Wreaths Across America Day
Hat Tip, Katelynn Farley
Members of the community gathered together at two different local cemeteries on Saturday, December 14th, to participate in Wreaths Across America Day. These cemeteries were Mt. Calvary Cemetery and Union Cemetery, both in Huntington County. Wreaths were laid on the graves of our men and women for their service.
Each gathering included a short ceremony that included speeches regarding the importance of soldiers’ service and to honor several specific men and women. The goal of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
Each gathering included speeches given by local members of the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. One such member was Stacey Law, who presented at the Union Cemetery ceremony. According to the speeches given during the ceremony, these local ceremonies were just two of more than 4,600 locations across the country that participated in Wreaths Across America Day.
“The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price,” Law said. “Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing. And, we have the right to succeed, and we have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue.”
Law also quoted former President Ronald Reagan during the speech, saying, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States, where men were free.”
After the prepared remarks were read, eight specific soldiers were honored. A short blurb was written up for each soldier, which included information about their connection to the area, their time served and, if applicable, their lives after service. At the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, these honored soldiers were Cpl Thomas Stoffel, Lt. Jerry Steel Smyth, Sgt Robert Lee Allen, Sgt John Allen Roberts, F2 Robert Leonard Bartrom, SP4 Cynthia Ann (Cindy) Crothers Hess, Cor. Dane Edward Mann and Sgt. John R. Bickel. Their bios are below.
Cpl Thomas Stoffel was born on September 19, 1931, to Peter and Mildred Boyle Stoffel. Cpl Stoffel graduated Huntington Catholic High School with the class of 1949 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 and mustered out in 1954. During his time in the Army, he served as a military police officer. He retired after 34 years from Dana Corporation of Marion, IN. He was a member of the VFW Post 2689. Unfortunately, Thomas passed away on January 9, 2023.
Lt Jerry Steel Smyth was born on December 12, 1938, to Carl S. and Mae Kreisher Smyth. Upon entering the US Navy, he had earned a 5-year Aeronautical Engineering degree. Jerry joined the United States Navy and became a Navy pilot. He flew around 150 missions in Vietnam alone. He was stationed at the Naval Reserve Manpower Center in Bainbridge, MD. While in the service he studied US Naval Justice and Navy Regulations. He re-enlisted in 1963 and received the following medals: Armed Forces Expedition Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with combat, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Attack Squadron 212 and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy.
After leaving the service, Jerry went on to build his very own plane in his garage. Jerry and his wife Judi formed Smyth Aerodynamics before tinkering around with wind and solar power. Unfortunately, Jerry passed away on May 20, 2007.
Sgt Robert Lee Allen was born on November 19, 1932, to Earl Russell and Glagie Izetta Myers Allen. Robert enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Korea during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.
He received the National Defense Medal and the UN Service Medal along with other ribbons and medals. The most prestigious medal was the Korean Service Medal. This medal is awarded for service between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954 under the following conditions:
Within the territorial limits of Korea in waters immediately adjacent thereto: or
With a unit under the operational control of the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, other than those units within territorial limits of Korea, which has been designated by the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, as having directly supported the military efforts in Korea; or
Was furnished an individual certificate by the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, testifying to material contribution made in direct support of the military efforts in Korea.
After mustering out of the Marine Corps, he went on to be the Fire Marshall with the Huntington City Fire Department where he served for 25.5 years. Jerry also worked as a part-time Building Inspector. Unfortunately, he passed away on December 12, 2019.
Sgt John Allen Roberts was born on August 18, 1947, to Ralph Endsley and Mary Elizabeth Bedwell Roberts. John enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served as a fuel systems mechanic from 1965 to 1969. While serving, John earned the Air Force Commendation Medal.
The US Air Force Commendation Medal is awarded to military personnel who have shown exceptional performance or meritorious service. Established by President Eisenhower in 1958, the medal recognizes outstanding achievements during peacetime operations. The design includes a blue disc with thirteen white stars on the reverse side and an emblem displaying three lines representing service branches within Air Forces on the obverse side. Receiving such recognition holds benefits for career advancement and personal development, including leverage during job applications and boosted morale leading to better performance. Overall, this award remains significant as military men and women strive for excellence every day even when not at war-time status.
After serving in the military, John went on to be a fine arts teacher at Whitko for three years and then taught and was head of the department for 27 years at Columbia City Joint High School. Unfortunately, John passed away on April 19, 2022.
F2 Robert Leonard Bartrom was born on June 3, 1919, to Charles Ellis and Goldie Marie Braden Bartrom. Robert enlisted in the United States Navy on May 29, 1944, and served out of Otis Field, MA and served on the USS Prince William as a Fireman 2nd Class from 1944 to 1946. He also served at Camp Bradford Norfolk, VA. He received the Victory Ribbon and the Asiatic Pacific Medal. Robert served during WWII until his release date on January 3, 1946. Unfortunately, Robert passed away on April 3, 1993.
SP4 Cynthia Ann (Cindy) Crothers Hess was born on July 10, 1950, to Robert and Florence Comforth Crothers. Cindy enlisted in the United States Army in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm. She retired with the ranking of Specialist from the Army in 2010. While serving she received the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Armed Service Reserve Medal, and Marksmanship badge Rifle M-16. After her military career, Cindy went on to work at Huntington Electric and the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Unfortunately, she passed away on May 12, 2018.
Cor. Dane Edward Mann was born on June 9, 1924, to Roy Thomas and Essie Selina Everson Mann. Dane registered for the United States Marine Corps on June 30, 1942. He served as a Corporal in the Asiatic-Pacific Area and was a heavy artillery crewman.
After serving in the military, Dane went back to school and became a lawyer in Grant County. In 1956, he became the Grant County Prosecutor and public defender before moving to Huntington where he became Judge Dane Edward Mann for the Huntington Circuit Court in 1976. He remained on the bench until his untimely death on July 20, 1987.
Sgt. John R. Bickel lost his life in WWII and is buried in Africa. Information was shared from a newspaper clipping dated January 17, 1943.
John R. Bickel was killed in African action. Technical Sergeant John R. Bickel, 23, son of S. Jack Bickel ... is unofficially reported to have been killed in action in northern Africa through a letter written by the mother of Bickel's "buddy" in the service, Staff Sergeant Thomas Simpson, from Louisville, KY. Mrs. Mae Simpson, of that city, apparently was under the impression that hte war department had notified the father of his son's death and she was writing to express her sympathy and tell what a fine fellow the Huntington youth was while he was at Fort Knox and a frequent visitor in the Simpson home at Louisville.
Bickel was the fourth volunteer under the Selective Service Act in Huntington County and his name topped the list of 34 men sent to Indianapolis on January 29, 1941, when it was thought that a year's service was all that would be required of the inductees. Three men, the first volunteers in the selective service list, had been sent to camp in November, 1940.
Sergeant Bickel was graduated from the armored force training school at Fort Knox and spent some time at Fort Dix, NJ, before he was sent to Ireland to continue training. He wrote to his father on November 13, 1942, that he was aboard the first boat that landed soldiers at the city of Oran in French Morocco and that they had met stiff resistance there.
"The way we went through them. We should be through here pretty soon. And I'll be home to see you," he wrote.
The father of Bickel, his brother, Gene, and several other relatives ... were still hopeing that there may have been a mistake. But that hope was said slim because the letter carrying hte tragic news came from Bickel's closest associate in the army.
"Tell his father 'Bick' went out like the champion he was," Sergeant "Tommy" Simpson wrote to his mother.
The young man was born in Huntington and attended the city schools, graduating from Huntington High School. When he was drawn fairly early in the selective service lottery in which he had registered shortly after his 21st birthday, he volunteered to be in the first contingent. The call, however, was for only three men and he was the fourth on the list. The call didn't come until late January and by that time there were enough volunteers to make the 34 and have several left over for the February call.
Bickel departed with the other men in high spirits and flung himself into the training that he received at Fort Knox and elsewhere when the formation of armored divisions was started. He advanced rapidly and when the United States was thrust into the war by the treacherous attack on Pearl Harbor, he was among the first troops chosen for overseas duty.
Sgt. Bickel died November 26, 1942. Burial in: North Africa American Cemetary and Memorial, Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia.
The soldiers honored at Union Cemetery were Samuel Howard “Teeter” Bowers Jr., Jerry Franklin Kline, George Albert Meyer, Airman First Class Leroy Richard Yoder, Corporal Raphael A. Haney, Carl Joseph Burton, Aaron Smith and Staff Sergeant Frederick Glen Click. Their bios are below.
Samuel Howard “Teeter” Bowers Jr. was born on March 27, 1924, in Huntington County to Samuel Howard and Flossie Lulu Ingmire Bowers. He enlisted on May 11, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He served in the Army as an Aircraft Armorer during World War II. Part of his job as an Aircraft Armorer was to remove guns from aircraft turrets and disassemble, clean, adjust and oil the parts for good firing. He also assembled guns, cleaned the turrets, and replaced weapons. Samuel also belted ammunition for the gun then loaded them as well as bombs into the planes. While serving in the military, Samuel earned the victory medal for serving during WWII, the American Theater Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. Samuel mustered out on February 4, 1946, and unfortunately, passed away on March 29, 1982, in Huntington County.
Jerry Franklin Kline was born on February 20, 1935, in Huntington Indiana to Frank Richard and Vernice Cinderella Frech Kline. Jerry joined the Marine Corps on August 4, 1958. He was part of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Fortunately for Jerry, he served during peacetime. While serving in the Navy, Jerry earned the Good Conduct Medal and was a Huntington County Honoree on May 30, 2006. Unfortunately, Jerry passed away on March 3, 2005, in Huntington County.
George Albert Meyer was born on July 25, 1922, in Huntington County, Indiana to Willmer Thomas and Margaret Nee Gordon Meyer. George’s military service began on November 17, 1942, when he enlisted in the Navy Reserve as a seaman second class in Indianapolis, Indiana. During George’s military career, he earned the following military ratings: Apprentice Seaman, Seaman 2nd Class, Seaman 1st Class, and SLC. While serving in the Navy Reserves, George earned several medals and awards. One of his medals was that of the American Campaign Medal. This medal was awarded to
those individuals who served in the American Theater of Operation. While serving during the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, George earned two bronze stars. He earned two more Bronze medals while serving during the Philippine Liberation and finally, earned a Victory Medal for serving during World War II. George had an honorable discharge with discharge buttons and discharged emblems issued. Unfortunately, George passed away on July 19, 1988, in Huntington.
Airman 1st Class Leroy Richard Yoder was born on February 2, 1930, in Huntington County to Wendell Roy and Inez Marie Marshall Yoder. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 3, 1951, and was sent to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois where he spent 22 weeks under General Robert W. Douglass, Jr. training as a RAD FUND. The next eight weeks, he remained at Scott Air Force Base, training as a RAD TECH. Lastly, Richard spent 12 weeks as a Radar Mechanic for the FEAF (Far East Air Force) Wide Con-Tech in Korea. The Korean War was the starting point for the Air Force as this was their first official war. While serving in the Korean War, Richard earned several
medals: the Korean Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After the Korean War, Richard mustered out on November 19, 1954, with an honorable discharge with the rank of Airman 1st Class. Unfortunately, Richard passed away on March 9, 2001.
Corporal Raphael A. Haney was born on March 19, 1896, in Huntington County to Edward Kenyon and Melvina Elizabeth Noe Haney. Raphael filled out his WWI Army Draft Card while living in Lewis, Washington. Right after signing up, Raphael went on to serve in the 166th Depot Brigade at Camp Lewis, which is near Tacoma, Washington. On January 5, 1917, he joined Company E Infantry until he was transferred to Company B on June 1, 1918. During the final stent of his military service, Raphael served in the
30th Infantry, Company K where he was promoted to Corporal. After his military career, Raphael came back to Huntington County and took a job at General Electric in Fort Wayne. At the end of his first day of work, he was involved in an accident. While cleaning up his punch press, he accidentally leaned over his machine and triggered the machine to come on, causing him to have severe damage to his left hand. Due to the amount of damage, he had to have his left hand amputated. However, that did not keep him down, he continued to work for General Electric for another six years until he met
his untimely demise. On February 13, 1926, while still working for General Electric, Raphael fell down an elevator shaft therefore killing him almost instantly. His last position was that of foreman of the General Electric police force.
Carl Joseph Burton was born on Mar 16, 1992, in Wabash County Indiana to Charles Floyd and Louise “Lula” Caroline Yentes Burton. Carl enlisted in the United States Army on September 25, 1942. He was part of the Troop Carrier Command or TCC 4, 2nd Battalion, 303 Order. While enlisted, Carl served in Normandy during WWII. After serving in the service, he became a 32 nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite and F & AM Lodge 528. Unfortunately, Carl passed away on July 7, 1979.
Aaron Smith was born on March 1, 1838, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. He was born to John J. and Elizabeth Atkinson Smith. Aaron enlisted during the Civil War on August 6, 1862, in Wabash, Indiana as a Private in the 75th Indiana Volunteer Infantry – Company H. The Regiment consisted of men that were mainly from Huntington County. Aaron served under Captain M. Wilkerson and fought in many battles including Chickamauga, Georgia where a memorial monument is on display honoring the 75th Indiana Volunteer Infantry - Company H. After 3 years of service, Aaron mustered out on June 8, 1865, in Washington D.C. He unfortunately passed away on March 29,
1915, in Union Township, Huntington County.
Staff Sgt. Frederick Glen Click was born on November 27, 1912, in Huntington County to William Harrison and Emma Grace Isenberg Click. He enlisted in World War II in the Army on April 12, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio. His next stop was basic training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi and then went on to a camp in Louisiana. After completing his basic training, Frederick was assigned to the 38th Division of Army Engineers, also known as the Cyclone Division (the Division was named Cyclone due to a tornado that had damaged the base). While serving in the Philippines Sgt. Frederick ran into his brother Ralph Eugene Click, who was also serving in the Navy, about eight times as
they were stationed only 80 miles apart. According to Frederick’s obituary, “their first meeting took place when Sgt. Click heard a sailor call to him as a group of soldiers were engaged in some duty. The sailor proved to be his brother.” Unfortunately, Ralph and Frederick would never see each other again. Tragically, Frederick was killed in an ambush and was buried in the United States military cemetery on Luzon Island. Three years later, Frederick’s body was exhumed and transported back to the States, where he received a military welcome and proper burial in Union Cemetery.
Volunteers were encouraged to say the name of each veteran as the wreaths were laid down, and to thank them for their service to the country.
“It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive,” Law said. “Remember - we are not here to decorate graves. We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.”
For interested parties, Wreaths Across America offers several options for donations that help the organization continue their mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. More information can be found at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
We at Greenbear Digital Media would like to honor all Veterans. As a special thank-you, we are working on writing up what we call "Military Monday" stories, which is a shout-out to individuals who have served, are currently serving or are entering the armed forces. Contact Katelynn Farley at kfarley@greenbeartheden.com for a bio form to fill out, or just for more information.
Comentários