Forward May 2021

The Dream: In the spring of 2018, during a Brownsville VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 6801 meeting, Ed Gittens shared his dream of Brownsville having a memorial to honor all veterans. Not just VFW members, but everyone who has served. His dream included honoring those who have gone before us and those who are still living to share their stories. Ed’s dream took life as the whole Brownsville Post 6801 embraced the dream. That summer, realizing that the community needed to be involved, Post Commander, Shawn Virock, shared the dream with the City Council as well as the Brownsville Lion’s Club. In the fall, locations were discussed and the City Council approved building the memorial in the back of the parking lot on the east side of the Community Center.

The Vision: Once a location was determined, the actual memorial began to take shape as Ed Gittens, using his skills, created a painting showing what the Memorial and the surrounding environment might look like. Over the winter of 2018-19, while Ed was creating this masterpiece, a true community collaboration was shaping up. This Memorial Committee was established and included the mayor, a city council member, a Lion’s Club member, veterans beyond the VFW, and representation from the VFW Auxiliary. They began the new year with their famous pancake breakfast fundraisers which included a bake sale. These went well until COVID-19 shut everything down in the spring of 2020. However, before that happened, tee shirts became another part of the fundraising. Many sold even during Covid. Anyone who has ever worked on a project of this size knows that there are always obstacles which became the focus of the committee. By December of 2019, the committee was “stuck.” In January of 2020, the question was posed by a community member, “Why don’t we put the memorial in the front yard of the Community Center?” The team was reenergized and new ideas began to flow again. It was decided that Post Commander Shawn Virock and Mayor Allen Whitesitt would present the idea to the City Council. The Reality: In February of 2020, the City Council approved the change of venue and the committee was off and running. In a few months time, a new design, drawn to spec fitting the new site was created. Dana White from La Crosse Memorials patiently presented on numerous occasions, hauling in bricks and stones of a variety of styles, colors, and materials. After a few months of no meetings, the committee picked up steam and in August, the large memorial stones were ordered, River City Lawnscape were consigned to do the brick and block work, CR Masonry’s bid for the concrete work was approved, the bricks were decided upon, and Ed once again worked his magic and created the reality of what the memorial would look like. Within a week’s time, Ed’s painting became the front of our brick order brochure. The brochures were printed, an online order was created, the brochures were mailed and delivered door to door, and an electronic brochure was posted on the Brownsville website. By the middle of September, the brick orders were rolling in.

 On Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2020, the Ground Breaking Ceremony took place with over 60 people participating from a distance, wearing masks to keep each other safe as COVID-19 was still raging.  On December 1, 2020, the first brick orders were placed with La Crosse Memorials.  In January of 2021, the memorial bricks and the large memorial stones were engraved.  In February of 2021, the committee consigned Flags and Poles to do our flag poles. Graf Electric was consigned to do the electrical and lighting. All of the players were officially in place.  On Friday, April 23, 2021, the official ground breaking began for the retaining walls in the front of the Community Center. On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, ground was broken where the Memorial is now standing. As with any project, once you start, there’s always something else that needs to be “upgraded.” The Merry-Go-Round originally sat where the Memorial is. The City Council, VFW, and the Lions wanted to maintain something for the youth. Hence, while you’re meditating on this great memorial, our children, will have a place to enjoy the freedom that our veterans fought for. The Merry-Go-Round was repaired, powder-coated, and a safety mat now protects our children during falls. Please be sure that you share your stories with our youth so that they learn to appreciate the meaning of this complex that will share old memories while creating new ones.

I know that I’d be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank the many general donations that came from as far away as California, the support during all of the fundraisers, the countless musicians who performed at fundraisers, the many families who are helping us to honor those who served by purchasing memorial bricks, the generous contributions in the donation jars at our local businesses, as well as the four little girls who set up a Lemonade Stand and gave all of the proceeds to the Memorial project. This dream and this vision included the whole community. The reality is just that.

It’s been my honor to be a part of this project; working with a team of passionate people who gave so much for us and who continue to give to our community. While never enough, there are only five words left to say, “Thank you for your service!”

______Allen Whitesitt – Mayor of Brownsville Brownsville Veterans Memorial Committee

Jack Farnham - Veteran/VFW Quartermaster Tricia Foellmi Long - VFW Auxiliary Debbie Darling Gittens – VFW Auxiliary Ed Gittens – Veteran/VFW Junior Vice Jim Hakes – Veteran John Jangula – City Council Jeff LeJeune – Brownsville Lions Position Joan Mitchell – VFW Auxiliary/Secretary Sharon Rohrer - Veteran Ron See – Veteran Shawn Virock – Veteran/VFW Commander Allen Whitesitt – Mayor Cheryl Whitesitt - Community Brownsville Veterans Memorial Committee

Allen Whitesitt, Cheryl Whitesitt, Jeff LeJeune, Joan Mitchell, Debbie Darling Gittens, Ed Gittens, Shawn Virock, Jack Farnham. Committee members not pictured: Tricia Foellmi Long, Jim Hakes, John Jangula, Sharon Rohrer, Ron See

CHARTER MEMBERS LEROY D. HOLZWARTH VFW POST 6801 BROWNSVILLE, MN 1946

DONALD BISSEN RONA HEILLER JOHN BISSEN AARON HOLZWARTH CALVIN BISSEN ED HOLZWARTH HENRY CORDES WM KLETZKE LEO CORCORAN CARL KUECKER FRANCIS CORCORAN RAY LANGE LLOYD TESSMER WILLIAM MILLER JOHN S. MULLEN RAYMOND MILLER JOHN P. MULLEN JOE TOOMEY GILES QUILLIN ED WIEDMAN JOSEPH S. SERRES GENE WIEDMAN JOSEPH L. SERRES RICHARD BECKER HARLEY HANKE LEO BAIER FREDRICK HEILLER BERNARD BISSEN ERWIN HEILLER FRANCIS DRISCOLL THOMAS RYAN ALBERT ENOS RICHARD STEPHAN OMAR GOETZINGER ROMIS DAVY FRANCIS GRAU JOHN C. FORSCHLER JOE WALTERS HAROLD HARER WARREN WIEDMAN THE NUMBERS AS OF MEMORIAL DAY 2021 • 120 ARMY • 43 NAVY 195 • 20 AIR FORCE # BRICKS ON • 10 MARINES THE • 2 ARMY AIR CORPS • 8 WOMEN MEMORIAL • 187 MEN • 5 CURRENT ACTIVE DUTY THE NUMBERS AS OF MEMORIAL DAY 2021 2 10 Civil War WWI Veterans John “Jack” Davy Edward P. Holzwarth Veterans Albert Franz Johnson Carl A. Kuecker (father & son) Fred A. Miller Herman J. Mitchell William Heiller Joseph J. Serres Paul Theobald Henry Heiller George H. Winslow John M. Winslow THE NUMBERS AS OF MEMORIAL DAY 2021 2 KIA Leroy D. Holzwarth WWII William T. Quillin Viet Nam THE NUMBERS AS OF MEMORIAL DAY 2021 3 Prisoners of War Henry Heiller Civil War Rona Heiller WWII Glen A. Jostad WWII THE NUMBERS AS OF MEMORIAL DAY 2021 10 PURPLE HEARTS EARNED

George H. Winslow WWI Ronnie Colsch Viet Nam John M. Winslow WWI Dan Kirkpatrick Viet Nam John Clare Forschler WWII Dan Schnedecker Viet Nam Rona Heiller WWII Pat Toomey Viet Nam Leroy D. Holzwarth WWII Edward C. Gittens Viet Nam Memorial Day 1946 Mass at Catholic Cemetery

In 1946 the VFW and Auxiliary were formed. Memorial Day 1946 Memorial Day 1966 The VFW and Auxiliary march into the Cemetery for services. The fence and gate were newly installed that spring by the VFW. ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES ON THE MEMORIAL 2021  An asterisk (*) after a name indicates there is a page with service overview, submitted by the veteran or family member, included in this book.

If service overview has not been submitted for a Veteran, as of this printing, it may be submitted AT ANY TIME to be added to this historical record.

Email to [email protected] or USPS to Joan Mitchell, 912 Wildwood Court, La Crescent, MN 55947

US NAVY ROBERT ALECKSON QM3 WWII

Robert Aleckson served in World War II as a Signalman. He achieved the rank of Quartermaster Third Class (E4).

US NAVY ROBERT BACON SEAMAN 1C WORLD WAR II

Robert T. Bacon was born on August 14, 1925. He served in the US Navy with the rank of Seaman First Class from 1943 to 1946. Robert was stationed in North Africa and the Philippines.

US ARMY JOSEPH S BECKER STAFF SGT WWII

Joseph S. Becker served in the US Army from April 28, 1942 to January 14, 1946. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was stationed at the following bases:  Fort Chafee, Arkansas with the 174th Infantry  Camp Rucker, Alabama with the HQ Company 29th Tank Destroyer Group  Fort Hood, Texas with the HQ Company 26th Tank Destroyer Group He received the US Army Maneuvers Medal.

US ARMY RICHARD BECKER T5 101ST AIRBORN WWII

Richard J. Becker was born on December 3, 1921.

He was inducted into the US Army 11th Airborne 472nd Glider Field Arterial Battalion on October 10, 1944 and was discharged on November 29, 1946.

Richard was a charter member of VFW Post 6801, Brownsville.

US AIR FORCE LOREN WOHLERS BEESLER TSGT NURSE 1980-1995

Loren Wohlers Beesler was born May 16, 1960. She enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1980, where she served as nurse on active duty until 1984. In November, 1986 she joined the Air Force Reserves as a cargo specialist. Loren was primarily stationed at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, with the 39th Mobile Aerial Port Squadron (MAPS). During her reserve duty she participated as a rigger in Desert Shield/Storm and was deployed from November 1990 to February 28, 1991. Loren remained in the Air Force Reserve until her death, December 28, 1995. She was accommodated with numerous citations, one of which is the Kuwait Liberation Medal, and accomplished the promotion of E6 (Tech Sergeant). Loren’s photo, above, was taken as she worked preparing to leave for Desert Storm.

US ARMY W J BERNSDORF TEC 5 WWII

Wilbur J. Bernsdorf was born July 26, 1922. He enlisted in the US Army in 1942. Wilbur served with the Sixth Armor Division in Europe during World War II.

US ARMY CHARLES J BISSEN T/SGT NORTH AFRICA WWII EUROPE

Charles John Bissen was born in beautiful downtown Brownsville, MN on June 26, 1921. After graduation from school, Charlie did a stint with the CCC in Wyoming. He enlisted in the US Army in early 1942 and served in North Africa before crossing the Mediterranean to Sicily and up the peninsula into France and Germany. US baseball scouts spotted him pitching in games during his Unit stand downs while the war was on and invited him to tryouts in Florida after the war. He pitched several years with the Minneapolis Millers before becoming employed with the Citrus Industry in Sanford, FL and later retiring in 1991. He departed the physical life on October 28, 2004 leaving his beloved wife of 56 years and four devoted daughters.

US ARMY DENNIS BISSEN SPEC 5 USA AND KOREA 1969-1971

Dennis J. Bissen served in the US Army during the Vietnam era from 1969 to 1971. He served as an SP5 Supply Specialist at Fort Lewis, WA and near Seoul, Korea. Dennis was awarded the National Defense Medal and Armed Forces Expedition Medal.

US ARMY DONALD BISSEN BISSEN CPL WWII

Donald Bissen was born May 20, 1916. He was inducted into the US Army on April 4, 1941 and served as a Corporal in the Infantry. He returned to the US from Ireland and departed to Lovell General Hospital in Fort Devens, MA on December 9, 1942. Donald was honorably discharged on January 14, 1943 for medical reasons. He passed away on March 3, 2006.

NAVY SEABEE EDWARD BISSEN CW04 WWII KOREA VIETNAM 1941-1970

Edward Harald Bissen was born in 1922 and raised in Brownsville, MN. He was inducted into the US Navy in February, 1941. Ed served in 3 wars: WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. Ed was sent overseas to Panama, North Africa, Japan, China, Korea, New Foundland, Alaska, and Viet Nam, as well as stationed at numerous stateside bases. With the rank of WCO4, he retired, with pride, in December 1970, after a 30-year career. Ed became 100% disabled because of exposure to Agent Orange while in Viet Nam. As a result, he struggled with Parkinson’s Disease until his death in 2015. In 1973 he took employment with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) retiring after 11 years. In 1984, with his wife Harriet, he retired to Florida. Ed is remembered as an excellent and entertaining storyteller as well as many other attributes. He chose to be buried in the local VFW Cemetery. After seeing the world, his favorite place was Brownsville, MN.

US ARMY JOHN C BISSEN FIRST SGT WWII PACIFIC 1941-1945

John C. Bissen served with the US Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945. He was a 1st SGT Quartermaster Corp. John was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Camp Medal, American Defense Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

US ARMY ROBERT J BLAIR PFC KOREA 1953-55

Robert J. (Bob) Blair was born 10-26-1932 and enlisted in the U. S. Army, January 28, 1953. Bob was part of Co. C. 63rd Signal Battalion stationed in Austria during the Korean Conflict, as well as the 5th Armored Division, Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Austria) and was discharged from active duty Dec. 16, 1954 as Private First Class, United States of America, Signal Corp. Following his active duty, Bob served eight years in the Army Reserve and was Honorably discharged on

February 28, 1961.

US ARMY BERNARD BOONE CW3 OIF MAINT WO 31 YEARS

BATTALION MAINTENANCE OFFICER IRAQ CAMPAIGN MEDAL OIF/OEF

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bernard M. Boone was born in 1963 and graduated high school in 1981. He enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1983 and served 31 years of military service. Bernard served 20 years as Heavy Equipment Mechanic advancing to the rank of Sergeant. In 2003, he accepted a commission as a Maintenance Warrant Officer and served 11 years of commissioned service. Bernard was deployed to Balad, Iraq in 2008-2009 and served as a Battalion Motor Officer. Bernard retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 2014.

USMC JOHN BOONE SGT E5 HAWK MISSILE 14 YEARS

RADAR TECHNICIAN Sergeant John D. Boone was born in 1961 and graduated high school in 1979. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1979 and served 13 years on active duty. John worked as a Repairman for the HAWK Missile System. He served at many locations to include Arizona, Alabama, North Carolina, Okinawa, Japan and California. John received an Honorable Discharge and retired at the rank of Sergeant in 1992.

USMC ROBERT BOONE MGYSGT E9 KOSOVO AIRBN 26 YEARS

COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF AIRBORNE, GOLD JUMP WINGS Master Gunnery Sergeant Robert A. Boone was born in 1958 and graduated high school in 1976. He shipped off to Boot Camp in 1976 immediately after graduating high school and served 26 years on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. Robert worked as a Communication Chief and also in Frequency Management. He served at many locations in the world to include North Carolina, Okinawa, Japan, Kosovo and several other countries. Robert’s favorite military accomplishment was being qualified Airborne and he earned his Gold Jump Wings in 1995. Robert retired at the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant in 2002.

US ARMY SCOTT BOONE MAJOR OIF ENGR OFF 28 YEARS

ENGINEER OFFICER BRONZE STAR, EXPERT INFANTRY BADGE

Major Scott A. Boone was born in 1965 and graduated high school in 1984. He served 28 years in the military and retired in 2012. Scott was an Anti Armor Crewmember (11H) in the Army for two years stationed in Germany, then he transferred to the Arkansas Army National Guard and became a Combat Engineer, attaining the rank of Sergeant. In 1995, Scott accepted a commission as an Engineer Officer and advanced to the rank of Captain. In 2005, he deployed to Balad, Iraq for 16 months and served as a Battle Captain and Base Defense Engineer. In 2007, Scott transferred to the Army Reserve, completed the Logistics Officer Course and advanced to the rank of Major. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, and two Overseas Ribbons.

US NAVY THOMAS BOONE CPO E7 SEABEES 24 YEARS

GUNNERS MATE THIRD CLASS, SEABEE NAVY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL Chief Petty Officer Thomas A. Boone was born in 1940, attended school in Caledonia and graduated high school in 1958. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1957 to 1958, and then served two years active duty on the USS Los Angles CA135 (Heavy Cruiser). Thomas completed his enlistment in 1961 and returned to civilian life. In 1980, Thomas enlisted in the Navy Reserve Seabees and went on to serve a total of 20 years of service in the Seabees. He served at many locations in the world to include Minnesota, California, Camp David, Spain, Puerto Rico and Okinawa, Japan. Thomas retired at the rank of Chief Petty Officer EOC in 2000.

US ARMY DAVID BRICKMAN SP-4 1965-1969

David M. Brickman enlisted in the Army in February of 1965 and took his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He spent 3 years in Germany where Spec 4 Brickman was awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a Certificate of Merit, and a Driver’s Badge, while serving as a fuel, ammo hauler, and cargo driver in Wurzburg, Germany. Spec 4 Brickman spent the last 8 months of his service at Fort Meyer, VA where he drove shuttle bus for the Nixon Inauguration. He was honorably discharged on March 10, 1969.

US ARMY DONALD BUCHAN SIGNAL CORPS TOKYO JAPAN 1951-1953

Donald G. Buchan was inducted into the US Army, during the Korean War, on January 16, 1951 and was honorably discharged on January 13, 1953. After boot camp at Fort Riley, KS, he was sent to Fort Drake at Eta Jima, Japan, to school for the signal corp. He was then sent to Tokyo, Japan where he was in the 71st Signal Battalion. He was Supervisor in the Communications Division located at the General Headquarters building where General MacArthur was in command. Don was usually leaving as the general was coming in and saluted him almost daily. He remembers that the Japanese people had so much respect and admiration for MacArthur that they would line up around the building in the morning and evening just to get a glimpse or a picture of the General. Don was proud to have served and had great respect for his country and the flag. This was most evident by the 40 plus years that he headed the color guard for his home legion post, Gittens Leidel 595.

US AIR FORCE LOLA CARLSON DYKO A2C WEATHER OBSVR 12TH WTHR SQ

Lola M. (Carlson) Dyko served in the US Air Force from August 15, 1960 to October 17, 1963 attaining the rank of Airman 2nd Class (E-2).

Lola served with Detachment 14, 12th Weather Squadron as a Weather Observer at Selfridge Airforce Base, Mount Clemens, Michigan

US NAVY JOHN A CHAMBERLAIN ETN2 6/1968-9/1975

John A. Chamberlain was born in Waterville, Maine on Feb 4, 1949. He enlisted in the US Navy in June 1968 and was trained as an Electronics Technician at Great Lakes Training Center. John served as Communications Technician in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from 1969 to 1970. Following his service in Cuba, John reported aboard the USS Harold E. Holt DE1074 in Long Beach, CA. The Holt was sent to Vietnam to provide artillery support to ground troops and air and sea rescue for downed fliers. John concluded his Navy career while maintaining ground radar equipment at NAS Miramar, CA. John fell in love with MN and a MN girl while here on a hunting trip with a classmate and was married in Brownsville in 1971.

US AIR FORCE US AIR FORCE CAPTAIN CAPTAIN EMILY SETH DANIELSON DANIELSON PILOT KC10 PILOT C17 2012- 2012-

Seth Thomas Danielson was born on May 17, 1989. After graduating from Caledonia High School in 2007, he entered college at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he joined Air Force ROTC. In 2008 he was accepted at the United States Air Force Academy where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. After commissioning as a 2nd Lt in the US Air Force he was stationed at Vance AFB in Enid, OK for Undergraduate Pilot Training. Upon receiving his pilot wings, Seth was stationed at McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA where he became a C-17 airlift pilot. In 2015 he was reassigned to McGuire AFB, NJ to be stationed with his wife Emily.

Emily Lauren Ryals was born on May 17, 1990 in Baltimore, MD. After graduating from Parkville High School in 2008 she was accepted to the United States Air Force Academy where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science and Foreign Area Studies, focusing on Latin America. Seth and Emily met when they began pilot training together at Vance AFB. Upon receiving her wings, Emily was stationed at McGuire AFB, NJ where she flew the KC-10 refueler.

In 2018, Seth and Emily moved to Travis AFB, CA where they continued their missions as C-17 and KC-10 Instructor Pilots as well as welcomed Ellie Grace Danielson as the newest member of their family. Seth has flown over 2,000 hours in support of humanitarian aid, presidential support, and combat operations. In flight, Emily has refueled over 800 US and allied aircraft and flown over 100 combat missions in support of ongoing operations in the Middle East.

Currently, the family is attending Pilot Instructor Training at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, TX, before they go on to teach new pilot training students in the T-6 and T-1 aircraft at Columbus AFB, MS.

Captains Seth and Emily Danielson are excited for their upcoming promotion to Major in early 2022.

US ARMY OSCAR L DARLING PVT PUERTO RICO 1898

Oscar LeRoy Darling (O.L) was born August 10, 1872.

He enlisted in the Army in 1898, shortly after the outbreak of the Spanish American War, with the rank of Private, Co. B, 3 Regiment Wisconsin Infantry.

Oscar was sent to Puerto Rico, and there developed malaria fever. He was medically discharged in June 1899.

US ARMY JOHN DAVY SFC GULF WAR VET 20 YRS SVC

John Robert Davy was born on 7 May 1957. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 27 June 1975 and was trained as a Supply and Logistics Soldier. He served at various stateside and overseas duty stations during peace time operations from June 1975 to June 1995. On 24 December 1990 he was deployed from Fort Riley, KS to the Persian Gulf War in Saudi Arabia and then on to Kuwait. He led 52 Soldiers in the replenishment of necessary supplies and equipment to the 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized) which facilitated the fall and defeat of the Iraqi Republican Guard Forces, ending the war. He was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars for his selfless service. Other awards he earned during peace time operations are; 1 Meritorious Service Medal; 5 Army Commendation Medals; 3 Army Achievement Medals; 6 Army Good Conduct Medals. John Robert Davy was honorably discharged on 30 June 1995, retired with 20 years’ service at the rank of Sergeant First Class.

US ARMY ROMIS J DAVY E6 STAFF SERGEANT 1941-1945

Romis Joseph Davy was born on January 9, 1919. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on January 27, 1941 at San Francisco, California. He was trained as a combat infantry cook and was attached to Co 17th Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, the Eastern Mandates, Leyte and Ryukyus. Romis reached the rank of E-6 Staff Sergeant and was awarded the following decorations and citations: Philippine Liberation with 2 Bronze Stars, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, 4 Bronze Service Stars, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged October 1, 1945 at Camp Beale, in California. Romis was a Charter Member of the Brownsville VFW Post 6801, assisted with the Brownsville Veterans Cemetery, and continued to reside in Brownsville for many years until his passing on October 19, 1999.

US ARMY CLARENCE J DRISCOLL PRIVATE

WWII 1943-44

Clarence John Driscoll was born on June 4, 1908. He was drafted into the US Army in December of 1942 and discharged in November of 1944. His rank was a Private. He served in the Medical Detachment 411th Infantry Regiment, which was part of the 103rd Infantry Division at Camp Howze, Texas.

US NAVY USAF FRANCIS DRISCOLL SN WWII A1C KOREA

Francis Driscoll served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and achieved the rank of Seaman (E-3). He again answered the call of his country for the Korean War by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force where he attained the rank of Airman First Class, which was at the paygrade of E-4 during the Korean War. He served from 1953- 1955. Over the course of his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

US ARMY IRENE DRISCOLL- KNIGHT

CPT WWII

Irene M. Driscoll Knight was assigned to active duty as an Army Reserve nurse effective March 28, 1942 reporting to Camp Grant, Rockford, IL. Her subsequent assignments during her service:  Reported to Camp Polk, LA on January 28, 1943 for assignment to the 97th Evac Hospital.  Reported to Camp Livingston, LA on June 17, 1943 for assignment to the 29th Evac Hospital.  Departed from US September 7, 1943 with arrival in Australia on October 3, 1943.  Posted to Australia from October 1943 to September 1944.  Posted to Papua, New Guinea from September 1944 through February 1945.  Posted to the Philippines from March 1945 through the end of the war. 1st Lieutenant Driscoll was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in direct support of combat operations against the enemy at Villasia, Pangasinan, Luzon, Philippine Islands from March 20 to May 9, 1945. She was a supervisor on the neurosurgical ward caring only for severe craniocerebral injuries during its busiest phase of the island. Many patients were paralyzed and all required the most rigid supervision and treatment. Because of her technical skill and despite her diminutive size, Lt. Driscoll was completely successful, both in her physical handling of these difficult patients and in her demonstrative instruction to the wardmen in the management of problems that were new to them. This intense mental and physical effort was carried out for long periods without regard to duty hours, and during a time when night work was made hazardous by frequent blackouts due to enemy air attacks and infiltrations. Her superior performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.

US ARMY ROBERT J DRISCOLL CORPORAL WWII 1941-45

Robert J. Driscoll served in the U.S. Army from August, 1941 to December, 1945 and achieved the rank of Corporal (E-4). He was first stationed in New York with Coastal Artillery. He subsequently served in the Battle of the Rhineland, Central Europe.

His service awards included:  Honorable Service Lapel Button  American Defense Service Medal  American Campaign Medal  European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

 Two Overseas Service Bars  ASR/

US ARMY GREG DUFFY SPEC 4 VIETNAM 1966-1968

Gregory P. Duffy was inducted into the US Army on October 27, 1966. His rank was that of Specialist 4 and he was discharged on October 18, 1968.

Gregory was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

US NAVY DAVID DUNT “BIM–DUNT” BTFN 1960-62 CUBAN CRISIS

David W. Dunt served in the US Navy, active duty and reserves, from 1960 to 1966. He was a boilerman aboard the USS Conway DDE 507. The destroyer operated in the Cuban area and was part of the Cuban Blockade and participated in the Bay of Pigs.

US AIR FORCE FRANK DVORAK A1C 1963-1967 VIETNAM VET

Frank enlisted in the US Air Force in July, 1963. After Basic Training and Tech School I he was assigned to the Tactical Air Command as an Air Craft Fuel Systems Specialist. Frank served at several bases in the United States as well as the Philippines, Thailand and South Vietnam. He was Honorably Discharged in July, 1967.

US NAVY PAT DVORAK EO E4 1989-1994 GULF WAR

Patrick Allen Dvorak enlisted in the United

States Navy in December 1988. Upon completion of boot camp, he was stationed with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, otherwise known as the Seabee's, out of Gulf Port, MS. He also served during the first Gulf War in 1990.

His rank at discharge, in December of 1993, was E4. He received the Humanitarian Relief Effort Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal.

US NAVY WM KENNETH EGLINTON BT3 RESERVE 1956-1962

Wm. Kenneth Eglinton was inducted into the US Navy on July 25, 1956 and served as a Boiler Man Third Class. Kenny served on the destroyer USS Stribling DD867 for two cruises to the Mediterranean Sea during his two years of active duty. His vessel was part of a force sent to patrol the water off Beirut, Lebanon, during the Beirut Crisis of 1959. He was awarded a Battle Ribbon for that duty. Kenny spent 4 years as an instructor at the Naval Reserve Center in La Crosse, WI until the time of his discharge on July 24, 1962.

US NAVY JACK/JOHN M FARNHAM E4 MM VIETNAM 1962-1965

I, John/Jack Farnham joined the Naval Reserve in August of 1962 and went to boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in November and December that same year. In the fall of 1963, I entered active duty and went to the Machinist Mate School at Great Lakes Ill. From there, it was off to Long Beach California to my assigned ship - the USS Oklahoma City CLG5. This was a WW2 ship that was converted to a Guided Missile Cruiser with telos rockets. I was assigned to the rear engine room, which functioned as the gas pedal for the ship's engines and the gears for the propellers. The ship was commissioned as The Flag Ship of the Seventh Fleet for the area called Westpac, which included the entire western Pacific. Our home port was Yokosuka, Japan, which is just south of Tokyo. Our ship was the first war ship to go up the Saigon River in 1963 at a time when many people knew little about the country of Viet Nam. We spent a week on the Saigon River and then continued to provide "good will tours" (outreach support) to countries in the area until the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August of 1964. At that time, our ship was then put on high alert due to the escalation of the United States' military involvement in Viet Nam. I remained stationed on the USS Oklahoma City CLG5 until I was discharged Honorably on Oct 15, 1965 at Treasure Island, California; having achieved the rank of MM 3 (E4).

US ARMY HOWARD JOSEPH FITZPATRICK SP3 1955-1957

Howard entered the Army in August 1955. After basic training at Camp Chafee, AK he took 3 months of specialized mechanic training, Track Vehicle Maintenance, at The Artillery and Guided Missile Center, Fort Sill, OK. Howard graduated with second highest honors in a class of 31. After a six-day furlough at home he left for Alaska where he was stationed at Fort Greely. Howard was discharged in 1957 with the rank of Specialist 3rd Class.

US ARMY DAVID F FITZPATRICK E4 1968-1970 VIETNAM VET

David F. Fitzpatrick served in the US Army where he obtained the rank of Spec 4. Dave’s basic training was at Fort Campbell, KY, his Armor Advanced Individual training was at Fort Knox, KY and his helicopter training was at Fort Eustis, VA. From there, Dave served two tours as a crew chief with the 118th and 190th assault helicopter companies in Bien Hoa, Vietnam. David returned to the states on April 6, 1970 after completing his three years of duty. In November of 1969 David accompanied the body of family friend, William “Bill” Quillin who was KIA, back to Brownsville for burial. Dave was wounded twice by friendly fire and still has shrapnel in his body. Dave did not have much free time, but found out if you donated blood, you got a 3-day pass. He also enjoyed R ’n R two times in Australia. David was disheartened and saddened by the maiming and death of Vietnamese civilians and the destruction of their land, as well as the untimely death of so many young soldiers. He bore the memories of these tragedies throughout his life. Like many others who served in Vietnam, he has battled PTSD.

US ARMY JOHN CLARE FORSCHLER TEC 5 WWII PURPLE HEART

John C. Forschler was born on January 4, 1926. He was inducted into the US Army on July 17, 1944 at Fort Snelling, MN and served in the battles/campaigns of Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe. John was wounded in action on January 30, 1945 and earned the Purple Heart. He also was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge MM Rifle, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award with Bronze Cluster, And European, African, Middle Eastern Service Medal. At Discharge on May 11, 1946, John’s rank was Technician Fifth Grade.

US NAVY JANET SKARE GEORGE YNC 1981-2001

Janet George (formerly Janet Skare) began her Naval career on August 22, 1981. After completing Boot Camp and Yeoman “A” School, she served tours in Washington, DC, at the Pentagon; Fleet Training Unit, Atlantic, Little Creek, Virginia; Fighter Squadron 101, Oceana, Virginia; and Patrol Squadron 8, Brunswick, Maine, before retiring from Survival, Evasion, Resistance & Escape (SERE) School, also in Brunswick, Maine, on August 31, 2001, after 20 years of service. Janet retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. She earned 2 Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals, 4 Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, 3 Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, 5 Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Rifle Marksmanship and Expert Pistol Shot Medals, the Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon, and 2 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. She also earned the Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia.

US ARMY EDWARD C GITTENS SPEC4 BSMV PH CIB VIETNAM 70-71

Ed enlisted in the US Army in March 1970. He served with the 196th Infantry Brigade in Viet Nam from September, 1970 through October, 1971. While serving as an M-60 machine gunner, Ed was wounded slightly and reassigned to Headquarters of his unit. There, he served as Battalion mail courier for the 1/46th Infantry. He was later assigned to Brigade Headquarters as artist/draftsman. Ed and his unit saw the heaviest action of 1971 on March 28th at firebase Mary Ann. His battalion sustained 112 casualties in just one hour. Among the 30 dead was Ed’s good buddy Sgt. Larry McKee. Ed left Fire Base Mary Ann just hours before the enemy attack on the LAST chopper out. Many other of Ed’s service comrades were killed or wounded during his extended “tour” in “Nam”. Ed earned the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Bronze Star with “V” device, among other awards.

Author Pierce “Perry” Brown, Korean War Veteran Read at Brownsville’s Veteran’s Memorial Dedication by Ed Gittens, friend and former high school student of Perry Brown.

US ARMY OMAR WAYNE GOETZINGER SGT/INFANTRY WWII 1942-46

Omar Wayne Goetzinger was born May 14, 1921. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 28, 1942 and was discharged on February 9, 1946. He served as a rifleman squad leader. His rank was Sergeant in Company G, 386th Infantry, 97th Division. During this time, he spent time in Rhineland & Central Europe.

He received:

 Combat Infantry Badge-M1 Rifle MKM

 American Theater Service Ribbon

 European African Middle Eastern Theater Service

Medal

 Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal

 Good Conduct Medal 44

US ARMY JJ GOETZINGER CSM RETIRED KOREA MASH

FLIGHT-4-LIFE

Jack “J.J.” Goetzinger enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 and retired after 22 years of service.

He served tours in:  Hawaii  Korea (M.A.S.H.)  Japan  Germany  France  Fitzsimmons Army General Hospital, Denver, CO

While at Fitzsimmons, he was promoted to CSGM and was the top NCO while stationed there.

At the time of his promotion, he was one of only 192 CSGM in the U.S. Army.

US ARMY CHARLES GRAF 53RD FIELD BN 6TH DIVISION WWII

Charles E. Graf was born April 28, 1925. He was inducted into the US Army on February 25, 1945. His campaign of service was rendered in the Philippines and Korea. He was discharged August 7, 1946. Charles passed away on February 26,

1988.

ARMY FRANCIS GRAU PFC 1941-45 ASIATIC PAC CAMP MEDAL

Francis H. Grau was inducted into the US ARMY on November 6, 1941 and was discharged 10/22/1945. His rank was Private First Class. He received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Defense Ribbon, and the European African Middle Service Ribbon.

US ARMY ARCHIBALD P GRODEVANT MEDIC WWII PACIFIC THTR

Archibald Peter Grodevant served in the South Pacific Theater. He was a medic in the US Army and his specific duty was as a dental technician. This photo was during the time he was stationed in New Guinea and he is standing outside the dental clinic. Archie enlisted shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served until the end of World War II. He and all 5 of his brothers served in World War II. Four of them served in the Army and one in the Navy. Their mother was recognized as a 5 Star Mother, with all six of her boys returning from the war “in one piece”. One of his duties as a medic was to go out into the jungle and recover bodies after running battles with the Japanese. He did not carry any firearms, so was very vulnerable to snipers. He did tell us that if they hadn’t recovered the bodies within the first day or two that all that was left would be the boots and the dog tags. Archie was born on April 10, 1918 and died on April 2, 1990.

US ARMY BILL HAAS SPEC 4 1963-1965

Bill Haas served in the US Army from 1963 to 1965. He was a Spec 4. Artillery Honest John Rockets

US ARMY HAROLD HARER PFC BRONZE STAR WWII

Harold J Harer was born May 19, 1912. He was inducted into the US Army April 28, 1942 and discharged December 9, 1945. He was a rifleman with the 75th Infantry Division. Because of his language skills in German, he became an interpreter with his infantry company throughout his service. His rank was Private First Class. Harold fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the Colmar Pocket and the Battle of the Rhine as the Germans were driven back into their homeland.

He received the Bronze Star.

US ARMY WWII ERWIN W HEILLER PFC 125TH FA BN 1941-1945

Erwin Heiller, Tec. 5, served in the US Army from April 1941 to July 1945. He was a Field Lineman – 125th Field Artillery Battalion which was a unit of the 34th “Red Bull” Division. Erwin completed 480 days in combat, serving in these locations:  Tunisia  Cassino  Naples  Foggia  Rome-Arno  North Appennines  PO Valley He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, six Overseas Service Bars, Motor Vehicle Drivers Award and Good Conduct Medal.

US NAVY FAYNE L HEILLER MM3 CA-148 1956-1959

Fayne L. Heiller served in the US Navy on the USS Newport News, CA- 148 from 1956 to 1959. This ship was the last of her age as well as the last all-gun heavy cruiser in commission in US Naval history. Fayne’s rank was MM3.

US NAVY FRED HEILLER MOMM3 D-DAY BULGE 1943-1946

Fred Heiller served in the US Navy from November, 1942 to March, 1946 as a MOMM3. He trained at Fort Pierce, Florida, which was a training base for Landing Crafts. Fred then boarded a British Freighter, loaded with Landing Craft, for England. At Portsmouth, as a mechanic, he helped assemble the crafts for the Normandy Landing on June 6, 1944. They landed on Omaha Beach, shuttled supplies from ship to shore, and scooped up bodies who drowned during the invasion. Fred’s service locations included:  France  England  Belgium  Holland  Germany Upon returning to the US, he was assigned to the newly commissioned USS Portsmouth, when Japan surrendered.

CIVIL WAR HENRY HEILLER 27TH IA CO D

This is the monument to the Iowa soldiers who were ANDERSONVILLE imprisoned at Andersonville prison. Henry was one of those soldiers. At the Iowa Monument's dedication on November 17, 1906, Iowa’s Governor Albert B. Cummins stated, "These boys suffered the unparalleled inhumanity of prison 1862-1865 and the infinite cruelties of the stockade rather than surrender for a single moment their privilege to fight and die for the Union, and for the sovereignty of the old flag."

Henry Heiller was born in 1844 and enlisted in the

Army at age 18, the same day as his father, William. Along with his father, he mustered September 13, 1862 with the 27th Iowa Infantry Regiment Company D.

Henry was captured at Pleasant Hill, LA on April 9, 1864 and remained a prisoner until he was exchanged on October 22, 1864 at Red River Landing, LA. He returned to his Company and because of disease, contracted at the prison, was found unfit at that time for duty. Henry was granted a 30-day furlough to visit his family on December 2, 1864.

On August 8, 1865 at Clinton, IA, Henry mustered out.

ARMY WWII POW RONA HEILLER CPL 157TH INF BRONZE STAR PURPLE HEART

Cpl Rona Peter Heiller was born on 14 March, 1916. He was drafted into the US Army in January 1942 and trained as a machine gunner in the Infantry. He entered combat in Italy in 1944 and then participated in Operation Dragoon in the first wave invasion of Southern France on 15 August 1944, as part of the 3rd Battalion, 157th Regiment of the 45th Division of the 7th Army.

His unit entered Germany in December 1944 but had to pull back to support the Battle of the Bulge. In January 1945 his unit was infiltrated and surrounded by the SS near the village of Reipertswiller after an 8-day battle in the Vosges Mountains along the French - German border. Rona was captured along with 426 of his fellow soldiers and moved by rail car to Stalag 11b. He was freed by British soldiers in April. Rona received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and died 8 years later from complications of being a POW.

CIVIL WAR WILLIAM HEILLER

The United States of America went through four 27TH IA CO D different flags during the Civil War. On July 4, 1861 the 34-star flag became the official flag of the United States of America to honor the admission of Kansas 1862-1865 as a state. This is the flag that would have been carried by the 27th Infantry when William enlisted. with them.

William Heiller was born in 1820. In August 1862, at the age of 40, he enlisted to join the Union Army along with his son, Henry. He joined the infantry on September 13, 1862 and was part of the 27th Iowa Infantry Regiment Company D. The 27th Infantry had long and arduous marches without tents or shelter in all kinds of weather and terrain. The troops lived mainly off the countryside they marched through as the supplies they had lasted only 10 days. William was transferred to the Veteran’s Reserve Corp (Invalid Corp) because of severe illness. He was discharged on August 18, 1865 at Springfield, Ill.

US ARMY LELAND HEINTZ SERGEANT FEB 7 1943 FEB 27 1946

Leland Eugene Heintz graduated from Caledonia High School in 1934. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II and was discharged at rank of Sergeant in 1946. He lived in Caledonia for many years and was employed as a launch technician in mechanical systems for Lockheed.

US NAVY AARON E HOLZWARTH MOMM2 1943-1946

Aaron Edward Holzwarth enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 26 August 1943. He completed basic training at Farragut, Idaho and trained as a Motor Machinist’s Mate at Treasure Island, CA. He served aboard USS THE SULLIVANS (DD 537) 13 December 1943 - 28 June 1944 and was involved in the Marshall Islands campaign, Kwajalien, Truk, Palau, and Wake Island. He served the rest of the war aboard the USS MOUNTRAIL (APA 213) securing islands across the Western Pacific and notably in the Battle of Okinawa. Aaron was a charter member of VFW Post 6801 which is named in honor of his brother, MOMM1 LeRoy David Holzwarth.

US ARMY EDWARD P HOLZWARTH PRIVATE WWI

Edward Peter Holzwarth was born in 1893. He joined the Minnesota Militia in Red Wing in 1917. Upon enlistment , he was noted to have blue eyes, dark brown hair, and a ruddy complexion. His basic training was at Camp Deming, New Mexico. This was called “tent city” and was part of the Cavalry. Ed’s rank was Private 1st Class and he saw combat in France.

Camp Deming was established as an Army Training Camp in 1917 and shortly after was renamed Camp Cody in honor of William F. Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill, who had died that year. More than 30,000 troops passed through the camp during WWI.

Ed was a charter member of VFW Post 6801 which organized in 1946 and was named after his nephew, LeRoy D. Holzwarth, who was lost at sea in WWII.

After discharge Ed returned to Brownsville, farming west of town, for the remainder of his life. Ed passed away in 1979.

ARMY RESERVE JOHN A HOLZWARTH E5 1971-1979

John A. Holzwarth enlisted in the US Army Reserve on January 29, 1971 and was discharged on October 18, 1979. John served with the 397th Engineer Battalion with his rank E5.

US NAVY WWII LEROY D HOLZWARTH MOMM1 KIA PURPLE HEART

LeRoy David Holzwarth was born on 27 February 1915. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 11 January 1942 and was trained as a Motor Machinist’s Mate (MoMM). He served in the Battle of the Mediterranean primarily as part of the crew on submarine chasers.

In response to attacks on merchant traffic in the Mediterranean on the night of 8 May 1944 LeRoy’s ship, the USS-PC558, patrolled the waters near the entrance to the bay near Palermo Sicily. During the course of their patrol, the USS PC-558 engaged and destroyed a German one-man submarine and assisted in destroying another German one-man submarine. In the early morning hours of 9 May, the USS PC-558 was hunted and destroyed by a single torpedo from German submarine U-230. LeRoy and 28 of his shipmates went down with the ship.

Brownsville’s VFW Post 6801 was organized in 1946 and named in LeRoy’s honor. Each year as part of the Memorial Day program, a wreath is laid on the river in honor of LeRoy and all Sailors lost at sea. NEVER FORGET FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

US NAVY JOHN HREJSA BEIRUT 58 1958-1960

John G. Hrejsa was on active duty with the US Navy from 1957 to 1960 aboard the USS Chilton APA 38. Their mission involved landing troops in Lebanon.

US ARMY ARNOLD E IDEKER PFC E3 1957-1959

Arnold and his brother, Bill, enlisted in the Army in the buddy system and reported to the Induction Center in St. Paul on January 2, 1957. We went to Fort Chaffe, Arkansas. There we assigned to auto maintenance school. After basic training I assigned as an instructor in vehicle recovery, where I stayed for my years of duty. I volunteered for the company football team which allowed me to special teams for eight months, which was a great experience for me.

ARMY RESERVE DELMER IDEKER IDEKER E5 SPEC 5 1962-1968

Delmer Ideker entered the U.S. Army Reserve in February, 1964 and was discharged in January, 1970. He did his basic training in Fort Knox, KY and finished his training at Fort Belvoir, VA. He was a member of the 397 Engineer Btn. Onalaska, WI where he received the rank of Spec. 5, as a Heavy Equipment Operator. His Co. B did a lot of improvements at Fort McCoy, WI and Fort Ripley, MN.

US ARMY WILLIAM BILL IDEKER PFC E3 1957-1959

Bill, and his brother, Arnold enlisted in the Army in the buddy system on January 2, 1957. They were sent to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas to the auto maintenance school. Bill was the instructor in the mechanics and carbonation school. During this time, he drove troops to Little Rock, Arkansas for the integration of the schools.

US ARMY RAY ARVID JOHNSON PFC ARTILLERY KOREA 1952-54

Ray Arvid Johnson was inducted into the US Army on October 15, 1952 and discharged October 14, 1954 at the rank of Private 1st Class.

Ray received the Korean Service Medal with two Battle Campaign Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Ray is a Life Member of VFW Post 6801.

ARMY AIRCORPS GLEN A JOSTAD TSGT RADIO OP B-17 WWII POW 15 MONTHS

Glen A. Jostad enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 at age 19. He became a radio operator/machine gunner on a B-17 bomber in the 731st Squadron of the 452nd Bomb Group based in Attleboro, England.

On Feb 8, 1944, during their third mission, target Frankfurt, the plane lost two engines, and could no longer keep up with the group. The decision was made to salvo all equipment, and turn back with hopes of ditching in the English Channel. Under subsequent heavy German fighter fire, the pilot ordered the crew to bail. Following a brief period of freedom, Glen was captured. During the ensuing 15 months, he was interned in 5 POW camps. Transit between camps was via overcrowded box cars, or forced marches with little to no food or water. Glen was liberated from the Moosburg, Germany POW camp by Patton’s Third Army, 14th Armored Division on April 29, 1945. Seeing the American flag raised over the camp was one of Glen’s most profound and meaningful memories. He knew from experience, and often said ‘Freedom isn’t free!’

US NAVY R C KAUFMANN LCDR RET WWII VETERAN

Lt. Cmdr. Roger Charles Kaufmann was born in Mishicot, WI on August 20, 1925. Roger’s military service included serving in the Navy in WWII from September 2, 1942 through August 18, 1946. Roger continued his service as Lieutenant Commander of the La Crosse, WI Naval Reserves base, retiring in 1985. He attained the Rank of Lieutenant Commander, 04. He played the Bosun’s Pipe in the Navy and was well known for playing it every Memorial Day in Brownsville upon laying a wreath on the water for those lost at sea, during the Memorial Day Ceremony. Roger owned and operated Kaufmann Jewelers in La Crosse, WI for many years. He married and divorced twice. Of his six children and two step children, four of them also served in the Navy.

He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Roger died on February 9, 2008 in Brownsville, MN.

ARMY BOB KIES SGT 43RD INF DIV MUNICH GER 1952-1954

Bob Kies served in the US Army with the 169th AAA BN in Munich, Germany from 1952-1954.

US ARMY RICKY KIES IRAQ 2009-2010

Ricky Kies served in the US Army at the rank of Corporal with the 32nd Brigade, Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2009 to 2010.

ARMY INFANTRY TIMOTHY KLUG VIETNAM 1970 AIR MEDAL BRONZE STAR

Tim Klug, born 8-18-1951, registered and volunteered for the draft on 8-18-1969. Following induction to, and Infantry training from the U.S. Army he was deployed to Vietnam. Initially assigned to the 199th Light Infantry Brigade as a rifleman in an 8 to 12 man Reconnaissance Team, he subsequently served as a squad leader in platoons of the Fourth and Fifth Infantry Divisions. Medals awarded include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal w/60 device, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal "V" Device (valour) w/2 OLC, Air

Medal, Bronze Star Medal.

US NAVY NCB WILLIAM KOHLMEYER BUILDER 2 1967-71 RVNX2

William Kohlmeyer was born May 6, 1949 and enlisted in the US Navy in September 1967. He trained at Port Hueneme, California in Construction “A” School as a carpenter. Bill was then stationed at Pearl Harbor at the base carpenter shop doing base maintenance. From there he was transferred to Gulf Port, MS with MCB121 and then sent to Danang, South Viet Nam. He returned to Gulf Port and transferred to MCB74 and returned to Cho Moi, South Viet Nam in the Mekong Delta. There, Bill was in charge of building water towers, concrete water storage, and other concrete structures. He returned to Gulf Port and was discharged April 30, 1971.

USMC WILLIAM LANGE CPL E4 VIETNAM 1968-1970

William T. (Bill) Lange was born July 7, 1950. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on November 5, 1968. Basic Training was completed at CamPen, CA. Bill was trained as a tank crewman and bulldozer operator and later served as a tank commander. From September 6, 1969 to February 12, 1970, he was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Bill was a CPL E-4 and received the National Defense Service Medal and Rifle Marksman Badge.

US ARMY RONALD R LEVENDOSKI CSM 1952-1987 KOREAN WAR

I started working at Trane Company right after graduation and worked there until I was drafted into the Army in 1952. I spent 15 months and 10 days in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division during the war and then with the 558th MP Company until 1954. I was sent to Korea in 1953 as a private. By this time, China had entered the war on the side of North Korea after the UN forces crossed the 38th parallel, the dividing line between North and South Korea. On July 27, 1953 my company was called in for a briefing and told the war would end at 10 p.m. There was intense fighting that night, artillery and man to man fighting right up until 5 to 10 mins before 10 p.m. At 10p.m. all was silent. The next day the armies returned to their respective hills and engaged in some good-natured revelry. They’d get up and holler and wave and we’d holler back and wave, and the day before we were shooting one another. After returning from Korea, I went to school under the GI Bill and continued to work at Trane Company.

I also stayed in the US Army Reserve after returning from Korea and I then also served twice in Germany on REFORGERS, serving one time with a German Army unit along the Wall that divided West and East Germany. I retired from the Army in 1987 after competing 35 years of service and attaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM). My actual certificate of Retirement from the Army is dated May 1, 1992. (My 60th birthday) I was stationed at Group Headquarters at Fort Snelling the last years. I travelled to many units and was also working at Trane Company during this time.

I was also very involved with the Brownsville VFW and La Crescent Legion, having been Commander of both.

I guess since I wasn’t busy enough with all the above, plus my family, I got involved with the Houston County Memorial that is on the Houston County Courthouse lawn. A committee of seven Houston County residents met in 1987 to start planning for the memorial and to get funding, plans, and all. The Memorial was dedicated on November 11, 2000. As part of the fundraising, it was decided to put together a book to sell, with articles from veterans and veteran’s families. The first book was popular and then I started receiving other articles too late for the first book so I decided we would do another book that ended up being three times the size of the first one. The contents of the first book are included in the second book. My wife did all the typing for the book and I did the layout. Many, many hours and I’m very proud of the book.

I think the best years were when I was serving in the military and the camaraderie that exists in the military. Some of our best friends were friends from the years in the military.

VFW Post 6801 Veteran’s Memorial Dedication Marshalls Ron Levendoski Past Post Commander, 67 years of service Marlene Levendoski VFW Auxiliary President, 62 years of service

ARMY AIRCORPS CLETUS LINK SSGT WWII B17 TAIL GUNNER 25 MISSIONS

Cletus H. Link was born on April 6, 1924 and grew up on a farm near Freeburg, MN.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in June 1942 during WWII, acquiring the rank of Staff Sergeant. Cletus was trained as a B17 Gunner and flew on 25 combat missions.

He was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal. Cletus received the award for his courage, coolness and skill, and outstanding performance of duty, while participating in heavy bombardment missions over occupied continental Europe.

He was discharged in 1948.

US ARMY ROBERT MANN SPEC 4 1968-1970

Robert (Rob) Mann was drafted into the Army in March, 1968 and took his basic training in Fort Campbell, KY. Rob then took his advanced training as a truck driver in Fort Polk, LA. He was assigned to the 175th Ordinance Company in Okinawa where he spent nineteen months working in an ammunition depot transporting ammo in support of the Viet Nam war effort. Rob was discharged in March, 1970 with the rank of Spec. 4.

US NAVY USNR WILLIAM BILL MCGINNIS PERSONNELMAN 2ND CL 1952-60

William McGinnis was inducted into the U.S. Navy on July 1st, 1952 and released to inactive duty June 29, 1956. He continued his service in the U.S. Naval Reserve until June 30, 1960. His rank was Personnel Man (PN) 2.

US ARMY FRED A MILLER WWI ENGINEERS PARIS FRANCE

After the US entered WW I, Fred A. Miller was drafted into the US Army and his family believes he was sent to Camp Devens, MA for six weeks of training. His unit was then sent to France. In France, there was a great need for hospital space to treat all of the wounded men. Because of his building skills, he was given a test of putting a window into a horse barn. He did it and was then put into an Engineer Battalion which did construction work. Fred remained in the Paris area until after the armistice was signed in 1918. He never talked much about his army experience to any of his family members.

US AIR FORCE MARVIN MILLER TECHNICAL SERGEANT

1953-1957

Marvin L Miller, born on October 16, 1933. He was inducted into the US Air Force on March 3, 1953. He took training to be a mechanic on a B-29 Jet and an RB 47 Jet at Wichita Falls, Texas. His work on the planes and in air refueling took him to Alaska, Greenland, and other bases in the US. His rank was Technical Sgt. when he was honorably discharged on March 4, 1957.

US AIR FORCE MELVIN MILLER T/SGT CREW CHIEF 1953-1957

Melvin Miller was born in La Crosse, WI on October 16, 1933. He served in the US Air Force from 1953 to 1957 and in the Air Force Reserves from 1958 to 1960. His service duty included: Aircraft Maintenance School for B29 Bomber (Recip) May, 1953 and B47 Bomber (Jet) June, 1954. Flying Crew Chief from November 1954 to March 1957. While stationed at Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka, KS, from February, 1955 to March, 1957, his duties included Inflight Refueling. Melvin was on temporary duty from May to October, 1955 in Alaska, Wake Island, Okinawa, and Japan. He was also on an Arctic Circle flight from Alaska to the Arctic Circle, Norway and Sweden in June, 1955. Reflections…

US NAVY NATHAN D MITCHELL CTRCS SS/SW/IW OEF

Senior Chief Petty Officer Nathan Mitchell joined the U.S. Navy in October 1997. He was trained as a Cryptologic Technician at Navy Training Center Corry Station in 1998 and has served in various locations worldwide. His duty stations are:  Fort Meade Maryland  Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut  Special Projects (Operator)  Bagram, Afghanistan  USS PREBLE (DDG 88)  Canadian Forces Information Operations Group Headquarters, Ottawa Ontario Canada  Special Projects (Senior Enlisted Leader)  Navy Information Operations Command Whidbey Island, Washington

Senior Chief Mitchell is qualified in Submarines, Surface Warfare, and Information Warfare. He is a graduate of the Middle Enlisted Cryptologic Career Advancement Program.

He is married to Joleen (Ryan) Mitchell and they have four daughters: Bianca (23), Evelyn (21), Lillian (17), Hazel (2)

US NAVY ROBERT L MITCHELL EM3C 1944-52 WWII KOREA

Robert L. Mitchell enlisted in the US Navy in November, 1944 and attended Electrician Service School, Purdue University, La Fayette, ID. Bob went to the Pacific in July, 1945 on transport and assigned to USS South Dakota-BB57 which he was on when Japan surrendered on the nearby USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. He entered Japan in August, 1945 and transferred to Aircraft Carrier USS Hancock and was discharged in August,1946. Bob stayed in the Reserves and was called for the Korean War in August 1950. He was assigned to the USS Siboney XVG119 and sent to the Mediterranean. He was discharged in February 1952.

US AIR FORCE VANCE L MITCHELL

SGT 1TFW/HOSP 1976-1980

Vance L. Mitchell enlisted in the USAF in October 1975 and began active duty in March 1976. Upon completion of Basic Training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, he attended the School of Health Care Sciences, Shepard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX. Vance graduated with honors in Radiologic Technology and was assigned to David Grant USAF Medical Center, Travis AFB, Military Airlift Wing, Fairfield, CA. Vance performed radiographic services to active- duty personnel and families as well as disabled veterans spanning WWI to Viet Nam eras. He was later assigned to USAF Hospital, Tactical Air Command/1st Tactical Fighter Wing, Langley, VA and provided radiographic services there, including serving as lead X-ray tech for the base Air Transportable Hospital. Vance was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1980.

US ARMY PATRICK O’HERON CORPORAL 1953-1961

Patrick C. O’Heron served in the US Army during World War II and was Corporal with D-Day troops when allies invaded Normandy. He also served in Germany during the Korean War and was a tank driver. He was discharged in May 1961. Patrick was served active duty for 2 years and 6 years in the Army Reserve.

Patrick was born in March 1933 and passed away in September 1995.

US ARMY LYNN PETERSON SPEC 5 VIETNAM 1967-1969

Lynn E. Peterson went to Viet Nam as a combat engineer. In Lynn’s own words, “They cloned me into a surveyor and I spent 14 months with the 35th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade”.

US AIR FORCE WM C PROKSCH A/1C 1956-1959

William C. Proksch joined the US Air Force on May 10, 1956. During his service he was stationed for two years in Germany and worked in Communications. Bill was honorably discharged with the rank of A/1C on May 9, 1962.

US ARMY GILES QUILLIN SGT WWII 1940-1945

Giles M. Quillin was inducted into the US Army on Oct 15, 1940. His rank was Sergeant. Giles’s awards included:  American Defense Service Ribbon  European-African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon  2 Bronze Battle Stars  4 Overseas Service Bars  Service Stripe Good Conduct Medal He was discharged on October 13, 1945.

US ARMY WILLIAM T QUILLIN SP4 KIA 11-05-69 VIETNAM

William Thomas Quillin was born February 25,

1948. He was drafted into the Army via Selective Service and served during the Viet Nam War. Bill began his tour on July 14, 1969. He had the rank of Specialist Four, attached to 1st Cavalry Division, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, A Company.

During his service in the Viet Nam War, while performing duty as Crew Chief, he was killed in a helicopter air crash on November 5, 1969. The incident location was South Viet Nam, Binh Duong Province. ALL GAVE SOME… …SOME GAVE ALL

We must “Remember Their Sacrifice” and continue to support our Military if we want to Keep and Enjoy Our Freedom.

ARMY RESERVE JEFFERY JOHN ROHRER E3 52D10 1982-1988

Jeff was born May 25, 1962. He joined the US Army Reserves in 1982, going through Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Jeff attended AIT school at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was a Direct Support Engineer and his primary duty was to run and maintain the camp generators to defend the camp. He was discharged in 1988.

US NATL GUARD SGT NOLAN ROHRER ENLIST 2013 ACTIVATE 2020

Nolan B. Rohrer enlisted into the United States Army on October 29th, 2013. He enlisted as a Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic) and serves with the Minnesota Army National Guard. In 2016, he traveled to Norway as part of the 42nd Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange. In 2020, Rohrer deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to East Africa where he spent over 260 days in Djibouti, Africa. Rohrer is currently the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG/E-6) and has been awarded 2 Army Commendation Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Assault Badge, and French

Desert Warfare Insignia.

US ARMY RONALD J ROHRER SP3 1954-1956

Spec3 Ronald J. Rohrer was drafted into the US Army during WWII post recovery period. He was stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. During his tour of duty in Germany he worked on replacing Bailey bridges over the Rhine River. On discharge he became a lifetime VFW member.

US NAVY TOM ROHRER JR E5 2ND CLASS 4 YRS AFGHAN WAR 2001

Thomas Luke Rohrer was born on March 21, 1979. He enlisted in the US Navy on January 4, 1999 and was trained as a Damage Controlman. After he completed training, he was stationed on the guided missile cruiser the USS Philippine Sea CG-58, for 3.5 years. His rank was Damage Controlman 2nd Class Petty Officer. His ship was the first to launch missiles into Afghanistan post 9/11 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. In his 4 years of service, Tommy earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal, among various ribbons and commendations.

He was honorably discharged on January 4, 2003.

US ARMY CPT SHARON SCANLAN ROHRER DESERT STORM 1989-1999

Sharon Scanlan Rohrer served in the US Army during Desert Storm. Entering as a 1st Lieutenant, she was assigned to the receiving hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. Another duty was to care for critical patients transported via Blackhawk helicopter to the intensive care unit. She received an Army Achievement Medal and was promoted to Captain d/t setting up intensive care units and instructing other service members in her unit.

US ARMY JOSEPH J SERRES PFC 1918-1919

Joseph J. Serres was born March 24, 1894. He entered the service on July 22, 1917 with Co. E of the 148th Infantry during WW1. He arrived in Bordeaux, France on Sept. 28, 1917. Joseph went over the top on Oct. 31, 1917 where he was met with machine gun fire and struck in the chest. After 5 months recovery in France, he was sent back to the states and discharged on April 11, 1918. He earned the Purple Heart. Joseph J. Serres was a Charter Member of VFW Post 6801. The Post incorporated in 1950 and met in the school house with Joseph as commander. In 1955 the Ideker Blacksmith Shop (208 Main St.) was purchased from Joseph for

$3000.00 and all future meetings would be held there. Private First Class Oswald Stephan lived and worked in Brownsville, MN, before enlisting in the Army. He was killed in action in France on July 27, 1944. This poem was found on his body after the battle.

Look God, I have never spoken to you, But now I want to say “How to You do.” You see, God, they told me you didn’t exist, And like a fool, I believed all of this. Last night from a shell hole, I saw your sky, And figured right then they had told me a lie. Had I taken time to see things you made, This poem was read by VFW I’d have known they weren’t calling a spade, a Auxiliary President Marlene spade. I wonder God, if you’d shake my hand, Levendoski at Brownsville’s Somehow, I feel you will understand. Veteran’s Memorial Dedication. Funny I had to come to this hellish place, Before I had time to see your face. Oswald Stephan was a brother Well, I guess there isn’t much more to say, in law of Joseph J. Serres. But I’m sure glad God, I met you today. I guess the “zero hour” will soon be here, But I’m not afraid, since I know you’re near. The signal--well God, I’ll have to go; I like you lots, this I want you to know. Look now, this will be a horrible fight, Who knows? I may come to your house tonight. Though I wasn’t friendly to you before, I wonder, God, if you’ll wait at your door. Look. I’m crying! Me shedding tears? I wish I had known you these many years. Well, I have to go now, God, goodbye. Strange, since I’ve met you, I’m not afraid to die.

Remember PFC Stephan and all those who gave their lives for our country.

US NAVY JOSEPH L SERRES CM3 1944-1947

Joseph Leo Serres was born on August 19, 1926. He served in the United States Navy from 1944-1947. Joining the service at the age of 17, his dad had to sign the papers to give him permission to do so. He was Carpenters Mate 3rd Class and was in the Scouts and Raiders. Joseph had duty on a mine sweeper after the War. He completed a trip around the world, bringing soldiers home. The biggest ship he was on was the Storm King, a cargo ship.

US AIR FORCE DAVID M SEYMOUR 1961-1965

David M. Seymour enlisted in the U.S, Air Force in March 1961 and was discharged in February of 1965. Dave was stationed in Texas, Japan, and Korea.

While in the air force Dave participated in many recreational activities.

US ARMY WALTER SHUDA PFC GCM WWII 1943-1945

Walter E. Shuda was inducted into the US Army on April 8, 1943 and was honorably discharged on November 14, 1945. His rank was Private First Class. Walter served in southern France, Normandy, northern France, and central Europe. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, European-African- Middle Easter Theater Service Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars.

US NAVY DONALD SKINNER AMM2 1942-1948

Donald Skinner served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945 and achieved the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class (E5).

US NAVY USMC DOUGLAS SKINNER HM2 1969-1975 FIELD MEDIC

Doug Skinner served from 1969 to 1975 and achieved the rank of E5. He was a Corpsman Second Class and a Marine Corps Paratrooper as part of his duties as a field medic.

US ARMY ROBERT STRUB SP4 SHARPSHOOTER 1960-1963

Robert V. Strub was born February 13, 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 15, 1957. Robert attained the rank of Specialist 4 and earned the U.S. Army Sharpshooter Badge. He served two years of active duty in Alaska and was discharged in 1963.

Robert passed away October 18, 2019.

US ARMY GEORGE STUBER 20TH ARMD DIV TEC 5 1942-1946

George Stuber served in the US Army, 220th Armored Engineer Division from October 10, 1942 to January 1, 1946.

He served as TEC 5 Division Photographer, documenting the war campaign and flew with the Spotter Pilots to take pictures of enemy positions.

George arrived in La Have, France, travelled into Belgium, then south through southern Germany, ending on the border with Austria. He conducted 3 river crossings for the Division, Battle at Munich, and liberated the Dacha concentration camp.

At the end they were receiving the surrender of large units of the German Army.

US ARMY ELDEN “TOPPY” THEOBALD PRIVATE 1962-1968

Elden “Toppy” Theobald enlisted in the US Army in July, 1962. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO until December 1962. His rank was Private Second Class. Toppy remained in the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in February 1968. He was a member of the American Legion Post 595 in La Crescent.

US NAVY ROBERT THOMSEN CORPSMAN VIETNAM VET

Robert C. Thomsen was born in 1945. He was inducted into the US Navy in October, 1965 and discharged in October 1969. His rank was HM8404 Hospital Corpsman; Medical Field Service Technician. Robert served at Camp Lejeune, NC, Japan, Vietnam (attached to the US Marine Corp), and Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, IL. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service with FMF Combat Insignia, Viet Nam Campaign Medal with Device, Presidential Unit Citation, and Combat Action Ribbon. Robert passed away in 2019.

US ARMY GERALD TOOMEY PFC WWII

Gerald J. Toomey was born February 9, 1913. He served in the US Army from April 28, 1942 to November 26, 1945. Gerald passed away in 1987.

US NAVY JOSEPH TOOMEY CBM WWII

Joseph A. Toomey was born September 14, 1910. He served in the US Navy from July 15, 1942 to September 27, 1945 with the Rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate. Joe had served 8 years in the Navy prior to re-enlisting for WW2. His service was in China. Joe passed away on October 9, 2005.

US ARMY MICHAEL TOOMEY SPEC 4 1965-1967

Mike Toomey was born August 23, 1946. He served in the US Army from August 18, 1965 to November 24, 1967. During the course of his service Mike achieved the rank of Private First Class (E-3). He was a part of the Military Assistance Advisory Group and served at the U.S. Embassy in Libya.

US ARMY PAT TOOMEY SGT 1969-71 PURPLE HEART VIETNAM VET

Patrick Toomey served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971 in Vietnam with the rank of Sergeant. He earned the Purple Heart.

US NAVY EVERETT TRAFF SEAMAN FIRST CLASS 1945-1946

Everett C. Traff enlisted in the United States Navy on January 26, 1945. He completed his basic training at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL. Everett served at Twentynine Palms Naval Air Base in California where he attained the rank of Seaman First Class and was honorably discharged from Camp Shoemaker in California on July 6, 1946.

USMC SHAWN VIROCK CPL VIETNAM VET 1969-1971

Shawn was born April 3, 1950. His service: 3rd Marine Division 3rd Marines Quang Tri Province, South Viet Nam 1969-1970

US ARMY EARL JAMES VOSHART WWII VETERAN

Earl James Voshart served in the US Army and was a World War II Veteran. He achieved the rank of Technician Third Grade over the course of his service

US NAVY RODNEY JAMES VOSHART VIETNAM VETERAN

Rodney James Voshart served in the US Navy and was a Viet Nam Veteran. Rod achieved the rank of Fireman (E-3) during the course of his service.

US AIR FORCE ROBERT L WALHOVD SSGT 1950-1958 KOREAN WAR

Robert (Bob), Lester Walhovd was born on March 29, 1930 in Janesville WI. In 1948 he graduated from High School in Birchwood WI. He enlisted in the Air Force on December 7, 1950. He served as a member of the Air Police at the Tulln Air Base in Austria, about 19 miles northwest of Vienna. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (Senior Air Police Specialist). He was awarded an Occupation Medal (Germany), and the National Defense Service Medal. In November 1953 he returned to the states, and served in the Air Reserves until his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force in November 1958. He married Carol Palen (Heisler) of Brownsville in August 1959, and they moved to Brownsville in 1962, where they raised their family. Bob was an active member of the Brownsville community, and

Brownsville VFW Post 6801, until his death in May 2019.

USMC JOHN J WHITE CORPORAL 2ND DIVISION WWII

John J. White enlisted in the US Marine Corp at 21 years of age, on March 23 1943, in Prairie du Chien, Crawford County, WI.

He shipped out on the USS Collins from San Diego, CA. John served in the South Pacific, fought on Saipan, and was in the first wave that landed at the Battle of Tinian. He fought on Okinawa twice.

John served overseas for 2 years, returning in 1945.

US ARMY WWI GEORGE H WINSLOW PVT SILVER STAR PURPLE HEART

George H. Winslow served in WWI along with his brother, John M. Winslow. George served under General McArther in the campaign all across France. He earned the Purple Heart. George was a charter member of VFW Post 6801 in Brownsville.

US ARMY WWI JOHN M WINSLOW PVT PURPLE HEART

John M. Winslow served in WWI as did his brother, George Winslow.

John served under General McArthur in the campaign all across France. He earned the Purple Heart.

John was a charter member of Brownsville

VFW Post 6801.

US ARMY JOHN WINSLOW SP4 1958-1961 NIKE MISSLES RADAR OPR

John Winslow enlisted in the US Army on the “buddy system” with his good friend, Gale Scanlan. The Army guaranteed them to be together for Basic Training, which they took at Fort Carson, CO. After Basic Training, John and Gale went to the San Francisco Bay area together. John was trained in the NIKE Missile Anti-Aircraft System as a radar operator. He was trained in target tracking, missile tracking, and acquisition radar. At that time, all commercial and military planes carried an IFF system (Indication Friend or Foe). When a plane came over the horizon, it would be picked up by target tracking and subsequently determined whether it was a friend or foe. This tracking system was in response to fear of being attacked by Russia. Gale was trained on the technical support side of the system. John was a Specialist 4th Class.

US NAVY CARY WOHLERS E6 MACHINE MATE 1972-1980

Cary Lee Wohlers enlisted in the US Navy on 3/28/1972. His Rank was E-6 first Class Machinist. Cary was assigned to USS Independence, CV-62 and USS Tullibee SSN-597. He was Honorably discharged on 3/28/1980.

US AIR FORCE DENNIS WOHLERS SSGT VIETNAM

Dennis Wohlers enlisted in the US. Air Force on 23 October 1973. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant as a Microwave Radio Relay Repairman. Of note, he spent 18 months on remote duty in Germany. Over the course of his service, he earned the following awards:  Air Force Commendation Medal (2 awards)  National Defense Service Medal  Vietnam Service Medal  U.S. Air Force Expert Marksman Medal Dennis was discharged 22 October 1979.

US AIR FORCE DUANE WOHLERS MSGT CREW CHIEF 1947-1968

Duane E. Wohlers was born April 22, 1931. He served in the United States Air force for 20 years retiring as Master Sergeant on September 30, 1967. He was trained as an airplane mechanic, started his service in Roswell, New Mexico, moving on to Colorado Springs, CO; Reno, NV; Ashsiya, Japan; Robat, Morocco; Harlingen, TX; Waco, TX; Warrens, MI, and finishing his service in Mt. Clemens, MI, as an Air Force Recruiter. He then returned, with his wife and 6 children, to Brownsville, MN, where he grew up.

US AIR FORCE YVETTE WOHLERS E4 SGT 1981-1985

I entered the USAF in July 1981 and was stationed at Lackland, AFB, San Antonio, TX, for basic training. After completion of basic training, I was stationed at Lowry AFB, Aurora, CO, where I completed technical training as an Avionic Combat System specialist. I specialized in the maintenance of the reconnaissance systems for the RF4C aircraft. Upon completion of technical school, I was stationed at Bergstrom AFB, Austin, TX, where I completed my enlistment. I was honorably discharged as an E-4, Sergeant, in July 1985.

US ARMY VIRGIL WOHLWEND CORPORAL 1953-1955

Virgil James Wohlwend was born on June 7, 1932. He served in the US Army from February 16, 1953 to February, 1955 attaining the rank of E-3 Specialist. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and Good conduct medal. Virgil passed away on March 24, 2002.

USMC SCOTT WOODARD CPL 4 YRS SERVICE

Scott entered the Marine Corp with his best friends, Mike Candahl and Jay Richards.

He had basic training in San Diego and was then assigned to Camp Pendleton in California. He served his country for 4 years.

US AIR FORCE MATT WOODS CMSGT 26 YEARS 1995-2021

Chief Master Sergeant Woods joined the United States Air Force in August 1995. He was trained in Health Services Management in November 1995 and was assigned to the 366th Medical Group, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Mountain Home, Idaho. During his time at Mountain Home Air Force Base Chief Woods worked in the Medical Records section, Orderly Room, and the Aeromedical Evacuation department where he completed missions to Japan and Korea. In May 1998 Chief Woods completed a Palace Chase transfer to the 133rd Medical Group, St. Paul, MN. In November 2002, Chief Woods was hired as the full-time Medical Records Clerk and in May 2005 accepted the Health Services Technician position. Chief Woods served in this position until October 2014 when he was selected for the Financial Services Superintendent position. Chief Woods served in that position until January 2018 when he was selected for the Medical Group Superintendent position. Chief Woods was recently approved for his Active Duty Retirement with a retirement date of 1 January 2022 and will be seeking a future job in Healthcare Administration or a Finance related position.

Chief Woods is married to his wife Megan and they have 2 boys Jacob (16) and Sam (14).

US NAVY RICKY WOODS RADIOMAN RM2 VIETNAM 1968-1969

Rick Woods served in the US Navy from 1965 to 1969. For 3 years he worked in the US. Rick’s last year was spent in Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta running the Rivers on the US Caddo Parlish Lst 515. THINK ABOUT YOUR FREEDOM Our Veteran’s Paid the Price for our Freedom

I watched the flag pass by one day, it fluttered in the breeze. A young Marine saluted it, and then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform so young, so tall, so proud, with hair cut square and eyes alert, he’d stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years. How many died on foreign soil, how many mothers’ tears?

How many pilots’ planes shot down? How many died at sea? How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?

No, Freedom isn’t Free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night, when everything was still. I listened to the bugler play and felt a sudden chill. I wondered just how many times that Taps had meant “Amen” when a flag had draped a coffin of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children, of the mothers and the wives, of fathers, sons, and husbands, with interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard at the bottom of the sea, of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, Freedom isn’t Free.

Enjoy Your Freedom and God Bless our Troops. Author Unknown If service overview has not been submitted for a Veteran who has a brick on the Memorial, it may be submitted AT ANY TIME to be added to this historical record. Email: [email protected] Or USPS Joan Mitchell, 912 Wildwood Court, La Crescent, MN 55947 THANK YOU IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION TO BROWNSVILLE’S VETERANS’ MEMORIAL • Make check payable to: Brownsville Veterans’ Memorial • Mail to: Brownsville Veterans’ Memorial PO Box 234 Brownsville, MN 55919 PPT 2nd Publishing, July 2021