas – Remains found after a fire destroyed an on-post house on

Thursday were identified Monday as those of Spc. Aaron Lynn Allmandinger.

Allmandinger, 22, of Mulberry, Ind., was found by Fort Hood firefighters as they responded to fire at about 5:30 a.m. at 5566-2 Lockridge Avenue in the Pershing Park housing area.

The incident is under investigation, according to information from Fort Hood.

Before identifying the body, authorities referred to the person as “J. Doe” because the body was burned beyond recognition and the sex could not be determined, Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin said Thursday afternoon.

The housing unit where the fire occurred is a duplex, and the residents in the other side were evacuated safely, Maj. Steve Lamb, Fort Hood spokesman, said on Thursday.

Allmandinger entered the military in April 2005 as a cavalry scout, according to information from Fort Hood. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since August 2005, serving most recently as the squadron commander’s gunner.

Mulberry Memories8


During his time with the 1st Cavalry Division, Allmandinger deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation 06-08, earning the Combat Action Badge, two Army Commendation Medals, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, among many others.

While in Iraq, Allmandinger served in squadron’s Charlie Troop and conducted patrols from Combat Outpost X-Ray in Taji, Iraq. During a large, well-organized enemy ambush in Falahat, Iraq, on Feb. 16, 2007, Allmandinger provided suppressive fire in support of his fellow Soldiers and was later awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his actions, which contributed to the survival of his squad.

He is survived by a wife and daughter.

Mulberry Native Killed in Fort Hood Fire

By Eric Weddle September 17, 2008

The remains of a decorated soldier from Mulberry were identified Monday in Fort

Hood, Texas, as those of Spc. Aaron Lynn Allmandinger.

Allmandinger, 22, was found by Fort Hood firefighters as they responded to a fire early Thursday in a housing area of the base.

“We just can’t believe it. We are so proud of him, but we just can’t believe it,” said Deb Richard, Allmandinger’s aunt, of Van Wert, Ohio.

The death is especially hard for the family, Richard said, because of the war situations the soldier faced in Iraq. During Allmandinger’s 15 months in Iraq, he was credited with saving soldiers’ lives with suppressive gun fire during an ambush.

Allmandinger moved with his parents, Terry and Beth, and sister, Jacqueline, to Mulberry about 13 years ago, Richard said. He attended St. James Lutheran School until the seventh grade and Clinton Prairie N

for one year before being home-schooled through graduation.

After working at Frito-Lay and other Lafayette-area factory jobs, Allmandinger entered the military in April 2005. Shortly after, his wife, Kristin, and daughter, Taylor, moved to Texas.

“He felt that was the best thing to do at that stage in his life,” Richard said. “He enjoyed it very much. He was so proud of the work he was doing in Iraq. He felt that we were doing something good over there.”

Allmandinger began as a cavalry scout. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since August 2005, serving most recently as the squadron commander’s gunner, according to Fort Hood.

Allmandinger earned the Combat Action Badge, two Army Commendation Medals, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, among many others. Despite the military honors, Allmandinger rarely recounted his time in the theater.

“He tried to downplay it as much as possible to us,” Richard said. “He didn’t want us worrying about it. It would only come out in bits and pieces.”

Richard said messages and photos posted by other soldiers to Allmandinger’s MySpace page often tipped them to his war experiences. Allmandinger was interested in going into Special Forces, specialized combat units, but felt it wasn’t fair to his daughter.

A memorial for Allmandinger held at Fort Hood Monday provided some comfort to his wife and family, Richard said.

“Hearing stories and knowing how much (other soldiers) cared for him really helped his parents and Kristin,” she said. “It helped us to hear about it.”

While he followed the Ohio State Buckeyes in sports and enjoyed the rock band The Grateful Dead with his wife, Allmandinger’s focus was his daughter.

“He really loved his daughter. He was just totally amazed by her,” Richard said. “He was a totally family man.”

The fire is under investigation, according to Fort Hood.

Contributing: Amanda Kim Stairrett/Killeen Daily Herald

Mulberry Soldier Dies in House Fire

By Martha O’Brien, Asst. managing editor

September 17, 2008

A U.S. Army soldier from Mulberry died Thursday in a fire at Fort Hood, Texas.

The body of Spc. Aaron Lynn Allmandinger, 22, was recovered following a blaze in his on-post duplex.

“The fire and what caused the fire are under investigation,” Lt. Col. Philip Smith, public affairs officer for the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, told The Times Tuesday.

Chris Grey, chief of public affairs for the U.S. Criminal Investigation Command, said the fire was reported at approximately 5 a.m. Thursday. The base’s Web site indicates Fort Hood Fire Department responded to the blaze in the Pershing Park Housing area, and the fire on Lockridge Avenue was under control by 6:30 a.m.

“While fire officials were extinguishing the fire, they discovered the remains of Spc. Allmandinger,” Grey told The Times.

His body was positively identified Monday. Grey could not provide his cause of death, as the investigators are waiting for autopsy results.

According to Smith, Allmandinger was the lone victim of the blaze.

“Both the house fire and the death of Spc. Allmandinger are under investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command,” Grey said. “CID is working closely with the Killeen Fire Department to determine the cause and origin of the fire.”

Allmandinger leaves behind a wife and one daughter. According to Grey, his family was believed to be out-of-state when the fire occurred.

Officials have declined to say whether they suspect arson or whether anyone else was inside the duplex at the time of the fire.

“We are not releasing any further information at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation,” Grey said.

Allmandinger appeared to enjoy his work in the military.

“Any day when we’re out and have successes like this one, it’s a good day,” Allmandinger said in a story published in The Daily Charge, a publication of Fort Hood.


Mulberry Memories 9

Fifteen detainees suspected of terrorist activities were captured in an Iraqi-led cordon and search on May 28, 2007, according to The Daily Charge.

Allmandinger was a scout with Troop C, assisting in bringing in captured detainees and helping Iraqi Army troops as they placed detainees in Iraqi Army trucks.

Allmandinger joined the military in April 2005. He had been assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division since August 2005.

He served in Iraq for 15 months during 2006-08 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for providing suppressive fire that saved the lives of fellow soldiers during an ambush.

Allmandinger spent two years in the Clinton Prairie School Corporation. CP Principal David Larsh said Allmandinger moved from Trinity Lutheran, a private school in Ohio, to attend Clinton Prairie. He spent his eighth- and ninth-grade years at Prairie, before leaving for home school.

“I remember him being a student who got along with people and was always pleasant to be around,” Larsh said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Mulberry Soldier Remembered By Peers

By Martha O’Brien, Staff reporter

September 19, 2008

A memorial ceremony was held Monday at Fort Hood, Texas, for Spc. Aaron Lynn

Allmandinger. The 22-year-old Mulberry native died in a

house fire Sept. 11 at the base. The memorial service was attended by

many who served alongside Allmandinger.“Allmandinger was a great soldier and

had won the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers in combat – that his fellow soldiers are devastated by his loss is a testament to the kind of man he was,” said Maj. Dave Shoupe, a public affairs officer at Fort Hood.

Allmandinger joined the U.S. Army in April 2005. During his time with the 1st Cavalry Division, Allmandinger deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during 2006-08.

His squadron was ambushed by a large enemy force on Feb. 16, 2007, in Falahat, Iraq. “In sustained combat, the squad was in very real danger of being wiped out and

Allmandinger provided critical fire that allowed his fellow soldiers to treat the wounded and call for help,” Shoupe said.

He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his actions in the attack. He also earned the Combat Action Badge, an additional Army Commendation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

The house fire and Allmandinger’s death are under investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.

Allmandinger leaves behind a wife and daughter. They were reportedly out-of-state when the fire broke out.

Aaron L. AllmandingerFrankfort TimesSeptember 26, 2008

CPL. Aaron L. Allmandinger, 22, Fort Hood, Texas, died on Thursday, Sept. 11,

2008, at his residence. Born in Van Wert, Ohio, on April 26,

1986, he was the son of Terry L. and Beth A. (Parker) Allmandinger of Mulberry. Aaron and Kristin (Paugh) were married on Sept. 21, 2004, in Clinton County and she survives.

He enlisted with the U.S. Army in April 2005 as a 19 Delta Scout. He went to basic training at Fort Knox, upon graduation he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, attached to Commanche Troop 1-7 CAV. He served as a gunner in OIF 2006-2008 and served as Squadron Commander Gunner. He was a decorated soldier.

In addition to loving his family, he loved to mow the yard and clean the house. He was an outdoorsman, a gun collector, and loved playing with his daughter. He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church.

Surviving with his parents and wife is a daughter, Taylor Ann Marie Allmandinger, age 3 1/2, at home; and a sister, Jacqueline Pfeiffer (husband, Kent) of Huntsville, Ala.

Visitation from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Hippensteel Funeral Home, 822 N. 9th St., Lafayette. Funeral Service at 1 p.m. Monday

at Faith Family Ministries, 508 W. Green St., Frankfort, with Pastor Cliff Howell officiating. Interment of ashes to follow at Kilmore Cemetery in Clinton County with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his daughter, Taylor Allmandinger, in care of Beth Allmandinger.

Hippensteel Funeral Home entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralhome.com.

Military Service

Henry R. Feeser was born January 8, 1939 in Springfield, Ohio. His experience

includes twenty-five years service with the United States Navy (Commander, USN (Retired)), where he served in combatant surface ships, offshore and in-country Vietnam, in combat systems, electronic and ship procurement, and shipbuilding. He is currently receiving disability from the VA for Agent Orange exposure.

His business experience spans over forty years in various phases of the truck manufacturing, building construction, elec-tronic, weapons, shipbuilding, and computer/computer-related consulting industries. He has been directly responsible for the startup of four companies, and an angel to the funding of a fifth. He taught at the university level (Strategic Management and Marketing) for over five years prior to entering the consulting business; both graduate and under graduate students always evaluated his teaching skills as superior. His current business is YABI.biz, a LLC supporting Purdue student entrepreneurs.

Get Your Flag ReadyClyde Johnson

When I was in Indiana for our Johnson family reunion in July, I visited my

aunt on the Kelly side of the family. I found out that my cousin, Jerry Kelly, who was killed in Viet Nam, was awarded the Silver Star medal, which I beleive is the second highest medal next to the Medal of Honor. Jerry was from Cutler, Indiana, about 20 miles from Mulberry.

Service VetDan and Phyllis Mays Snodgrass

Our son Terry M. Snodgrass was in the Air Force for 20 years retiring 6 years

ago. He was stationed Overseas in Germany, England, Saudi Arabia and Korea. His Last

Mulberry Memories10

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Htwo State assignment were at Edwards Air Force Base and the last 5 years at Nellis Air Force Base.

Veterans ListMartha L. Wainscott

Dear Sue: The Veteran’s Memorial is already built and is a beautiful addition to

Clinton County. I do have some pictures, but don’t know how to send them. Maybe when Marilyn is here the middle of September, I can have her do it for me. Joe Root is the person to contact for any information. They are going to add to what is there, but I’m not sure just where or how. I do know the bricks cost $100, I used to have that information but I think I destroyed it. When ever anyone is in Clinton County, that is a must to visit.

Another Soldier Gone Home

John Riggs

Carole’s uncle Freddy died a couple years ago. He was by all accounts an ordinary

man who lived an ordinary life. After a stint in the Navy during World War II, he came home to his young bride to raise a family of three boys and one girl. Along the way he bought a small farm and the equipment to work it and a new car every now and again, but that was the extent of his big ticket items. He labored at a zinc mill until it closed, retired from the storeroom of DePauw University, and spent several years of happy retirement with his beloved wife Lucille before, at age eighty, his body gave out on him.

We attended the viewing, then his funeral, went to the small country cemetery near his farm for his burial. It was a typical March day that went from warm to cold in the time that it took for a cloud to cover the sun, and I gave my sport coat to a young woman who stood shivering just inside the open tent beside Freddy’s grave. Thinking I’d done my family duty, along with my good deed for the day, I was more than ready to have this over with and go home.

What happened next took me by surprise. It wasn’t that I couldn’t see it coming, when the soldier marched up with bugle in hand. But when he put the bugle to his lips and began to play “Taps,” I wasn’t ready for the flood of emotion that came with it. Tears filled my eyes, as I felt a loss beyond Freddy and all the gallant soldiers of his generation

to every American soldier who ever went off to war and now lay buried, either in earth or at sea.

Which war it was doesn’t matter. Neither does rank, branch or length of service, the deeds performed or the medals won. Combat veterans are a special breed and they deserve our highest respect, but they are not our only soldiers. They are only a small fraction of those who have stood at the ready, to give their lives if need be, in the service of their country. Those special combat soldiers should be commended, but all veterans should be honored.

Neither does it matter if they were volunteers or draftees, if they went willingly or kicking and screaming through those gates. Boot camp is still boot camp. Service is still service. Lonely is still lonely when you are far from home. Death is still death, whether it comes from hostile fire or accident or disease.

Neither can we ever repay them for those years of service – year for year, day for day, minute for minute, dollar for dollar. Nor can we make the memories, some heroic, some tragic, most very ordinary ever go away. Once a soldier, always a soldier. It is a rite of passage, a badge of honor, even if it lies buried under decades of civilian life.

Those soldiers that I know rarely volunteer anything about their time in service, and if they speak at all, it is in answer to a question. They are more matter of fact than anything else, as if, even among those who went to hell and back, it was no big deal. It is this quiet humility that allows so many of them to go unrecognized until death, until the bugle plays and the flag is folded and handed to their next of kin. We salute them then, but it is too late. Our music falls on deaf ears.

Soldiers have always been cannon fodder. That is the nature of war, and it will not change, no matter what the weapons used. Since war will always be war, and since soldiers will always be the ones to fight it, the ones whose lives are on the line, we need to honor their courage and commitment not just in death, but also in life. We need to do our very best to not only bring them back alive, but not to send them in the first place, unless it is absolutely necessary. We owe them that much. We owe them so much more, but that is a starting point.

Soldiers train for war. They don’t train for

peace. So when called to war, they go. It is who they are, what they do. It is their job. It is their duty.

They fight so that we don’t have to. Make no mistake about that. When it comes to actual battle, they’re trying to cover their own and their buddies’ backs, but in the grand scheme of things they are our bodyguards. True, they are fighting for their country, but what is a country but its people.

They lose arms, legs, eyes, teeth, minds, and lives on our behalf, so that our lives might continue uninterrupted by the dangers they face daily. The reason most of them aren’t dying wherever they are, is that they are doing their best to stay alive, to come back home in one piece. But they are not there for their own sakes. They are there for ours.

Who are these soldiers? They are our friends, neighbors, sons, daughters, wives, husbands, sisters, and brothers. Scratch a Turk and find a Tartar. Scratch an American and find a veteran. Every family has one somewhere in its closet. We are proud of them for wearing the uniform and rightfully so. Yet we also need to honor them by never taking their service for granted, or betraying those values for which they served. We do no greater disservice than when we rattle the saber and bang the war drum over every threat, real or imagined, then look the other way when our constitutional rights are sacrificed for “our own good.”

Those rows upon rows of white crosses, those mournful strains of “Taps” heard daily are no slight achievement. They represent the best our country had to offer. We can’t waste their gift by being small and mean, by being less than what they were and what they represent, which is virtue in the service of liberty. As these soldiers go home, let our thank you be a salute to their service, along with our promise that it was not in vain.

Mulberry Memories 11

N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N NName Branch Years LocationsSpc. Aaron Lynn Army 2005-08 The 22-year-old Mulberry native died in a house fire on Allmandinger September 11, 2008, at Fort Hood, Texas. Allmandinger entered the military in April 2005 as a cavalry scout, according to information from Fort Hood. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since August 2005, serving most recently as the squadron commander’s gunner. During his time with the 1st Cavalry Division, Allmandinger deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation 06-08, earning the Combat Action Badge, two Army Commendation Medals, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, among many others. While in Iraq, Allmandinger served in squadron’s Charlie Troop and conducted patrols from Combat Outpost X-Ray in Taji, Iraq. During a large, well-organized enemy ambush in Falahat, Iraq, on Feb. 16, 2007, Allmandinger provided suppressive fire in support of his fellow Soldiers and was later awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his actions, which contributed to the survival of his squad.Vernon Amstutz WWII Liberated prisonerMike Lynn Armstrong VietnamJerry Arvin Guard Indiana National GuardErnest Leon Ashforth KoreaLyle Barton Navy WWII Commissioned an Ensign at Purdue in 1946. Served on USS Gearing, husband of Jean A. Snyder BartonMax Leland Bass KoreaGarold S. Beals ArmyDon ‘Bugs’ Bennett Navy WWII European theaterLt. John Bennett Navy WWII KIA – Pacific theater – Survived the battles of Bataan and Corregidor, survived the Bataan Death March and the Japanese prison camp that followed. Died when the Japanese cargo ship carrying he and other American prisoners to Japan was sunk by an American Submarine that did not know American prisoners were aboard. Father of Bob and Dick Bennett.Shawn D. Boesch Air Force 1999 - 2006 Korea for one year, Iraq for one tour with the Predators (drones) and Crew Chief of an A-10 “tank killer”Bob Bols Navy WWII In the Pacific theaterFloyd Bolyard, Jr. Army Air Corp WWII 30 months service as a radio operator in the Pacific theaterHarold Brand WWII WoundedJames K. Brettnacker National Guard 1966-72 2138 Transportation CompanyRalph E. Army Viet Nam 1968-1970, Srec E4 infranty ‘Gene’ Brettnacker

Mulberry Memories12

N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N NName Branch Years LocationsJeff Bryan Son of Dick and Pat BryanMorris Bryan Army WWII Served in Greenland during WWIIStanley Bull Guard Indiana National GuardBertina Burkhalter Army WWIIA/1C Charlie Burns Air Force Vietnam 1968, husband of Kitty BurnsLarry Lee Campbell Army Vietnam Served 3 years (2 years in Germany), husband of Ellen Ann Bryan Campbell.Robert Clark Army WWIIRoy Cleaver Navy WWIIDr. Nelson B. Combs Navy WWII Several shore stations, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CV42Nelson B. Combs, Jr. Navy USS Bauer DE1025Sgt. Runnar Lee Crane Marine Corp Combat Instructor, 2005 Fallujah, 2006-2007 Ramadi, currently stationed at Quantico, Virginia.Bill Davis WWII Severely wounded, married to Ella K. WhittleberryJerry Davis VietnamTilghman Deiter He is a sibling of Hattie Hannah (Dieter) Bryan, Mrs. Lawrence D. Bryan, grandmother of Sue Bryan Conley.Melvin Dellinger, Jr. Navy WWII Served on an aircraft carrierWilson DeVoss WWII Still believed to be a prisonerEarl Dose Army Air Corp WWII European theater – 8th Air Force B-17 pilotRobert E. Douglass WWII Husband of Phyliss Joan Layton, Class of 1946Charles Gordon Duck WWII Stationed in Hawaii as a Civil Service employee, Class of 42John Dunk WWII WoundedRobert ‘Bob’ Duck Army WWII Wounded in European theater, served in Africa and Italy.Waybe Lee Dunk VietnamRichard Edmonds Vietnam Class of 1961John Elliott WWIIHarvey Estes Army WWII Fought in the Battle of the Bulge.Henry Feeser Navy Vietnam His experience includes 25 years service with the US Navy (Commander, USN (Retired)), where he served in combat surface ships, offshore and in-country Vietnam, in combat systems, electronic and ship procurement, and shipbuilding. Husband of Linda Pierson.Joe Ferry Air ForceJ. Clark Fickle Army Son of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe FickleTom Fickle Army 1958-60 Served at Fort Ord, Fort Chaffee, Fort SillCharles FleishhauerDonald Fleishhauer WWII Class of 1943Charles Clayton Force Army Air Corp WWII Served five years, two of them in China, attended MHSThomas Force Navy WWII


N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N NName Branch Years LocationsWilliam Force KIAJeff Fossnock Army Dessert StormS/Sgt Walter Freels Army Son-in-law of Russell BurkhalterMax Gable WWII WoundedFloyd Garrett ArmySamuel J. Gascho VietnamCMSAF Robert D. Gaylor Air Force 1948-79 See article on page 4Sgt. Neal Gaylor Vietnam Served 3 years in Germany and 3 years stationed at Fort Hood, TXDon Givens Navy Served aboard the USS Laffey DD724Forest Glick WWIIGeorge Golden Army WWII Wounded in Pacific theaterJohn Albert Golden KoreaRussell Golden WWIICol. Sam Goode Army WWII Left high school in junior year, son of Mr. and Mrs. William GoodeRalph D. Goodnight VietnamWalter W. Gray WWII Husband of Grace Evelyn RothenbergerJohn Grice WWII Reported missing and never since heard from as of 8-17-45Johnny Hacker Coast GuardJack Haher Army Air Corp WWII B26 pilot in Europe, 42nd Bomb Wing, Bombardment Group 320, husband of Peggy Lou FickleJimmy Hall WWII WoundedFloyd Hanger WWIIDavid L. Hansell Marine Corp Served in the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, 1967-1970.Dennis R. Hansell Navy Retired Lieutenant Commander, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1972 and retired in 1992. Ronald S. Hansell Marine Corp Vietnam Served in the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Battalion, Delta Company, 3rd Platoon, 1968-1969. He received two Purple Hearts and a Meritorious Mast Commendation.Lt. Robert Harper Army Korea Served at Ft. Belvoir, VA., married Annie Whitlock in 1952Lewis Almon Army Korea Bud’s military experience was in Korea as an A&E ‘Bud’ Harshman (Airframe and Engine Technician), 25th Artillery, Air SectionPFC Glen Hart Army Company A of Div. 54th Infantry, served in Heilbronn, GermanyGene R. Hawkins Navy After WWIIJerome Hedderich Army WWI Son of Phillip and Ellen Goechenour HedderichEdward Franklin Korea HenrichsJoe Hinesley WWII Liberated prisoner

Mulberry Memories14

N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N NName Branch Years LocationsHerman Hitch WWII Served with Gen. Patton. Always had a Purple Heart license plate on his car.Russell W. Howard Army WWII Brother of Mrs. Calvin LovelessDick ‘Richard’ Howe Korea Lives on North Main in MulberryBenton Huffer VietnamJohn F. Huffer KoreaGeorge B. Huskins Jr. Army Served from October 1977 to October 1983. Discharged with the rank of Sergeant.Dr. Clyde Johnson Army 1961-64 Fort Knox, Fort OrdJ.C. Judge Army Air Corp 3 years in AAF communication service in Natal, BrazelGerry Katzman Army 3 years at Fort Benjaman Harrison, Class of 1958Jerry Kelly Viet Nam KIA, awarded the Silver Star. Cousin of Clyde Johnson – from Cutler.Lloyd Mark Kelly Army KoreaKenneth Kleinsmith Navy WWIIRaymond D. Knuckles VietnamDavid Lee Kodman VietnamDr. Karl M. Koons WWI 1st. Lt. Medical CorpsS/Sgt Donald LaPlante Army Son of Mrs. Robert KellerDonald Layton Navy Served 2 yearsSgt. Jesse Layton KIA in France August 9, 1944John Layton Navy WWII Carpenter’s Mate, 2/c, was serving in the Pacific in 1944 when his brother, Sgt. Jesse Layton was killed.Sam Lehr Army WWII European theaterHarvie Lipp Army Spanish Served in the Philippines AmericanDale Lone Vietnam Combat veteranKenneth Eugene Lucas KoreaMyron Maish Army 1972-74 MPGeorge Marshal WWII Corporal with the 37th Division in the invasion of Luzon. Eleven months in Philippine IslandsHadley Martin Army WWII WoundedSgt. Elmer G. Maxwell Army Air Corp WWII Southern Command, B-29, B-37 mechanic, flew planes across Atlantic from South American bases. Step-father of Steve ConarroeHarry E. Maxell VietnamElmer Douglas Mays KoreaJim McKinniss Vietnam Served 1967-68John Edward McKinniss Vietnam Served 1967-68Alan C. Miller Vietnam Bronze Star – Clinton Central Class of 65, husband of Barb Glenn


N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N NName Branch Years LocationsMajor Emmet Miller Army WWII 1935 – Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation from Purdue University 1943 – Called to active duty to serve in the European Theater Operations (ETO) 1945 – Commissioned a Major in Field Artillery Received numerous service medals including the Bronze Star.Gary Fredrick Miller VietnamGene Mitchell Air ForceJay Mitchell Air Force VietnamJim Mitchell Army WWII Wounded, left high school in his junior year to join upBob L. Miteff Marine Corp 1969-82 Adm, brig guard, cross country chaserDavid E. Miteff Navy 1973-74 Boiler Tech on the USS SaratogaEldon Lee Miteff Army 1944Howard L. Miteff Air Force 1978-88Reed S. Moody Marine Corp WWII Served 3-1/2 years, husband of Juanita Ruth BowersLarry Mosier Army Vietnam 1962 – Enlisted in the US Army 1966 – Served in Vietnam, appointed rank of Staff Sargent E6, received numerous service medals including the Bronze Star. Husband of Janet Miller.Harold Neal Guard Indiana National GuardMark Newhart Air Force 1975-77 Motor Pool, TransportationJames Andrew Oliver Korea Brother of Esther Oliver CreamerBronson Packard WWIIGarlen Packard WWIIRichard Owen Packard KoreaBob Parker Navy Vietnam Retired as a Master Chief Quartermaster in January 1991, after 26 years. Last duty was as the Command Master Chief of an aegis cruiser, USS Princeton (CG-59).Larry Peek Vietnam MHS Class of 1961John W. Peters Air Force After WWIICharles W. Phillippes Navy WWII Served many months on islands in the Pacific.Joseph E. Pollack Army Served 3 years, husband of Martha Aileen FickleAndy Prater Army 1965-67 Served in ThailandJohn Purner WWII Liberated prisonerGlen Rebman Jr. WWII WoundedJerry Reiss Navy Made a career out of the Navy and retired as a Signalman Chief Petty OfficerCarl Rex WWII WoundedEmerson Rex WWII Still believed to be a prisonerCarl ‘Charlie’ Riggs Navy Vietnam

Mulberry Memories16

N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N NName Branch Years LocationsPaul Robinson Navy Served in the US Navy Band in Washington, DC, 1968-72David Rodman ArmyJoe Rodman Marine CorpElmer Rothenberger Army WWI Killed when his Sopwith Camel crashed in FranceKeith Rothenberger Korea Husband of Joann GlennDaniel Ruch Civil War Wounded in battle, served in 4th Indiana CalvaryDr. Monroe K. Ruch Army WWII Son of Josie & P.V. Ruch, Captain in the 4th Auxiliary Surgical Unit attached to Patton’s Army. After peace, retained for service in Army hospitals in California, discharged as a Lt. Col.P.V. Ruch Army Spanish 1898-1902, Philippine Islands, American Battery G, 3rd Artillery, 1898-1902. -- Served in WWI as Captain of Battery G, 3rd Field Artillery, in France, discharged as a Major, continuing in the Army reserve, retiring as a Lt. Col.Harold Ruckle Marine Corp WWII Although wounded in action, one of three machine gunners to leave Guam alive.Gordon Rutan Army Served 2 yearsCharles James Schiery KoreaDon Schiery Korea Wounded in KoreaRobert Seager Navy Father of Jerry SeagerDavid Seest WWIIHarold Shaffer WWIIPfc. Everett Scheirer Served at Valley Forge government hospitalCharles James Schiery KoreaArthur Edgar Sharp KoreaPaul Sharp Air Force Vietnam RetiredJames Seigfried Army WWI Spouse of Chat Bryan. The family lore is that he was or Siegfried a horse buyer in US Army during WWI.Eldon Skiles Air Force KoreaGlenn Robert Skiles NavyPerry Skiles ArmyCharlie Skiver ArmyClarence Smith WWII WoundedJ. Max Smith ArmyJoe Smith ArmyJoseph Mertz Smith KoreaKenneth Smith Guard Indiana National GuardTerry M. Snodgrass Air Force Served 20 years, retiring 6 years ago. He was stationed Overseas in Germany, England, Saudi Arabia and Korea. His last two State assignments were at Edwards Air Force Base and the last 5 years at Nellis Air Force Base.N


N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N NName Branch Years LocationsDavid Snyder Navy WWII Radioman and qualified submarine man. Graduated from Submarine School in New London, Conn. Assigned in July 1941 to a submarine stationed at Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone. Husband of Leota Ruth Peters, who would join him in Panama.Blanchard L. Sprunger Army Air Corp WWII Served 3-1/2 hears as a flight engineer on a B-29. Completed 25 mission over Japan and holds the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Husband of Carol Burkhalter.Ned Stephenson Army MHS Class of 1948Bonnie Sturgeon Navy 1958- Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Paul SturgeonDon Stewart Marine Corp Entered in 1966, served 10 years including 3 tours in VietnamHerb Stewart Marine Corp Entered on June 1, 1956, served 2 years in San DiegoJames Fredrick Stinson KoreaLouis Storz Navy Qualified as a Navy Scuba Diver, Class of 19581st Lt. Thelma Thompson Army WWII Join Army Nurse Corp in 1944, spent time in England and Japan. MHS alum, married First Sgt. Amos P. Tomlinson.Clarence Timmons WWII Liberated POWWilliam Timmons WWII WoundedAmos Paul Tomlinson KoreaJohn W. Tudor WWII Liberated POWHarold Vice Air Force Vietnam RetiredJim Vice Army WWII Harold’s dad, was an Army MP either at the end of WW2 or shortly thereafter.Charles ‘Bernie’ Walker Air ForceDon Wampler ArmyTruman Wampler Navy Husband of Shirley DoyleDave Weaver ArmyKenny Weaver Army Air Corp WWII C47 pilot in CBI theater Stationed in India and flew the Hump to ChinaCharlie Weida Navy USS Manville PC581Dixon Weida Army WWII Pacific theaterLt. Billy Joe Wetzel Army Air Corp WWII Bomber pilot, stationed in England, awarded the Distinquished Flying CrossCharles Whitcomb Navy WWII Served in Phillippes, many months on islands in the PacificWilliam Wilson WWII Liberated prisonerKenneth Woodruff WWII Husband of Louise Arlene MorrisonGary Lee Yuill Air Force Vietnam Retired from the US Air ForceVerle Ziegler Navy Seaman stationed on the USS Wyoming at Norfold, VA. Husband of Ruth Stewart

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MM Vets Final

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