Taps

ROBERT CHANEY
TSGT
Signal Corps


Was at Palenburg, Germany, in the large coal mine during the Battle of the Bulge. Have been told that he participated in the Red Ball Express.

DOB: 2/16/1921   DOD: 4/8/1984

Stuart, NE

JAMES "MONROE" KIRKPATRICK
PFC
407-C, 102 ID
PHM

Monroe was my Great-uncle. We were always very close. He never went into much detail about his time in service, but I have always admired what he and the rest of their generation accomplished.

DOB: 2/20/1925   DOD: 2/13/2017

Unknown

ERNEST VALCOURT
CPL
102 ID Band


DOB: 9/3/1922   DOD: 6/15/1973

Pawtucket, RI

HENRY W BURDETTE
TSGT
407-B, 102 ID
PSM, BSM

Dad was wounded by a sniper. He came home badly injured like so many others. He did not share a lot of experiences with me except to talk about the men he shared his life with in the Army. He really enjoyed the reunions. He did later open up to my son a little they enjoyed a lot of quiet moments together. He lived a full life starting a Loins Club in out town and serving on the town council for 3 terms along with be a leader in our church. Toast to the Ozarks!

DOB: 8/8/1922   DOD: 1/14/2008

Greenville, SC

SELAURO (BENNY) BENAVIDES
PFC
405-A
Bronze Star Metal, Good Conduct Metal and American Theater, European, African and Middle Eastern ribbons.

Benny returned to NM and lived a long prosperous life. He was married for fifty seven years when the Lord called him to his home. He and his wife raised four responsible children and lived to see nine grandchildren also become God-fearing, responsible adults.He loved his country. He is greatly missed.

DOB: 5/7/1917   DOD: 04/22/2004

Bosque, NM

JOHN DZEMYAN
Corporal-Technician-5th Grade
E Co., 405th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM

Wounded by artillery shell shrapnel near Linnich, Germany in the battle of the Roer River on Dec. 2, 1944.

DOB: 5/21/1923   DOD: 10/21/2021

Pittsburgh (Newcastle), PA

DAVID JONES
First Sergeant
Co. 'I', 407th Inf., 102 ID


Dave was my Great Grandpa. During the war he was a 1st Sergeant in charge of a Company of 70 men. In the first post war months he worked in an administrative office in Berlin and he supervised the work of 150 German typists, secretaries, and translators. He was discharged on the 23rd of April 1946. He went on to marry have two children, four grandchildren and 1 great grand child before he passed away in 2004.

DOB: 02/24/1923   DOD: 01/30/2004

Titusville, Pennsylvania

JOHN PATRICK FRAHER
SGT
Unit Unknown
BSM

DOB: 08/8/1922   DOD: 06/15/2020

Entered service from Boston, MA

ROBERT D. WALKER
SGT
K Co, 407th Inf
CIB (w/ Star), PHM (2 OLC), BSM

Bob enlisted in the Regular Army after graduating from high school in 1943. After basic training, he first went to Purdue University as part of the ASTP program. When that program was closed, he then went to Camp Swift and was assigned to K Co, 407th Inf. Bob was assigned to an anti-tank unit and went to Normandy. Several months later, he rejoined his unit and remained with K Co through the end of the war. After the war, he attended Findlay College (Ohio) and Ohio Northern University College of Law. He completed his civilian career as a Common Pleas Judge in Findlay, where he had made a home. Bob remained with the Army as a commissioned officer in the Ohio Army National Guard and retired as the Inspector General of the OHARNG holding the rank of Colonel always wearing an Ozark patch on his right sleeve. He was married to Mary Elizabeth Hall and raised four children.

DOB: 6/5/1925   DOD: 8/10/2014

Entered service from Tarentum, PA

BERNARD LIEDER
Master Sergeant E-8
Anti-Tank Company
BSM

Served in the anti-tank company of the Division and helped liberate slave labor camps after the Battle of the Bulge. Served a total of 21 years in active and reserve service. After the war Bernie returned to Minnesota to work as a county engineer and served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1985-2010. Bernie was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal.

DOB: 02/19/1923   DOD: 08/23/2020

Entered service from Minneapolis, MN

FRANK T. FOLEY
SGT
F Co., 405th Inf., 102 ID
PHM

Sgt Foley was my Great Uncle. He was KIA Nov 22 1944 outside of Apweiler, GER (from Jeff Wilson)

DOB: 02/21/1921   DOD: 11/22/1944

AUGUST MERKEL
M/SGT
HQ CO, 102 ID
BSM

Served as Administrative NCO Chief Clerk at Headquarters Company of the 102nd Infantry Division.

DOB: 10/28/1921   DOD: 3/19/2014

FRED N HAMPE
PFC
Company "K", 406th Inf., 102 ID


Son Ron has informed us of his passing.
   DOD: 01/28/2018

HOMER V. WAGNON, JR.
Staff Sergeant
B Co., 407th Inf., 102 ID
EIB, CIB, PHM, BSM w/cluster for valor, GCM, WWII VM and EOM for Germany

Vaughn was our revered and beloved website founder and caretaker. Vaughn was drafted on June 15, 1943 into the Armys ASTP program for engineers. He completed his basic training in Camp Hood, TX, and then spent 6 months in Lafayette, IN attending Purdue University. From there he was inducted into the 102nd Infantry Division, Ozarks, where he was trained to be an infantry rifleman in B Co., 407th Inf. at Camp Swift, TX. Sent to the ETO with his division in 1944, he fought across Europe from France, through Belgium, Holland and Germany to the Elbe River on VE Day 1945. Nine months in combat, he served his country in three campaigns: Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.As a Mechanical Engineer, he pursued his lifelong compulsion to design and build. Retiring in the year 2000, he claimed his was a most satisfying career of 50 years.In his family were the love of his life, Darlene Raitt Wright Wagnon and her children: Debbie, Doug, Dan and Deana. Vaughns children were Larry and Linda from his first marriage. Altogether this family included eleven grandchildren.

DOB: 12/27/1923   DOD: 11/29/2017

Entered service from Lafayette, IN

GORDON ROBERT ARNESON
First Lieutenant
Co. F - 406 Inf., 102 ID
CIB, PHM, BSM, GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM, DUB

Gordon Arneson also served in Japan during the Korean Conflict/War but I have no information on his unit there. He received a certificate from FECOM Intelligence School in Tokyo, Japan Sept. 1952.

DOB: 05/25/1925   DOD: 07/03/2016

Entered service from Decorah, Iowa

LAWRENCE ANTHONY KAUCIC, SR.
Staff Sergeant
Co. 'H', 405th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM.

He was older than most of his comrades, and attempted to volunteer 3 times before finally being accepted the 4th time. He spoke German fluently and was used as an interpreter occasionally. He was a quiet man, but I know in my heart he was an integral part of the 'Greatest Generation' and I am proud to be his son, Chuck Kaucic

DOB: 05/14/1912   DOD: 05/28/1989

Entered service from McDonald, Pennsylvania

ROBERT W. ALARIE
Sergeant
Co. A, 406
CIB, PHM, GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

Bob, who was wounded at Immendorf, was very proud of his service to his country. He became quite a storyteller often recounting tales of his time in the 102nd Division, especially to young people when he felt he could entertain while educating. - Judith Johansen Alarie

DOB: 07/25/1922   DOD: 04/22/2016

Entered service from Johnston, Rhode Island

WALTER N.SCRUGGS
Corporal T/5
380 FA, 102 ID
PHM, GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

Walter was a low speed radio operator in the service and also qualified as marksman. He served 19 months in the ETO. He did not talk very much about his military service, but remarked about the cold the European winters. After the war, he worked for the railroad. He was a good man, loving father who enjoyed life with family and friends. - Mike Scruggs, son.

DOB: 05/08/1923   DOD: 01/27/1991

Entered Service from Richmond, Virginia

ROBERT J. JOY
Sergeant 102 ID, Sgt. Major (Ret.)
Bat. C, 379th FA, 102 ID
GCM, ADM, EAME w/ 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

My grandfather was a proud World War II veteran and part of the 102ID Scholarship Program.  He truly enjoyed traveling to the Division reunions (when he was healthy enough) and would proudly discuss the Divisions heritage. - Steve Marcucio

DOB: 03/15/1923   DOD: 07/23/2016

Entered service from Waterbury Connecticut

JOHN D. ADAIR
Staff Sergeant
Co. C, 405th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, PHM, BSM, ASME with 2 battle stars, GCM, EVM

John D. Adair was Killed in Action (KIA) and his death notice inscribed on the wall of the Missing in Action in the U.S.A. Margraten Cemetery in the Netherlands. He was awarded the PHM and the BSM for valor in this action.

DOB: 04/15/1917   DOD: 11/25/1945

Entered service from Blanchard, Oklahoma

WILLIAM J. DORF
Corporal and Forward Observer
Cannon Co., 406th Inf.,102 ID
CIB, BSM, PHM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

My father, Bill Dorf cherished his family and many friends. A self made man of integrity and compassion, he founded and ran a successful business for 40 years. In his retirement, he volunteered in his community in many capacities. Ellyn Dorf Hoffman

DOB: 12/12/1924   DOD: 01/09/2015

Entered Service from Chicago, Illinois

GEORGE A. HARMON
Private First Class
Co. 'G', 405th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, GCM, EAME w/ 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

DOB: 11/08/1925   DOD: 05/16/1969

Entered Service from Washington, PA

ROBERT J. McGOWAN
Sergeant
Co. D, 406th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, BSM, PHMx2, GCM, EAME with 3 battle stars, EVM, EOM

Robert enjoyed attending several reunions of the 102nd. He was awarded the CIB, BSM, and 2 PHMs among other decorations. He was very proud of his unit and he recounted many hair raising stories of their encounters with the enemy throughout the winter of 44 -45. Those experiences made him grateful for every blessing he received throughout his remaining 70 years. From his son, James C. McGowan

DOB: 07/21/1922   DOD: 06/12/2015

Entered Service From Brooklyn, New York

EDWARD K. COLLINS
Technician 5th Grade, Corporal
102d Signal Company, 102 ID
CIB, GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

My father served with the 102d Division from induction in 12/07/42 being assigned to Camp Maxey, TX 12/20/42 to his departure from Europe Jan. 26, 1946. He was in the 102d Signal Co. I have numerous letters and I wish to match up his movements. It appears they were in Camp Maxey, Camp Swift, San Antonio, TX, Shreveport., LA,  Maxey again then a gap from april 1944 to his 1st letter from Europe Jan. 1945. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks, son, Ed Collins.

DOB: 08/26/1913   DOD: 12/29/1992

Entered service from Newark, New Jersey

GEORGE F. BERRY
Staff Sergeant
Co. 'G', 405th Inf., 102 ID
SSM, GCM, CIB, ASME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

Dad, to say you were an outstanding soldier is a glaring understatement. Enlisting at the age of 19, you learned fast, worked hard, got promoted to Staff Sergeant, saved your best friends life, saved your platoon from ambush, earned the Silver Star Medal and, lest we forget, experienced the unspeakable horrors that war all too readily offers up. Yet somehow you managed to return home, sanity intact, a decorated war hero in the truest sense of the word. We the people will be forever in your debt. Rest in peace.

DOB: 07/23/1923   DOD: 02/09/2015

Entered service from Enid, Oklahoma

RICHARD ELIJAH LIVELY
T/Sgt., BFC. 1st Lt., Major
Co. C 407th Inf., 102 ID; in WWTwo; Co.'M' 38th Inf., 2nd ID in Korea.
SSM, BSMx3, PHMx3, CIBx2, GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

Maj.(Ret) Richard E. Lively, my father and my hero, went to be with our Heavenly Father on the 19th of Jan. 2015. Maj. Lively began his government service with the CCC in 1936. He joined the Arkansas NG in October 1938 in Hope AR and went on active duty in the U.S. Army in San Antonio, TX. He served in C Co., 407th Inf., 102nd ID during WWTwo. He fought in Europe and was awarded a BFC on Dec.18, 1944. After WWTwo, he served in the Korean War and commanded M Co., 38th Inf. 2nd ID. His awards and decorations include the Silver Star ( gallantry in action); three Bronze Stars ( two for valor and one for service); three Purple Hearts for wounds received in action in two wars; two Combat Infantry Badges; and numerous other awards.

DOB: 11/18/1920   DOD: 01/19/2015

Entered service from Dallas, Texas

LLOYD W. (RED) REYNOLDS
Sergeant
Co. 'L', 407th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM, CIB, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM

Popular Ozarkers, Red Reynolds and his wife Val regularly attended division reunions. Red often participated in the meetings, and served on the association scholarship committee.

DOB: 07/03/1925   DOD: 12/22/2014

Entered service from Kenosha, Wisconsin

FRANK E. SIEGFORD
Staff Sergeant
Co. B, 407th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM, CIB, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

Frank married Thelma Connor Jan. 4, 1946 and they had 4 children; Gary, Barbara, Michael and Cindy. He would not talk much about the war until his later years in life. He carried a flag or marched in most holiday parades for years after the war. He loved to hunt, fish and make things with wood.

DOB: 12/23/1920   DOD: 10/24/2013

Entered Service from Minneapolis, Minnesota

GEORGE J. DOBRATZ
Private First Class
Co. 'I', 405th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

DOB: 10/01/1915   DOD: 09/12/2012

Entered service from Port Huron, Michigan

VERNON E. CRAFT
Technical Sergeant
Co. A, 407th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

DOB: 12/28/1921   DOD: 04/12/2014

Entered service from Ottumwa, Iowa

GEORGE W. TRUITT BROWN
Staff Sergeant
Co. E, 405th Inf., 102 ID
CIB,GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

DOB: 06/12/1923   DOD: 09/20/2007

Entered service from Commerce Georgia

JOHN BYRON ELDER
Sergeant
Co. 'K', 406th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, GCM, EAME with2 battle stars, EVM, EOM

DOB: 07/12/1923   DOD: 07/25/2014

Entered Service from Flint, Mich.

HARRY E. REIFF
T-3, Staff Sergeant
Co. D, 327th Medical Bn., 102 ID
GCM, EAME with 2/battle stars, EVM, EOM

DOB: 04/19/1924   DOD: 07/03/2014

Entered service from Allentown, PA

JAMES RAYMOND CUNNINGHAM
Private First Class
Co. 'G', 406th Inf., 102 ID
PHM, GCM, ACM, EAME w/ one battle star, CIB

Jimmy along with four other soldiers were ordered to go to supply, get rations and bring them back to his platoon. The entire detail of men was hit and KIA during an enemy artillery barrage, including Jimmy.

DOB: 09/10/1922   DOD: 11/17/1944

Entered Service from Bishop, Virginia

RAYMOND COLE GOODMAN
Captain - 102, Major - NG
406th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM, ACM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, EOM, CIB

He was so proud of being a member of the Ozark Division, but as with most old soldiers, he never talked much about it. He did enroll all of his 4 sons in the 102d 'society' where we received the newsletters until they were ceased a couple of years ago. Regardless, he credits his Army service and experiences during the war with him becoming the person he was. I can brag about my dad until the crows come home, but so can every other son who writes to you. Bottom line is that I just want him acknowledged on this web site - more info on him can be found on the Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith Arkansas, web site. He loved his country, he loved his family, he loved his God and he loved the men of the Ozark Division.

DOB: 09/23/1920   DOD: 05/16/2014

Entered Service from Hope, Arkansas

RUSSEL G. JONES
Colonel
407th - A/T Company, 102ID
LOM, BSM, w/cluster, AAM, China and Vietnam Medals, CIB

DOB: 07/01/1921   DOD: 02/04/2014

Entered Service from Marengo, IA

CALVIN B. UMBLE
Private First Class
406th - A/T Company, 102 ID
GCM, CIB, SCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, GOM

DOB: 02/02/1924   DOD: 03/23/2013

Entered Service from Christiana, PA

CLINTON ROBERT WALTERS, JR.
Second Lieutenant
Co. C, 406th Inf., 102 ID
BSM w/cluster, GCM, EVM, GOM, ACM, EAMEwith 2 battle stars, CIB

Clinton, 'CR' landed at Cherbourg on his 21st birthday. He rose through the ranks from Corporal to T/Sgt.leading his platoon. On 26 Jan 45 he was commissioned 2nd Lt. in the field. Leading his men he received two BSMs for valor against the enemy. Dad was very proud of his service during The War. And, Dad was a good man, a good soldier, a good husband, and a great father.  The word that best describes his life is servant. I am very blessed to have been his oldest son. - by Bob Walters.

DOB: 09/23/1923   DOD: 07/23/2013

Entered Service from Waco, Texas

FREDERICK CRANE
Private First Class
406-HQ3, 102 ID
BSM, GCM, ACM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM, CIB

DOB: 02/24/1924   DOD: 09/10/2012

Entered Service from Falls River, MA

RILEY E. SPEARS
Master Sergeant
406 - A/T Company, 102 ID
CIB, GCM, ACM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM

After the war he was married in 1948, had a farm in Centerville, TN, had six children, was an avid hunter, but was killed in an auto accident on the way to a hunting trip. His wife Mary Spears, a very nice lady, survived the accident.

DOB: 06/14/1922   DOD: 09/10/2009

Entered Service from Kosciusko, Miss.

JOHN R. GARBUTT
Staff Sergeant
Co. B, 406th Inf., 102 ID
SSM w/cluster, BSM, PHM, EAME with 2 battle stars GCM, EVM, CIB

John earned the Silver Star with cluster for single-hand disabling an enemy tank and capturing the crew. After the war, he frequently expressed gratitude for those he served with and those who continue to serve in the military. He and his wife (Roberta Curtis) graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1948. His forty year career was with General Electric and Black and Decker in housewares sales and marketing. They are the parents of five children, twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He served as a Bishop and Patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

DOB: 03/11/1924   DOD: 01/09/2014

Entered Service from Warchester, Mass.

MATTHEW GABRINER
Private First Class
Co. 'K', 405th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, GCM, ACM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM

DOB: 06/08/1922   DOD: 06/24/2012

Entered Service from North Adam, Mass.

NEEDHAM W. LANGSTON, SR.
Technical Sergeant 1946 and Colonel 1979 Res.
Co. F, 406th Inf., 102 ID
CIB, GCM, EAME with 2 Battle Stars, ACM, EVM,

Walt was discharged in March 1946 but joined Army Reserves and retired as a Colonel. He was a life member of Reserve Officers Assn. where he held state and local offices for many years. Graduating from UNC  as a engineer, he worked for Sperry Rand, Honeywell, in Space and Aviation. He retired after 40 years, and he and wife Agnes had 4 children and 4 granddaughters.

DOB: 06/19/1924   DOD: 12/06/2013

Entered Service from Four Oaks, No. Carolina

NOVIE L. HAMMAC
Senior Master Sergeant
Co.,C, 405th Inf., 102 ID - Served 15 yrs. USAF
BSM, GCM, EAME with2 battle stars, EVM, CIB

Retired  at Randolph AFB. Interred Sam Houston National Cemetery along with wife, Laura who had 44 years USAF Civil Service. To all of you old soldiers that I hold in such high esteem and respect, thanks and farewell. - Wendy Horn

DOB: 06/08/1914   DOD: 27/03/1981

Entered Service from San Antonio, TX

ROBERT B. LEWIS
T/5 Corporal
3rd Bn. Hqts., 405th Inf., 102 ID
GCM, ACM, EAME with2 battle stars, EVM

DOB: 11/12/1922   DOD: 11/29/2013

Entered Service from Hyattsville, MD

ARCHIE C. CLARK, JR.
Private First Class
Co. C, 405th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, GCM, EAME with2 battle stars, EVM, GOM, CIB

DOB: 12/26/1923   DOD: 03/28/1999

Entered Service from Sublette, IL

LUIS D. ROVIRA
2nd Lt. BFC, Major USAFR
Co. 'I', 406th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, GCM, EAME with2 battle stars, EVM

DOB: 09/08/1923   DOD: 10/30/2011

Entered Service from Denver CO

LEROY L. NEWTON
T/5 Corporal
Co. B, 327 Engineers, 102 ID
GCM, EAME with2 battle stars, EVM

Both he and his brother enjoyed the conventions (reunions) that they attended together with the 102nd Division Association.

DOB: 03/23/1922   DOD: 07/03/2009

Entered Service from Grand Rapids, MN

LELAND F. KING
Sergeant
Co. E, 407th Inf., 102 ID
GCM, EAME with 2 battle stars, EVM

Leland was very proud of his service to his country, of his comrades and of the 102nd Infantry Division. He proudly wore his Ozark hat until just a week before he died. Dad was a good man!

DOB: not known   DOD: 11/01/2013

Entered Service from Coopers Mill, ME

WILLIAM B. STARK
2nd Lt. BFC, Major USAR
Service Company, 407th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, GCM, EAME with2 battle stars, EVM

DOB: 12/19/1922   DOD: 08/23/2012

Entered Service from Monr, Georgia

ALEXANDER D. LINDSAY
Master Sergeant
Signal Company, 102 ID
GCM, EAME with2 battle stars, EVM

Alex served 2 years in Europe. He assisted in the crossing of the Rr River and was present at the Elbe River on VE Day when the Germans surrendered May 8, 1945. Along with the 102 ID he held the line during the Battle of the Bulge.

DOB: 06/05/1921   DOD: 09/15/2013

Entered Service from Mineral City, OH

JAMES A. CRONIN
Staff Sergeant
Co. E, 405th Inf., 102 ID
PHM, GCM, EAME with 2 stars, EVM

Jim had 3 sons, worked 38 years for IBM.He lived in Stamford CT for 28 years retiring to New Bern NC in 1993.He was wounded in April 1945 and sent home to recover. We have his Purple heart in a case in my home hanging on our wall in his honor, Scott Cronin.

DOB: 08/04/1924   DOD: 08/23/2011

Entered Service from Bronx, New York

ROBERT EUGENE WIGHTMAN
Sergeant
Antitank Co., 406th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, GCM, ACM, EAME with 2 stars, EVM, CIB, Expert Badge

Bob Wightman was trained in battlefield demolition and was a squad leader. As a civilian, he was married to Maxine Phyllis Wightman for over 60 years, had two sons (William E.  and Gary L.) and had four grandchildren. He worked for Phillips Petroleum Company until his retirement in 1985. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend and is missed by many.

DOB: 01/02/1923   DOD: 03/05/2013

Entered service from Ottawa, Kansas

NORMAN A. HORN
Private First Class
Co. C, 405th Inf., 102 ID
GCM, EAME with 2 stars, EVM

DOB: 01/03/1925   DOD: 12/17/2009

Entered Service from Caledonia, Minnesota

CECIL ROBERT RUSSEL
Lt. Colonel
927th FA Bn., 102 ID
BSM, GCM, EAME with 2 stars, ACM, NDM, EVM

Robert returned from Europe to the United States after WWTwo intent on making the Army his career. In 1946 he was commissioned in the Regular Army for which he served the next 28 years rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel. After serving over 30 years, he retired in September 1974. Col. Russel attended several Ozark reunions and especially enjoyed being reunited with his survey team. He is survived by one daughter, 3 grand-children and 13 great-grand-children.

DOB: 09/09/1917   DOD: 08/13/2013

Entered Service from Calion, Arkansas

WILLIAM N. MACKINNON
Corporal
Cannon Co., 407th Inf., 102 ID
GCM, EAME with 2 stars, EVM,

Bill enlisted in the Army Reserves while in Brown Univ. and later qualified for ASTP to be trained for the Army Engineer Corps. When that was disbanded he was sent to Camp Swift, TX and the 102nd Inf. Div. After the war he re-entered Brown, graduated and joined Chase Bank. This job took him all over the world doing the bank's business. On return to the US he earned his MBA at Rutgers, joined Warner Lambert, TWA and Textron retiring in 1986 as Director International Finance. In retirement, he volunteered extensively and participated in many Ozark reunions.

DOB: 08/31/1923   DOD: 07/26/2013

Entered Service from Brocton, Mass.

EDWARD L. SOUDER
Private First Class
Co. F, 405th Inf., 102 ID
PHM, GCM, EAME with 2 stars, EVM

After the war, Edward joined Forest Lakes High School as their music and band teacher. Later he taught music at several other schools during his career as well as airplane flying lessons. He also served in the real estate business, and as a leader of Boy Scouts, Edward inspired many kids in Troop 137 of Forest Lakes. Having been wounded by shell fragments during action in the war, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Being active in the 102nd Div. Assn., he provided many stories called 'Kitchen Histories'.

DOB: 09/30/1921   DOD: 03/21/2013

Entered Service from Minneapolis, Minn.

HERBERT L. RICHEY, JR.
Staff Sergeant
Co. C and 1st Bn, HQ, 406th Inf., 102 ID
GCM, EAME w/ 2 stars, EVM

After discharge, Herb was employed as a chemist by the American Agricultural Chemical Company, and he remained in their employ all  his professional life.  His career took him and his family to SC, GA, MD, IA and Baton Rouge, LA where he retired.  In 1989, he  moved  his family to the mountain home in Montreat, NC. He worshiped at the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, volunteering both there and with the Montreat Conference Center, the 10,000 Villages Self-Help Store. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, a son,and his sisters. He is survived by his wife Jennifer of 65 years, a son, a daughter, 8 grand children and 7 great grand children.

DOB: 11/16/1919   DOD: 12/18/2009

Entered Service from Camden, So. Carolina

ARMANDO P. MARRA
Technician 3rd Grade, S/Sgt.
Special Troops, 102 ID
GCM, EVM, ACM, EAME with 2 stars

Armando served with the 102nd ID in Campaigns for Rhineland and Central Europe earning 2 bronze stars on his European, African, Middle Eastern Medal. He will be missed by all who knew him. He passed away at age 92 years and 10 days. Entered by his son Eric.

DOB: 07/02/1921   DOD: 07/12/2013

Entered Service from Pittsburg, California

EDMUND (BUTCH) MOTZKO
Technician 5th Grade, Corporal
548th AAA Bn., 102ID
BSM w/ cluster, GCM, ADR

After his Honorable Discharge in November 1945 he returned to central Minnesota to marry and raise a family.  Because of his military training he joined the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Dept.  He was a Past Commander of the Sauk Centre American Legion as well as a life member of VFW Post 2853.  As part of the 405th Infantry Regiment he helped liberate the Holocaust survivors at Gardelegon, Germany.  His story and pictures of the atrocities at Gardelegon are on record at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC as well as in other books and periodicals.

DOB: 08/17/1920   DOD: 05/17/2013

Entered Service from Long Prarie, Minnesota

MARVIN LEWIS GARNER
Master Sergeant
Service Company, 407th Inf., 102 ID
BSM w/cluster, PHM, GCM, EAME with 2 stars, EVM

MSgt. Garner was wounded by shrapnel and suffered hearing loss from explosions during service in the ETO, but considered himself lucky to have survived. Discharged in May, 1945, his family considered him to be among the Greatest Generation. Nevertheless, after the war he raised a family with his beloved wife of 66 years, became an electrician, owned an antique shop, raised black angus cattle among his many other learned endeavors.

DOB: 06/20/1916   DOD: 05/08/2009

Entered Service from Glouster City, Virginia

PAUL JOHN SCHNEEBERGER
Private First Class
Co. C, 407th Inf., 102ID
BSM, GCM, EAME with 2 stars, EVM

Paul continued serving his country by participating in his local community by supporting civic organizations, becoming a volunteer firefighter/EMT, supporting civil rights, and helping the VA as Director of the Pharmacy. He was an ASTP student at Purdue. Later he helped found the College of Pharmacy at U of Cincinnati where he received his masters in Hospital Administration. He was a past president of the Ozarks 102nd Div. Assn.

DOB: 09/15/1923   DOD: 03/15/2013

Entered Service from Cincinnati, Ohio

MEARL R. GUTHRIE, JR.
Technical Sergeant
Co. B 407th Inf. 102 ID
GCM

Mearle volunteered for the parachute infantry in 1943. He was sent to Ball State for ASTP training, then was transferred to the 102nd Division. In Sept. 1944, he drove the Red Ball Express in France. From Belgium, Holland and Germany he fought from a foxhole. Upon discharge he married Lolita Thayer and they had two children Scott and Carla. Mearle went on to earn his PHD and teach in various US colleges as well as in Haiti, Aruba and the Virgin Islands. In retirement he gave his time to Scouting, service clubs, church and nature. He was the consummate joke master.

DOB: 10/04/1922   DOD: 03/13/2013

Entered Service from Abilene, Kansas

FLOYD C. LONG
Staff Sergeant
102nd Inf. Division Sig.Co. 102 ID
BSM(2),PHM, GCM

Sgt. Floyd C. Long, was cited for  for bravery in action on Feb 23, and again on Feb. 26, 1945. During an attack against the enemy. Sgt. Long installed wire circuits between control posts in an exceedingly dangerous area. With disregard for his personal safety, he worked courageously during intense enemy fire and bombardment,  to maintain communications. His outstanding loyalty and  efficiency were a material contribution to the successful operation against the enemy. On April 24, 1945 he was wounded by a sniper bullet to his left eyebrow, and temporal region. Captured by the enemy, he was liberated and taken to US Army hospitals in France, Britian and the USA, June 6, 1945. S/Sgt Long remained in the service for 22 years. Married he had 6 children.

DOB: 04/17/1909   DOD: 11/05/1980

Entered Service from Woodsdale, No. Carolina

RAYMOND FOX
Technician 3rd Grade Staff Sergeant
102nd Inf. Division HQ and HQ Co.102 ID
BSM, GCM, Certificate of Merit

Raymond was employed by the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot before entering the Army in 1942. While in the Army, he served with the 102nd Inf. Division's HQ and HQ Co. as the personal secretary to General Keating, General Fox and Col. Biddle. He also served as pianist for the HQ Staff playing Big Band and Boogie Woogie music for their pleasure. After the war he returned to serve with the Quartermaster Depot until his retirement in 1976.  

DOB: 07/16/1922   DOD: 02/13/1982

Entered Service from Philadelphia, PA

RALPH J. BARINGER
Technical Sergeant
Hq. Co. 2nd Bn. 406th Inf. 102 ID
PHM, GCM

Ralph was very active worker with the 102nd Div. Assn. Reunions as member and officer. In private life, he gave his time and effort to Veteran organizations, Little League, student groups, church and city administration, Defiance. His career was given to the food and home industry, and later to the State of Ohio. Ralph was never too busy to help others.

DOB: 10/06/1924   DOD: 01/28/2013

Entered Service from Defiance, Ohio

LORAINE C. GRIESS
Technician 5th Grade Corporal
Co.B 327th Combat Eng. 102ID
BSM, GCM

He talked a lot of his army experiences and as my nephew said, how casual he was about how terrible WWII was.  He just accepted that time as his duty. The Greatest Generation!

DOB: 02/10/1922   DOD: 01/22/2013

Entered Service from Holyoke, Colorado

JOHN RISCO
Private First Class
Co. 'L', 406th Inf., 102 ID
PHM, GCM, ETOM /1 battle star

DOB: 05/14/1922   DOD: 02/19/2009

Entered service from Wilkes-Barre,PA

EDWARD V. PAGNANELLI, SR.
Technician 4th Grade Sergeant
Service Co. 407th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM,

Edward served in WWTwo and after as CWO in Army Reserves earning NDSM, AFRM, ARCAM w/cluster, and ACM during his 38 years of service. He was active in the 102 ID Assn. Reunions and pround of his service to the Steubenville Boy Scouts, Fire Dept., the Community, and true spirit of Italian Heritage earning many awards and medals of civilian commendation. He always was a proud Army Combat Veteran with the Ozarks.

DOB: 09/22/1922   DOD: 09/02/2012

Entered Service from Akron, Ohio

WALTER E. RUFF
Staff Sergeant
2d Bn 405th Inf. 102 ID
BSM w/Cluster for Valor, GCM

After the war WE married Mary Ann Shotwell, earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Texas AandM, became a licenced PE and formed his own company, Ruff Construction. Walter was always a continuing leader and helped in many ways to contribute to the 102 ID Association, its reunions and many activities.

DOB: 02/27/1924   DOD: 11/18/2012

Entered Service from College Station, Texas

WALTER J. CASALE
Staff Sergeant
Co. E, 405th Inf., 102 ID
PHM, GCM

Beloved husband of Ruth (Lawless) for 63 years, father of 7, and grandfather of 17. He proudly served in the Boston Police for 32 years and was Boston's first Captain Detective. Shot in the leg while crossing the Rhine River, his battle scars served as a reminder of the brave hero he was.

DOB: 10/26/1923   DOD: 10/29/2012

Entered Service from Boston, MA

KENNETH V. CARLSON
Private First Class
Co. B, 407th Inf., 102 ID
PHM, GCM

DOB: 10/18/1924   DOD: 08/18/2012

Entered Service from Pasadena, CA

DANIEL D. SCHUB
Private
Co. B, 407th Inf., 102 ID
PHM, GCM

Dan lost his right foot in a mine field during the attack on Erkelenz, Germany on Feb, 26, 1945. After the war he and his wife were married on that same date, Feb. 26, 1955, so they'd have a better memory of that awful day during the war.

DOB: 06/12/1925   DOD: 03/27/1982

Entered service from Chicago, IL

SOLOMON BAMEL
Technician 4th Grade Sergeant WW2---Colonel USAF 1980
Co. D 327th Med., 102 ID
CMB, BSM, GCM, 2 Bat. Stars ETO - AFCM (2), MSM (2) AFSW, PUC.

Solomon Bamel was always very proud of his service to his country, which was a factor when he decided to join the Air Force at the age of 52. He received his Flight Surgeon wings in 1976 at the age of 53. Solomon very rarely spoke of his 'adventures' during WW2,

DOB: 03/23/1923   DOD: 01/12/2012

Entered service from Brooklyn, NY

MARVIN G. LEMKE
Private First Class
Co. E. 407th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM

Marvin and Isabelle were avid gardeners having been given numerous awards for their flowers and garden creations. He having been wounded in combat and awarded the PHM came home with a 30 cal. bullet still embedded in his leg which he carried the rest of his life, a memento of his service to our country.

DOB: 10/26/1921   DOD: 08/20/2012

Entered Service From Klemme, Iowa

HOWARD H. BEACH
Private First Class
Co. B, 405th Inf., 102 ID
GCM

Upon retirement he and my mother moved to the Ozarks where he lived out the rest of his life. --- Quote his son Harold R. Beach

DOB: 11/05/1923   DOD: 07/06/1977

Entered Srevice from Zion, Illinois

JOHN J. GRANATA
Private First Class
Co. E, 407th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM

Best Father and Husband in the World - Alfonso Granata

DOB: 01/24/1923   DOD: 05/25/2012

Entered Service from Buffalo, NY

TERRELL E. STOKES
Staff Sergeant
Co. C, 327th Med., 102 ID
GCM, 3 battle stars ETO medal

My father was like so many veterans, his boot size was such that I don't know if I'll ever be able to fill them.  It's been years since he left this earth but I still miss him.  He was a good father, a good man, and a good soldier.- Eugene Stokes

DOB: 03/15/1920   DOD: 07/13/1997

Entered Service from Dallas, Texas

WILSON R. REED
Brigadier General
379th Field Artillery, 102 ID
BSM, DSM, LOM, ACM, GWM and French CdG, GCM

Gen. Reed was a Major in WWII and commanded Btry.C, 379th FA Bn. He attended West Point was a career Army officer, rising to the rank of BG. He served in the Pentagon, in Iran and established a unified Army Computer System. He attended most 102nd reunions.

DOB: 05/28/1918   DOD: 05/09/2012

Entered Service from Chicago, Illinois

JACOB (Jack) MERAR
Private First Class
Co. B, 407th Inf., 102 ID
GCM

DOB: not known   DOD: 03/08/2012

Entered Service From Chicago, Illinois

LAY, CALVIN E.
Private First Class
3RD BN. HQ 406 INF., 102 ID
GCM

In 2000, Calvin was chaiman of 102nd Div. reunion in Buffalo, NY and involved his whole family for its success. He was a member of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation of Seneca Nation serving in various political offices including two terms as President.

DOB: 11/08/1925   DOD: 02/19/2012

Entered Service From Irving, New York

HOPE EMERICH
Wife of John Emerich
Co., 'I', 407th Inf., 102 ID
Historian, Notes Editor

Served the Ozarks as enduring advisor, helper, ever available to give of her time and energy with everlasting glee.


Entered Service From Pennsylvania

FREDRICK S. MYERS
Staff Sergeant
Co. I, 405th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM

Fred graduated from Case Western law school after the war and retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Akron as General Counsel and vice president. During his retirement he served for two years as assistant U.S. District Attorney, Ohio Northern District. Always a faithful Ozark, he attended many of the reunions. An avid traveler, he revisited the historic paths the Ozarks cut through the European Theater several times, at least twice with his closest 102 ID buddies. He is greatly missed but never forgotten by his daughter Melinda, son Tim, sister Phoebe and wife Karen. g

DOB: 08/04/1923   DOD: 07/18/2005

Entered service from Stow, Ohio

MARTIN STERN
Private First Class
Co. B, 405th Inf., 102 ID
GCM

DOB: 05/31/1926   DOD: 01/08/2012

Entered Service from New York

AAROL W. IRISH
Corporal
Cavalry Recon. Troop, 102 ID
SSM, BSM, PHM, GCM

Forever, Bud Irish was an avid guitar player for his buddies. In combat, his SSM award read...his patrol pinned down...he directed defense until all ammunition was exhausted...then evacuated his wounded comrade...ignoring his own injuries.

DOB: 01/11/1922   DOD: 04/25/2006

Entered Service from Michigan

TITUS J. CHRISTIAN
Private First Class
Service Battery, 927th FA, 102 ID
GCM

Titus was drafted by the Army in France to drive the 'Red Ball Express', he was involved during The Battle of the Bulge as a Cannoneer and also as a Forward Observer for the 927th FA. He was wounded by an 105FA blast but he refused treatment and the PHM.

DOB: 01/17/1914   DOD: 06/28/1988

Entered Service From Arkansas

RICHARD C. BRANDEL
Staff Sergeant
Co.'M', 406th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, GCM

DOB: 05/19/1922   DOD: 01/20/2012

Entered Service from Ohio

ROBERT E. ENKELMANN
Warrant Officer, Junior Grade
Co. 'H', 405th Inf., 102 ID
BSM, GCM

Bob, aka 'The White Tornado', was Mortarman during the war, Special Agent of the CIC, German Translator, Interrogator, was the 1985 Pres. of the 102ID Assn., Publisher, and Travel Agent to Europe for the Division.

DOB: 11/16/1923   DOD: 01/10/2012

Entered service from Breese, Illinios

ROBERT G. MOONEY
Staff Sergeant
Co. 'I', 405th Inf., 102 ID
SSM, PHM, GCM

SSgt. Robert G. Mooney...at Hottorf...alone, assaulted...and reduced a strongpoint in a building...thus securing his unit's flank.

DOB: 1/17/1922   DOD: 6/24/2011

Entered service from Massachusetts

NORMAN KURTZ GRISSINGER, JR.
Staff Sergeant
Bat.C, 379FA, 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM

Norm served in the Ozarks from 1942 until 1946 from Camp Maxey, Camp Swift, Fort Dix, and combat all the way through to the  occupation of Germany.

DOB: 9/1/1922   DOD: 12/16/2011

Entered service from Virginia

EDWARD PAUL MARCHELITIS, SR.
Sergeant
Co. A and Co. C, 407 Inf., 102 ID
BSM, PHM, GCM

Sgt. Marchelitis was one of the NCO leaders scavegned from Company A, 1st Bn., to replenish Company C who were all captured by the Germans after crossing the Elbe River on April 28, 1945 to contact the Russians.

DOB: 06/06/1922   DOD: 03/22/2002

Entered Service from Pennsylvania