This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 17/2014, 23 – 29 JUN

Brothers,

This week, we remember two Army Air Corps brothers killed in action during WWII are very happy to welcome a brother home from Afghanistan, and honored to announce that tomorrow one of our own will be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for non-combat heroism.

Navy and
Marine Corps
Medal

In total, this week, we celebrate 15 brothers, representing 13 chapters, serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard in places like Afghanistan, Egypt, France, Japan, Korea, the South Pacific and the U.S.

24 JUN 1918

NH Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles E. Tayntor, Jr., U.S. Army was a member of the Medical Corps, Base Hospital Unit 83, American Expeditionary Force when he was called in to the service on this date.

27 JUN 1942

This is the enlistment date of OR Alpha Brother Jack Liljeberg in the U.S. Navy, and MA Delta Brother Kenneth G. Merriam in the U.S. Army.

26 JUN 1943

This marks the date the only SigEp Patriot of the Iowa Alpha Chapter was killed in action in WWII.

Taxpayer's Pride, 1942
Photo Credit PacificWrecks.com

World War II Veteran and IA Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Sumner Luten Beck, U.S. Army Air Corps made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as a navigator about a B17F (Fighting Fortress) nicknamed “Taxpayer’s Pride” during a night mission over Rabaul, New Britain. Brother Beck and his crewmates were shot down by a J1N1 (Irving) and crashed into the jungle near Mount Varzin.

The Class of 1938 graduate from Iowa Wesleyan College had nearly completed his training as an Air Corps navigator when he was commission in MAY 1943. Just weeks later, Sumner arrived in the SW Pacific Theater, and he would be killed in less than a month.

Very early on 26 JUN 1943, before the sun was above the horizon, Sumner and his comrades took off in the B-17 from Dobodura Airfield on a bombing mission against Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. Strict radio silence was maintained during the mission. Nothing was heard from this bomber after takeoff. Upon reaching their objective, they successfully bombed the target then turned for home. According to an account from the Japanese pilot who shot the plane down, within minutes of their bombing run, Sumner and the crew were taking 20mm cannon fire from the Irving, and the B-17 caught on fire before crashing in to the jungle.

Starting at 0230 hours, other U.S. aircraft over the target reported an aircraft had crashed, and that a fire could be seen on the ground in the vicinity of the down airplane. When the bomber failed to return, the crew were declared missing in action. The War Department declared them “presumed lost” in JAN 1946.

In actuality, the tail gunner managed to parachute out and away from the falling debris. He served in a Japanese Army POW camp the remainder of the war.

Post war, the crew's remains were recovered at the crash site near Mount Varzin. However, Brother Beck’s body was not among them. Several years later, his remains were recovered, and returned to the States.

Respect can be paid to Brother Beck at Fairview Cemetery in Lee County, IA.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 04 – 11 NOV

"Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it." -Pericles

It has been a few weeks since our last edition of "This Week in SigEp Patriots History" and we believe it is  very important to cover the events throughout the years that took place this particular week.

Happy (belated) Veterans’ Day to all SigEp Patriots and their relatives who serve/served!

It is believed that the U.S. Army Rangers were the first to have “leave no man behind” as a motto and part of their belief system. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) believes that to be so of all brothers, but especially true that we never leave a military brother behind – especially by forgetting about him.

With that in mind, last Saturday SPP held its first Veterans’ Day Observance event at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) to show our respect and honor the 35 SigEp Patriots known to be buried there. A single red rose was placed at the gravesite of each brother.

 

As you can see from the photo of most of the participants, the event was a great success. SPP would like to thank the undergraduate brothers from MD Beta, DC Gamma and DC Delta, as well as the alums and their friends living in the area, for being involved in this important event.

07 NOV 1927

Leroy Marshall Burkholder was initiated as a SigEp at the PA Eta chapter on this date. Brother Burkholder graduated from Penn State in 1930, joined the U.S. Army within a year of the attack on Pearl Harbor, graduated from OCS early in 1943, and earned at least the rank of First Lieutenant upon his honorable discharged at the conclusion of WWII.

07 NOV 1942

On this date, U.S. Army World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother Charles Walker Sample participated in the initial landings of American troops in North Africa.

05 NOV 1944

On this date, World War II Veteran and IN Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Clarence Cleveland Roudebush, Jr., U.S. Army made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action. Clarence and other members of the 60th Troop Division where aboard a mission aircraft when it was shot down near Pescara, Italy. After being temporarily interred in Europe, Clarence was repatriated in Spring 1949.

Respect can be paid to Brother Roudebush at Glen Haven Cemetery, Harrison, OH.

07NOV1958

World War II Veteran of the Africa and Italy Campaigns and MD Alpha Brother Charles Elmer Jung was promoted to his final rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force on this date. Buried at ANC, the undergraduate brothers from one of the Washington, DC area chapters laid a red rose at his gravesite and paid their respect in observance of Veterans’ Day.

06 NOV 1964
On this date, U.S. Army World War II Veteran VA Zeta Brother J. Robert Massie, Jr. died on this date in Everglades, Florida after suffering a heart attack.

08 NOV 1969

MT Alpha Brother Benjamin B. Briscoe, III died on this date. Brother Briscoe was a ROTC Cadet and member of the Class of 1970 at University of Montana when he died as a result of injuries suffered in a three-car highway accident.

In addition to ROTC, Brother Briscoe was student body president, chairman of the Leadership Camp, and a participant in the Vietnam Moratorium and 19-year-old vote committees. Ben and a friend were involved in the car accident they were returning from the state capitol at Helena where they campaigned at the State Democratic Convention to gain support for lowering the voting age to 19.

Respect can be paid to Brother Briscoe at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls, MT.

05 NOV 2000

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran NE Beta Brother Mark Alan Hurtz died on this date in Flagstaff, Arizona.

10 NOV 2004

On this date, U.S. Navy World War II Veteran FL Alpha Brother Byrd C. Fryer, Jr. died in Gainesville, Florida. A year after graduating from the University of Florida, Byrd was commissioned as an Internal Revenue Agent. He worked for the IRS in Jacksonville, FL until his retirement in 1974 – his work only interrupted by his service in the Pacific Theater with the Navy during WWII. After the war, he served as an officer in the Navy Reserve.

10 NOV 2008

CO Delta Brother
Ev Ferris

World War II & Korean War Veteran, CO Delta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Evans “Ev” Ferris, U.S. Air Force died on this date in Santa Barbara, California. During WWII, Ev flew C-87s on cargo duty between India and China, and after the war he worked as an airline pilot for Continental Airlines.

Brother Ferris was a graduate of the Class of 1938 at Colorado School of Mines, where he graduated with a degree in mining engineering. While we know he flew for Continental for 32 years before retiring, we do not have any details about his Korea War service during that same time.

Upon his retirement, Ev and his wife moved to Santa Barbara where he loved to play golf. In 1981 and 1982, he was the president of the board of directors of the La Cumbre Country Club.

Respect can be paid to Brother Ferris at Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, KS.

11 NOV 2008

OR Beta Brother
Mike Talbot

OR Beta Brother Lieutenant Colonel/Doctor John “Mike” Talbot, U.S. Air Force died unexpectedly on this date of a cerebral hemorrhage. A 1958 graduate of the University of Oregon, Brother Talbot subsequently began his attendance of the University’s Medical School before joining the U.S. Air Force. After medical School, Mike served in Germany and San Antonio, and resigned his commission in 1974 to go in to private practice in Michigan.

In 1980, Mike moved his family back to Portland where he served on the faculty of the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU). He retired after 20 years of teaching, and in 2001 was named professor emeritus of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery and diagnostic radiology from OHSU. He received the Meritorious Achievement Award in May 2001. OR Beta brothers may see Brother Talbot’s name around campus due to his achievements.

Respect can be paid to Brother Talbot at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland.

05 NOV 2011

U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and U.S. Air Force Reserve Veteran VA Zeta Brother Lawrence “Sweeney” Shiflett died on this date.

Sweeney served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and after his discharge he attended Randolph Macon College, became a SigEp, and joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve where he served for 28 years.

Respect can be paid to Brother Shiflett at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, VA.

07 NOV 2011

U.S. Army World War II Veteran and TN Alpha Brother Raymond Marshall Hair, Sr. died on this date in Lenoir, Tennessee. After graduating from high school in 1941, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville as a ROTC Cadet and business student. His student deferment at UT was cancelled after the U.S. declared war on the Axis Powers and he was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942. Raymond served as a member in the 1111th Army Engineer Combat Group, landing with his company on Utah beach in JUN 1944 during the second wave of the Normandy invasion. He fought through France, Belgium and into Germany, participating in every major allied battle in the European Theater. His unit liberated the Nazi concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen, Germany. After the war's end, he continued his college education in France, returning to the U.S. in 1946.

Respect can be paid to Brother Hair at Lakeview Mausoleum in Lenoir.

10 NOV 2011

U.S. Army Veteran TX Alpha President Mervin Bernard Cook died on this date. Merv served in the Army from 1956 to 1959.


TX Alpha President
Merv Cook

After graduating from high school in San Antonio in 1953, he began his study of music at the University of Texas on a full voice scholarship, and was a member of the 1954 Sigma Phi Epsilon pledge class at UT. In 1959 Merv returned to UT to get his B.A. in business and was elected president of TX Alpha.

After graduation, Brother Cook was in management with the Farmers Insurance Group regional office and the Austin Women's Club. Merv’s wife and a friend established Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Catering, and when Merv retired, he became Mother Hubbard. In 2004, Merv retired again and moved to Lake McQueeney in Seguin, TX.

04 NOV 2012

IN Beta Brother First Lieutenant Robert Donnell Arnold, U.S. Army died on this date in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Respect can be paid to Brother Arnold at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis.

On the same date, U.S. Navy Veteran KS Gamma Brother Charles “Charlie” Lee Medlock died in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Charlie served aboard USS Fall River (CA-131) and USS Recruit (AM-285)

Brother Medlock was buried at sea.

06 NOV 2012

U.S. Army World War II Veteran TX Alpha Brother Robert Eugene Brown died on this date.

Respect can be paid to Brother Brown at Austin Memorial Park in Austin, TX.

09 NOV 2012



IN Gamma Brother
Duke Wolfe

Korean War Veteran and IN Gamma Brother Airman First Class Leland “Duke Wolfe, U.S. Air Force died on this date in Granger, Indiana. After graduating from high school, Duke entered the Air Force, and served as jet engine mechanic and instructor in Japan during the Korean War.

Brother Wolfe earned his teaching degree and Master's from Ball State, and was an active member of the IN Gamma chapter. He taught his entire career of 32 years at Penn High School. Many young people learned how to work on cars and build houses from Duke. He and a good friend also earned the Meritorious Teacher Award from the State of Indiana for their creation of the highly successful Penn High Building Trades Program. With the guidance of local professionals in the trades, Brother Wolfe's students completed and sold 22 homes from 1969-1991.

Fraternally and Very Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project

sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 15 – 21 JUL

Brothers,

15 JUL 1918

For his actions on this date, World War I Veteran and VT Alpha Brother (then) Major Guy Ichabod Rowe, U.S. Army was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross – second only to the Medal of Honor – with War Department General Orders No. 99 of 1918:

Distinguished
Service
Cross



“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) Guy I. Rowe, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, A.E.F., east of Chateau-Thierry, France, 15 July 1918. For fourteen and a half hours on 15 July 1918, Major Rowe held his battalion in an advanced and exposed position on the Marne, although violently and persistently attacked on his front and on both flanks by greatly superior enemy forces.”

Brother Rowe went on to serve in WWII and attain the rank of Brigadier General.

16 JUL 1918

On this date, World War I Veteran and NY Alpha Brother Lieutenant Henry Q. Griffin, U.S. Army / American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) made the ultimate sacrifice during while engaging the enemy near St. Agnan, France. Brother Griffin was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his action on this date.

 “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Harry Q. Griffin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, A.E.F., on Hill 200, near St. Agnan, France, 16 JUL 1918. When the first attack on Hill 200 was made by American troops on 16 JUL 1918, Second Lieutenant Griffin led his platoon to the most advanced point reached by any detachment and was killed when within 20 yards of an enemy machine-gun emplacement.”

19 JUL 1918

IL Alpha Brother
First Lieutenant
Louis Irving Phillis
U.S. Army

World War I Veteran and First Secretary of IL Alpha First Lieutenant Louis Irving Phillis, U.S. Army Aviation Corps was killed on this date in Tours, France. Information obtained by SPP states Brother Phillis was killed in an accident versus in combat as previously reported.

Brother Phillis was reportedly the first secretary of IL Alpha and the first chapter brother to cross the Atlantic to “fight the Kaiser.” Unfortunately, he was also the first IL Alpha man to be killed in World War I. At the time of his death, Brother Phillis was serving in the same unit – the 95th Aero Squadron – as Quentin Roosevelt, the son of Former President Theodore Roosevelt.

Respect can be paid to Brother Phillis at Union Cemetery, Morrisonville, New York.

21 JUL1918

MT Alpha Brother Albert Schak was awarded the French Croise de Guerre for his action on this date during the final stages of the Battle of the Marne, and was subsequently with the first unit to cross the Rhine River.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 17 – 23 JUN

Brothers,

We are at 3,884 and counting! Those of us at the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) may be crazy, but one of our goals is to learn at least the name of every brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon that ever served in uniform. We realize this is a daunting task – in addition to gathering stories of brothers’ accomplishments, but our diligence is reinforced by the amazing feats we learn daily of patriotic brothers, and we hope that by sharing them they will inspire you as well. Perhaps some of you will consider helping us, and we look forward to hearing from you.

21 JUN 1918

On this date, OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army began his World War I service with the 37th Division, American Expeditionary Force, and would see action in France & Belgium before being discharged.

18 JUN 1940

KY Epsilon Brother Joseph Fry Odle, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on this date and later served in the pacific theater, including the Battle of Solomon Islands.

17 JUN 1942

VA Alpha Brother John Beverley Blanton, Jr. enlisted in the Army on this date.

19 JUN 1942

On this date, Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr. graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign. He went on to serve in World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars in a notable career that included being appointed the youngest U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). As the 19th CNO, Admiral Zumwalt reformed U.S. Navy personnel policies in an effort to improve enlisted life and ease racial tensions. He was initiated a renaissance brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon on 10 APR 1985 – 11 years after his retirement from the Navy.

IA Gamma Brother
William L. Peters, Jr.
KIA 21 JUN 1969 Vietnam



21 JUN 1969

On this date, Vietnam War Veteran and IA Gamma Brother First Lieutenant William Lee Peters, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps Reserve made the ultimate sacrifice when his helicopter crashed while under enemy gunfire during operations in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Brother Peters was a pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), First Marine Aircraft Wing (1ST MAW).

In separation actions, First Lieutenant Peters was awarded the Navy Cross (one of only two SigEp Patriots known to have been awarded the second highest military decoration for valor bestowed to a member of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps for extraordinary heroism in combat) and a Silver Star (the third highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to any person serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces).

Brother Peters is honored on The Wall – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – on Panel 22W Line 107.

Respect can be paid to Brother Peters at Elmwood Cemetery, De Witt, Iowa.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 29 April – 05 May

Brothers,

02 MAY 1918

On this date, NY Beta Brother (then) First Lieutenant James “Jimmy” Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service won his first aerial engagement while flying a French-made Nieuport 28 about three miles above Foret De La Rappe, France. Jimmy would go on to become an American Ace during WWI and attain the rank of Major.

For his service on this date, Brother Meissner was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in accordance with General Order 121, W.D., 1918,

“The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Meissner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul Sector on 02 MAY 1918. First Lieutenant Meissner attacked three enemy planes at an altitude of 4,800 meters over the Foret De La Rappe, France. After a short fight he brought down one of the machines in flames. During the combat the entering wedge and the covering of the upper wings of his plane were torn away and after the battle he was subjected to heavy fire from antiaircraft batteries, but by skillful operation and cool judgment he succeeded in making a landing within the American lines.”

04 MAY 1925

Born in Ontario, Canada, World War I Veteran and Renaissance Brother Captain James Naismith, U.S. Army National Guard (Kansas) became a naturalized U.S. citizen on this date.

01 MAY 1942

MT Alpha Brother John Woodrow Bonner entered the U.S. Army on this date and served during World War II.

01 MAY 1956

On this date, World War II Veteran and VA Zeta Brother General Robert Jefferson Wood, U.S. Army became commanding general of Fort Bliss and commandant of the Antiaircraft Artillery and Guided Missile School. Brother Wood was presented with the SigEp Citation in 1967.

02 MAY 1998

FL Theta Brother Christopher Sacra began his patriotic service in the U.S. Navy on this date.

01 MAY 1999

On this date, TN Theta Brother Kenneth Michael Ballard began his patriotic service in the U.S. Army. He would serve until 30 MAY 2004 when, while serving as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he was killed in Najaf, Iraq.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 31 DEC 2012 – 06 JAN 2013

Brothers,

01 JAN 1920

On this date, World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and Distinguished Service Medal for his courageous actions while deployed to France & Belgium. The DSC is the second highest military award presented to a member of the U.S. Army for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Brother Tavenner is one of five SigEp Patriots to be awarded the DSC.

03 JAN 1941
World War II Veteran and PA Xi Brother First Lieutenant Paul Harvey Cunningham, U.S. Army was sworn in on this date as a member of the Seventy-seventh Congress. Brother Cunningham served the people of Iowa’s 6th District until 1943 when he was elected to serve the 5th District.

31 DEC 1942

NC Epsilon Brother Charles Henderson joined the U. S. Navy after graduation, and served 26 months overseas before being discharged at the end of the war at the rank of Lieutenant.

01 JAN 1943

On this date, DC Alpha Brother Kenneth H. Brunner, U.S. Army entered the service and obtained the rank of Captain and served on an "interesting duty" with the Manhattan District in Tennessee, headquarters for the atomic bomb before being discharged.

03 JAN 1943

Making the ultimate sacrifice on this date, World War II Veteran and MI Alpha Brother First Lieutenant James L. Lee, U.S. Army was in action over Western Europe while serving as co-pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps 323rd Bomber Squadron, 91st Bomber Group (Heavy). Brother Lee was MI Alpha’s first casualty of WWII.

A SigEp at MI Alpha between 1935 and 1937, Brother Lee entered the service in the fall of 1941 after graduating from Carnegie Institute of Technology at Pittsburgh. He received his preliminary training at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL, and was later sent to Camden and Sumter, SC, before receiving his silver wings and commission at Shaw Field, in the summer of 1942.

His awards include the Purple Heart and Air Medal.

Brother Lee is memorialized at the Brittany American Cemetery, St. James (Manche), France.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 10 – 16 DEC

Brothers,

“It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“I have just received the February issue of the Journal. I can say that I have read this issue with more than ordinary interest, partly because out here we are hungry for news of our friends and partly because I found out for the first time that at least two of the officers that I know here are Sig Eps.” ~ Written by a Brother serving in North Africa, and published in the April 1943 edition of the Journal

14 DEC 1918

On this date, U.S. Army World War I Veteran and MT Alpha Brother Albert Schak was with the first unit to cross the Rhine at Coblenz, Germany. As the U.S. Third Army occupied Coblenz, it is likely Brother Schak’s unit was attached to the Third.

13 DEC 2000

U.S. Army World War II Veteran and GA Alpha Brother Thomas J. Biggs died on this date in Charleston, WV.

Respect can be paid to Brother Biggs at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, West Virginia.

12 DEC 2004

U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and AL Beta President Glen Allen Deuel died in Huntsville, Alabama on this date at the age of 82. After high school he enlisted and served in the 15^th Army Air Force, 460^th Bomb Group of World War II. When the war was over, he attended the University of Alabama and graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Glen was born in Loxley, Alabama, and grew up in Castleberry, Alabama. After graduating from college, Brother Deuel worked for two years on B-52s for Boeing in Seattle. He then went on to Redstone Arsenal in 1952 of Huntsville, Alabama, and joined the ABMA Wernher Von Braun first launch team and later NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center where he worked on major space programs from 1952-1979. He was also a member of the American Rocket Society.

While walking the beaches of Cape Canaveral during the first Redstone launches of our space program, Glen found a new passion in sea shells. He was a founding member of North Alabama Shell Club and Past President of Conchologists of America, the national organization of shell collectors.

Glen served his country during WWII and through his work at NASA for a combination of 30 years. He also volunteered in his community as a member of Huntsville’s Metro Kiwanis Club and received Layman of the Year Award.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 30 APR – 06 MAY

Brothers,

This month, hundreds, perhaps thousands of patriotic Americans around the country will graduate from college, take the oath and receive their commission as officers in the U.S. military. Meanwhile, every day across this great land, Americans are signing up to join the military. The SigEp Patriots Project believes the beginning of this selfless journey is worthy of recognition, and it gives us another reason to be proud to call such men brother.

02 MAY 1918

On this date, NY Beta Brother (then) First Lieutenant James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service won his first aerial engagement while flying a French-made Nieuport 28 about three miles above Foret De La Rappe, France. Jimmy would go on to become a WWI Ace.

For his service on this date, Brother Meissner was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in accordance with General Order 121, W.D., 1918,

“The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Meissner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul sector in 02 MAY 1918. First Lieutenant Meissner attacked three enemy planes at an altitude of 4,800 meters over the Foret De La Rappe, France. After a short fight he brought down one of the machines in flames. During the combat the entering wedge and the covering of the upper wings of his plane were torn away and after the battle he was subjected to heavy fire from antiaircraft batteries, but by skillful operation and cool judgment he succeeded in making a landing within the American lines.”

04 MAY 1925

Born in Ontario, Canada, World War I Veteran and Renaissance Brother Captain James Naismith, U.S. Army National Guard (Kansas) became a naturalized U.S. citizen on this date.

01 MAY 1942

MT Alpha Brother John Woodrow Bonner entered the U.S. Army on this date and served during World War II.

01 MAY 1956

On this date, World War II Veteran and VA Zeta Brother General Robert Jefferson Wood, U.S. Army became commanding general of Fort Bliss and commandant of the Antiaircraft Artillery and Guided Missile School.

02 MAY 1998

FL Theta Brother Lieutenant Commander Christopher Sacra, U.S. Navy began his military service on this date. Thank you Brother Sacra for 14 years (and going) of patriotic service!

01 MAY 1999

On this date, TN Theta Brother Kenneth Michael Ballard began his patriotic service in the U.S. Army.

05 MAY 2008

World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Captain George Sander, U.S. Army Air Force of Whiting, New Jersey, died on this date.

George was born 04 JUL 1916 in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Ocean City.  He attended Norwich where he was part of the baseball team, basketball, team, track, intramurals, and was a member of the Junior Weekend and the Winter Carnival Committees.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1938.

Following his service as a radar officer in the U.S. Army Air Force, he was a district sales manager for Johnson Controls and made his home in Baldwin, Long Island until his retirement in 1981.

Respect can be paid to Brother Sander at Section KS, Site 8479 of Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, New Jersey.

01 MAY 2009

World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother Ensign Floyd D. Burnside, U.S. Navy Air Corps died on this date.

Born in Westfield, Pennsylvania in 1922, Floyd met his wife Charlotte while attending Painted Post High School in New York. Floyd graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a professional degree in petroleum engineering, and in 1941, he enlisted with the Navy Air Corps serving as an ensign with Navy Squadrons 18 and 20 from 1941 to 1946.

On 03 JUL 1948, Floyd and Charlotte were married in Bath, NY. Together they traveled the world, climbing the pyramids in Egypt and kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland. They raised their family in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Floyd spent 28 years with Shell Oil and also enjoyed several years as a petroleum instructor with his friend, Jerry Bond.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burnside at Section 26, Site 900 of Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* 19 APR – U.S. Army Veteran MO Gamma Brother Donald Preston Wilson, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Roper, North Carolina.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the chapter brothers, family and friends of Brother Wilson. Unfortunately, this list is likely incomplete, and the small group of dedicated brothers working the SigEp Patriots Project could use your help. If you know of a brother patriot that has passed away we appreciate an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

* Two more brothers honored us this week by joining the SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve. It is our pleasure to welcome aboard MO Kappa Brother Jake Bauer who recently completed BCT, and AL Alpha Brother Staff Sergeant Chris Howard, U.S. Army.

* We are always looking for brothers-in-arms, and we hope you will reach out. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to join the listserve. In both cases, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 12 – 18 SEP

"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit
violence on those who would do us harm." - George Orwell

12 SEP 1917On this date, World War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Frank Marion Pinney, U. S. Army was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

12 SEP 1924
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and CA Beta Brother David Raynes Billings was born on this date in Los Angeles, California.

16 SEP 1929
U.S. Navy Veteran IN Alpha Brother Rex A. Sebastian was born on this date.

15 SEP 1940In Roundup, Montana, U.S. Navy Vietnam War Veteran and MT Beta Brother Robert Allen Lundstrom was born on this date.

15 SEP 1973On this date, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and AL Alpha Brother Colonel Wallace Jack Paschal, U.S. Air Force (previously U.S. Army) was promoted to the rank of Private on this date. A great career starts with one small step.

14 SEP 2010
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother Samuel Adamson Burgess, Jr (Davidson College ’48) died on this date in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Born in Jacksonville, FL, Brother Burgess grew up there before enrolling at Davidson College. There he studied until old enough to volunteer for the United States Naval Medical Corps during World War II. Upon completing his military service at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, Sam returned to Davidson College and graduated in 1948.

While at Davidson, Sam was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After attending the School of Business at Columbia University in New York City, he worked for a year in Harrisburg, PA before entering Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA to study for the Presbyterian ministry. Upon graduation in 1952, Brother Burgess was ordained in Sparta, NC by the Presbytery of Winston-Salem and called to the Elkin Presbyterian Church in Elkin, NC.

Upon returning home after completing additional studies in Scotland at the University of St. Andrews, Sam became the organizing pastor of a new Presbyterian church in Garner, NC in 1956. During his pastorate, he served as a Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1960, 1976, and 1984. Love of community and people led him to serve in various offices and organizations including Boards of Directors of the American Cancer Society and the Triangle Counseling Center, president of the local PTA, and Chaplain for many years at the Garner Civitan Club.

When he retired in 1990, Sam volunteered his time tutoring students in the field of reading at Vandora Springs Elementary School and providing support to patients as a volunteer at Rex Hospital.

Jim was laid to rest at Williamsburg Cemetery in Kingstree, SC.

18 SEP 2010
A year ago today, U.S. Army World War II Veteran and CA Beta Brother James H. Cox (University of Southern California ’47) died peacefully at the age of 90.

He grew up on the Ohio River in Toronto, Ohio in a family that shared a deep appreciation of music. He sang in glee clubs, school operettas and church choirs. Jim served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Navigator-Bombardier in WWII.

Following the war, Brother Cox returned to USC to complete his studies. He then earned an MBA from Harvard in 1949, and had a 36 year career with Bullocks Department Stores as buyer, store manager and VP of Stores. Jim’s numerous civic involvements include 30 years perfect attendance in Rotary, and serving as President of the Harvard Club of Orange County. He also served on the Board of The Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay and the Norris Theater, and was editor of numerous bulletins and newsletters. After moving to Fearrington Village, NC, he and his wife Joan opened a fine gift, gourmet food and floral shop, Chapel Hill Florist LTD.

Brother Cox will be remembered as kind and generous, a gentleman and a scholar with delightful sense of humor and wit. In remembrance of our Brother, contributions may be made in his name to The Norris Theater Memorial Fund, 27570 Crossfield Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.

GREAT NEWS!
*Last Wednesday, CA Theta Brother Cameron Jost, U.S. Army signed his Airborne and Ranger contracts!

*On Friday, OK Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Grant Milbourn, U.S. Air Force learned he was awarded his first choice and will soon begin training to fly the E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft.
Congratulations and best of luck to Brothers Cameron and Milbourn!

We are always looking to post great news items about promotions, SigEp Patriots returning from combat deployments, marriages and alike. If you have something you would like to share please send an email to http://www.blogger.com/sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

THE GROWING RANKS!Thanks to word of mouth and the assistance of Brothers, the SigEp Patriots Project's official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – continues to grow! In the previous edition of this work we were remiss in welcoming IL Mu Brother Matthew Bruce, U.S. Army National Guard (Illinois), and thanks to MT Beta Brother Tony Cerise we are very excited to announce that MT Alpha Brother Randy Hiatt, U.S. Army National Guard (Montana) and MT Beta Brother Patrick Lodahl have also joined the group.

Join us by going to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve and request to join 330 fellow SigEp Patriots. All SigEps who serve/served are welcome!

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

Last week in SigEp Patriot History, 22 – 28 August

Greetings from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii! As I sit here across from the USS Arizona Memorial, I am solemnly reminded as to the importance and many functions of remembering history. It is my hope that each of you will continue to make others aware of the group, as well as share stories about your lives and military careers so that they can be preserved and remembered.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

"He belongs to history as furnishing one of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in the principles of liberty and freedom. He belongs to the present by his virtue and his achievements.”
~ General Douglas MacArthur, U.S. Army (Speaking of the American man under arms)

26 AUG 1897
On this date, World War I Veteran / VA Epsilon Brother / Mayor (Kenbridge, VA) / Virginia State Representative / Second Lieutenant Cralle Fauntleroy Blackwell, U.S. Army was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia.

28 AUG 1922
World War II Veteran / OH Mu Brother Joseph E. “Joachim” Vouros, U.S. Army was born on this date in Youngstown, Ohio. In 1941, soon after commencing his studies at Youngstown State University, Brother Vouros interrupted his college studies to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1941.

24 AUG 1924
On this date, CO Gamma Brother / World War II and Korean War Veteran Dr. John Russell Carney, U.S. Army (WWII) and Captain, U.S. Air Force (Korean War) was born on this date in Greely, Colorado.

23 AUG 1949
MT Alpha Brother / Lieutenant Commander Richard Wesley Eddy, Jr., U.S. Navy was born on this date in Balboa, Panama Canal Zone.

28 AUG 2008
On this date, Former District Governor / IN Alpha Brother Rex A. Sebastian, U.S. Navy (Purdue University ’51) passed away.

Brother Sebastian was born 16 SEP 1929. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University (1951) and a MBA from Indiana University (1952). His first position after graduating from Indiana University was in production management supervision for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. Then he served for 33 months as an officer in the Supply Corps of the U.S. Navy.

Rex served as Senior Vice President-Operations, Office of the Chairman, Dresser Industries, Inc., from JAN 1975 to JUL 1985, at which time Mr. Sebastian took early retirement. In his capacity, Mr. Sebastian had total corporate responsibility for one of Dresser's defined product segments, the General Industrial Segment. In terms of annual revenue, the General Industrial Segment accounted for approximately $1 billion.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
Since the last rendition of “This Week,” the following SigEp Patriots have passed away:

*NE Alpha Brother / World War II Veteran Colonel Addis “Tad” Thompson Ward, U.S. Army & U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) was lost to us on 04 AUG. Brother Ward was born 11 OCT 1923 in Bancroft, Nebraska, and served in the Army during WWII and in the Army Reserve from 1946 to 1983. In his recent obituary, Tad proudly listed his presidency of a Sigma Phi Epsilon AVC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 6001 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510; St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 691, Borrego Springs, CA 92004; or Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools Foundation, 708 Main Street, Bancroft, NE 68004.

Of note: A memorial service will be held at 10am this Saturday (03 SEP), at Holy Trinity Church, 6001 A Street, Lincoln, NE. A brunch is to follow.

*World War II Veteran / SigEp Citation Recipient / OH Epsilon Brother Dr. Hugh A Harter, U.S. Army died 13 AUG in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

His distinguished career in education and literature was disrupted only once, for his service in World War II with the Military Intelligence 3d Army at Normandy and then the Air Transport Command.

Brother Harter’s military service was recognized with a burial with military honors at Greenlawn Cemetery in Housatonic, MA. A memorial service will be held in Portsmouth at a later date.

*OK Beta Brother and Chapter President Robert M. "Bob" Jernigan Sr., U.S. Army passed away on 17 AUG in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Bob was born on 28 SEP 1935 in Oklahoma City.

Brother Jernigan’s obituary only listed that he was in the Army, and that after serving our country he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma where he was a leader as OK Beta’s chapter president.

Bob’s sacrifices for our Nation were recognized with a military burial at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: All Souls' Episcopal Church (All Souls' Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Penn Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK) or Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation at http://www.sigepfoundation.org/.

*MI Alpha Brother First Lieutenant George Henry Cress, U.S. Army (University of Michigan ’58) died 18 AUG after an extended illness in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was 74 years old.

Our condolences to their friends and family. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace, Brothers.

NEWS! CONGRATULATIONS!
*We continue to grow! The SigEp Patriots our proud to have another Brother-in-arms among the ranks. OH Sigma Brother Brad Haines was commissioned Friday as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Congratulations and best of luck, Brad!

*This week the SigEp Patriots Project listserve reached the 100 member mark, and military Brothers (regardless of length and/or type of service - ROTC, current and former active duty, reserve and retired) can join brothers on the listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. To find the official Project group on Facebook, click on http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve.

If you would like to share news or information about a SigEp Patriot, please drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 25 - 31 July

30 JUL 1889
On this date, World War I Veteran / PA Delta Brother / Doctor Edwin P. Longaker, U.S. Army Medical Corps (University of Pennsylvania, 1913) was born.

29 JUL 1939
Vietnam War Veteran / OR Alpha Brother / Captain Ernest “Ernie” A. Harris, U.S. Marine Corps (Oregon State University ’61) was born on this date in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

26 JUL 1958
On this date 53 years ago, Korean War Veteran and Ace / IN Alpha Brother / Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force (Purdue University ’49) crashed to his death near Rosamond Dry Lake while flying an F-104 ultrasonic jet from Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) over the Mojave Desert. Brother Kincheloe was laid to rest with full military honors in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.

Kinch was born in Detroit, Michigan on 02 JUL 1928, but grew up in Cassopolis, Michigan. He attended Purdue University, and graduated with degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officers Training Corps. He took pilot training at Randolph AFB, Arizona, where he got his wings and commission in 1950.

In 1950-51 he served with the 4th and 51st Fighter Wings in Korea, flying 101 combat missions in F-86 Sabrejets and 30 in F-80 Shooting Stars. He shot down ten communist planes, being one of 12 Air Force pilots with ten or more jet victories to his credit during that war. He earned the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals.

After the war, Brother Kincheloe became a test pilot participating in the testing of the Century Series of fighter aircraft. In the mid-1950s, Kincheloe joined the Bell X-2 program and on 07 SEP 1956, he flew the Bell X-2 research rocket plane more than 2,000 mph (3,200 km/h) and to a height of 126,200 feet (38,500 m) (some sources list 126,500), the first flight ever above 100,000 feet.

In SEP 1959, Kinross AFB in Upper Peninsula, Michigan was renamed Kincheloe AFB in his honor (the base closed in SEP 1977), and a monument also stands a few miles east of his hometown of Cassopolis, Michigan – it is an angular stone slab twelve feet high bearing a silver model of the X-2 pointed skyward. In 1992, he was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor, and the Iven C. Kincheloe Award is named in his honor.

30 JUL 1983
World War II Veteran / Congressman / DE Alpha Brother / Major Herbert Birchby Warburton, U.S. Army (University of Delaware ‘38 of Wilmington, Delaware died on this date.

Born in Wilmington on 21 SEP 1916, Brother Warburton graduated from UD in 1938 and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Recruit Officer Training Command (ROTC) program. It appears Herbert graduated from the Dickinson School of Law before commencing active duty as a first lieutenant of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Antiaircraft Battalion (SEP 1941).

Upon his release from active duty in 1945, Brother Warburton began practicing law in Wilmington, and served as city solicitor from 1949 to 1952 before being elected to the Eighty-Third Congress (1953-55).

Herbert continued his service to the American public with his appointment as special assistant to Secretary of Labor James P. Mitchell (02 MAR 1955 – 07 NOV 1957), as general counsel, Post Office Department (07 NOV 1957 – 20 JAN 1961), and as minority counsel to the House Government Operations subcommittee (MAR 1961 to SEP 1964).

Upon his death, Brother Warburton was cremated and the family retained his ashes.

28 JUL 2004
AL Beta Brother / First Lieutenant William “Bill” D. Yates, U.S. Army (University of Alabama ’55) passed away on this date. Bill was a member of the Pledge Class of Fall 1951 and was in ROTC while at Bama. Upon graduation he received a commission in the U.S. Army, and after his discharged Brother Yates returned to his hometown of Lanett, Alabama. There he owned and operated Yates Printing and Office Supplies until his retirement in 1997.

25 JUL 2010
A year ago on this date, World War II and Korean War Veteran / MS Beta Brother / General William E. “Bill” Callicott, U.S. Army / Mississippi National Guard (Retired) (Mississippi State University ’48) died in Memphis, Tennessee.

Born 16 JUN 1924, Brother Collicott was a lifelong Senatobia resident. He retired as owner of the Callicott Insurance Agency, a business his grandfather began in 1915.

Bill served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1960 to 1976, and later served as Mayor of Senatobia for three terms.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Senatobia.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISMENTS, MILESTONES AND GREAT NEWS
During July –
-VA Beta Brother / Chris Costello, U.S. Army graduated from 88M (truck) training.
-OH Gamma Brother / Second Lieutenant Scott Dudis, U.S. Army (Veterinary Corps) was commissioned to his present rank.
-AK Alpha Brother / Joel Fix, U.S. Army Reserve has been mobilized and deployed overseas.
-MT Alpha Brother Paul Gerhardt (formerly USMC) got engaged!
-CA Theta Brother / Ted Hornstra graduated from Airborne school.
-VA Beta Brother Erik Kelly joined the U.S. Navy’s Delayed Entry Program and is scheduled to begin serving on active duty when he goes to Recruit Training Command (“boot camp”) in February 2012.

If you have a recent accomplishment, drop me a line at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

ADDITIONAL LOSSES TO THE ROLL IN JULY
Sadly, the following SigEp Patriots were lost in July and have not been previously listed:

07 JUL
World War II Veteran / NH Alpha Brother / Lieutenant Commander Robert Eastwood Neill, U.S. Navy / U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) (Dartmouth College ’35) (14 MAR 1914 – 07 JUL 2011). Brother Neill served in the South Pacific during WWII.

09 JUL
World War II Veteran / MI Alpha Brother / Major Robert Jackson Ogden, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (University of Michigan ’42) (29 JAN 1920 – 09 JUL 2011). Brother Ogden served in Alaska during WWII.

09 JUL
TN Alpha Brother / First Lieutenant Thomas Joseph Williams, Jr., U.S. Army National Guard (Tennessee) (University of Tennessee ’07) was 26 years old when he passed away 09 JUL 2011. He is survived by his parents, Thomas Joseph Williams, Sr. and Lynne Tune Williams; sisters, Ann-Marie and Mary Jo Williams; fiancée, Nikki Schmidt, as well as countless friends and loved ones. He was 1LT in the Army National Guard, where he was a pilot of OH-58D(R) and platoon leader in C/1/230th ACS at McGee Tyson Flight Facility. He was the owner and president of Southeast Investment Group. He graduated from Hillwood High School in 2003 and the University of Tennessee in 2007. He was active in Sigma Phi Epsilon and the UT ROTC program.

Brother Williams was laid to rest at the Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.

12 JUL
Vietnam War Veteran / CA Beta Brother James Robert Smoot, U.S. Army (University of Southern California) (21 JUL 1946 – 12 JUL 2011) The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law will honor him with a memorial reception at the school on 08 AUG at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James R. Smoot Memorial Fund at Playhouse on the Square, 66 South Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104 or the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Make checks payable to University of Memphis Foundation and mail to: Department 238, U of M Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0001. Include instructions to designate your gift to the Dean Emeritus James R. Smoot Scholarship Fund. Online gifts may be made by visiting www.memphis.edu/law/faculty/smoot.php.

27 JUL
World War II Veteran / MA Beta Brother / Corporal Harold “Harry” Melden, Jr., U.S Marine Corps (Asiatic Pacific Area) (Worcester Polytechnic Institute ’49) (19 JUN 1924 – 27 JUL 2011)

Brother Melden’s obituary stated that the burial plans will be private, and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to support student financial aid may be sent to WPI, Office of Development & Alumni Relations, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609 or Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed "Otter" Jones
Chief, U.S. Navy Reserve
NY Eta '93