This (Last) Week in SigEp Patriot History, 30 JUN - 06 JUL

This (Last) Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 18/2014, 30 JUN – 06 JUL

Brothers,

In this edition, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors 22 incredible Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force Brothers who served in the Border War - just years after the Fraternity was founded - to the present day. They are from 18 Chapters including a future Congressman, a former Chief of Naval Operations and two additional men who rose to the 4-star rank of their respective service, another who became a legend in the Fraternity, and one fought his way across Europe during WWII, only to be evacuated home after receiving his second Purple Heart.

Brother Gerow
(as a 4-star General)

01 JUL 1916
Border War Veteran of Vera Cruz and Virginia Theta Brother Leonard T. Gerow was promoted to First Lieutenant, U.S. Army on this date.

30 JUN 1920
Nearly four years to the day later, (then) Captain Leonard T. Gerow completed his WWI service on the staff of the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France. He was Colonel (temporary) in charge of purchasing all the radio equipment for the American Expeditionary Force. For his service he earned the Distinguished Service Medal and French Legion of Honor.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 12/14, 19 – 25 MAY

"The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten." - Calvin Coolidge

Brothers,

On the eve of Memorial Day, it is important to remember why there is a three-day weekend. In this edition of "This Week in SigEp Patriot History," the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors and remembers 24 brothers currently serving and who have since passed because SPP believes it is our duty always remember the accomplishments and sacrifices of this group of brothers.


22 MAY 1949
On this date, World War I Veteran, Secretary of the Navy, first Secretary of Defense and NH Alpha Brother Lieutenant James V. Forrestal, U.S. Navy Reserve died in Bethesda, Maryland. When the U.S. entered World War I, Brother Forrestal enlisted in the Navy as a Seaman Second Class in June 1917. After flight training, he was commissioned an Ensign, Naval Reserve Flying Corps at Boston, MA, and he gained his wings of gold before the year was out. He served until late 1919 when he was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant.

Brother James Forrestal
Photo credit: Ernest Hamlin Baker

After graduating from high school, James worked for three years on local newspapers in New York before entering Dartmouth College in 1911 where he became a Brother of SigEp. The following year he transferred to Princeton University, however he left school in his senior year prior to completing work on his degree.

During World War II, Brother Forrestal held several government jobs, and was appointed Secretary of the Navy on 19 MAY 1944. He participated prominently in the development of the National Security Act of 1947 - which created the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense, and went on to become the first Secretary of Defense.

Brother Forrestal is the second SigEp to have a U.S. Navy ship named after him, and I proudly served on that ship for over three years. The aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59) was the first U.S. super-carrier, and affectionately referred to as the “FID,” recognizing the ships motto “First in Defense.”

President Truman and 2,500 guests attended the ceremony where James was laid to rest with full military honors. Honorary pallbearers at his funeral included Herbert Hoover, former President of the United States; Fred M. Vinson, Chief Justice of the United States; General of the Army George C. Marshall, former Secretary of State and former Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Respect can be paid to Brother Forrestal this Memorial Day and every day at Section 30, Site 674 SH in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.