Mulberry
Memories
HHH Veterans Issue HHH
Mulberry Military
Sue Bryan Conley
When Vietnam veterans see another Vietnam Vet,
they say “Welcome home”
T
his morning I awoke early with a
very sobering memory of an incident
that happened at the Chicken/Pork
Chop dinner at the Sesquicentennial.
While Jane, Phil Conlon, Richard Edmonds,
John Riggs and I were standing in line, a
fellow came up to Richard and they chatted
for awhile. I couldn’t hear the conversation,
so, nosey me, asked Richard if I should know
the fellow. Richard said that he didn’t know
the man’s name, but when Vietnam veterans
see another Vietnam Vet, they say “Welcome
home” to each other. Richard had a baseball
cap with Vietnam Veteran something on it.
I’ve led a very sheltered life when it comes
to war. My dad was standing in line to sign
up for World War I when the Armistice was
announced. He was too old for WWII.
I was very young during the Korean
Conflict and just remember seeing headlines
in the Lafayette Journal and Courier.
Just before I moved to St. Louis area,
the world began to hear about Vietnam. I
remember our college friends asking where
was Vietnam. I knew where it was, because
in the fifth grade I got a pen pal from Vietnam
through the Girl Scouts. (She came to the US
in 1960 and we still correspond.)
Ralph was exempt for the draft because
he had children. He worked at McDonnell
Aircraft, so the people we associated with
would have been able to avoid going to war.
He was friendly with a couple of Vietnam
pilots (much later), but I never met them.
During the war, I felt that people like
actress Jane Fonda and others should be
tried for treason. Their actions prolonged
the fighting, causing many more deaths,
injuries, etc. So, today, I say “Welcome
Home” to all Vietnam Veterans and invite
you (Mulberryites) to join me in my salute
and list the names of all Mulberry service
people, deceased and living, who served our
country.
Life at Sea
Nelson Combs
T o give you “Landlubbers” a taste of what
being at sea can entail, the attached was
sent to me by a Navy contemporary who had
served on a carrier. His comment was to the
effect that sailing through seas like this was
bad enough on a 90,000 ton carrier with
approximately 60 feet of freeboard between
the normal water line and the flight deck, he
couldn’t imagine riding it out on a 2200 ton
destroyer.
Well, I can’t imagine it on a destroyer
either, but I can on a 1900 ton destroyer
escort with only one propeller and an
average of about six feet of freeboard. We
got caught in a typhoon off Okinawa in the
Fall of 1958. That was a couple of days I
won’t forget. A Navy description for rough
seas is “taking green water over the bridge”.
Well, we took green water over the crows
nest! From walls of water in a wave trough
to nothing but sky at the top. I was scared
to death for about 12 hours, but after that
Mulberry Memories
resigned to my fate. Thank God both our
skipper and executive officer were academy
grads and both excellent seamen.
Every time I watch the “Caine Mutiny”
it brings back that experience. I am also
thankful that the book “Halsey’s Typhoon”
had not yet been written, and I had no
knowledge at that point of that WWII event.
P.S. Louie. Maybe you could forward this
to your list of friends who are “Old Salts”.
I would be interested in their experiences.
Life at Sea
MU2 Brewer Bob
D
r J: I was stationed aboard the USS
Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) for my WestPac
Cruise in 1970-71. We went first to Hawaii,
then to Subic Bay, then out to the line and so
forth. We spent some time on Destroyers and
eventually came back on the USS Hancock
(CVA 19). Never saw any seas like these!
Thank you for this.
Mulberry Military
Clyde Johnson
I
can add some who served in the military.
Jerry Reiss served at least 20 years in
the navy and was in Nam more than once
and had a wall full of medals when I visited
him after he retired. I’ve lost track of him
now but I think he is still in Hawaii. I also
served. I was an army Doctor on active
duty from ‘61 to ‘64 at Fort Knox and Fort
Ord. I think there are many more in our
age group who served because in the ‘50s
and ‘60s most males either volunteered
or was drafted to serve at least 6 months
active duty. I went into ROTC at Purdue so I
wouldn’t be drafted and have to serve as an
enlisted man. I missed the Viet Nam war by
a few months.
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Military
Nelson Combs
C lyde Johnson is absolutely correct
about required military service. Unless
you had a physical disability or family
obligations, you were going to get in. I was
called twice by the draft board at Frankfort,
but managed to delay going in until I had
finished college.
I still consider my generation (those of us
born in the 1930s) to be extremely lucky. We
were too young for WWII. Korea hit us about
right, but deferments could be gotten.
Then we were either too old or had done
our time by Vietnam. I enlisted in the Navy
just prior to graduation from IU in 1957. I
wanted to beat the draft board who I knew
were watching me carefully. Happy to say I
was successful, as the Navy turned out to
be the ideal branch of service for me, and
even though it required putting your plans
on hold for four years, it was worth it.
Military
Marcia Cash Wooldridge
A t the last Alumni gathering, I remember
Earl Dose telling me that he was one
of the many Air Force Pilots that bombed
Schweinfurt, Germany because of the ball
bearing plant located there. It was vital that
the plant be totally destroyed, and it was,
along with most of the town.
Schweinfurt was where my husband
was stationed with the Army in 1955-56.
The apartment we rented was of brick on a
bare lot and shrapnel damaged. Most of the
homes off the main thoroughfare were still
in need of repair.
Military
Elisabeth Ruch Dubin
I One boy, John Grice, was reported missing
f the service person is or was married to
a Mulberryite, their name goes on the list,
too.
Sue, I send this to you in response to
your e-mail in order to add another family
with historic records of military service by
citizens of Mulberry.
Daniel Ruch, father of P.V. Ruch, born
and lived in Mulberry – Civil War veteran,
wounded in battle, served in 4th Indiana
Calvary.
P.V. Ruch born in and long time resident
of Mulberry – served in Spanish American
war in the Philippine Islands, Battery G,
3rd Artillery, 1898-1902. Served in WWI as
2 Mulberry Memories
Captain of Battery G, 3rd Field Artillery, in
France, discharged as a Major, continuing in
the Army reserve, retiring as a Lt. Col.
Dr. Karl M. Koons (son of Dr. Koons, and
sister of Josie K. Ruch) 1st. Lt. Medical
Corps, WWI.
Dr. Monroe K. Ruch (son of Josie & P.V.
Ruch) served in WWII as a Captain in the 4th
Auxiliary Surgical Unit attached to Patton’s
Army. After peace, retained for service in
Army hospitals in California, discharged as
a Lt. Col.
Hope this is a useful addition to your list
of Mulberry soldiers.
Military
Jim McKinnis writes:
(Vietnam)
T
hat is really nice of you to think about
us in such a way, my brother John was
there, too. I was there in 67, 68 – John in
68, 69.
Military
Marcia Wooldridge
Sandy Cash Gaylor
S everal years ago, Marcia Wooldridge and
Sandy Gaylor Cash collected articles of
interest for the Class of 1954 from Mulberry
Reporters that Fritz Bowers had kept. The
following is one of those articles:
Mulberry Reporter Headlines
on 8-17-45:
War Ends
“Boys from Madison township who will
never return are: Jesse Layton, William
Force and John Bennett.
Others with community connections are:
David Seest, John Elliott, Russell Golden,
Garlen and Bronson Packard, Floyd Hanger
and Harold Shaffer.
and never since heard from.
Among the wounded are: John Dunk,
Jim Mitchell, Hadley Martin, Jimmy Hall,
George Golden, Harold Brand, Max Gable,
Glen Rebman Jr., Carl Rex, Clarence Smith
and William Timmons.
Still believed to be prisoners are Wilson
DeVoss and Emerson Rex.
Liberated prisoners are John W. Tudor,
William Wilson, Joe Hinesley, John Purner,
Clarence Timmons and Vernon Amstutz. An
attempt has been made to have these lists
compete, but there may be omissions.
From our class of 1954 not mentioned
before:
A/1C Charlie Burns, USAF
Army PFC Glen Hart, Company A of
Div. 54th Infantry served in Heilbronn,
Germany
Sgt. Neal Gaylor: 3 years in Germany and
3 yrs. stationed at Fort Hood, TX
Jay Mitchell, USAF
Bonnie Sturgeon, Navy
Also noted: Lt. Billy Joe Wetzel, bomber
pilot... reported 10/13/44: stationed
in England has been awarded the
Distinquished Flying Cross
Mulberry Military
Nelson Combs
Spanish American War
Harvie Lipp, while technically not a
Mulberryite, was married to my Grandma
Pearl Lipp, and was a veteran of the
Spanish American war in the US Army in
the Philippines.
World War 1
Dr. Karl M. Koons (son of Dr. Koons, and
sister of Josie K. Ruch) 1st. Lt. Medical
Corps, WWI.
Joe Hinesley – Liberated POW
Elmer Rothenberger, maternal uncle
of Jane and Sue Bryan, killed when his
Sopwith Camel crashed in France.
World War 2
Lyle Barton – commissioned a Ensign
in Navy at Purdue in 1946, served on the
USS Gearing, husband of Jean A. Snyder
Barton.
‘Bugs’ Bennett – US Army – European
theater
Don Bennett –WWII – US Navy
Bob Bols – US Navy – Pacific theater
Floyd Bolyard, Jr. – saw 30 months
of service as a radio operator in the Air
Corps, Pacific Theater.
Harold Brand – Wounded
Morris Bryan – WWII – US Army
Bertina Burkhalter – WWII – US Army
Robert Clark – WWII – US Army
Roy Cleaver – US Navy
Nelson B. Combs, MD – US Navy –
several shore stations and the
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt
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 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Bill Davis – Severely wounded in WWII
Melvin Dellinger – WWII – US Navy
Robert E. Douglass – husband of Phyllis
Joan Layton (class of 1946) WWII vet
Charles Gordon Dunk – (class of 1942)
during WW2 was stationed in Hawaii as a
Civil Service employee
John Duck – Wounded
Robert Dunk – WWII army European
area wounded
John Elliot
Charles Fleishhauser
Donald Fleischhauer – WWII – Class of
1943
Richard Clayton Force – attended MHS,
served 5 years in Army Air Force, two of
them in China
Thomas Force – WWII navy
Max Gable – Wounded
Forest Glick – WW2 vet
George Golden – US Army – Wounded,
Pacific theater
Russell Golden
Sam Goode – WWII – left high school
junior year for the army.
Walter W. Gray – husband of Grace
Evelyn Rothenberger
John Grice – Reported missing and
never heard from as of 8-17-45
Jack Haher – Army Air Force B26 pilot
in Europe – married to Peggy Lou Fickle
Jimmy Hall – Wounded
Floyd Hanger
Lt. Robert Harper – married Annie
Whitlock in 1952. He was in the Army at
Ft. Belvoir, Va. My guess is that Harper
might have been in service during Korean
Conflict.
J. C. Judge – 3 years with AAF
communications service in Natal, Brazel
Kenneth Kleinsmith – WWII navy
Bronson Packard
Garlen Packard
Karl M. Koons, MD – 1st Lt, Medical
Corps
Donald Layton – 2 years Navy
Sam Lehr – US Army – European theater
George Marshal – Corporal with the 37th
Division in the invasion of Luzon. Eleven
months in Philippine Islands.
Hadley Martin – US Army – Wounded
Elmer G. Maxwell – Sgt. US Army Air
Corps… Southern Command… Mechanic on
B-29, B-37, flew planes across Atlantic from
South American Bases. Step-Father of Steve
Conarroe
Emmet G. Miller – 1935, Commissioned
a 2nd Lt upon graduation from Purdue
University – 1943, Called to active duty
to serve in the European Theater of
Operations (ETO) – 1945, Commissioned
a Major in the Field Artillery – Received
numerous service medals including the
Bronze Star
Jim Mitchell – Wounded – left high
school junior year for the army.
Eldon Lee Miteff – Army, 1944
Reed S. Moody – US Marine Corps,
served 3-1/2 years – husband of Juanita
Ruth Bowers (class of 1942).
Joseph E. Pollack – husband of Martha
Aileen Fickle (graduate of MHS) 3 years
Armed Forces
John Purner – Liberated POW
Glen Rebman, Jr. – Wounded
Carl Rex – Wounded
Emerson Rex – Still believed to be a
prisoner
Monroe K. Ruch, MD – US Army – Son
of Josie & P.V. Ruch, served in WWII as a
Captain in the 4th Auxiliary Surgical Unit
attached to Patton’s Army. After peace,
retained for service in Army hospitals in
California, discharged as a Lt. Col.
Harold Ruckle – US Marines – Although
wounded in action, was one of three
machine gunners to leave Guam alive.
Gordon Rutan – 2 years US Army
Everett Scheirer, Pfc. – Served at Valley
Forge government hospital
David Seest
Harold Shaffer
Glenn Robert Skiles – US Navy
Clarence Smith – Wounded
David Snyder – husband of Leota
Ruth Peters, radioman in US Navy and a
qualified submarine man, having graduated
from Submarine School in New London,
Conn. July 1941 assigned to a submarine
stationed at Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone.
Leota would join him in Panama.
Blanchard L. Sprunger – husband of
Carol Burkhalter, served 3-½ years in
Mulberry Memories
Army Air Force as a flight engineer on a
B-29. Completed 25 missions over Japan
and holds the Air Medal with two Oak
Leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying
Cross.
Ned Stephenson – (MHS 1948) Army
First Lt. Thelma Thompson – (MHS
alum) married First Sgt. Amos P.
Tomlinson. She joined the Army Nurse Corp
in 1944, spent time in England and Japan.
Clarence Timmons – Liberated POW
William Timmons – Wounded
John W. Tudor – Liberated POW
Jim Vice – US Army – Harold’s dad, was
an Army MP either at the end of WW2 or
shortly thereafter
Kenny Weaver – US Army Air Force –
C47 pilot in CBI theater, stationed in India
and flew the Hump to China
Dixon Weida – US Army – Pacific theater
Billy Joe Wetzel – US Army Air Force
– Lt. – bomber pilot, stationed in England,
awarded Distinquished Flying Cross
Charles Whitcomb – Phillippes, Navy,
many months on islands in Pacific.
William Wilson – Liberated POW
Kenneth Woodruff – husband of Louise
Arlene Morrison, WW2 vet
Verle Ziegler – husband of Ruth Stewart,
seaman stationed on the U.S.S. Wyoming at
Norfolk, Va.
After World War 2
Gene Hawkins – US Navy
John Peters – US Air Force
Korea
Ernest Leon Ashforth
Max Leland Bass
John Albert Golden
Lewis Almon Harshman
Edward Franklin Henrichs
John F. Huffer
Lloyd Mark Kelley
Kenneth Eugene Lucas
Elmer Douglas Mays
James Andrew Oliver
Richard Owen Packard
Keith Rothenberger – husband of
Joann Glenn
Charles James Schiery
Don Schiery – wounded
Arthur Edgar Sharp
Joseph Mertz Smith
Eldon Skiles
James Fredrick Stinson
Amos Paul Tomlinson
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Vietnam
Mike Lynn Armstrong
A/1C Charlie Burns, USAF, Vietnam in
1968
Larry Lee Campbell – husband of Ellen
Ann Bryan, served 3 years in US Army.
Waybe Lee Dunk
Richard Edmonds (Class of 1961)
Henry R. Feeser – husband of Linda
Pierson. He was born January 8, 1939, in
Springfield, Ohio. His experience includes
twenty-five years service with the United
States Navy (Commander, USN (Retired)),
where he served in combat surface ships,
offshore and in-country Vietnam, in combat
systems, electronic and ship procurement,
and shipbuilding. He is currently receiving
disability from the VA for Agent Orange
exposure.
Samuel J. Gascho
Sgt. Neal Gaylor: 3 yrs. in Germany and
3 yrs. stationed at Fort Hood, TX
Ralph D. Goodnight
David L. Hansell served in the Marine
Drum and Bugle Corps, 1967-1970.
Dennis R. Hansell is a retired Lieutenant
Commander in the United States Navy. He
graduated from Culver Military Academy in
1968 and from the U.S. Naval Academy in
1972 and retired in 1992.
Ronald S. Hansell served in the Marine
Corps in Vietnam in the 5th Marine
Regiment, 1st Battalion, Delta Company,
3rd Platoon, 1968-1969. He received two
Purple Hearts and a Meritorious Mast
Commendation.
PFC Glen Hart, Army, Company A of
Div. 54th Infantry served in Heilbronn,
Germany
Benton Huffer
Raymond D. Knuckles
David Lee Kodman
Harry E. Maxell
Jim McKinniss, Vietnam 1967-68
John Edward McKinniss, Vietnam
1968-69
Alan C. Miller, Clinton Central Class of
65, husband of Barb Glenn, Bronze Star
Gary Fredrick Miller
Jay Mitchell, USAF
Larry Mosier, husband of Janet Miller,
1962 – enlisted in Army, 1966 – Served in
Vietnam, appointed rank of Staff Sargent
E6, received numerous service medals,
including the Bronze Star
N Base, La.
4 Mulberry Memories
Bob Parker – US Navy for 26 years,
retiring in January 1991 as a Master
Chief Quartermaster. Last duty was as the
Command Master Chief of an aegis cruiser,
USS Princeton (CG-59).
Larry Peek (Class of 1961)
Carl (Charlie) Riggs, Navy veteran of the
Vietnam War
Paul Sharp, retired Air Force
Don Stewart, Marines, served 3 tours in
Viet Nam
Bonnie Sturgeon, Navy
Harold Vice, retired Air Force
Gary Lee Yuill
And after ????
Nelson Combs, Jr. – US Navy
Joe Ferry – US Air Force
Tom Fickle – US Army, 1958-60, Fort
Ord, CA, Fort Chaffee, AK, Fort Sill, OK
Floyd Garrett – US Army, 1960-61, Fort
Ord, CA, Fort Lewis, WA
Dale Gaylor – US Air Force
Lloyd Kelly – US Army
Gene Mitchell – US Air Force
Bob L. Miteff – Marines, 1969-82 –
Adm, brig guard, cross country chaser
David E. Miteff – Navy, 1973-74 –
Boiler Tech on the USS Saratoga
Howard L. Miteff – Air Force, 1978-88
Jerry Reiss – US Navy – made a career
out of the Navy and retired as a Signalman
Chief Petty Officer
Charlie Skiver – US Army
Bernie Walker – US Air Force
Dave Weaver – US Army
Charlie Weida – US Navy
Among the Wounded
Harold Brand
John Dunk
Max Gable
George Golden
Jimmy Hall
Hadley Martin
Jim Mitchell
Glen Redman, Jr
Carl Rex
Clarence Smith
William Timmons
Prisoners of War
Wilson DeVoss
Emerson Rex
Liberated Prisoners
Vernon Amstutz
Jerome ‘Joe’ Hinesley
John Purner
Clarence Timmons
John W. Tudor
William Wilson
John Grice was reported missing and
never heard from as of 8-17-45
Robert D. Gaylor
From Wikipedia
CMSAF Robert D. Gaylor
United States Air Force
5th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
(1977-1979)
Place of birth Bellevue, Iowa, 1930
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Air Force
Years of service 1948–1979
Rank Chief Master Sergeant
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal – 3
Air Force Commendation Medal – 2
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
Robert D. Gaylor was the fifth Chief Master
Sergeant appointed to the highest non-
commissioned officer position in the United
States Air Force.
Chief Robert D. Gaylor was adviser to
Secretary of the Air Force John C. Stetson
and Chiefs of Staff of the Air Force Gen.
David C. Jones and Gen. Lew Allen Jr.
on matters concerning welfare, effective
utilization and progress of the enlisted
members of the Air Force. He was the fifth
chief master sergeant appointed to this
ultimate noncommissioned officer position.
Chief Gaylor was born in Bellevue, Iowa;
however, most of his youth was spent
in Indiana. He entered the Air Force in
September 1948 and was assigned to the
security police career field, in which he
served until 1957. In September 1957 he
served as a military training instructor
at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, until
February 1962. He then returned to the
security police field until July 1965. During
Chief Gaylor’s security police years, his
early assignments were at James Connally
Air Force Base, Texas; Laredo Air Force
Base, Texas; Kunsan Air Base, Korea;
Tachikawa Air Base, Japan; Columbus Air
Force Base, Miss.; and Barksdale Air Force
 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
C hief Gaylor was an honor graduate
of Class 65B of the Second Air Force
Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy
at Barksdale. After graduation in April
1965 he was selected to be an instructor
at the academy and taught there until it
closed in April 1966. Following a security
police tour at Korat Royal Thai Air Force
Base, Thailand, Chief Gaylor returned to
Barksdale and assisted in reopening the SAC
NCO Academy. In February 1970 he became
senior enlisted adviser for Second Air Force.
In July 1971 Chief Gaylor transferred to
Headquarters United States Air Forces
in Europe (USAFE), where he traveled
to USAFE bases teaching management
techniques. In June 1972 he established
the USAFE Command Management and
Leadership Center, an in-residence, 60-hour
course of instruction for USAFE NCOs. He
continued as noncommissioned officer in
charge of the center until his selection as
USAFE Senior Enlisted Adviser in August
1973. In September 1974 Chief Gaylor was
assigned to the Air Force Military Personnel
Center, where he traveled extensively as a
management and leadership instructor. He
became chief master sergeant of the Air
Force in 1977 and retired July 31, 1979.
After retiring from the Air Force, Gaylor
taught, coached, and mentored leaders
at all levels for USAA, a Fortune 200
company. In 2006, the NCO academy at
Lackland AFB was named the Robert D.
Gaylor NCO Academy in his honor.
(Taken from U.S. Air Force Biography)
Military
Phil Conlon
I wonder how many guys and gals from
Mulberry actually went into battle in
previous wars. I know that Don Schiery
was wounded in Korea, but don’t know of
others.
Military
Barbara Glenn Miller
S
weet Sue, Thank you! Thank you! Thank
you! My husband, Alan C. Miller, served
one year in Vietnam. He is proud of his
years of service, but his country has given
the men of his generation a cold shoulder
up to now. More and more people are taking
time to say hello and it does lift the spirit.
He has a bronze star license plate on his car.
A few people have given him a salute when
they see him. (It brings tears to my eyes.)
So thank you for bring this to the attention
of the Mulberryites. He was in the Clinton
Central Class of 1965.
More Military
Articles from Mulberry Reporter
5-5-58
“S/Sgt and Mrs. Donald LaPlante and
daughter Yanna K. of Dayton, Ohio, were
holiday guests of Sgt. LePlante’s Mother,
Mrs. Robert Keller, and family.”
(Mrs. Robert Keller is Zerna Keller,
mother of Sharon Keller, a good friend of
your sister Jeanne.)
“S/Sgt and Mrs. Walter Freels and
children of Rantoul, ILL, spent the week-
end with Mrs. Freels’ parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Russell Burkhalter, Frankfort route 6, and
other relatives.”
5-19-58
Two M.H.S. Graduates Seek Doctor’s Degree
Garold S. Beals has been released from
Active duty with the U. S. Army at Walter
Reed Medical Center, Washington D.C.,
where he has been engaged in medical
research, and at the Army Chemical Center
in Maryland. He has accepted a research
position with the Arteriosclerosis Research
Laboratory at the University of Minnesota,
where he will begin work on his PH.D.
degree. Before entering the Army he was
on the teaching staff at Purdue university
and did research with the Purdue Cardiac
Project.
His twin brother, Harold Beals, is a
Research Fellow at Purdue university
where he is working on his Ph.D. degree.
They are the sons of Mrs. Glendora Beals of
Lafayette, Route 5, and both are graduates
of Mulberry high school. Their mother
teaches at Pine Village.”
6-26-58
Jerome Hedderich’s obit says he was a
member of the Trinity Church (Reformed)
and a WWl veteran. Son of Phillip and Ellen
Goechenour Hedderich (I see that Rossville
has an American Legion Post, I’ll try to
contact them.)
Mulberry Memories
7-3-58 Obit
“Russell W. Howard, 47, brother of Mrs.
Calvin Loveless of Mulberry, died Saturday
in Culver hospital, Crawfordsville, where he
was a patient two days. Married to Adele
Baker, he was a member of the Methodist
Church and American Legion at Frankfort,
and was a veteran of World War 2.”
7-24-58
“Don Wampler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer
Wampler of Osasco, writes that he will be
leaving his present station, Camp Hood,
Texas, for Germany early in August. His
mother expects to go to Texas next week to
visit him and to bring his car back home.”
Jane and I were talking yesterday and
she thinks she remembers Roscoe Smith’s
two sons were in the military – Joe and
J Max.
Emmet G. Miller
Bruce Davies
Emmit Miller was an officer in the artillery
in Europe during WWII. I remember him dis-
cussing how they very carefully zeroed in
on a particular building that today we would
call a port-o-potty.
He said they were very successful at
delivering a wake up call to a particular
officer they had observed.
This was all done as a practical application
exercise in Solid Geometry class. If memory
serves me correct Dale McKee, Jerry
Heavilon and myself were in the class.
More Serice Info:
Martha L Wainscott
Here is the information on Emmet Miller
and Larry Mosier.
Emmet G. Miller
1935 – Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant
on graduation from Purdue University.
1943 – Called to active duty to serve in
the European Theater Operations (ETO)
1945 – Commissioned a Major in Field
Artillery
Major Miller received numerous service
medals including the Bronze Star.
Larry Mosier, husband of Janet Miller
1962 – Enlisted in the US Army
1966 – Served in Vietnam
1966 – Appointed rank of Staff Sgt E6
Received numerous service medals
including the Bronze Star.
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Add to Military List
Lewis Almon “Bud” Harshman was in the
Army. Bud’s military experience was in
Korea as an A & E or Airframe and Engine
Technician in the Army 25th Artillery, Air
Section. He told me that South Korea is
along the thirty eighth parallel which is
like taking Chicago and putting it in the
mountains. The snow, rain, and mountains
caused a lot of complications.
Perry Skiles was in the Army
Eldon Skiles was in the Air Force
Military
Nancy Doyle
J ust wanted to add Andy Prater’s name
to the list of those to whom we owe so
much. He served in the army, 1965 to 1967
in the states and in Thailand.
Also, Herman Hitch who lived in Mulberry
and had daughters who went to MHS, served
in WWII with General Patton. He always had
the purple heart license plate.
Military
Jerry Heavilon
A I
fter graduating from Purdue, myself
and three of my college Buddies went to
the Air Force Recruiting office in Lafayette
to sign up to become pilots. The recruiting
Sergeant took the three bachelors. He told
me he was going to do me and the country
a favor. He tore up my application and told
me that I would cost the country too much
money since Janie and I had two kids at the
time with the third due in about two weeks.
Military
Esther Oliver Creamer
M y brother, Jim Oliver, was in the
military. I really don’t remember how
long. However, I do remember he went in
before he graduated from high school. He
had enough credits to graduate, but he
wasn’t going to get to come home for it. My
sister, Leona, and I were arguing who was
going to have to go up on stage to accept
his diploma. Lo and behold, about an hour
before we were going to leave to go the gym,
here he walked through the front door. What
a welcome sight!!!!! He graduated in 1946.
6 Mulberry Memories
Charlie Burns
Kittie Burns
M
y husband, Charlie Burns, is a
Mulberryite and he served in Vietnam
in 1968, although he would never respond.
He is related to a lot of the Ruch’s on his
grandma’s side and enjoys reading the
updates. He was in the class of 1954. We are
currently working in Yellowstone National
Park (a paid vacation), and I know he enjoys
the blasts from the past.
Memories
John Riggs
S
ue, this is a grab bag of some of my
Mulberry memories. First, Carl (Charlie)
Riggs was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam
War. Harold Ruckle was a Marine veteran
of WW2 and although wounded in action,
one of three machine gunners to leave Guam
alive. Jim Vice, Harold’s dad, was an Army
MP either at the end of WW2 or shortly
thereafter.
Patriotic Cantata
Dania Remaly
attend the Mulberry United Methodist
Church. During Memorial Day Sundays
we have a patriotic Cantata that begins
with the music from the different branches
of Military. Veterans in the congregation
stand when their branch refrain is played.
It’s very touching. I’ll have to look for it
but once our bulletin had a list of these
veterans and what they did in the service.
There were a lot of “sharp shooters” which
was interesting.
Military
Marilyn Stewart Givens
S
ue, I got the printout and found Herb and
Don Stewart. David Rodman, my nephew,
was in the Army and Joe Rodman was in
the Marines, between Korea and Vietnam.
My husband is enjoying the printout.
Military
Jerry Heavilon
I can remember several vets that weren’t
included in the Mulberry Rip and Snorter.
They are Bugs Bennett, Sam Lehr, Kenny
Weaver, and Bob Bols. Bugs and Sam were
in the Army in the European theater. Kenny
Weaver was stationed in India and flew the
Hump to China.
N member of the Army or Marines.
My Uncle Bob Bols was in the Navy in the
Pacific and had two ships shot down that he
was assigned.
Thank God he survived but he never
recovered from the experience. He went off
the deep end about 35 years ago and killed
my Aunt Eve and two cousins and then
committed suicide. We in the family forgave
him and felt it was a fault of the War.
More Military
Nelson Combs
R
e: Paul Weaver’s comment re: John
Bennett, what I remember being told
about him is this. He was a Lieutenant in the
Navy. He survived the Battle of Corregidor,
survived the Bataan Death March and
survived a period in the Japanese prisoner
of war camp in northern Luzon. I was told
he met his death while being shipped with
several hundred other American prisoners
of war on a Japanese freighter to Japan that
was torpedoed by an American submarine
which had no knowledge the ship was loaded
with Americans.
Military
David Landes
S ue, don’t forget Harold Vice, who retired
from the Air Force or Paul Sharp who
also retired from the Air Force.
Military
John Riggs
C
an confirm that it was John Bennett
who was Dick and Bob Bennett’s father.
Harvey Estes was an Army veteran of
WW2 and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
I remember his telling me about firing
mortars at 60 degrees or thereabouts, since
the Germans were so close, and the only
thing that kept his feet from freezing was
always having an extra pair of dry socks.
Jerry Davis served in the Armed Forces
during the Vietnam War, but I forget which
branch. Gary Yuill made a career out of
the Air Force, but don’t know when or if he
retired.
Military
John Riggs
D
ear Sue, first, thanks for being the nerve
center to all of this. Each response
either jogs a memory or adds one.
Dale Lone was a combat veteran of the
Vietnam War, but don’t know whether as a
 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Mulberry Memories
Nelson Combs
A S
s long as we are making the spouses of
Mulberryites eligible for our military
list, we should add Don Givens (Marilyn
Stewart’s husband) who served in the Navy
aboard the USS Laffey.
Mulberry Memories
Sue Bryan Conley
N elson, thanks for the info on Don Givens.
Yes, he should be added to the list. I’ve
met him at two of the West Coast Mulberry
reunions and he a delightful guy.
I tried to do some research on my computer
to find out if John Grice, who is listed in the
The Mulberry Reporter as an MIA in 1945,
was ever found. It did not list which branch
of the military he was in. Nor do I have a
complete name. If anyone can give me more
information, I would appreciate it. Even a
relative would be helpful.
Once again, thanks Nelson. Keep those
names coming in, alums. There will be a
Mulberry Memories issue for Veterans.
My husband
Marilyn Stewart Givens
T hanks, Sue, for the compliment on my
husband, Don.
My brother, Herb, went into the Marines
June 1, 1956, and was there for 2 years…
some special deal. He was in San Diego all
the time. In 1958, he entered Purdue for
veternary medicine and graduated in 1965.
In 1966, my youngest brother, Don, went
into the Marines in San Diego, then served
in Viet Nam 3 times, for 10 years.
Active Serviceman
Dania Remaly
R
unnar Crane, USMC
Enlisted: November 17, 2003
Sergeant, Combat Instructor
Served in Fallujah, 2005 –
Ramadi, 2006-2007
Born in Mulberry, Runnar was the son of
Mark and Virgina Crane, who lived on South
Main Street.
Active serviceman
Jean Hufford
M ark Crane is the father and the
grandfather was Faye Emery of
Runnar Crane. Faye lived on a farm east of
the Fair Haven church.
Military Service Some of the maggots and some pieces of
Bob Parker maggots fell through the screen. It was such
ea Stories (they get better as the years a tedious job that I said to myself, “Oh, well.
go by). One of my most memorable I am not sifting this mess again.”
Thanksgiving dinners. When the pies came out of the oven, there
Thanksgiving 1972 was celebrated were these little and some not so little
in Vietnam. We, the four Americans on brown specks in the crust. You guessed it.
this Vietnamese base, decided to have an Little pieces of meat.
American styled Thanksgiving dinner. The next day, we put plywood over a
One, a welder, was responsible for pool table and bed sheets for table cloths.
procuring a turkey and roasting it. The
other two were responsible for the salads
We invited some Vietnamese and a few
other Americans in the neighborhood for
Thanksgiving dinner. As desert was being
and vegetables. I volunteered to bake pies.
The welder invited the chief cook of a served, one of the Americans asked about
civilian manned ammunition ship for an the brown specks on the apple pie crust.
evening of pool and beer. By the time the I told him about the maggots in the flour
welder returned the cook to his ship, the and that some had gotten through my
cook had been talked out of a real turkey, ‘sifter’. Without a second thought, everyone
not one of those boneless fakes. continued eating. It was a fine dinner.
The vegetables and salads were easy. All
Mulberry Native Killed
the ingredients could be bought in the local
village. But, the welder had also talked the
in Fort Hood fire
By Amanda Kim Stairrett
ship’s cook out of a tub of Cool Whip which,
Killeen Daily Herald
at that time in Vietnam, was worth its weight
September 16, 2008
F
in gold. That went into one of the salads.
ORT HOOD, Texas – Remains found after
I was able to find a fifty pound bag of flour
a fire destroyed an on-post house on
and a gallon size can of dehydrated apples.
Thursday were identified Monday as those
A couple days before Thanksgiving, I began
of Spc. Aaron Lynn Allmandinger.
cooking those dehydrated apples. I dumped
Allmandinger, 22, of Mulberry, Ind., was
the whole can into a pot. A big mistake.
found by Fort Hood firefighters as they
Those apples began swelling up and
responded to fire at about 5:30 a.m. at
swelling up. Before I could find other pans
5566-2 Lockridge Avenue in the Pershing
and start dipping some out, those apples
Park housing area.
were overflowing over the pot’s sides. I kept
The incident is under investigation,
scooping and dipping. I was up to my elbows
according to information from Fort Hood.
in apples if you know what I mean. I never
Before identifying the body, authorities
knew so many apples could be packed into
referred to the person as “J. Doe” because
one can.
the body was burned beyond recognition and
The following day, I started making
the sex could not be determined, Justice of
eleven pies. (I had plenty of apples for more,
the Peace Garland Potvin said Thursday
though.) I poured some flour out, maybe a
afternoon.
quart or so. I stared at that flour for a while.
The housing unit where the fire occurred
Then, I fetched the other guys and had them
is a duplex, and the residents in the other
look at the flour. They agreed… that pile of
side were evacuated safely, Maj. Steve Lamb,
flour was moving. We had not been drinking,
Fort Hood spokesman, said on Thursday.
yet, either. A closer look at the flour bag
Allmandinger entered the military in
revealed several very small, pin-sized holes.
April 2005 as a cavalry scout, according
There were maggots, lots of maggots in that
to information from Fort Hood. He was
flour.
I found some window screen and tried to
assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st
sift the flour. I would shake about a quart
at a time. Of course, window screen is not
as fine as a sifter. Out of every quart or so
Cavalry Division since August 2005, serving
most recently as the squadron commander’s
gunner.
of flour, there was a hand full of maggots. I
threw them outside for some grateful birds.
Mulberry Memories 7
 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
During his time with the 1st Cavalry
Division, Allmandinger deployed in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation 06-08,
earning the Combat Action Badge, two Army
Commendation Medals, the Iraqi Campaign
Medal with Campaign Star and the Global
War on Terrorism Medal, among many
others.
While in Iraq, Allmandinger served in
squadron’s Charlie Troop and conducted
patrols from Combat Outpost X-Ray in Taji,
Iraq. During a large, well-organized enemy
ambush in Falahat, Iraq, on Feb. 16, 2007,
Allmandinger provided suppressive fire in
support of his fellow Soldiers and was later
awarded the Army Commendation Medal
for his actions, which contributed to the
survival of his squad.
He is survived by a wife and daughter.
Mulberry Native Killed
in Fort Hood Fire
By Eric Weddle
September 17, 2008
T he remains of a decorated soldier from
Mulberry were identified Monday in Fort
Hood, Texas, as those of Spc. Aaron Lynn
Allmandinger.
Allmandinger, 22, was found by Fort Hood
firefighters as they responded to a fire early
Thursday in a housing area of the base.
“We just can’t believe it. We are so proud
of him, but we just can’t believe it,” said Deb
Richard, Allmandinger’s aunt, of Van Wert,
Ohio.
The death is especially hard for the
family, Richard said, because of the war
situations the soldier faced in Iraq. During
Allmandinger’s 15 months in Iraq, he was
credited with saving soldiers’ lives with
suppressive gun fire during an ambush.
Allmandinger moved with his parents,
Terry and Beth, and sister, Jacqueline, to
Mulberry about 13 years ago, Richard said.
He attended St. James Lutheran School
until the seventh grade and Clinton Prairie
8 Mulberry Memories
for one year before being home-schooled Mulberry Soldier
through graduation.
After working at Frito-Lay and other
Dies in House Fire
By Martha O’Brien,
Lafayette-area factory jobs, Allmandinger
Asst. managing editor
entered the military in April 2005. Shortly
September 17, 2008
A
after, his wife, Kristin, and daughter, Taylor,
U.S. Army soldier from Mulberry died
moved to Texas.
Thursday in a fire at Fort Hood, Texas.
“He felt that was the best thing to do at
The body of Spc. Aaron Lynn Allmandinger,
that stage in his life,” Richard said. “He
22, was recovered following a blaze in his
enjoyed it very much. He was so proud of
on-post duplex.
the work he was doing in Iraq. He felt that
“The fire and what caused the fire are
we were doing something good over there.”
under investigation,” Lt. Col. Philip Smith,
Allmandinger began as a cavalry scout.
public affairs officer for the 1st Cavalry
He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th
Division at Fort Hood, told The Times
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat
Tuesday.
Team, 1st Cavalry Division since August
Chris Grey, chief of public affairs for the
2005, serving most recently as the squadron
U.S. Criminal Investigation Command, said
commander’s gunner, according to Fort
the fire was reported at approximately 5
Hood.
a.m. Thursday. The base’s Web site indicates
Allmandinger earned the Combat Action
Fort Hood Fire Department responded to the
Badge, two Army Commendation Medals,
blaze in the Pershing Park Housing area,
the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign
and the fire on Lockridge Avenue was under
Star and the Global War on Terrorism Medal,
control by 6:30 a.m.
among many others. Despite the military
“While fire officials were extinguishing
honors, Allmandinger rarely recounted his
the fire, they discovered the remains of Spc.
time in the theater.
Allmandinger,” Grey told The Times.
“He tried to downplay it as much as
His body was positively identified Monday.
possible to us,” Richard said. “He didn’t want
Grey could not provide his cause of death,
us worrying about it. It would only come out
as the investigators are waiting for autopsy
in bits and pieces.”
Richard said messages and photos
results.
posted by other soldiers to Allmandinger’s
According to Smith, Allmandinger was the
MySpace page often tipped them to his war
lone victim of the blaze.
“Both the house fire and the death of Spc.
experiences. Allmandinger was interested in
going into Special Forces, specialized combat
units, but felt it wasn’t fair to his daughter.
Allmandinger are under investigation by the
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command,”
Grey said. “CID is working closely with the
A memorial for Allmandinger held at Fort
Killeen Fire Department to determine the
Hood Monday provided some comfort to his
cause and origin of the fire.”
wife and family, Richard said.
Allmandinger leaves behind a wife and
“Hearing stories and knowing how much
one daughter. According to Grey, his family
(other soldiers) cared for him really helped
was believed to be out-of-state when the fire
his parents and Kristin,” she said. “It helped
occurred.
us to hear about it.”
Officials have declined to say whether they
While he followed the Ohio State Buckeyes
suspect arson or whether anyone else was
in sports and enjoyed the rock band The
inside the duplex at the time of the fire.
Grateful Dead with his wife, Allmandinger’s
“We are not releasing any further
focus was his daughter.
information at this time to protect the
“He really loved his daughter. He was just
integrity of the investigation,” Grey said.
totally amazed by her,” Richard said. “He
Allmandinger appeared to enjoy his work
was a totally family man.”
in the military.
The fire is under investigation, according
“Any day when we’re out and have
to Fort Hood.
successes like this one, it’s a good day,”
Contributing: Amanda Kim Stairrett/
Allmandinger said in a story published
Killeen Daily Herald
in The Daily Charge, a publication of Fort
N Hood.
 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Fifteen detainees suspected of terrorist
activities were captured in an Iraqi-led
cordon and search on May 28, 2007,
according to The Daily Charge.
Allmandinger was a scout with Troop C,
assisting in bringing in captured detainees
and helping Iraqi Army troops as they placed
detainees in Iraqi Army trucks.
Allmandinger joined the military in April
2005. He had been assigned to the 1st
Cavalry Division since August 2005.
He served in Iraq for 15 months
during 2006-08 and was awarded the
Army Commendation Medal for providing
suppressive fire that saved the lives of fellow
soldiers during an ambush.
Allmandinger spent two years in the
Clinton Prairie School Corporation. CP
Principal David Larsh said Allmandinger
moved from Trinity Lutheran, a private
school in Ohio, to attend Clinton Prairie. He
spent his eighth- and ninth-grade years at
Prairie, before leaving for home school.
“I remember him being a student who got
along with people and was always pleasant
to be around,” Larsh said.
The Associated Press contributed to this
report.
Mulberry Soldier
Remembered By Peers
By Martha O’Brien,
Staff reporter
September 19, 2008
A memorial ceremony was held Monday at
Fort Hood, Texas, for Spc. Aaron Lynn
Allmandinger.
The 22-year-old Mulberry native died in a
house fire Sept. 11 at the base.
The memorial service was attended by
many who served alongside Allmandinger.
“Allmandinger was a great soldier and
had won the respect and admiration of his
fellow soldiers in combat – that his fellow
soldiers are devastated by his loss is a
testament to the kind of man he was,” said
Maj. Dave Shoupe, a public affairs officer at
Fort Hood.
Allmandinger joined the U.S. Army in April
2005. During his time with the 1st Cavalry
Division, Allmandinger deployed in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom during 2006-08.
His squadron was ambushed by a large
enemy force on Feb. 16, 2007, in Falahat,
Iraq. “In sustained combat, the squad was
in very real danger of being wiped out and
Allmandinger provided critical fire that
allowed his fellow soldiers to treat the
wounded and call for help,” Shoupe said.
He was awarded the Army Commendation
Medal for his actions in the attack. He
also earned the Combat Action Badge, an
additional Army Commendation Medal, the
Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
The house fire and Allmandinger’s death
are under investigation by the U.S. Army
Criminal Investigation Command.
Allmandinger leaves behind a wife and
daughter. They were reportedly out-of-state
when the fire broke out.
Aaron L. Allmandinger
Frankfort Times
September 26, 2008
C PL. Aaron L. Allmandinger, 22, Fort
Hood, Texas, died on Thursday, Sept. 11,
2008, at his residence.
Born in Van Wert, Ohio, on April 26,
1986, he was the son of Terry L. and Beth
A. (Parker) Allmandinger of Mulberry.
Aaron and Kristin (Paugh) were married on
Sept. 21, 2004, in Clinton County and she
survives.
He enlisted with the U.S. Army in April
2005 as a 19 Delta Scout. He went to basic
training at Fort Knox, upon graduation he
was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, attached
to Commanche Troop 1-7 CAV. He served
as a gunner in OIF 2006-2008 and served
as Squadron Commander Gunner. He was a
decorated soldier.
In addition to loving his family, he loved to
mow the yard and clean the house. He was
an outdoorsman, a gun collector, and loved
playing with his daughter. He was a member
of St. James Lutheran Church.
Surviving with his parents and wife is a
daughter, Taylor Ann Marie Allmandinger,
age 3 1/2, at home; and a sister, Jacqueline
Pfeiffer (husband, Kent) of Huntsville, Ala.
Visitation from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at
Hippensteel Funeral Home, 822 N. 9th St.,
Lafayette. Funeral Service at 1 p.m. Monday
Mulberry Memories
at Faith Family Ministries, 508 W. Green
St., Frankfort, with Pastor Cliff Howell
officiating. Interment of ashes to follow at
Kilmore Cemetery in Clinton County with
full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions
may be made to his daughter, Taylor
Allmandinger, in care of Beth Allmandinger.
Hippensteel Funeral Home entrusted
with care. Share memories and condolences
online at www.hippensteelfuneralhome.com.
Military Service
H enry R. Feeser was born January 8,
1939 in Springfield, Ohio. His experience
includes twenty-five years service with
the United States Navy (Commander, USN
(Retired)), where he served in combatant
surface ships, offshore and in-country
Vietnam, in combat systems, electronic and
ship procurement, and shipbuilding. He is
currently receiving disability from the VA
for Agent Orange exposure.
His business experience spans over
forty years in various phases of the truck
manufacturing, building construction, elec-
tronic, weapons, shipbuilding, and computer/
computer-related consulting industries. He
has been directly responsible for the startup
of four companies, and an angel to the
funding of a fifth. He taught at the university
level (Strategic Management and Marketing)
for over five years prior to entering the
consulting business; both graduate and
under graduate students always evaluated
his teaching skills as superior. His current
business is YABI.biz, a LLC supporting
Purdue student entrepreneurs.
Get Your Flag Ready
Clyde Johnson
W
hen I was in Indiana for our Johnson
family reunion in July, I visited my
aunt on the Kelly side of the family. I found
out that my cousin, Jerry Kelly, who was
killed in Viet Nam, was awarded the Silver
Star medal, which I beleive is the second
highest medal next to the Medal of Honor.
Jerry was from Cutler, Indiana, about 20
miles from Mulberry.
Service Vet
Dan and Phyllis Mays Snodgrass
O ur son Terry M. Snodgrass was in the
Air Force for 20 years retiring 6 years
ago. He was stationed Overseas in Germany,
England, Saudi Arabia and Korea. His Last
9
 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
two State assignment were at Edwards Air
Force Base and the last 5 years at Nellis Air
Force Base.
Veterans List
Martha L. Wainscott
D ear Sue: The Veteran’s Memorial is
already built and is a beautiful addition to
Clinton County. I do have some pictures, but
don’t know how to send them. Maybe when
Marilyn is here the middle of September, I
can have her do it for me. Joe Root is the
person to contact for any information. They
are going to add to what is there, but I’m not
sure just where or how. I do know the bricks
cost $100, I used to have that information
but I think I destroyed it. When ever anyone
is in Clinton County, that is a must to visit.
Another Soldier
Gone Home
John Riggs
to every American soldier who ever went off
to war and now lay buried, either in earth
or at sea.
Which war it was doesn’t matter. Neither
does rank, branch or length of service,
the deeds performed or the medals won.
Combat veterans are a special breed and
they deserve our highest respect, but they
are not our only soldiers. They are only a
small fraction of those who have stood at
the ready, to give their lives if need be, in
the service of their country. Those special
combat soldiers should be commended, but
all veterans should be honored.
Neither does it matter if they were
volunteers or draftees, if they went
willingly or kicking and screaming through
those gates. Boot camp is still boot camp.
Service is still service. Lonely is still lonely
when you are far from home. Death is still
death, whether it comes from hostile fire or
peace. So when called to war, they go. It is
who they are, what they do. It is their job. It
is their duty.
They fight so that we don’t have to. Make no
mistake about that. When it comes to actual
battle, they’re trying to cover their own
and their buddies’ backs, but in the grand
scheme of things they are our bodyguards.
True, they are fighting for their country, but
what is a country but its people.
They lose arms, legs, eyes, teeth, minds,
and lives on our behalf, so that our lives
might continue uninterrupted by the
dangers they face daily. The reason most
of them aren’t dying wherever they are, is
that they are doing their best to stay alive,
to come back home in one piece. But they
are not there for their own sakes. They are
there for ours.
Who are these soldiers? They are our
friends, neighbors, sons, daughters, wives,

C
accident or disease. husbands, sisters, and brothers. Scratch a
arole’s uncle Freddy died a couple years
Neither can we ever repay them for those Turk and find a Tartar. Scratch an American
ago. He was by all accounts an ordinary
years of service – year for year, day for day, and find a veteran. Every family has one
man who lived an ordinary life. After a stint
minute for minute, dollar for dollar. Nor can somewhere in its closet. We are proud of
in the Navy during World War II, he came
we make the memories, some heroic, some them for wearing the uniform and rightfully
home to his young bride to raise a family
tragic, most very ordinary ever go away. so. Yet we also need to honor them by never
of three boys and one girl. Along the way
Once a soldier, always a soldier. It is a rite taking their service for granted, or betraying
he bought a small farm and the equipment
of passage, a badge of honor, even if it lies those values for which they served. We do no
to work it and a new car every now and
buried under decades of civilian life. greater disservice than when we rattle the
again, but that was the extent of his big
Those soldiers that I know rarely volunteer saber and bang the war drum over every
ticket items. He labored at a zinc mill until
anything about their time in service, and threat, real or imagined, then look the other
it closed, retired from the storeroom of
if they speak at all, it is in answer to a way when our constitutional rights are
DePauw University, and spent several years
question. They are more matter of fact than sacrificed for “our own good.”
of happy retirement with his beloved wife
anything else, as if, even among those who Those rows upon rows of white crosses,
Lucille before, at age eighty, his body gave
went to hell and back, it was no big deal. It those mournful strains of “Taps” heard daily
out on him.
is this quiet humility that allows so many of are no slight achievement. They represent
We attended the viewing, then his funeral,
them to go unrecognized until death, until the best our country had to offer. We can’t
went to the small country cemetery near his
the bugle plays and the flag is folded and waste their gift by being small and mean,
farm for his burial. It was a typical March
handed to their next of kin. We salute them by being less than what they were and what
day that went from warm to cold in the time
then, but it is too late. Our music falls on they represent, which is virtue in the service
that it took for a cloud to cover the sun, and
deaf ears. of liberty. As these soldiers go home, let our
I gave my sport coat to a young woman who
Soldiers have always been cannon fodder. thank you be a salute to their service, along
stood shivering just inside the open tent
That is the nature of war, and it will not with our promise that it was not in vain.
beside Freddy’s grave. Thinking I’d done my
change, no matter what the weapons used.
family duty, along with my good deed for the
Since war will always be war, and since
day, I was more than ready to have this over
soldiers will always be the ones to fight it,
with and go home.
the ones whose lives are on the line, we need
What happened next took me by surprise.
to honor their courage and commitment
It wasn’t that I couldn’t see it coming, when
not just in death, but also in life. We need
the soldier marched up with bugle in hand.
to do our very best to not only bring them
But when he put the bugle to his lips and
back alive, but not to send them in the first
began to play “Taps,” I wasn’t ready for the
place, unless it is absolutely necessary. We
flood of emotion that came with it. Tears
owe them that much. We owe them so much
filled my eyes, as I felt a loss beyond Freddy
more, but that is a starting point.
and all the gallant soldiers of his generation
Soldiers train for war. They don’t train for

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

Mulberry Memories 11
 N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N N
Name Branch Years Locations
Jeff Bryan Son of Dick and Pat Bryan
Morris Bryan Army WWII Served in Greenland during WWII
Stanley Bull Guard Indiana National Guard
Bertina Burkhalter Army WWII
A/1C Charlie Burns Air Force Vietnam 1968, husband of Kitty Burns
Larry Lee Campbell Army Vietnam Served 3 years (2 years in Germany),
husband of Ellen Ann Bryan Campbell.
Robert Clark Army WWII
Roy Cleaver Navy WWII
Dr. Nelson B. Combs Navy WWII Several shore stations, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CV42
Nelson B. Combs, Jr. Navy USS Bauer DE1025
Sgt. Runnar Lee Crane Marine Corp Combat Instructor, 2005 Fallujah, 2006-2007 Ramadi,
currently stationed at Quantico, Virginia.
Bill Davis WWII Severely wounded, married to Ella K. Whittleberry
Jerry Davis Vietnam
Tilghman Deiter He is a sibling of Hattie Hannah (Dieter) Bryan,
Mrs. Lawrence D. Bryan, grandmother of Sue Bryan Conley.
Melvin Dellinger, Jr. Navy WWII Served on an aircraft carrier
Wilson DeVoss WWII Still believed to be a prisoner
Earl Dose Army Air Corp WWII European theater – 8th Air Force B-17 pilot
Robert E. Douglass WWII Husband of Phyliss Joan Layton, Class of 1946
Charles Gordon Duck WWII Stationed in Hawaii as a Civil Service employee, Class of 42
John Dunk WWII Wounded
Robert ‘Bob’ Duck Army WWII Wounded in European theater, served in Africa and Italy.
Waybe Lee Dunk Vietnam
Richard Edmonds Vietnam Class of 1961
John Elliott WWII
Harvey Estes Army WWII Fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Henry Feeser Navy Vietnam His experience includes 25 years service with the US Navy
(Commander, USN (Retired)), where he served in
combat surface ships, offshore and in-country Vietnam,
in combat systems, electronic and ship procurement,
and shipbuilding. Husband of Linda Pierson.
Joe Ferry Air Force
J. Clark Fickle Army Son of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe Fickle
Tom Fickle Army 1958-60 Served at Fort Ord, Fort Chaffee, Fort Sill
Charles Fleishhauer
Donald Fleishhauer WWII Class of 1943
Charles Clayton Force Army Air Corp WWII Served five years, two of them in China, attended MHS
Thomas Force Navy WWII

12 Mulberry Memories
 N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N N
Name Branch Years Locations
William Force KIA
Jeff Fossnock Army Dessert Storm
S/Sgt Walter Freels Army Son-in-law of Russell Burkhalter
Max Gable WWII Wounded
Floyd Garrett Army
Samuel J. Gascho Vietnam
CMSAF Robert D. Gaylor Air Force 1948-79 See article on page 4
Sgt. Neal Gaylor Vietnam Served 3 years in Germany and
3 years stationed at Fort Hood, TX
Don Givens Navy Served aboard the USS Laffey DD724
Forest Glick WWII
George Golden Army WWII Wounded in Pacific theater
John Albert Golden Korea
Russell Golden WWII
Col. Sam Goode Army WWII Left high school in junior year,
son of Mr. and Mrs. William Goode
Ralph D. Goodnight Vietnam
Walter W. Gray WWII Husband of Grace Evelyn Rothenberger
John Grice WWII Reported missing and never since heard from as of 8-17-45
Johnny Hacker Coast Guard
Jack Haher Army Air Corp WWII B26 pilot in Europe, 42nd Bomb Wing,
Bombardment Group 320, husband of Peggy Lou Fickle
Jimmy Hall WWII Wounded
Floyd Hanger WWII
David L. Hansell Marine Corp Served in the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, 1967-1970.
Dennis R. Hansell Navy Retired Lieutenant Commander, graduated from the
U.S. Naval Academy in 1972 and retired in 1992.
Ronald S. Hansell Marine Corp Vietnam Served in the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Battalion,
Delta Company, 3rd Platoon, 1968-1969. He received
two Purple Hearts and a Meritorious Mast Commendation.
Lt. Robert Harper Army Korea Served at Ft. Belvoir, VA., married Annie Whitlock in 1952
Lewis Almon Army Korea Bud’s military experience was in Korea as an A&E
‘Bud’ Harshman (Airframe and Engine Technician), 25th Artillery,
Air Section
PFC Glen Hart Army Company A of Div. 54th Infantry,
served in Heilbronn, Germany
Gene R. Hawkins Navy After WWII
Jerome Hedderich Army WWI Son of Phillip and Ellen Goechenour Hedderich
Edward Franklin Korea
Henrichs
Joe Hinesley WWII Liberated prisoner

Mulberry Memories 13
 N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N N
Name Branch Years Locations
Herman Hitch WWII Served with Gen. Patton.
Always had a Purple Heart license plate on his car.
Russell W. Howard Army WWII Brother of Mrs. Calvin Loveless
Dick ‘Richard’ Howe Korea Lives on North Main in Mulberry
Benton Huffer Vietnam
John F. Huffer Korea
George B. Huskins Jr. Army Served from October 1977 to October 1983.
Discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
Dr. Clyde Johnson Army 1961-64 Fort Knox, Fort Ord
J.C. Judge Army Air Corp 3 years in AAF communication service in Natal, Brazel
Gerry Katzman Army 3 years at Fort Benjaman Harrison, Class of 1958
Jerry Kelly Viet Nam KIA, awarded the Silver Star.
Cousin of Clyde Johnson – from Cutler.
Lloyd Mark Kelly Army Korea
Kenneth Kleinsmith Navy WWII
Raymond D. Knuckles Vietnam
David Lee Kodman Vietnam
Dr. Karl M. Koons WWI 1st. Lt. Medical Corps
S/Sgt Donald LaPlante Army Son of Mrs. Robert Keller
Donald Layton Navy Served 2 years
Sgt. Jesse Layton KIA in France August 9, 1944
John Layton Navy WWII Carpenter’s Mate, 2/c, was serving in the Pacific in 1944
when his brother, Sgt. Jesse Layton was killed.
Sam Lehr Army WWII European theater
Harvie Lipp Army Spanish Served in the Philippines
American
Dale Lone Vietnam Combat veteran
Kenneth Eugene Lucas Korea
Myron Maish Army 1972-74 MP
George Marshal WWII Corporal with the 37th Division in the invasion of
Luzon. Eleven months in Philippine Islands
Hadley Martin Army WWII Wounded
Sgt. Elmer G. Maxwell Army Air Corp WWII Southern Command, B-29, B-37 mechanic,
flew planes across Atlantic from South American bases.
Step-father of Steve Conarroe
Harry E. Maxell Vietnam
Elmer Douglas Mays Korea
Jim McKinniss Vietnam Served 1967-68
John Edward McKinniss Vietnam Served 1967-68
Alan C. Miller Vietnam Bronze Star – Clinton Central Class of 65,
husband of Barb Glenn

14 Mulberry Memories
 N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N N
Name Branch Years Locations
Major Emmet Miller Army WWII 1935 – Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant
upon graduation from Purdue University
1943 – Called to active duty
to serve in the European Theater Operations (ETO)
1945 – Commissioned a Major in Field Artillery
Received numerous service medals
including the Bronze Star.
Gary Fredrick Miller Vietnam
Gene Mitchell Air Force
Jay Mitchell Air Force Vietnam
Jim Mitchell Army WWII Wounded, left high school in his junior year to join up
Bob L. Miteff Marine Corp 1969-82 Adm, brig guard, cross country chaser
David E. Miteff Navy 1973-74 Boiler Tech on the USS Saratoga
Eldon Lee Miteff Army 1944
Howard L. Miteff Air Force 1978-88
Reed S. Moody Marine Corp WWII Served 3-1/2 years, husband of Juanita Ruth Bowers
Larry Mosier Army Vietnam 1962 – Enlisted in the US Army
1966 – Served in Vietnam, appointed rank of
Staff Sargent E6, received numerous service medals
including the Bronze Star. Husband of Janet Miller.
Harold Neal Guard Indiana National Guard
Mark Newhart Air Force 1975-77 Motor Pool, Transportation
James Andrew Oliver Korea Brother of Esther Oliver Creamer
Bronson Packard WWII
Garlen Packard WWII
Richard Owen Packard Korea
Bob Parker Navy Vietnam Retired as a Master Chief Quartermaster in January 1991,
after 26 years. Last duty was as the Command Master Chief
of an aegis cruiser, USS Princeton (CG-59).
Larry Peek Vietnam MHS Class of 1961
John W. Peters Air Force After WWII
Charles W. Phillippes Navy WWII Served many months on islands in the Pacific.
Joseph E. Pollack Army Served 3 years, husband of Martha Aileen Fickle
Andy Prater Army 1965-67 Served in Thailand
John Purner WWII Liberated prisoner
Glen Rebman Jr. WWII Wounded
Jerry Reiss Navy Made a career out of the Navy
and retired as a Signalman Chief Petty Officer
Carl Rex WWII Wounded
Emerson Rex WWII Still believed to be a prisoner
Carl ‘Charlie’ Riggs Navy Vietnam

Mulberry Memories 15
 N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N N
Name Branch Years Locations
Paul Robinson Navy Served in the US Navy Band in Washington, DC, 1968-72
David Rodman Army
Joe Rodman Marine Corp
Elmer Rothenberger Army WWI Killed when his Sopwith Camel crashed in France
Keith Rothenberger Korea Husband of Joann Glenn
Daniel Ruch Civil War Wounded in battle, served in 4th Indiana Calvary
Dr. Monroe K. Ruch Army WWII Son of Josie & P.V. Ruch,
Captain in the 4th Auxiliary Surgical Unit attached to
Patton’s Army. After peace, retained for service in
Army hospitals in California, discharged as a Lt. Col.
P.V. Ruch Army Spanish 1898-1902, Philippine Islands,
American Battery G, 3rd Artillery, 1898-1902. -- Served in WWI as
Captain of Battery G, 3rd Field Artillery, in France,
discharged as a Major, continuing in the Army reserve,
retiring as a Lt. Col.
Harold Ruckle Marine Corp WWII Although wounded in action,
one of three machine gunners to leave Guam alive.
Gordon Rutan Army Served 2 years
Charles James Schiery Korea
Don Schiery Korea Wounded in Korea
Robert Seager Navy Father of Jerry Seager
David Seest WWII
Harold Shaffer WWII
Pfc. Everett Scheirer Served at Valley Forge government hospital
Charles James Schiery Korea
Arthur Edgar Sharp Korea
Paul Sharp Air Force Vietnam Retired
James Seigfried Army WWI Spouse of Chat Bryan. The family lore is that he was
or Siegfried a horse buyer in US Army during WWI.
Eldon Skiles Air Force Korea
Glenn Robert Skiles Navy
Perry Skiles Army
Charlie Skiver Army
Clarence Smith WWII Wounded
J. Max Smith Army
Joe Smith Army
Joseph Mertz Smith Korea
Kenneth Smith Guard Indiana National Guard
Terry M. Snodgrass Air Force Served 20 years, retiring 6 years ago. He was stationed
Overseas in Germany, England, Saudi Arabia and Korea.
His last two State assignments were at Edwards Air Force
N
Base and the last 5 years at Nellis Air Force Base.
16 Mulberry Memories
 N N N N Mulberry Veterans N N N N
Name Branch Years Locations
David Snyder Navy WWII Radioman and qualified submarine man. Graduated from
Submarine School in New London, Conn. Assigned in
July 1941 to a submarine stationed at Coco Solo, Panama
Canal Zone. Husband of Leota Ruth Peters,
who would join him in Panama.
Blanchard L. Sprunger Army Air Corp WWII Served 3-1/2 hears as a flight engineer on a B-29.
Completed 25 mission over Japan and holds the Air Medal
with two Oak Leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying
Cross. Husband of Carol Burkhalter.
Ned Stephenson Army MHS Class of 1948
Bonnie Sturgeon Navy 1958- Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Paul Sturgeon
Don Stewart Marine Corp Entered in 1966, served 10 years
including 3 tours in Vietnam
Herb Stewart Marine Corp Entered on June 1, 1956, served 2 years in San Diego
James Fredrick Stinson Korea
Louis Storz Navy Qualified as a Navy Scuba Diver, Class of 1958
1st Lt. Thelma Thompson Army WWII Join Army Nurse Corp in 1944, spent time in England and
Japan. MHS alum, married First Sgt. Amos P. Tomlinson.
Clarence Timmons WWII Liberated POW
William Timmons WWII Wounded
Amos Paul Tomlinson Korea
John W. Tudor WWII Liberated POW
Harold Vice Air Force Vietnam Retired
Jim Vice Army WWII Harold’s dad, was an Army MP
either at the end of WW2 or shortly thereafter.
Charles ‘Bernie’ Walker Air Force
Don Wampler Army
Truman Wampler Navy Husband of Shirley Doyle
Dave Weaver Army
Kenny Weaver Army Air Corp WWII C47 pilot in CBI theater
Stationed in India and flew the Hump to China
Charlie Weida Navy USS Manville PC581
Dixon Weida Army WWII Pacific theater
Lt. Billy Joe Wetzel Army Air Corp WWII Bomber pilot, stationed in England,
awarded the Distinquished Flying Cross
Charles Whitcomb Navy WWII Served in Phillippes, many months on islands in the Pacific
William Wilson WWII Liberated prisoner
Kenneth Woodruff WWII Husband of Louise Arlene Morrison
Gary Lee Yuill Air Force Vietnam Retired from the US Air Force
Verle Ziegler Navy Seaman stationed on the USS Wyoming at Norfold, VA.
Husband of Ruth Stewart
N
Mulberry Memories 17