Purple Heart Display

Purple Heart Collection

A Selection of Named Purple Heart Medals

Please Note These Are For Display and Not For Sale

The simple elegance of the Purple Heart makes it one of the most beautiful and recognizable medals in all the world. The following medals are currently in my collection and were obtained either through fellow collectors, from the families of the veterans, or from the veterans themselves. It is a shame that such medals do not remain with the proper families at all times, but the truth of the matter is that over time people disconnect, and items such as these no longer hold any family importance. My role as a temporary caretaker of these items is to preserve them and their stories so that future generations will never forget the sacrifice made by the heroes who were awarded them. There are not enough words to thank these men.

Randall M. Keyser, Private First Class, 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division

World War II. Wounded in action on 19 March 1945 near the town of Fraulautern, Germany. Randall M. Keyser was born in Michigan on October 21, 1924 and was drafted into service on 19 January 1943. Arriving at Le Havre, France on 21 January 1945, the 259th Regiment spent the next month preparing and sorting its equipment for battle. By 4 March 1945 the regiment advanced into Oberesch, Germany and, on 9 March, relieved 26th Infantry Division at the Saar River bridgehead near Orscholz. On 18 March 1945 the 259th Regiment moved out of the bridgehead and was sent to capture Fraulautern. Wounded by small arms fire the very next day, Keyser stayed with his unit as it fought into Greuzberg, Struth, Berka, Walterhausen, Arnstadt, Altdorf, Neumarket, Regensburg, Newhaus, Passau, and Strengberg. Keyser had this piece engraved as many field awards were not engraved at the time. He passed away on May 23, 1979.

Andrew J. Fry, Staff Sergeant, 21st Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, 5th Army Air Force

World War II. Died as a Prisoner of War, 16 June 1942 in the Philippines. Andrew J. Fry was born in Iowa on December 16, 1920. Entering the regular Army on 28 September 1939 at he age of 18, Fry was assigned to the Air Corps. By the war's start, he was with the 21st Pursuit Group of the Philippine Department Air Force (later the 5th Army Air Force). During the battle of the Philippines, his unit was all but wiped out as airmen from the group soon picked up rifles and became infantrymen. After the American surrender, Fry was one of the thousands forced upon the Bataan "Death March." Surviving the relocation process, Fry was encamped by the Japanese in the most inhumane of conditions. Like so many of his countrymen, due to poor water and food supplies, disease, and general fatigue, he succumbed to dysentery on 16 June 1942. After the war, he was laid to rest in his hometown of Waterloo, Iowa.

George Henninger, Private, Company A, 2nd Chemical Mortar Btn, 3rd Infantry Division (attached)

World War II. Killed in Action near Furiano River, Sicily on 3 August 1943. George Henninger was born to Mr. & Mrs. Charles Henninger on December 10, 1914 in Kokomo, Indiana. He entered the service 9 December 1942 from Indianapolis. Placed with Company A of the 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion, Henninger and his unit planned for the Invasion of Sicily near Oran, Algeria in mid 1942. He hit the beaches of Sicily in the early morning of 25 June 1943. Supporting the 45th Infantry Division, they helped to break up several Axis counterattacks with efficient 4.2 inch mortar fire. By 31 July 1943 San Stefano had been taken. Expecting a well earned rest, Henninger's unit was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division for the further drive toward Messina. On August 3 in sight of Hill 715 overlooking the Furiano River, the unit was hauling its mortars down a road when it came under intense artillery fire. Henninger was killed when he and others ran into a previously unknown German minefield. He was originally buried in the temporary cemetery at Mount Soprano, Sicily but was later reinterred in his final resting place at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, He left behind a wife and two young daughters.

Clifford L. Shupp, Sergeant, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division

World War I. Wounded in Action (gassed) on 19 July 1918 just south of Soissons, France. Clifford Lemuel Shupp enlisted in the Corps on 13 May 1915 at Norfolk, Virginia. By September he was with the 20th Company in Haiti where he remained until 1917. In April of 1917 his company transferred to Cuba, but with the Great War ensuing, found himself in France with the Fifth Regiment by January of 1918. As a sergeant, he was posted to Officer's Candidate School on 4 April 1918, but manpower shortages ended that period quickly. Participating in the Battle of Belleau Wood in June, Shupp's unit was located near Soissons when, on 19 July 1918, he was gassed. Recovering months later, in March of 1919 he joined Marine Guard Unit #72. He was medically discharged 15 July 1919. Later he served with the Marines once more from 1927-1931 and also was a 2nd Lieutenant with the 147th Infantry of the Ohio National Guard from 1924-1926.

Joseph J. Keegan Jr., Sergeant, 112th Machine Gun Battalion, 58th Inf. Brigade, 29th Inf. Division

World War I. Wounded in Action on 12 October 1918 during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The 29th Division arrived overseas June 27, 1918. Activities of the division included the center sector of Haute Alsace and the Grand Montagne sector, north of Verdun. In late September the 29th received orders to join the First Army's Meuse-Argonne offensive as part of the French XVII Corps. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Keegan was struck by morter fire and wounded. By war's end, the division captured 2,187 officers and men, 21 pieces of artillery and 250 machine guns. After the armistice the division was stationed for some time at Bourbonne les Bain. It returned home and was demobilized in June, 1919. In total, the division made an advance against resistance of seven kilometers and captured 2,187 officers and men, 21 pieces of artillery and 250 machine guns. Keegan was one of 5,219 wounded men for the division.

Arthur L. Arnold, Private, Company "B", 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action near St. Lo on 25 July 1944. Born in 1923, PFC Arnold was the son of firefighter Clarence A. Arnold and Bessie Lee Arnold who resided in Indianapolis, Indiana. By the early 1940s, Arthur was residing in Indy working at the Standard Grocery Company and enlisted in the army on 30 June 1943. Fighting with the 23rd Infantry of the 2nd ID, he was wounded 19 June 1944 in Normandy during some very bloody hedgerow fighting. After recovering from his wounds and being awarded the Purple Heart in England, he returned to duty with the 23rd. He was killed in action on 25 July 1944 during a defensive action on Hill 192 overlooking St. Lo, France. He was 21 years old and survived by his parents and brother, Richard, who was serving in China at the time. His remains were interred at Plot G, Row 24, Grave 4, Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-Sur-Mer, France.

Fred Harris, Private First Class, 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action near Nothum, Luxembourg on 10 January 1945. PFC Fred Harris was born on August 7, 1908 in Missouri and entered active service on 20 March 1944. Assigned to the 101st Infantry Regiment, Harris' unit hit Normandy in September of 1944. On 10 December 1944 after 50+ days of continual fighting, the regiment arrived in Metz by motor convoy. By early January the unit was in the Nothum area withstanding a horrific series of attacks and counterattacks. Planning yet another attack for 9 January, the regiment suffered stiff resistance from the German 5th Parachute Division. The very next day, the 26th Division in support of the 90th Division jumped off once more for an attack toward Doncols. It was during this next attack that Harris was killed in action by gun shot wounds. He was laid to rest in the Luxembourg-American Cemetery, Plot E, Row 15, Grave 44.

Harold P. Hookey, Private First Class, Co. "B", 162nd Reg., 41st Div / Co. "G", 9th Reg., 2nd Inf. Div.

World War I. Wounded in Action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive on 6 November 1918. Harold Hookey was born to Charles J. and Minnie M. Hookey on 7 May 1893 in Charleston, SC. Inducted into the Army at St. Louis on 15 July 1918, Hookey was overseas by 29 September 1918. Assigned to the 162nd Infantry of the 41st Division from 13-18 October 1918, Hookey was soon transferred to the 9th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Division on 23 October 1918. He was wounded, receiving 18% disability, on 6 November 1918, a mere five days before the end of the war. By war's end the Manchu Regiment had been awarded the French Fourragere for gallantry during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. After the war, Hookey returned to St. Louis to settle down. He later went on to own his own candy shop as he became a professional confectioner.

Joseph F. Nolan, 1st Lt., 816th Bombardment Squadron, 483rd Bomber group, 15th AAF

World War II. Killed in Action on 25 April 1945 over Amstetten, Austria on return from Linz, Austria.

Nolan was a navigator who flew on the B-17G "Anthony J" SN 44-6327. The plane went missing in action on its return from a bombing mission to Linz, Austria. Reported to have crashed near Amstetten, Nolan was one of four who were killed in the aircraft. The remaining crew were all taken as Prisoner of War and were reported as repatriated at war's end. Since no evidence of Nolan death could be gained while his aircrew were being held prisoner, his finding of death was proclaimed 22 June 1946 retroactive to 26 April 1946. Nolan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster (wounded 7 December 1944). He was laid to rest at the Epinal American Cemetery.

Charles R. Bowers, Private, Company A, 354th Infantry Regiment, 89th Infantry Division

World War I. Wounded in Action on 26 September 1918 at Charey during Argonne Offensive.

Charles Bowers was born to Mr. & Mrs. David Bowers on December 5, 1889 in Tennessee. Living in the state of Washington, he registered for war service on 5 June 1917. He entered the service on 10 May 1918 and was assigned to the 354th Infantry Regiment of the 89th Infantry Division. Arriving overseas on 14 July 1918 he participated in the St. Mihiel offensive and was later wounded during the Argonne Offensive. The regiment made an attack on 26 September 1918 at Charey, France with heavy artillery support. Unfortunately, the attack was soon met by persistent machine gun fire. Bowers was wounded in the fray. He stayed with his unit, however, until the end of the war two months later. After the war he returned home to Yakima, Washington where he worked as a construction laborer. He passed away on January 3, 1974.

Joseph C. Demers, Private First Class, Co. "A", 13th Quartermaster Battalion, 1st Armored Div.

World War II. Killed in Action 24 February 1944 at Anzio beachhead. PFC Joe Demers was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1906 and enlisted for service on 16 September 1941. Assigned to Company A of the 13th Armored Quartermaster Battalion he was part of the great Battle of Anzio. Quickly repulsed by superior German numbers, the entire invasion force was almost pushed back into the sea on several occasions, but it held on, tenaciously, for many weeks. By the time the 1st Armored Division arrived at the beachhead, American forces were at a strength of 69,000 troops. After many attempts at a decisive breakout, the German forces counterattacked with great ferocity, turning the entire American operation into a disaster. On 24 February 1944, Demers was hit in the head and back by German artillery fragments. He died soon thereafter. At age 37, he was one of only five men who were killed during the entire war for the 13th AQMB. He was laid to rest in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Leroy E. Chapman, Private First Class, 4th Infantry Division, US Army

World War II. Wounded in Action, 6 June1944. This is a post-war replacement piece named to PFC Leroy E. Chapman. Mr. Chapman was born in Benkelman, Nebraska on February 11, 1924 to John H. Chapman and Jennie M. Hevlin. At the age of 18 he signed up for federal service on 25 July 1942. Assigned to the 4th Infantry Division, he was wounded at Utah Beach on 6 June 1944. After his injuries had stabilized, he was transported back to the States on 3 September 1944 by the AAF's Air Transport Command- landing at LaGuardia Airport in NY. He was officially discharged from the service on 31 December 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He later went on to live in Springfield , MO and passed away in Mannford, Oklahoma on October 22, 2004. He was the last of nine brothers and sisters to pass on. He was laid to rest at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Oklahoma.

Russell W. Anderson, Private, 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action at St. Malo, Brittany, France on 12 August 1944. Private Russell Anderson was with the 330th Infantry Regiment when it hit Omaha Beach on 19 June 1945. Pushing through Normandy until the breakout was reached on 25 July 1944. In the first part of August the regiment was held in reserve following the breakout. Then, on 4 August 1944, they were ordered to attack Dol De Bretagne. By 5 August the regiment was across the Rance River and preparing to assault St. Malo. On 12 August 1944 several attacks were made against the Chateau guarding the approach to St. Malo. On the left of the sector, Russell Anderson's battalion came under fire at La Bastille. It was under this intense fire that Russell Anderson was struck by gun shot and killed. He was laid to rest at the Brittany American Cemetery in St. James (Manche), France.

Warren L. Owens, Private First Class, Company K, 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action on 4 January 1945 at Vaux-Chavanne, Belgium.

Born in 1915, Warren Owens was from Chicago, Illinois and joined the service on 24 February 1942. Owens was assigned to the first squad of the first platoon of Company K, 330th Infantry Regiment, and landed at Omaha Beach on 19 June 1944. Owens was with the 330th as it pushed through Normandy, the Loire Valley, Luxembourg, the Hurtgen Forest, and then into the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. On 4 January 1945 outside of Voux Chavanne, Belgium an enemy machine gun pinned down Owens' platoon in a ditch beside a road. Owens, along with a friend, a Private Bumpus, and two others volunteered to clear out the nest under intense mortar fire. Leaving cover, they ventured out only a short way when Owens and Bumpus were both cut down by machine gun fire and killed instantly.

Robert Scott, Private First Class, Company E, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division

World War II Died of wounds, 24 June 1944 at Cherbourg, Contentin Peninsula, France. PFC Robert Scott was born in Akron, Ohio on January 14, 1921. Entering the service on 21 August 1942, Scott was assigned to the 47th Infantry Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division. A participant of three prior campaigns at Algeria/French Morocco, Tunisia, and Sicily, he hit Utah Beach on 10 June 1944 (D-Day +4). Scott's regiment was tasked with cutting off the Cotentin Peninsula. Once accomplished, the regiment and division set its sights on Cherbourg. Experiencing heavy 88mm and 105mm fire from the Germans, the regiment pushed into the Cherbourg area on 22 June 1944 with orders to clear bunkers and pillboxes. PFC Scott's unit was on a bunker clearing mission when he stepped on a landmine causing severe trauma to his legs and upper body. He later died of his wounds. He was laid to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery.

Marion B. Shephard, Private, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division.

World War II Killed in Action at Collina, Italy on 29 October 1944. Pvt. Marion B. Shephard, ASN 34546464, was born in 1924 in the city of Leon, Florida. He enlisted for federal service on 27 February 1943 at Camp Blanding, Florida and was assigned to Third Battalion, Company K, 168th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. By October of 1944, after having already been through hell and back for the last 23 months, the 168th Regiment was in the midst of the “Gothic Line” offensive. In late October 1944 the 168th established a line of defense at Collina with outposts along the trail leading up the northwest slope of Hill 358. Surrounded by constant rain and damning mud, the regiment was also being shelled with unusually high concentrations of 88mm fire. It was during one of these 88mm artillery barrages on 29 October 1944 when Shephard's cover was hit, killing him instantly. He was 20 years old.

James R. Smith, Private First Class, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Korean War. Killed in Action on 8 March 1951 during the Han River Crossing. Private James R. Smith was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1926. Assigned to the 24th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division, an all African-American unit, the regiment deployed to South Korea in June, 1950. Winning the Korean Presidential Unit Citation for its defense of the Pusan perimeter, the regiment received both praise and criticism for its actions in combat - thus disclosing the racial tension that still held tight in the service at that time. On 6 March 1951 the 25th Division advanced across the Han River. Although the crossing was initially successful, the steep terrain and tenaciously well dug in Chinese troops turned the tide as the 24th Regiment was forced to withdraw in disorder. It was during this withdrawal that James Smith was killed by small arms fire on 8 March 1951. Even though it performed with honor in its following campaigns, the "Deuce-Four" forever became mired in controversy due to its actions at the Han River.

Tyrone E. Rucker, Specialist 5, 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Vietnam War. Wounded in Action. Spec 5 Tyrone E. Rucker was born in September of 1948 and was assigned to the famed 173rd Airborne Brigade as a personnel specialist upon his entry into the armed services. Mr. Rucker served "in country" from 1968 to 1970 and was stationed at An Khe, "LZ English." In addition to being wounded and being awarded the Purple Heart, Spec 5 Rucker also received the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. During the 173rd's time in Vietnam it earned 14 campaign streamers and four unit citations. The "Sky Soldiers" were also awarded over 6000 Purple Hearts during the Vietnam conflict. Both Mr. Rucker's Bronze Star and Purple Heart are of WWII vintage with the named Army Commendation being housed in a 1950s - early 1960s clear plastic case. More thorough research is pending.

Ernest C. Reynolds, Corporal, 163rd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action on 20 January 1943 during the Battle of Sanananda, Papua.

Corporal Ernest C. Reynolds was born in 1907 and signed up for federal service on 31 March 1941. Assigned to the 163rd Infantry Regiment of the 41st Infantry Division, Reynolds found himself on a crowded troop ship headed for New Guinea as he celebrated the Christmas of 1942. In early January his unit was located along the Sanananda Trail in Papua and was tasked with ridding the trail of hardened Japanese resistance. Undergoing constant firefights, malaria, and short rations, the 163rd quickly learned the art of jungle fighting. On 20 January 1943, while wading through water that was waist high due to torrential downpours, Reynolds was struck by a sniper's bullet and died instantly. His remains were laid to rest at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. He was buried at Plot A, Row 16, Grave 189.

James H. Young, Staff Sergeant, 545th Bombardment Squadron, 384th Bomber Group, 8th AAF

World War II. Killed in Action over Vielaalm, Belgium on 13 April 1944. Staff Sergeant James H. Young was from Los Angeles, California and was an aerial gunner with the 545th Bombardment Squadron of the 384th Bomb Group, 8th Army Air Force. Assigned to the unit on 28 March 1944, he was listed on the roster sheet for Mission #89 which took place on 13 April 1944. Assigned to B-17 42-97124 "The Joker" as the top turret gunner, the mission was to target the ball-bearing plant at Schweinfurt, Germany. At 13:54 the aircraft came under enemy attack by a group of FW-190s. In a three minute period, the B-17 was shredded by 30 caliber fire and James H. Young was killed by direct fire. Young went down with over Vielaalm, Belgium. The rest of the crew survived either as POWs or escapees to resistance forces. James H. Young was laid to rest at the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold (Moselle), France. Plot F, Row 10, Grave 34.

John I. Dailey, Private, First Battalion, Company "B", 309th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action on 21 December 1944 at Kesternich, Germany. John Dailey was born in the state of Washington on May 30, 1906 to Charles W. and Minnie J Dailey. Entering the service at age 38 from Sabetha, Kansas on 10 July 1943, he was placed with the 309th Regiment in December of 1943. Arriving in England on 25 October 1944, the regiment moved to Tongres, Belgium on 22 November 1944. On 13 December the 309th Regiment was given the mission to attack eastwards and seize the dams spanning the Erft and Roer Rivers. They took the German towns of Rollesbroich, Witzerath, and Simerath, but the next objective, the village of Kesternich, quickly became a stalemate. Since Kesternich was near a major supply line for the Ardennes offensive, the Germans dug in hard using artillery at will. It was on 21 December that Dailey's foxhole suffered an artillery hit and he received fragment wounds to the head and right leg. He was killed instantly. He was interred at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Belgium.

Fred W. Fein, Private, 3rd Battalion, Company "I", 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action on 25 November 1944 in the vicinity of the Hurtgen Forest. Fred Fein was born to Frederick and Louise Fein on July 19, 1922 in Rye, New York. Enlisting in the US Army on 17 March 1944, Fein was with the regiment as it marched toward the Hurtgen Forest in November of 1944. When his unit reached a position a little more than a mile from the edge of the forest, the 22nd regiment attacked Grosshau, but could not take it. During the fire fight, Fein was mortally wounded by a German mortar shell and transported quickly to the Third Battalion Aid Station where he was pronounced dead. He was originally interred at the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery in Belgium, but at the request of his family was reinterred at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye, New York. Full military honors were given at the funeral which took place on 16 November 1947. He was 22 years old.

Ralph M. Carr, Private, 44th Combat Engineer Battalion, 1109th Combat Engineer Group

World War II. Wounded in Action / Prisoner of War at Stalag 4B, Muhlberg, Sachsen, Germany. Ralph M. Carr was born to Sam and Lillian Carr in Spearfish, South Dakota. When the war broke out, he enlisted for service on 26 February 1942 at Fort Francis, Wyoming. Assigned to the 44th Combat Engineer Battalion, his unit landed in England on 4 April 1944 and entered Normandy on 6 July 1944. After sweeping through the Northern France campaign, Carr's unit headed into the Ardennes area in support of the "southern forward center" during the Battle of the Bulge when he was captured by German forces on 19 December 1944. He was sent to Stalag IVB in Muhlberg, Germany. In May of 1945 the camp was liberated by Soviet Forces. Carr was found starved and in very poor health. After the war, Ralph "Tubby" Carr returned to his homestate and lived a long, prosperous life. He passed away on December 18, 2001 at the age of 81.

Merle F. Butler II, Warrant Officer First Class, Americal Division

Vietnam War. Killed in Action on 24 February 1969 over Quang Tin Provence, South Vietnam.

WO I Merle Butler II was born on December 9, 1947, the son of First Sergeant ( a Silver Star winner during WWII) and Mrs. Merle F. Butler. He joined the service from Lakewood, NY. Graduating with flight class 68-515 his tour overseas began on 13 November 1968. His first and final mission in-country took place on 24 February 1969 flying with the 176th AHC / 14th CAB of the Americal Division. Acting as co-pilot, Butler was assigned to fly the UH-1D tail number 63-12999. Flying a routine resupply mission ("milkrun"), Butler and the three others aboard died when the Huey was hit by .50 caliber antiaircraft fire while at 2000 feet, lost its main rotor, and crashed near Doc Tien, about 4 kilometers south-southwest of the Tam Ky airfield. He was 21 years old. He is memorialized on Panel 31, Line 32 of the Vietnam War Memorial.

Bruce A. Christjohn, Specialist 4, Combat Engineers

Vietnam War. Wounded in Action. Born in 1949, SP4 Bruce Christjohn was from the state of Pennsylvania. Only preliminary research has been conducted as of yet.

William Nottingham, Staff Sergeant, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action at Luzon, Philippines on 29 March 1945. SSgt. William Nottingham was born in 1923 and signed up for the service from Braxton County, West Virginia on 4 February 1941 at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. Assigned to the 35th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, the regiment arrived at Guadalcanal 23 December 1942 and to New George Island 2 August 1943. They were at Tulagi Island on 23 December 1944 and Manus Island by 29 December en route to the Philippines. The unit landed at San Fabian, Luzon on 11 January 1945 and began its central Luzon Plain operations on 16 January 1945. On 28 March 1945 Nottingham and his regiment was directed to halt their drive on the Balete Pass via the Putlan River Valley. The very next day, 29 March 1945, Nottingham was reported as missing...presumed killed by enemy forces. He is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery.

William R. White, 2Lt., China-India Wing, Air Transport Command, China Burma India Theatre

World War II. Killed in Action on 20 December 1943 while flying C-46 #41-12406 over "The Hump."

2Lt. William R. White was fom Birmingham, Alabama and was a pilot of the Curtiss C-46 Commando with the Air Transport Command of the China-Burma-India theatre. On 20 December 1943 he was assigned to co-pilot Commando #41-12406 in a classic supply run over the "Hump" from Station #9, Mohanbari, India to Chunking, China. In a time when it was deemed "safer to bomb Germany than it is to fly over the Hump," White's plane was lost at 11:52am on 20 December 1943. The plane's entire crew of four was never heard from again. His remains were never recovered. No official explanation for the loss of the plane could be made by the evidence collected. Chances are, like so many cargo planes, the plane went down in the mountains, never to be recovered. William R. White is memorialized at Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines at the Tablet of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery.

Tullio A. Petri, Sergeant, Company I, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division

World War II. Wounded in Action on 23 December 1944 near Petit-Coo, Belgium.

Sgt. Tullio Petri was an Italian immigrant born in 1919 and signed up for the service from Queens, New York. he was assigned to Company I, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. The regiment went ashore at Normandy on 10 June 1944 and spearheaded the St. Lo breakthrough and kept in the forefront all the way into Belgium. In December of 1945 when Von Rundstedt attempted his breakthrough, Petri's outfit was sent to the Malmedy-Stavelot-Stoumont area. On 23 December, in actions near Petit-Coo (an action where Paul L. Bolden of the same regiment was awarded the MOH), Mr. Petri was wounded by 88mm shrapnel. After the war, Petri returned home on 27 November 1945 aboard the Queen Mary. I was fortunate to have a conversation with Mr. Petri after purchasing his medals from an auction site in 2008. It seems that he and his wife had no children so on a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada in the mid 1970s, Petri sold his medals to a collector. 25 years later, the medals were purchased out of a California collection. Mr Petri and his wife, both at age 89, were very pleasant conversationalists as we discussed the travels of his medals all across North America.

Clyde Irwin, Private First Class, 135th Machine Gun Battalion, 37th Infantry Division

World War I. Wounded in Action on 29 September 1918 during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Pvt. Clyde Irwin was born in 1893 (Ashtabula, OH) and singed into the service on 7 May 1917. Assigned to the Machine Gun Company of the 10th Infantry, Ohio National Guard, Irwin's federal unit officially became federalized as Company G, 135th Machine Gun battalion, 37th Infantry Division on 15 June 1918. He stayed with th same unit for the duration of the war. On 4 August -16 September 1918 his unit was in the Baccarat Sector. On 26 September, the 135th machine Gun battalion kicked off into the Meuse-Argonne Offensive where, on 29 September 1918, Irwin was slightly wounded in action by enemy rifle fire. He never left the unit as it went into the Meuse-Argonne once more from October 7-16th, and then the Ypres-Lys Offensive in Belgium from 31 October - 4 November and 9 November until the end of the war. He was honorably discharged on 11 March 1919.

Russell E. Grobe, Private First Class, Company "F", 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action on 5 December 1944 at Sarreguemines, France. Russell Grobe of Gresham, Nebraska arrived at Omaha Beach, Normandy with his regiment on 7 August 1944. After St. Lo in late August and Mortain in September of 1944, the division found itself advancing unopposed through Woustviller and Roth. The division's well-founded hope had been that the Germans had withdrawn completely to the Saar River and would put up resistance only then. In the industrial area of Sarreguemines which lay astride the Saar River, the regiment finally made contact with German forces as fire fights ensued. Gun fire broke out all over the city as Second Battalion found itself in a fight that moved from building to building, precariously trying to clear the city street by street. It was in this "close quarters" fighting that Grobe was killed in action by a gunshot wound. After the war his body was laid to rest in his homestate.

James T. Howes, 2nd Lt., 410th Bombardment Squadron, 94th Bomber Group (Heavy), 8th AAF

World War II. Killed in Action on 6 March 1944 near Lahn, Germany. Born in New Jersey on August 24, 1918, Howes entered the service at 21 years of age on 27 January 1941. His ninth bombing mission on 6 March 1944 was to be a run over Berlin. Assigned to the B-17G "Jeanne" (42-38022), as co-pilot he made it to his target and released his bombs. On the return flight his group was jumped by ME-109 fighter aircraft. Hit multiple times,the Jeanne soon caught fire. Soon thereafter Howes was killed instantly when the Jeanne was shredded once more with 20mm gun fire. Listed as missing in action since his surviving crewmembers were now POWs in Germany, his status was changed to KIA one year later. Six years later his remains were recovered in a cemetery near Lahn as the townspeople gave him a proper burial. At the request of his sister, he was reinterred on 29 November 1949 at the Ardennes Cemetery in Belgium.

Rollie R. Townes Jr., Sergeant, 2nd Battalion, "D" Company, 346th Infantry, 87th Infantry Division.

World War II. Killed in Action near Kehlbach, Germany on 29 March 1945. Born in Texas on August 23, 1924, the son of Mr. Rollie R. and Anntine Townes, Rollie Jr. enlisted for service on 1 June 1943. Shipped overseas on 15 October 1944, as a member of the 346th Infantry Regiment, he first entered combat in France's Alsace-Lorraine. As a member of Patton's Third Army, his division crossed the Saar into Germany and captured Walsheim and Medelsheim. In the allied counterattack during the Battle of the Bulge, the 346th raced into Belgium near Bastogne. Soon after breaching the Seigfreid Line, the regiment crossed the Moselle River and captured Koblenz. By March of 1945, the regiment crossed the Rhine near Boppard and began a fast paced clearing out stage. It was during this stage when Rollie Townes was hit by small arms fire near the town of Rhens. He was survived by his parents, fiancee, and younger brother, Harrison.

Robert W. Hamilton, Sergeant, Company L, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action near Mt. Battaglia, Italy on 24 September 1944. Robert W. Hamilton was born in 1911 in Manchester, Connecticut. Signing up for federal service after three years of college on 16 June 1942, he was assigned to Company L, 350th Infantry Regiment of the 88th "Blue Devil" Infantry Division. His unit arrived in Casablanca on 15 December 1943. Moving next to Algeria, the unit was then transported to the Naples area, Italy in February of 1944. The entire division moved into the line on 4 March 1944. After the fall of Rome, the 88th began operation in the vicinity of Pomerance on 5 July 1944. The division attacked Volterra on 8 July and then went after the Gothic Line on 10 September 1944. Approaching the Mt. Battaglia area on 24 September 1944 in the raw, rainy autumn, Sgt. Robert W. Hamilton was hit by German rifle fire and killed instantly.

Anthony P. Picano, Private First Class, Company B, 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division

World War II. Wounded in Action on 19 February 1944 at Eniwetok, Marshall Islands. PFC Anthony P Picano was born on 23 November 1916 and signed up for the Army on 30 January 1941. He was assigned to Company B, 106th Infantry Regiment, of the federalized 27th NY Infantry Division. Arriving in Hawaii on 21 May 1942, the unit first saw action in the attack on the Makin Atoll from 21-24 November 1943. Picano's battalion further assaulted the Eniwetok Atoll on 19 February 1944. During the assault, Picano was wounded by Japanese machine gun fire. The combat operation closed up by 26 February 1944 and the unit returned to Oahu in March in preparation for actions at Saipan and Okinawa. Mr. Picano was living in Queens, NY when he passed away on April 10, 1990 at the age of 73. He was laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton, New York.

Walter A. Rose, Staff Sergeant, 454th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group. 9th Army Air Force

World War II. Wounded in Action. Born in 1920, SSGt. Walter A. Rose's name was located on a roster list for the 454th Bomb Squadron. Being an air crewman, Rose would have been a gunner on a B-26 Marauder. Rose's squadron, the "White Tails," flew numerous missions against V weapon sites along the coast of France. The squadron also bombed coastal artillery emplacements at Normandy and participated in aerial barrages that assisted the breakthrough at St. Lo. The squadron also received a DUC for operations during the Battle of the Bulge. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Rose was wounded in action and awarded an unnamed Purple Heart (typical for field awarded medals). Mr. Rose was regular army when the war broke out in December of 1941 and re-enlisted in the Army Air Force after the war on 26 January 1946 as a master sergeant.

Kenneth J. Kehm, Staff Sergeant, Company L, 383rd Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action at Futema, Okinawa on 23 April 1945. SSgt. Kenneth J Kehm was born in St. Louis , Missouri to John and Helena Kehm in 1920. Assigned to Third Battalion, Company L, 383rd Infantry Regiment of the 96th "Deadeye" Infantry Division, Kehm signed up for active federal service on 13 October 1942. On 17 April 1944 after almost two weeks of solid fighting on Okinanwa, the 96th ID was ordered to break the Tanabaru-Nishabaru hill defenses. At noon on 23 April, L Company went to work on Hill 7 and received heavy mortar fire. They were ordered to wait until nightfall. Kehm, who was the company supply sergeant at the Battalion Rear Supply Dump, was in his tent later that night when the Japanese began laying projectiles at around 2300 hours. One shell exploded near Kehm's tent, wounding him mortally. He was temporarily interred in the 96th Infantry Division Temporary Cemetery on Okinawa Shima, Row. No. 16, Grave No. 547. His remains were later laid to rest in his hometown of St. Louis.

Kenneth R. Broxholme, Private First Class, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division

World War II. Wounded in Action on 15 March 1945 near Lorscheid, Germany. Kenneth Broxholme was born in Los Angeles County, California on August 3, 1918. At the age of 25 he signed up for federal service on 19 June 1944 and was placed in a replacement company overseas in January of 1945. Assigned to the 47th Infantry of the 9th Infantry Division in early February, Broxholme took part in the attack on Schwammenauel Dam before moving into the Huertgen Forest sector. On 28 February 145, his regiment crossed the Roer and attacked toward the Rhine. On 7 March 1945 the unit reached the Ramagan bridgehead and took over the site's defenses. It was on 15 March 1945 during the defense of the Ludendorf Railroad Bridge was wounded by an artillery round. he recovered quickly and stayed on with his unit until the end of the war. Mr. Broxholme was awarded this heart as well as the Bronze Star. He passed away on 9 June 1996 while living in Taylor County, Texas.

Kenneth R. Godkin, Private, Company C, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division

World War II. Wounded in Action on 11 September 1944 in Brittany, France. Pvt. Kenneth R. Godkin was born in Salem, Oregon on October 14, 1916, the son of Joseph T. and Sarah Godkin. He signed up for active federal service on 10 August 1943 and was assigned to 1st Battalion, Company C, 23rd Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. Godkin's regiment arrived in Ireland on 8 October 1943 and landed at Omaha Beach on 8 June 1944. Participating in brutal hedgerow fighting, the 23rd found itself pitted against the 2nd German Paratroop Division who defended the area with great tenacity. On 11 September 1944, Godkin was hit by enemy fire, but, in a move that would be indicative of his nature, was back fighting with his unit the very next day. He was credited with participation in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central European campaigns. After the war he returned to Oregon until his passing on 22 February 1999.

Milton M. Chibnik, Sergeant, Company E, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 23rd "Americal" Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action on 10 March 1944 on Hill 260, Bougainville. Sgt. Milton Chibnik was born in 1914 and was from Boston, Massachusetts. He enlisted for service on 6 March 1941. he was assigned to Company E, 182nd Infantry Regiment of the 23rd "Americal" Infantry Division. His unit went into action on 13 October 1942 at Guadalcanal as the first US Army unit to conduct an offensive operation in WWII. by 5 March 1943 the unit landed in the Fiji Islands assuming defensive positions and undergoing severe training. From 25 December 1943 - 12 January 1944, the division landed on Bougainville. Chibnik's unit went on the offensive in March. On 8 March the Japanese began shelling the Americal defensive perimeter with artillery fire - the battle for Hill 260 that would ensue would last for nearly a month. On 10 March 1944, Chibnik's company attempted to repulse a brutal close-in bayonet attack. After two hours of hand to hand combat, the Japanese withdrew. However, Chibnik had been mortally wounded.

*I currently have Sgt. Chibnik's Bronze Star in my collection...I am anxiously searching for his named Purple Heart*

Harold K. Brinser, Private First Class, Company E , 504th / 507th P.I.R., 82nd / 17th Airborne Divisions

World War II. According to discharge, wounded in Action on 14 September 1944.

PFC Harold K. Brinser was born on August 12, 1921 in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. He entered active service on 12 August 1942 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. According to his discharge papers, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the ETO Medal with 7 Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart for wounds received on 14 September 1944. He was a combat infantryman credited with the following campaigns: Rome-Arno, Naples-Foggia, Sicily, Normandy, Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Ardennes. Originally a man who jumped with the 504th, he separated from the Army on 26 September 1945 as a member of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He later went on to work as a steamfitter with the new Cumberland Army Depot for 23 years and was a lifelong member of the Elizabethtown Fire Company (joining in 1937). He was fire chief for 8 years and assistant chief for 12. He was also a fireman of the year. He passed away on April 5, 1994 at the age of 72.

If a Purple Heart medal is being offered with enough material to give it provenance to a unit, I usually pick it up. Unfortunately, other than some haphazard SSIs, chevrons, or DIs included, these pieces are all unidentified to a specific individual. They are still wonderful items; it is just too bad that their individual history has been lost due to lack of notetaking or lost family provenance.

Cleotis C. Dohse, Staff Sergeant, Aerial Gunner / Mechanic, 645th BS, 410th Bomb Group, 9th AAF

World War II. Wounded in action, 20 March 1945, Geische Marshalling Yard, Germany

Cleotis C. Dohse was born in Hartford City, Indiana in 1922. Signing up for federal service on 23 December 1942, Dohse flew as an aerial gunner in a B-26 with the 645th Bomb Squadron. His unit moved to England from March to April of 1944 and helped prepare for the invasion of Normandy with coastal defense strikes and attacks against V weapons. The squadron received a Distinguished Unit Citation for their actions in the Ardennes from 23-25 December 1944. The squadron's 230th mission was a bombing run against the Geische Marshalling Yard. It was on this mission when Dohse was wounded by flak fragments that entered his aircraft. Dohse was discharged from the service on 7 October 1945. He ended the war with a Purple Heart, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, ETO medal with four stars, the Good Conduct medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. He passed away 21 June 1997 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Dennis R. Chambers, Specialist 4, US Army.

Vietnam War. Wounded in Action.

SP4 Dennis R. Chambers was born on Arpil 23, 1950 and served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. This piece is an obvious veteran's offical engraving request for a wounded in action piece, however, it is still being researched. Mr. Chambers passed away at the age of 49 on Christmas Eve of 1999. He was laid to rest at the Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

Francis P. Martin, Private First Class, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action January 16, 1945 (finding of death 17 January 1946). PFC Francis P. Martin was born in 1919 and signed up for federal service from Wilkes-Barre, PA on 7 December 1942. Assigned to the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division, his unit landed at Sicily on 10 July 1943. The next assault landing was at Salerno on 10 September 1943. The unit continued to fight for 72 continuous days. Assaulting Anzio on 1 February 1944, the 60th Regiment later spearheaded the drive for Rome. Part of Operation Dragoon on 15 August 1944, the unit hit the "soft underbelly" of France and kept up the fight until early November (resuming action on 25 November 1944). By January of 1945, Martin's unit was east of Reipertswiller near Niederbronn. After an impressive drive into the German defensive line, by 16 January 1945 Martin's company was surrounded by the 6th SS Mountain Division and continually shelled by mortar barrage. During this time, only two men from the beleaguered companies made it back to American lines. The regiment had lost 158 men killed, 350 wounded evacuated and 426 men captured. PFC Martin was never seen again and was officially declared dead one year and one day later on 17 January 1946. He is memorialized at the Epinal American Cemetery, France.

Walter L. Szczepanik, Private, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division

World War II. Prisoner of War. Captured 6 September 1944 east of Givet, Belgium. Pvt. Walter L. Szczepanik was assigned to the 60th Regiment of the "Old Reliables," the 9th Infantry Division. Hitting Utah Beach on D+4, 10 June 1944, his unit moved east and took the Douve Line by securing three bridges that spanned the river. After taking Cherbourg and crossing the Seine, the Marne and the Meuse following the St. Lo breakout, on 4 September the unit made contact with enemy forces near Givet, Belgium and began a two week period of severe fighting. Approaching the Seigfried Line on 6 September 1944, Szczepanik was sent with a squad to perform area reconnaissance and was wounded and captured by German forces. He eventually ended up at Stalag 7a which was 1km north of Moosburg, Bavaria. Being one of 4000 POWs packed into a camp designed for 2000, Szczepanik was liberated by the 14th Armored Division at 12:15 pm on 29 April 1945.

Leo F. Fratella, Private, HQ Company, 103rd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division

World War II. Killed in Action January 20, 1945. Leo F. Fratella was born in Los Angeles County, California to Frank and Mary A. Fratella on 6 January 1922. Enlisting for federal service on 12 June 1943, Fratella was assigned to the Medical Corps. Going to the Pacific Theatre with the 103rd Infantry Regiment of the 43rd Infantry Division, Fratella saw action at Vangunu, the Rendova Islands, and Munda. His unit assaulted the San Fabian area of Luzon on 9 January 1945. In the area of Palac-Palac, Luzon on 20 January 1945, Fratella's unit was assaulting Japanese positions on Hill 600. Fratella was tending to several wounded soldiers when he was strafed by Japanese machine gun fire and killed. He was survived by his wife (who remarried a little over a year later), a daughter, his father, and his distraught mother. He was laid to rest in Plot L, Row 10, Grave 48 Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippine Islands.

James E. O'Donnell, Jr., Sergeant, 455th Bombardment Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group, 9th AAF

World War II. Wounded in Action 25 May 1944. James O'Donnell Jr. was born in Kenton County, Kentucky in 1921. Signing up for federal service on 25 August 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was immediately assigned to aerial gunner school. Upon earning his gunner wings, he was transferred to the 455th BS, 323rd Bomber Group of the 9th Army Air Force. After several missions, on 25 May 1944 O'Donnell was slated as the tail gunner in the B-26B, #41-31853, "Lois Rose" which was on a mission to attack the Seraing Railroad Bridge in Belgium. Near Aubel (17 miles NE of Seraing), his Marauder was struck by accurate flak fire. Flown by 1LT. Richard E. Johnson, the plane dropped out of formation and went missing in action. O'Donnell, Johnson, SSgt Harry Schwartz, and SSgt John DeLoye were taken as POWs whereas the other two crewmembers were listed as killed in action. O'Donnell was interned at Stalag Luft III, Sagan, Bavaria and then to Stalag VIIID at Nuremberg. With the approach of American troops in February of 1945, he was then transferred to Stalag VIIA. Stalag VII-A was liberated by the 14th Armored Division on 29 April 1945. O'Donnell returned to his homestate of Kentucky after the war, taking up a home in the county of Madison. He passed away on February 24, 1961 at the very young age of 39.

Clinton Pope Ritter, Private First Class, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division

World War I. Wounded in Action on 15 March 1918. Clinton Ritter was the son of Henry C. Ritter and was born in Brooklyn, NY on 19 November 1895. Signing up for WWI service in 1917, he was assigned to the 165th Infantry Regiment (formerly the New York Fighting 69th Irish Brigade) of the 42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division. In the Irish defense of Luneville, France, Ritter was gassed along with a large number from his company on 15 March 1918. He later returned to his unit in time for the 165th's defense at the Ancerville and St. Hilaire sectors. His unit then attacked across the Ourcq River, near Seringes-et-Nesles, France, on 25 July and advanced during the St. Mihiel offensive on 12 September 1918. His service ended with the defense of the Irish sector at St. Georges, France from 12-19 October. After mustering out of service at Camp Upton, NY on 7 May 1919, Ritter went on to become an accountant, husband, and father in his home town of Brooklyn. He passed away in June of 1966.

Herbert L. Hogan, Private First Class, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division

World War II. Wounded in Action on 15 March 1945 near Schweifeld, Germany. Herbert L. Hogan was born on February 8, 1923 in Oklahoma. At the age of 21 he signed up for federal service on 22 June 1944 and was placed in a replacement company overseas in January of 1945. Assigned to the 39th Infantry of the 9th Infantry Division in early February, Hogan took part in the attack on Schwammenauel Dam before moving into the Huertgen Forest sector. On 28 February 1945, his regiment crossed the Roer and attacked toward the Rhine. On 7 March 1945 the unit reached the Ramagan bridgehead and took over the site's defenses. It was on 15 March 1945 in the area of Schweifeld that he was wounded by light artillery fire. Like many others, he patched himself up and rejoined his unit very quickly. He passed away on 5 July 1998 while living in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

William Henry Emmick, Corporal, Company C, 125th Inf. Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division

World War I. Wounded in Action on 3 August 1918. William Henry Emmick was born in Cedar Run, Pennsylvania on 22 November 1892, the son of Samuel and Emma Enqubist Emmick. Entering federal service from Morris, PA on 13 April 1917, Emmick was assigned to C Company of the 125th Infantry Regiment. He was transported out of Waco, TX to Camp Merrit, NJ in preparation for the Atlantic crossing in January of 1918. The unit established its headquarters in Langres, France on 24 February 1918. By May of 1918 the 125th was assigned front line duty in Haute Alsace and later went into the Marne district. By mid July Emmick's unit was near the Rhine-Rhone Canal. On 30 July 1918 the 32nd Infantry Division was committed to the battle line at Chateau-Thierry. On 3 August 1918 Emmick was severely wounded in the right thigh by German machine gun fire. Sent was back into the action on 26 September 1918 and participated in the full brunt of the Meuse Argonne Hindenberg line assault. Following the armistice he remained in service and returned to the States on 8 May 1919. He was finally discharged on 26 May 1919. He returned to Morris and spent the rest of his years there, passing away on December 15, 1971.

Abe Hofberg, Staff Sergeant, HQ Platoon, Company C, 865th Aviation Engineers Battalion

World War II. Wounded in Action at Leyte, Philippines. SSGT. Abe Hofberg was born of Argentinean heritage on 2 July 1909. By the 1930s he was a full time counter man at his folks' deli in Washington D.C. He entered the federal service on 17 August 1942 and was assigned to the 865th Aviation Engineer Battalion. His unit landed at New Guinea in December of 1943 and was primarily in charge of creating landing strips that would be used by local American units. Attached to the 23rd Americal Infantry Division by late March, 1945, the unit then went to Cebu where it worked on the Lahug airstrip. His Purple Heart is of the rare pantograph impression style that was done between July and August of 1945. After his discharge, Abe returned to Washington, DC and took up his counter duties at the old deli. After taking over the entire business, Hofberg's Deli became a staple favorite for all area locals. Abe Hofberg passed away on December 11, 1974.

Steven D. Flowers, Corporal, United States Marine Corps

Vietnam War. Wounded in Action early 1968. Steven Dean Flowers was born on 10 December 1949 and entered federal service with the Marines shortly after high school on 25 July 1967. Within a few months he was shipped to Vietnam where he was wounded in action shortly thereafter and sent Stateside for care. He received his Purple Heart from Lt. General Frank C. Tharin, Deputy Commander of the FMF, Pacific. He was promoted to corporal on 1 August 1969 at marine barracks, NTC, Great Lakes, Illinois. He passed away on December 29, 1997 in Decatur, Illinois and is buried at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.

More thorough research is pending.

Willard R. Ferneau, Corporal, 409th Signal Company Aviation, Far East Air Force

World War II. Wounded in Action during captivity. Cpl. Willard R. Ferneau was born in Bend, Oregon on July 3, 1924. An athletic young man, Willard played varsity football (and was a multiple captain) for the Bend High School Lava Bears from 1938 to 1940 (graduating in 1941). He signed up for federal service in late May of 1941 directly after graduation. He was assigned to the 409th Signal Company (Aviation) of the far East Air Force and was shipped out to the Philippines. He was in the Philippines during the great struggle against Japanese forces. After running out of food and ammunition, the American forces surrendered and were immediately imprisoned. Taken as a prisoner of war on 9 April 1942 (report made 7 May 1942), Ferneau took part in the Bataan Death March. He was then transported to the Hoten POW Camp (Mukden) in Manchuria. After three long years of starvation and torture, he was liberated and officially repatriated on 15 October 1945. After the war he returned to Bend, OR where he passed away 34 years later in February of 1979.

Michael L. Thompson, Specialist 4, US Army Special Forces

Vietnam War. Wounded in Action 23 June 1969. SP4 Michael Lloyd Thompson was born in Colorado on 7 July 1949. Entering Army service shortly after his high school experience, Thompson underwent intense training to become a member of the US Army Special Forces. He was deployed to Vietnam and was wounded in action against hostile forces 23 June 1969. After the war, Thompson moved to Westerville, Ohio where he lived out his remaining years. Unfortunately, he passed away at the young age of 53 on 24 October 2002.

More thorough research is pending.

Robert Lyle Zbinden, Radio Technician First Class, USS Bunker Hill CV-17

World War II. Killed in Action, 11 May 1945, Okinawa Operation. RT1C Robert L. Zbinden was born in Sterling, Illinois to Ernest and Helen Zbinden. Joining the crew of the Bunker Hill on 24 March 1942, he served with the Bunker Hil throughout its multiple campaigns at Tarawa, Truk, the Philippine Sea, Iwo Jima, etc. Zbinden was killed in action when the USS Bunker Hill was hit by Japanese Ensign Kiyoshi Ogawa's kamikaze attack on 11 May 1945. He was one of 346 killed in the attack. His name was memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Hawaii.

Note: I am actively seeking Mr. Zbinden's Purple Heart as it would complete the grouping.

James W. Milliken, 2nd Lieutenant, 3rd Sea-Search Attack Squadron, 1st Sea-Search Attack Group, Langley AFB, Army Air Force Anti-Submarine Command

World War II. Lost at Sea, 21 April 1943; Finding of Death proclaimed. This heart is a scarcer one as it as a killed in action piece named to the American Theatre. 2Lt. James W. Milliken was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925 and was the son of Harry and Eloise Milliken. He signed up for federal service as an Air Cadet on 27 December 1941 having completed two years of college. Assigned to Langley AFB's 1st Search Attack Group, on 21 April 1943, he was in the co-pilot chair of B-24D #41-23914 on a routine Anti-Submarine patrol mission (piloted by Lt. Fred M. Speak, Jr.). A faint distress call was heard at Langley's tower and several search missions were launched to rescue any survivors. The plane and its crew, Milliken included, was never seen again. A finding of death was made official for all crewmembers on board. Unfortunately, Mr. Milliken's name is not memorialized on any ABMC Tablet of the Missing or lost at sea citations.

George A. Shoup, Private, 2711361, Company M, 316th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division

World War I. Wounded in Action, 30 September 1918. George A. Shoup was born in 1891 in Crystal Springs, Ohio. Entering service on 28 April 1918 from Barberton, Ohio, Shoup was assigned to the 12th Battalion of the 154th Depot Brigade up until 15 June 1918. He then joined M Company, 316th Infantry of the 79th Infantry Division. Credited with participating in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive (The Battle of the Argonne Forest). Pvt. Shoup was wounded slightly on 30 September 1918 near Nantillois, France. He was honorably discharged on 29 June 1919 after being credited with Defensive Sector duty as well. Mr. Shoup passed away in Bolivar, Tuscarawas County, Ohio on July 1, 1977 at the age of 86.

Paul James Stensgaard,

Vietnam War. Wounded in Action.

Research in Progress