This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 22 – 28 JUL

Brothers,

 

Sixty years ago yesterday, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed insuring a cessation of hostilities ending the Korean War. Almost 1.8 million Americans served during the Korean War. How many SigEp Patriots served? The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) has information showing that at least 68 Brothers served in the Korea War, but we believe we are missing many names. If you are or know of a Brother who served in Korea, we hope you will pass him our way.

22 JUL 1940

CA Alpha Brother William E. Turpen began his service with the U.S. Army on this date.

23 JUL 1943

On this date, World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Corporal Willard Harold Lindeman, U.S. Army Air Corps made the ultimate sacrifice during action in New Guinea while serving as a gunner with the 408th Bomber Squadron, 22nd Bomber Group (Heavy). Willard was born in 1920, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in JAN 1941. After a year at the University of Illinois, Brother Lindeman left for service in the Pacific.

Respect can be paid to Brother Lindeman at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Plot Q, Row 0, Site 73.

26 JUL 1945

USS Hissem (DE-400) arrived at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on this date following service in the Atlantic Theater, and she would remain there through the end of the war. Hissem was named in honor of IL Alpha Brother Ensign Joseph Metcalf Hissem, U.S. Navy Reserve who was killed in action at the Battle of Midway. For his heroic actions, Brother Hissem was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross – making him one of the highest decorated SigEp Patriots.

26 JUL 1958

Korean War Veteran and Ace, American test pilot, SigEp Citation Recipient and IN Alpha Brother Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force died on this date when his F-104 Starfighter crashed near Rosamond Dry Lake in California. Brother Kincheloe earned fame for piloting the Bell X-2 research rocket plane to a world's record of 126,200 feet on 07 SEP 1956. He was nicknamed “America’s No. 1 Spaceman.”

Born in Detroit in 1928, Iven was interested in aircraft from a very young age. At just four years of age, he took his first airplane ride with a barnstormer, and obtained his pilot’s license when he was 16 years old.

Brother Kincheloe graduated from Purdue University with degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering, and entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He took pilot training at Randolph Air Force Base, Arizona and earned his wings in 1950. Later that year, Kinch began flying mission over Korea. Before the conclusion of hostilities, he had flown more than 130 missions, and shot down 10 communist planes – making him one of 12 Air Force pilots with 10 or more jet victories. For his exemplary wartime service, Iven was awarded the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals.

As a test pilot, Brother Kincheloe piloted 70 different types of U.S. and foreign aircraft before being selected as a pilot for the X-2 and taking it to its record altitude. For this achievement Kinch was presented with the Mackay Trophy, as well as another Distinguished Flying Cross, and nicknamed.

Brother Kincheloe was selected as one of the first three pilots in the next rocket-powered aircraft program, the X-15, and would have been part of the Man In Space Soonest Project if not for his crash in 1958. Later that year, the Society of Experimental Test Pilots established the Iven C. Kincheloe Award to recognize outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing, and his accomplishments and memory live on each year the award presented.

In SEP 1959, Kinross Air Force Base, Michigan, was renamed Kincheloe Air Force Base in his honor, and remained in service until SEP 1977. He posthumously received a number of awards including the Air Force Association David C. Shilling Award, the Astronautic Award from the American Rocket Society, and the Legion of Merit from the Air Force. 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 in Lancaster, CA, and in 2011, Iven was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Respect can be paid to Brother Kincheloe at Section 2, Site 4872-1 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

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, 10 – 16 SEP

Brothers,

This week is the 11th anniversary of the attacks on 11 SEP 2001, and to the best of our knowledge 12 brothers have lost their lives while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please don’t allow yourself to forget them or the Brother’s that continue to serve to protect our way of life. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) will continue to work on behalf of brothers living and dead who have served our great nation, and we welcome any assistance with this effort.

15 SEP 2009

On this date, Kosovo, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran AK Alpha Brother Joel Fix, Sr. was promoted to Master Sergeant, U.S. Army

14 SEP 2010

U.S. Navy Medical Services Corps World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother Samuel Adamson Burgess, Jr. died on this date in Raleigh, North Carolina.

He was born in Jacksonville, FL, and immediately upon graduation from high school he entered Davidson College, where he studied until he was 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, he returned to Davidson College and graduated in 1948. After attending the School of Business at Columbia University in New York City, Sam was employed in the cashier’s office of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in Harrisburg, PA for a year before entering Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA to study for the Presbyterian ministry. Upon graduation in 1952, he was ordained in Sparta, NC by the Presbytery of Winston-Salem and called to the Elkin Presbyterian Church in Elkin, NC.

Brother Burgess and his wife soon went to Scotland to engage in Form Critical New Testament Studies at the University of St. Andrews. Upon completing his studies, Sam returned home and became the organizing pastor of a new Presbyterian church in Garner, NC in 1956. During his pastorate, Sam 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. Upon retirement 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.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burgess at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kingstree, SC. While Sam is gone, SPP pledges that his life and patriotic service to the nation will always be remembered.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

- U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Edward “Ted” Robert Haskell passed away 09 SEP 2012 at Southern Maine Medical Center with his family by his side.

- World War II Veteran and IA Beta Brother First Lieutenant Whitney "Whit" McCormack, U.S. Army Air Corps passed away 10 SEP 2012. Visitation will be at Jeter and Son Funeral Home, 6-8pm, 17 SEP. Funeral Service will be at 11am, Tuesday at Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church, 6000 S Hampton Road, Dallas, Texas 75232. Interment with Military Honors will follow at D/FW National Cemetery.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Haskell and McCormack. While gone, SPP pledges that Ted and Whit will never be forgotten.

CELEBRATIONS!

* Congratulations are in order for U.S. Army Veteran TX Delta Brother David Ames, Jr. and his wife, Karin as they learned they going to have their first son – a future SigEp, I am sure. Congratuations to the Ames family!

* On Friday, AL Epsilon Navy Brother Leslie Long successfully completed Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school in Coronado, CA. Quite an amazing accomplishment – we are all proud of you, Leslie!

* Also on Friday, the hard work and commitment of CA Theta Brother Corporal Frank Beardsley, U.S. Army California National Guard was recognized with the awarding of the Army Commendation Medal.

* Congratulations to OH Iota Brother Master Sergeant Ross Altenburger, Ohio Air National Guard as he started his transition to civilian life earlier this week. Best of luck to you, and thank you for your service, Ross!

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, 30 JAN – 05 FEB

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

30 JAN 1925
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran, Computer Pioneer and Inventor of the Computer Mouse, SigEp Citation Recipient and OR Alpha Brother Dr. Douglas Carl Engelbart was born on this date in Portland, Oregon.

04 FEB 1929
U.S. Air Force Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Kenneth W. Drager was born on this date in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

01 FEB 1951
On this date, World War I Veteran, U.S. Ambassador and KS Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Monnett Bain Davis, U.S. Army / American Expeditionary Force was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

02 FEB 1969
Vietnam War Veteran and POW, SigEp Citation Recipient and KS Beta Brother Brigadier General James Downs Latham, U.S. Air Force (Retired) was commissioned a second lieutenant on this date.

03 FEB 2004
U.S. Navy Korean War Veteran ME Alpha Brother Roger William Fisher, died on this date in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada at the age of 72. Brother Fisher was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Navy from 1951 until 1955, some of that time on the USS Newport News. He was employed as a U.S. customs officer in Vanceboro, Maine, from 1963 until 1990. He was a member of the American Legion, Masons, and Elks.

30 JAN 2009
On this date, World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Pharmacist Mate Third Class Dr. Ota Treville “O.T.” Graham, Jr, U.S. Navy died in Richmond, VA after a lengthy illness. Brother Graham entered the Accelerated Program of the School of Pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in 1944, before joining the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946, and was attached to the 1st Marine Division of the 7th Marine Regiment in China as a Pharmacist Mate, 3rd Class.

O.T. returned to Richmond in the fall of 1946, and entered the University of Virginia and graduated with a B.A. degree in 1949. He received his medical degree from MCV in 1953, and then completed two years of family practice residency there. He was in private practice for 43 years, before retiring in 1998. Brother Graham was an active member of the MCV Alumni Association, and served as its president for two years. He was a member of The Richmond Academy of Medicine, Medical Society of Virginia, and the Sons of the American Revolution.

04 FEB 2011
World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Sergeant George Edward "Geo" Canney, U.S. Army died on this date at the age of 84 in Rutland, VT. Brother Canney was born on 21 MAY 1926, in Rutland, VT, and graduated from high school in 1944 before enlisting in the Army. After his discharge in 1946 he attended Norwich University.

Geo worked as a disc jockey and commentator at WHWB radio station for many years. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service at Metromail Inc. for several years. He was an active member of the American Postal Workers Union. He also spent many hours with his friends at the Carriage Room, Two Sheas, Magoo's and the American Legion Post 31.

Respect can be paid to Brother Canney at Calvary Cemetery in Rutland.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran NY Delta Founding Father Byron Davega Forster passed away 04 JAN in Dallas, TX.
* Vietnam War Veteran, First National SigEp Alumni Chairman, Founder and Past President of the Northern New Jersey Alumni Chapter & District Governor NC Delta Brother Lieutenant Commander Henry John Ouderkirk, U.S. Navy died 11 JAN in Atlanta, GA.
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran WA Alpha Brother Clifford E. Oligher passed away 25 JAN in Davenport, WA.
* U.S. Army World War II and Korean War Veteran WV Beta Brother George D. Siehl II died 27 JAN in Okeechobee, FL.
* U.S. Navy Veteran NE Beta Brother Richard Lear Graham passed away 31 JAN in Omaha, NE.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of these Brothers, and the SigEp Patriots Project pledges that their service to the Nation will never be forgotten.