Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 27 / 2014, 08 – 15 SEP

Brothers,

During the U.S. naval blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, who was the Secretary of the Navy? A SigEp Patriot, that’s who! 

In addition to that Brother, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors and remembers 19 SigEp Patriots from nearly as many chapters, including one brother who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

In addition to the significant days in our history during this week, it is very important to remember that September is Suicide Awareness Month. Considering making a donation to ActiveHeroes.org where two-time Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and Michigan Eta Brother Captain Justin Fitch, U.S. Army is highlighted speaking to the fact that 22 veterans a day commit suicide.

Please note the upcoming memorial for the North Carolina Beta brother who recently passed away.

09 SEP 1942
Bernard Kumo entered the U.S. Navy on this date. We found his name in an edition of The Journal, however the national headquarters has “Kumko” as his last name. Bernard became a brother at Virginia Eta at the conclusion of his military service, and his return to the University of Virginia where he graduated with the Class of ‘44.

08 SEP 1944
World War II Veteran and Kansas Gamma Brother Second Lieutenant Raymond L. Childers, U.S. Army was released from the military on this date after about 15 months of service.

13 SEP 1944
World War II Veteran and UT Alpha Brother Lieutenant Paul Pratt Reeder, U.S. Navy made the ultimate sacrifice on this date. Brother Reeder was a pilot with VT-22 off of the USS Cowpens (CVL-25) when he was killed in action when his TBM-1C (Avenger) crashed during the bombing of Negros Island, The Philippines. 

He entered the Naval Air Corps in OCT 1941, and was commissioned JUL 1942 in Corpus Christi, TX. Before he was killed Paul had participated in four major battles against the Japanese.

Brother Reeder was laid to rest with military honors at Smithfield City Cemetery in Smithfield, UT, and respect can be paid to him there at Plot C-41-10.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 23 / 2014, 04 – 10 AUG

Brothers,

As I sit here on a U.S. camp in Afghanistan, I recall the other day where I was listening to the stories of patriotic Americans who served at this station before me. It served as a reminder as to why I am involved with the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) - simply, I believe the brothers who serve/served have stories that need to be told, and that their selfless service to the country needs to be remembered. 

Someone has to tell their story, and SPP looks forward to continuing to do so.

This week, SPP honors, remembers and celebrates the lives, accomplishments and sacrifices of a record 32 SigEp Patriots from 27 chapters serving since World War I, including one brother who was killed in action in Vietnam.

05 AUG 1917
The Ohio State University Class of ’08 graduate and Ohio Gamma Brother Robert L. Tavenner was commissioned an infantry Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army National Guard (Ohio) on this date.

07 AUG 1941
Four months to the day when the Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor, Pennsylvania Mu Brother Joseph M. Becker entered the U.S. Navy.

04 AUG 1943
On this date, University of Washington Class of ’39 graduate and Washington Beta Brother Ronald S. Green entered the U.S. Army Air Corps.

09 AUG 1943
Pennsylvania Epsilon Brother Arthur C. Palmer entered the U.S. Army on this date. Arthur was a member of the Class of ’25 at Lehigh University.

10 AUG 1945
World War II Veteran and Delaware Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel Gerald H. Kadel, U.S. Army was discharged from his WWII service on this date.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 22 / 2014, 28 JUL – 03 AUG

Brothers,

This week the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors, remembers and celebrates the lives and commitment of 20 SigEp Patriots, including two Congressmen, a WWI fighter ace, Vietnam War prisoner of war, and a brother who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWII.


01 AUG 1918
On this date, World War I Veteran & Ace Fighter Pilot, New York Beta Brother Major James Meissner, U.S. Army Air Corps had his fifth air victory. Brother Meissner was flying his SPAD XIII, and a member of the 147th Aero Squadron during the engagement over Fère-en-Tardenois, France, northeast of Paris.


01 AUG 1941
While Europe was embroiled in war, in America, the call to arms had not been issued yet. Even so, Virginia Alpha Brother Allan Brockenbrough stepped forward, and the University of Richmond Class of ’39 graduate joined the Army on this date.

03 AUG 1941
Seventy-three years ago today, California Beta Brother Richard A. Halpern was commissioned an Ensign, U.S. Navy Reserve.

30 JUL 1943
Samuel D. Mock, Pennsylvania Iota Brother and Muhlenberg College member of the Class of ’31, joined the U.S. Navy on this date.

28 JUL 1944
On this date, World War II Veteran and California Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Edward B. Davis, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps Reserve made the ultimate sacrifice for our country when he was killed while engaging the enemy on Guam, Marianas Islands. For his courageous actions on this date, Brother Davis was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.


Respect can be paid to Brother Davis at Section E, Plot 542, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 20/2014, 14 – 20 JUL

Brothers,

During this week in our history, two SigEp Patriots were killed in action, two were awarded the U.S. Army’s second highest honor, and one was promoted to four-star General. There is also a U.S. Congressman, Governor, Mayor, and SigEp Citation Recipient – a total of 18 Brothers from 15 chapters. These Brothers serve as great examples of the virtue of selfless service to others – both in the military and in their communities, and they are worthy of our admiration and praise.

A special shout out to the two USAF SigEp Patriot pilots that we just connected down at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. You boys be safe flying those "friendly" skies.

U.S. Army's
Distinguished
Service Cross

15 JUL 1918
For his actions on this date while serving with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) near Chateau-Thierry, France, World War I Veteran and Vermont Alpha Brother (then) Major Guy I. Rowe, U.S. Army was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) – second only to the Medal of Honor. ***

16 JUL 1918
The next day, World War I Veteran and New York Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Henry Q. Griffin, U.S. Army / AEF made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed while engaging the enemy near St. Agnan, France. For his “extraordinary heroism in action,” Brother Griffin was posthumously awarded the DSC.***

*** The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) has the citations for these two awards. If anyone from the Vermont Alpha and New York Alpha chapters would like a citation we look forward to hearing from you.

19 JUL 1918
World War I Veteran and First Secretary of Illinois Alpha, First Lieutenant Louis I. Phillis, U.S. Army Aviation Corps was killed in an accident on this date in Tours, France.

Louis was 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 WWI. At the time of his death, he 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, NY.

17 JUL1943
On this date, Border War, World War I & World War II Veteran, Virginia Theta Brother (then) Major General Leonard T. Gerow, U.S. Army became commander of V Corps – at the time the largest unit of troops in the European Theater of Operations.

19 JUL 1943
Following graduating from the University of Alabama, Alabama Beta Brother James Calabra, Jr. entered the U.S. Army on this date.

Brother Gerow

19 JUL 1954
This is the date of rank of General (four-stars) in the U.S. Army for Brother Leonard Gerow. Based on the SPP archives, with this promotion he became the first SigEp Patriot to reach the four-star rank in any of the U.S. armed services. (Since Brother Gerow, six additional military brothers have achieved the rank of General in their respective service.)

20 JUL 1959
World War I Veteran and New Hampshire Alpha Renaissance Brother Major Wayne E. Stevens, U.S. Army, 67, died on this date at his home in Hanover, New Hampshire. As a First Lieutenant, he served in the Adjunct General Corps in the U.S. Army from 1917-18, and continued to serve through 1919. Wayne was initiated by NH Alpha chapter in 1922, and an indefatigable worker on behalf of the Fraternity for 38 years.

Brother Stevens was a member of the Dartmouth history faculty from 1921 until his death, a full professor since 1930. He received his baccalaureate at Knox College in 1913, master's and doctorate at Illinois, and instructed at the University of Minnesota (1916-17).

Wayne served as director of the war records section of the Illinois State Historical Society, historian of the U.S. Army Air Service, and as an adviser to the historical section of the Army War College. He also authored “The Northwest Fur Trade, 1763-1800,” as well as contributed to numerous journals and encyclopedias.

Respect can be paid to Brother Stevens at Pine Knoll Cemetery, Hanover, NH.

16 JUL 1961
World War I Veteran, U.S. Congressman (Iowa), Iowa State Representative and Pennsylvania Xi Brother First Lieutenant Paul H. Cunningham, U.S. Army / AEF died on this date in Brainerd, Minnesota. During WWI, Brother Cunningham served as an infantry officer from 1917-1919. After the war he moved to Des Moines, IA, and the next year joined the Iowa National Guard where he served until 1923.

Brother Cunningham graduated from State Teachers College in Indiana, PA (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania), and continued his education at the University of Michigan. After receiving his law degree, Paul was admitted to the bar in 1915.

He was elected to the Iowa State House of Representatives in 1933 and served there for four years. In 1941, Paul was elected to the Seventy-seventh Congress, and was re-elected eight times before resuming his law practice in 1959.

Paul was a proud member of the American Legion, Freemasons, Moose, and Odd Fellows.

Respect can be paid to Brother Cunningham at Masonic Cemetery, Des Moines, IA.

Brother McMullen

16 JUL 1966
On this date, Vietnam Veteran and Pennsylvania Eta Brother Second Lieutenant Gene “Smedley” McMullen, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam by Viet Cong counter battery fire.
At Penn State, Gene played on the varsity football team, was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, as well as enrolled in the NROTC and their Platoon Leaders Course as he prepared to enter the Marine Corps. Like so many other SigEp Marine Patriots before and after, he trained at Quantico his freshman, sophomore and junior years.

In 1965, Brother McMullen entered the Basic School at Quantico, and because he chose Artillery, when Gene graduated he was sent to Fort Sill, before reporting to Camp Pendleton. With his training completed, he reported for duty in Vietnam in May 1966, and assigned to the 12th Marine Regiment as a Forward Observer.

Gene is remembered on Panel 09E, Line 29 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Respect can be paid to Brother McMullen at Section 3, Site 2560-B, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

18 JUL 1968
Virginia Alpha Brother Specialist Four Hunter F. Spencer, Jr., U.S. Army Reserve died on this date. He served in the Adjutant General Corps.

Respect can be paid to Brother Spencer at Section Q, Lot 2, Greenlawn Memorial Park, Newport News, VA.

Brother Love

16 JUL 1973
U.S Navy World War II Veteran, Governor (Colorado), SigEp Citation Recipient, and Colorado Beta Brother John A. Love resigned the Colorado governorship on this date after 10 years of service to become the nation's first director of the Office of Energy Policy for President Richard M. Nixon.

15 JUL 2004
Pennsylvania Eta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Daniel A. Augustyniak, U.S. Air Force (Retired), 63, died on this date after a long battle with brain cancer. Commissioned in the U.S. Air Force upon his graduation from Penn State, he served 18 years and six months before retiring. His next career involved five years of civil service work at the Air Force Logistics Command at Kelly Air Force Base.

His most recent “career” involved ten years of dedicated work to the Men's Ministry at St. Luke's Catholic Church, and he had stated that this was his most fulfilling endeavor.

Respect can be paid to Brother Augustyniak at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX.

15 JUL 2009
World War II Veteran New York Beta Brother Joseph I. Whittlesey, 87, died on this date in Cohoes, New York. During WWII, Brother Whittlesey served in France and Germany, where he earned several medals. After the war, he graduated from Cornell in 1949 with a degree in electrical engineering, and worked as an engineer for General Electric for 38 years before retiring in 1984.

He was active in the community, having worked with the Animal Protection Foundation, Boy Scout Troop 36, the Annie Schaffer Senior Center and Vale Cemetery. In addition Joseph was a longtime Republican committeeman and 32nd Degree Mason.

Respect can be paid to Brother Whittlesey at Glenside Cemetery in New York Mills, NY.

15 JUL 2012
On this date, two SigEp Patriots were lost to the ages.
– Mayor of Dothan, Alabama Beta Past President Captain Alfred J. Saliba, U.S. Air Force Reserve passed away at home in the city of his birth, Dothan, Alabama. Alfred spent two years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed in Japan and Korea.

Except for his military service, Alfred lived most of his life in Dothan, and was a proud graduate of the University of Alabama's School of Engineering. After working with his father at Dothan Roofing and Remodeling, he built a successful business bearing his name which included homebuilding, residential and commercial real estate, neighborhood development, and commercial construction. Brother Saliba wisely partnered and invested in other local businesses and real estate ventures, and in 1999 and 2011, he was inducted in the Business Halls of Fame for the University of Alabama and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, respectively.

Motivated by a desire to "give back" to the city he loved so much, from 1989 through 1997, Alfred served two terms as the city's mayor. Commitment to improving the city's infrastructure, recruiting new business, and providing opportunities for underserved families became the hallmarks of his tenure. Working with other visionaries, he helped establish a Family Services Center, which centralized education, childcare, and access to resource agencies. It became the prototype for 17 similar organizations throughout the Southeast and now bears his name.

Memorial contributions to the Alfred Saliba Family Services Center would celebrate Alfred's lifelong compassion and generosity.

Respect can be paid to Brother Saliba at Memory Hill Cemetery, Dothan.

Brother Saavedra, Jr

– Two-time Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Connecticut Alpha Brother Sergeant Kenneth Saavedra, Jr., U.S. Army & National Guard (Connecticut), 29, died in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was a member of the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment. After his active duty service, he continued to serve with the National Guard for almost 10 years.

Kenneth was an electrician and worked for Sikorsky Aircraft, and was a member of the Teamsters Local 1150 – where he served as Vice Chair of the Teamsters Veterans Caucus Connecticut Chapter 1.

At the request of the family, memorial contributions can be made to the Kenneth Saavedra Jr. Memorial Fund set up to benefit Veterans.

Respect can be paid to Brother Saavedra at the Connecticut Veterans’ Cemetery, Rocky Hill, CT.

20 JUL 2012
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and Kansas Gamma Brother Ralph C. Ufford died on this date. Ralph was released from the Navy after three years of military service, and attended the University of Kansas where he graduated with the Class of 1949.

After 39 years as a mechanical engineer, he retired from Bendix/Allied Signal in 1990. While at Allied, he was actively involved with the Allied Signal Management Club and the Bannister Association Investment Club. Ralph was a Boy Scout Leader, and he traveled with his family to 45 of the 50 States, camping in many of them. Once their sons were raised, he and Dolores traveled to 36 Foreign Countries, including pilgrimages to Israel and to Santiago de Compostello, Spain.

Respect can be paid to Brother Ufford at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Army Veteran Oklahoma Alpha Brother Newlin "Newt" W. Kessler, age 83, passed away at home on 11 JUL as a result of cancer and related complications. He served in the Army as an officer and had training as a paratrooper.
* U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the South Pacific during World War II and Indiana Beta Brother Everett E. “Pic” Thomas passed away on 14 JUL at the age of 89. After his WWII service, Pic enrolled at Indiana University and brought his leadership to IN Beta.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Kessler and Thomas. SPP pledges that you and your patriotic service will always be remembered.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
* Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Pennsylvania Xi Brother Kevin Michael has been selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force. He will not get pinned until November, so we will all have to wait until then for the wetting down and free beers. Congratulations Brother!

Please keep sending in your good news stories.

Fraternally and Very Respectfully,

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 19/2014, 07 – 13 July

Brothers,

This week, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors and remembers 16 brother warriors from as many chapters and every branch of the military, including one from Wyoming Alpha who made the ultimate sacrifice more than 71 years ago while taking part in the liberation of Sicily during WWII. SPP pledges it will always remember all our brothers who serve/served our great country, and hopes you will celebrate with us by reading and passing word of this post.

10 JUL 1942
On this date, North Carolina Epsilon Brother Robert L. Orr entered the U.S. Army, and went on to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.

13 JUL 1942
Massachusetts Alpha Brother David H. Johnson joined the U.S. Coast Guard on this date, serving as a Soundman Second Class during World War II.

Assault on Sicily - Operation Husky

11 JUL 1943
A year ago, SPP mentioned in this work that 10 JUL 1943 marked the beginning of Operation Husky - at the time, the largest combined operation of WWII, and asked if anyone had any idea how many SigEp Patriots where there. Now we know that at least one brave SigEp made the ultimate sacrifice on the second day of the operation.

On this date, World War II Veteran and Wyoming Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Paul C. Rawdon, Jr., U.S. Army was 26 years old, and assigned to the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division when his unit made landfall on the southern shore of Sicily. 

Paul completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Wyoming before going to work in New Mexico. He was inducted in to the Army in MAR 1941, and he was with the division when it shipped overseas a month before he was killed.

Respect can be paid to Brother Rawdon at Block 12, Row C, Plot 13 of Glenrock Cemetery, Glenrock, WY.

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, Volume 16/14, 16 – 22 JUN

Brothers,

Three Brothers were killed in action during this week in our history, and on Monday the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) welcomed home a SigEp Patriot from Afghanistan who has multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11.

Awards for Valor presented by the
U.S. military

The Army Distinguished Service Cross (ADSC), Navy Cross and Air Force Cross are the second highest military decoration for valor for extraordinary heroism in combat bestowed upon a member of their respective service, and are second only to the Medal of Honor (MoH). While there is no record of a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon being awarded the MoH, 10 amazing SigEp Patriots have distinguished themselves valiantly in earning a service cross. Several of them are listed in this week's work.

21 JUN 1918

On this date, OH Gamma Brother First Lieutenant Robert L. Tavenner, U.S. Army began his World War I service with the 37th Division of the American Expeditionary Force, and would see action in France & Belgium. According to the SPP archives, Brother Tavenner is the third of six SigEp Patriots known to have been awarded the ADSC.

18 JUN 1940

KY Epsilon Brother Joseph F. Odle, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on this date. During WWII he served at the Battle of Solomon Islands.

16 JUN 1941

WI Alpha Brother William H. Zuehlke, Jr., entered the U.S. Navy Reserve on this date, and, according to the SPP archives, the Class of 1936 Lawrence University graduate had one of the longest overseas deployments of any SigEp Patriot who served during WWII.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 15/14, 09 – 15 JUN

Brothers,

Editor's note: I guess I need one...an editor. My apologies for the chronological errors in last week's version of "This Week in SigEp Patriot History" (TWISPH). Another example of why it is always good to have someone read over your work.

Today marks the 239th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. Happy 239th Birthday U.S. Army SigEp Patriots!


Volume 15 of TWISPH for the year includes notable news, accomplishments and acts of service and sacrifice by 27 military brothers of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force from 25 chapters from across the country spanning 97 years.


Four SigEp Patriots made the ultimate sacrifice during this week (1 - WWII, 2 - Vietnam War and 1 - Operation Iraqi Freedom), and eight brothers passed away having served in four conflicts around the world. Please keep their family, friends and chapter brothers in your thoughts and prayers.


The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) knows of 14 brothers who served in the military and were awarded the SigEp Citation - two of them are referenced in this edition of TWISPH.



13 JUN 1918VA Epsilon Brother Cralle Blackwell volunteered on this date for World War I service with the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps.

On the same date, NY Beta Brother (then) Lieutenant James A. Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service had his 4th aerial kill over Thiaucort, France in his Nieuport 28 while assigned to 97th Aero Squadron. He would go on to be a WWI Ace and establish the Alabama Air National Guard.


12 JUN 1930VA Zeta Brother Robert Wood graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on this date and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps. Following WWI, he attended the National War College and later served as a military aide to the (first) Secretary of Defense, James Forrestal (a fellow SigEp). Brother Wood went on to retire as a General, and was posthumously awarded the SigEp Citation in 1967.

12 JUN 1944On this date, World War II Veteran and CO Gamma Brother Staff Sergeant Arthur Sinclair Edmundson, U.S. Army made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Normandy, France while serving with the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. Brother Sinclair left Colorado State University to enlist in the Army as a Private at Fort Bliss, TX in MAR 1942.


Arthur is remembered on Panel: 11, Column: 1, Row: 107 of the Colorado Freedom Memorial in Aurora, CO.


Respect can be paid to Brother Edmundson at Plot H, Row 18, Grave 22, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 14/14, 02 – 08 JUN

Brothers,
This was quite a week in the history of SigEp Patriots. Four of our brothers made the ultimate sacrifice. Three military brothers discussed in this issue were awarded the nation's second highest honor. We also learned that three more of our brothers-in-arms were recently lost to the ages, and 63 brothers were added to the archives of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP).

Brother Forrestal

02 JUN 1917
On this date, one of the principle architects of the National Security Act of 1947 and first Secretary of Defense, NH Alpha Brother James V. Forrestal, joined the Navy and began his World War I service. Brother Forrestal would achieve the rank of Lieutenant before being discharged at the end of the war, and the first U.S. super carrier would be named in his honor, USS Forrestal (CV-59).

06 JUN 1941
AL Alpha Brother Joseph Dean joined the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps on this date after graduating with the Class of 1940 from Auburn University.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 13/14, 26 MAY – 01 JUN

Brothers,
Greetings from the home office in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. In this edition, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) highlights the lives, accomplishments and sacrifices of military brothers from 23 chapters, who served in at least one of six major conflicts over the course of 97 years. We remember 26 Brothers, one of which we salute for completing his military obligation, four that we added to our Facebook group, and honor the passing of the first SigEp killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

28 MAY 1917
Dropping out of Cornell, NY Beta Brother James Meissner enlisted in the Army Signal Service (the branch of the Army then tasked with flying) as a Private First Class on this date. One year and two days later, First Lieutenant Meissner was awarded his second Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism while in aerial combat over Jaulny, France during WWI. 

01 JUN 1939
On this date, World War I Veteran, U.S. Congressman (Virginia) and VA Eta Brother Private Joel Flood, U.S. Army was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. He would serve in this capacity until elected as a judge to the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Virginia.

Brother Leonard Gerow

01 JUN 1942
"I believe they [the troops] are as well prepared for battle as any troops we have ever sent into action."

These words were spoken by Vera Cruz & World War I Veteran, VA Theta Brother Leonard T. Gerow, (then) Brigadier General and Chief of the U.S. Army War Plans Division, while observing maneuvers of American forces in Southwest Britain.

29 MAY 1943
KS Gamma Brother Raymond L. Childers began his WWII service with the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps on this date.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 11/14, 12 – 18 MAY

Brothers,

"We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us." - Richard Grenier (conveying his interpretation of George Orwell's opinion)

Happy (belated) Armed Forces Day to all SigEps Patriots serving in the U.S. military at home and around the world! The Day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense (under the first Secretary of Defense, World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother James V. Forrestal). You can read more about Armed Forces Day at www.defense.gov/afd.

15 MAY 1917

Mexican Campaign Veteran and VA Theta Brother Leonard T. Gerow was promoted to Captain, U.S. Army on this date.

Croix de Guerre

15 MAY 1918

On this date, the French government showed their appreciation for the accomplishments of World War I Veteran and NY Beta Brother (then) Second Lieutenant James A. Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service. Brother Meissner shot down an enemy airplane over Foret De La Rappe, France, and for his heroic actions they awarded him their medal for bravery, known as the Croix de Guerre.

15 MAY 1942

PA Delta Brother Charles E. Wiegner, Jr. of the University of Pennsylvania Class of 1937 joined the U.S. Army Air Corps on this date.

16 MAY 1942

Entering the service of the U.S. Army Air Corps Dental Corps on this date was MT Alpha Brother R. K. Schroeder, Class of 1934 at the University of Montana.

18 MAY 1942

It was a busy week for patriotic SigEps as DC Alpha Brother Vananda J. Meyl of the George Washington University Class of 1926 entered the service of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 10/14, 05 – 11 MAY

Brothers,

Greetings from the temporary home office in Afghanistan. While there is news of great success and even a wedding, this week the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) also remembers a number of brothers, including one who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as three SigEp Patriots that were lost to us recently.

09 MAY 1968

On this date, Vietnam War Veteran and NC Beta Brother Warrant Officer One Dayton Wayne Lanier, U.S. Army Reserve made the ultimate sacrifice when the helicopter he was piloting in support of American ground forces crashed after receiving hostile fire near Thua Thien, South Vietnam. He was 28 years old.

Brother Lanier arrived in Vietnam in AUG 1967, with Charlie Company, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry, but when he was shot down he was serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

His awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and 24 Air Medals.

Brother Lanier is memorialized on Panel 57E, Line 026 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – “The Wall” – in Washington, DC.

Respect can be paid to Brother Lanier at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Wilmington, NC.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 9-14, 28 APR – 04 MAY

Brothers,

This week, dozens of our brothers across the country will graduate from and be commissioned in the U.S. military, swearing to defend our great country against all enemies foreign and domestic. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) would like to congratulate all our brothers who graduate this year, and hope that the SigEp Patriots among them will reach out to SPP.

02 MAY 1918

On this date, World War I Veteran and NY Beta Brother (then) First Lieutenant James “Jimmy” A. Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service won his first aerial engagement while piloting 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 U.S. Army’s Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) in accordance with General Order 121, W.D., 1918,

Distinguished Service Cross

“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.”

According to the SPP archives, only five SigEp Patriots have been awarded the DSC.

The DSC is the second highest awarded presented by the U.S. Army after the Medal of Honor. Latter in his WWI service, Brother Meissner would earn a second DSC for his actions during WWI.

Renaissance Brother James Naismith

04 MAY 1925

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

01 MAY 1942

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

29 APR 1945

World War II Veteran and WI Beta Brother Ensign Lee Otis Nelson, U.S. Navy Reserve went missing in action in English waters in May 1944, and on this date he was declared as killed in action.

Brother Nelson is among the 5,127 American service members memorialized on the Wall of the Missing at the Cambridge American Cemetery between the villages of Coton and Madingley in Cambridgeshire, England.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 8-14, 21 – 27 APR

“I have just received the February issue of the Journal [April, 1943]. 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 [somewhere in North Africa] are Sig Eps. Another thing that was of considerable interest was the list of the brothers from Texas Alpha that had gone into the Service. No doubt there are many more on active duty. It seems to me that the Journal could render a great service by obtaining the actual addresses of all the brothers and printing them. Of course, this would be difficult because the addresses will change rapidly, but one of the major things of interest to us here is the whereabouts of our friends.”

~ Capt. Wendell E. Little, U.S. Army, Texas, '32 (SigEp Journal, September 1943)

It’s too bad the Journal no longer regularly carries the kind of information referenced by Brother Little. One of the many goals of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) is to provide this kind of information so brothers can get together in brotherhood, but we can only share information we possess.

24 APR 1942

On this date, WI Alpha Brother Everett Roudebush, Class of 1929 at Lawrence College, entered the Army after finishing a concert tour with Salvatore Baccaloni, noted star of the Metropolitan Opera Company.

27 APR 1964

World War I Veteran, Judge (5th Judicial Circuit), U.S. Congressman (Virginia) and VA Eta Brother Private Joel W. Flood, U.S. Army died on this date in Richmond, Virginia. During WWI, Brother Flood served in Company A, 305th Engineers, 80th Division which saw action in St. Mihiel and the Argonne. He completed his military duty in 1919.

Before his WWI service, Joel became a SigEp at University of Virginia, and later attended Oxford University. After studying law he was admitted to the bar in 1917 and commenced practice in Appomattox, and was elected Virginia State Commonwealth Attorney of Appomattox County in 1919.

Joel served the people of Appomattox County until 08 NOV 1932 when he was elected to the Seventy-second Congress to fill a vacancy. Following is congressional service, Brother Flood resumed the practice of law, and after serving as a delegate to the 1936 Democratic National Convention was appointed assistant United States attorney for the western district of Virginia in 1939. In JAN 1940, Joel was elected as a judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Virginia, and he served in this capacity until his death.

Respect can be paid to Brother Flood at the Flood Mausoleum, Appomattox Courthouse Square in Appomattox.

21 APR 1991

World War II & Vietnam War Veteran, UT Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel Ray F. Randall, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died on this date. Ray joined the Army Air Corps after graduating from the University of Utah with the Class of 1935. Following his service in Korea, he went to work for the U.S. Weather Bureau out in California as a meteorologist.

Respect can be paid to Brother Randall at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.

MI Beta Brother
Matthew Alan Webber

27 APR 2006

On this date, a hero died at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas as a result of wounds received during combat operations in Habbaniyah, Iraq the previous November. Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and MI Beta Brother Sergeant Matthew Alan Webber, U.S. Army National Guard (Michigan) was 23 years old.

Matt attended Western Michigan University and joined the Army National Guard in 1999. He was called to active duty in June 2005. Brother Webber was a member of the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan Army National Guard when he sustained injuries 21 NOV 2005 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his humvee.

Respect can be paid to Brother Webber at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids, MI.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 7-14, 14 – 20 April

SigEps truly are everywhere, and SigEp Patriots are no exception. On Thursday, I had the sincere honor to meet up with three amazing SigEp Patriots near Fort Bragg with incredible tales of travel and accomplishments that could easily fill hours of conversation.

(L-R) Me, KY Epsilon Brother Joe Dacus,
AL Theta Brother Timothy Forrest and
VA Pi Brother Adam Fitzhugh

Today, I had an opportunity to visit Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC. The base is the last remaining U.S. military installation to be named in honor of a SigEp Patriot. Named in honor of NC Delta Brother Lieutenant Seymour Johnson, U.S. Navy, it is the only USAF base in the world named after a member of the U.S. Navy. Can you name the other base that named after a SigEp Patriot?

14 APR 1953

On this date, U.S. Marine Corps World War I Veteran, Governor (Virginia) and VA Zeta Brother William M. Tuck began his service to the citizens of Virginia and the Nation as a member of the Eighty-Third Congress. Brother Tuck was reelected to seven succeeding Congresses.

14 APR 1970

World War II, Korean War & Vietnam War Veteran and CT Alpha Renaissance Brother Admiral Elmo R. “Bud” Zumwalt, Jr., U.S. Navy was nominated on this date by President Nixon to be Chief of Naval Operations – the senior military officer in the U.S. Navy. Admiral Zumwalt became a Renaissance Brother several years after his retirement. Nearly exactly 44 years later, the first of the U.S. Navy’s new Zumwalt guided-missile destroyer, USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), was christened on 12 APR 2014 at the Bath Iron Works, Maine, and is expected to be commissioned in late 2015 or early 2016.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 6-14, 07 – 13 April

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”

~ President Harry S. Truman during a joint session of Congress on 16 April 1945

Greetings from the temporary SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) home office at Fort Bragg, NC. My apologies. The goal for 2014 was to write one edition of this work each week, however, the U.S. military had some plans for me that have been keeping me very busy.

This week, we remember and honor 12 brothers, including two who made the ultimate sacrifice, and one brother who was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross (DSC).

10 APR 1926

Distinguished
Service Cross

World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert L. Tavenner, U.S. Army died on this date in Columbus, Ohio while serving as an instructor in the Department of Military Science and Tactics at The Ohio State University (OSU). Brother Tavenner was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Ohio Army National Guard in 1917, and subsequently assigned to the 37th Division of the American Expeditionary Force.

Soon after arriving in the European Theater, he selflessly led his men while performing heroic acts for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) – the highest award presented by the U.S. Army second only to the Medal of Honor.

The SPP archives show that Brother Tavenner is one of five SigEp Patriots to be awarded one or more DSCs.

Robert attended the College of Arts at OSU where he was also in the Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1908.

Respect can be paid to Brother Tavenner at Mound View Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Ohio.

13 APR 1945

On this date, during Operation VICTOR II, World War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Frank M. Pinney, U. S. Army was serving with the 182nd Infantry Battalion of the Americal Division when he made the ultimate sacrifice near Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.

In MAY 1941, Brother Pinney received a reserve commission in the U.S. Army upon his graduation with a degree in Aeronautics Administration, and was shipped overseas in SEP 1943. He was assigned to the 182nd as the Battalion Supply Officer.

Brother Pinney's Purple Heart Certificate
and a letter of condolence from President Truman

On 13 APR 1945, during a battle on Hill 260, First Lieutenant Pinney volunteered to lead a "carrying party" up Hill 260 in order to refit a rifle company engaged with the enemy and in desperate need of re-supply. While slugging his way up a trail, his party was ambushed and he was and killed instantly by a Japanese machine gun.

For his actions on this date he was posthumously awarded his second Bronze Star.

Frank became a SigEp during his three years at Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State University), where he was also a member of the Pershing Rifles, Scabbard and Blade, and the Aggie Society.

Frank is memorialized alongside other patriotic citizens of Oklahoma on the website for The Oklahoma Veteran’s Memorial Gardens, Oklahoma’s War Dead, World War II Years 1941 to 1945.(http://www.oklahomaveteransmemorial.us/lost_war2.html)

Respect can be paid to Brother Pinney at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 5-14, 03 – 09 MAR (2014)

Brothers,

Do you know how many SigEp Patriots were killed at the Battle of Iwo Jima? What is the name of the only U.S. Air Force base named after a U.S. Navy officer (and SigEp Patriot)?

One of the missions of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) is to be able to answer these and many other questions pertaining to this unique group of Brothers, and it is why we have approached multiple members of the Headquarters leadership at both Conclave Phoenix and Dallas about establishing a dynamic partnership. To date, no luck, but we continue to be hopeful.

Please read on to learn the answer to one of the above questions.

NY Beta Brother Jimmy Meissner
alongside "Hat in the Ring Squadron" aircraft
(dated 02 MAY 1918)

08 MAR 1918

On this date, World War I Veteran and NY Beta Brother Lieutenant James “Jimmy” A. Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service reported to Major John Huffer, commander of the U.S. 94th Pursuit Squadron. Known as the “Hat in the Ring Squadron”, the 94th was the first entirely American unit to fly a fighter patrol. It was here that Jimmy became an Ace pilot, and good friends with Eddie Rickenbacker, the highest scoring American Ace of WWI.

06 MAR 1924

World War I Veteran and NY Beta Brother Captain Enoch N. Holstrom, U.S. Army died on this date in St. Luke’s Hospital, Chicago, Illinois after an illness of several months. In 1917, Brother Holstrom went to France as a second lieutenant with the 11th Engineers and was soon promoted to first lieutenant.

At the Battle of Cambral, Enoch directed the construction of rail lines for the transportation of tanks to the front. This he did with such speed that he received a letter of commendation from General Pershing. During that battle, two hundred of his men were cut off from the detachment by a barrage, but he led them to safety and for this act of heroism he was promoted to captain.

Enoch entered Cornell in 1912 as a student of mechanical engineering and graduated in 1916. Following graduation, he worked for the Wagner Electric Company in St. Louis, and later transferred to New York. After his return from France, Brother Holstrom moved to St. Paul, and in 1923 relocated to Chicago.

03 MAR 1933

World War I Veteran and VA Eta Brother Private Joel W. Flood, U.S. Army completed his term as a member of the Seventy-second U.S. Congress on this date.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, VOL 4/14, 24 FEB – 02 MAR

“If all the world were just, there would be no need of valor.” ~ Plutarch, Greek Biographer and Author

Brothers,

Yes, the dates are right and this is only the 4th edition of “This Week In SigEp Patriots History” for 2014. Since late January, I have been very busy with military training. This is offered to provide some perspective. It is not an excuse, as research and meetings with SigEp Patriots continue in order to learn about every Brother who serves/served, and I strive to do better in the future.

NH Alpha Brother
Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel

02 MAR 1904

World War II Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Captain Theodor S. Geisel, U.S. Army – a man who would affect millions around the world – was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on this date.

28 FEB 1919

On this date, U.S. Marine Corps World War I Veteran and NE Alpha Brother Frank Dewey Carman was discharged from military service.

24 FEB 1941

Colorado Delta Brother Otto Eastlond, Jr., Class of 1934, entered in to service in the U.S. Army on this date.

25 FEB 1941

On this date, Vermont Beta Brother George R. Davis, Class of 1940, entered in to service in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer, and would serve more than five years during World War II.

26 FEB 1942

World War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother Lieutenant Foster L. Walker, U.S. Army Air Corps died in an airplane crash near Randolph Field, Texas on this date.

Respect can be paid to Brother Walker at Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, TX.

02 MAR 1942

TX Alpha Brother Sutton Reid III joined the U.S. Army on this date.

01 MAR 1944

On this date, after completing high school, Karl A. Christ enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following his discharge at the end of the war, World War II Veteran Yeoman Third Class Christ enrolled at University of Kentucky, brought his leadership to SigEp, and graduated in 1950.

02 MAR 1944

World War II Veteran and Montana Alpha Brother Private Walton H. Petsch, U.S. Army was discharged from service with the Army Combat Engineers on this date after injuries received in training.

01 MAR 1945

On this date, World War II Veteran and AL Beta Brother Private Frank J. Uricchio, U.S. Marine Corps made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action while serving with Charlie Company, 24th Marine Regiment during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Unfortunately, an extensive search did not reveal additional information about Brother Uricchio, but the SigEp Patriots Project hopes you will contact us if you have such information so that we can honor & remember Frank and his sacrifice.

Respect can be paid to Brother Uricchio at Calvary Cemetery, Paterson, NJ.