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.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 24 / 2014, 18 – 24 AUG

“It may be taken as our position, and the basis of our system, that every man who enjoys the protection of a free government owes not only a portion of his property but even of his personal services in defense of it.” ~ George Washington

Brothers,

Greetings from Afghanistan! This week, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) is honored and remember the actions, accomplishments and sacrifices of 21 SigEp Patriots, including two chapter founding fathers, a prisoner of war, and some great news!

Brothers,

19 AUG 1942
On this date in Toledo, Ohio class of ’35 graduate of Ohio Northern University, Ohio Alpha Brother Gerald W. Fling, entered the U.S. Army as a Private and joined the Army Corps of Engineers.

20 AUG 1942
Penn State graduate of the class of ’37, Pennsylvania Eta Brother Jay H. Albere, joined the U.S. Army Air Corps on this date.

21 AUG 1942
New Jersey Alpha Brother Adelphos H. Peters, Class of ’21 at Stevens Institute of Technology, entered the U.S. Navy Reserve on this date. He was originally initiated in to Phi Kappa Pi at Stevens in 1919, and is listed as a charter member of Theta Upsilon Omega when it took over the chapter in 1924. Adelphos became our brother when SigEp established NJ Alpha in 1938.

U.S. Navy photo of USS Tilefish (SS-307)

23 AUG 1944
Following his submarine training, World War II Veteran and Utah Alpha Brother Ensign Karl E. Ward, U.S. Navy reported to USS Tilefish (SS-307) stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Brother Ward joined the Navy in ’42 and served aboard the destroyer USS Boyd (DD-544) until MAR 1944 when he received orders to submarine school in preparation for his assignment aboard Tilefish.

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 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.

The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) Remembers Our Brothers Killed in Action

Brothers,
Happy Memorial Day from Afghanistan!

Based on information found in the archives of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP), the following brothers are known to have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country and way of life:

World War I
-Henry Griffin (NY Alpha)                     -Louis Phillis (IL Alpha)

World War II
-John Blanton, Jr. (VA Alpha)               -Charles Mylius (VA Alpha)
-David Johnson (NY Alpha)                  -Edward Locke (NY Alpha)
-Charles Kuhlmann, Jr. (MD Alpha)        -James Logan (VT Alpha)
-Lee Nelson (WI Beta)                        -Lake Maddox (OK Alpha)
-Robert Patterson (OK Alpha)               -Frank Pinney (OK Alpha)
-Williard Lindeman (IL Alpha)               -John Lang (IL Alpha)
-Henry Gansz (IL Alpha)                      -John Salyers (IL Alpha)
-Robert Hook (IL Alpha)                      -Joseph Hissem (IL Alpha)
-Clarence Roudebush (IN Alpha)           -George Thornbrough (KS Beta)
-John Jackson (KS Beta)                      -Philip Singleton (KS Alpha)
-Robert Stoddard (KS Gamma)              -David Reed (PA Lambda)
-Oscar Rambeck (DC Alpha)                  -David Bowen (AL Beta)
-Frank Uricchio (AL Beta)                     -Earl Benjamin, Jr. (NY Beta)
-Karl Baum, Jr. (TN Alpha)

Vietnam
-Robert Hansen (NE Beta)                    -Stephen Joyner (CA Delta)
-Donald March (MA Gamma)                  -Dennis O'Connor (MI Delta)
-William Peters, Jr. (IA Gamma)            -Daniel Hinkel (OH Nu)
-William Thigpen (NC Beta)                  -Dayton Lanier (NC Beta)
-Larry Talley (NC Beta)                        -Paul Strahm (OH Kappa)
-Kenneth Smith (KS Epsilon)                 -David Myers (PA Eta)
-Gene McMullen (PA Eta)                      -William Murphy (UT Beta)
-Thomas Cisler (IA Beta)                      -Jeff Krommenhoek (IA Beta)
-Michael LaFromboise (WA Beta)           -Gaylord Keroher (KS Gamma)
-John Janoska (NY Delta)                      -Johnny Davis (AR Gamma)
-James Atchison (WV Beta)                   -Charles Schultz (PA Iota)
-Robert Avery (TN Gamma)                   -Rex Craig (KS Alpha)
-William Elmore (TX Beta)

Iraq
-William Wood (FL Epsilon)                   -Norman Tollett (OH Kappa)
-Jacob Pfister (NY Eta)                          -Matthew Webber (MI Beta)
-Israel "Izzy" O'Bryan (TN Kappa)           -Kim Orlando (TX Rho)
-Matthew Barnes (LA Delta)                   -Noah Harris (GA Delta)
-Bradley Arms (GA Delta)                      -Jonathan Dozier (TN Theta)

Afghanistan
-Joshua Lawrence (TN Eta)

Even after 13 years of research, we know this list is incomplete, and SPP welcomes any information you have that would insure that our brave brothers will always be remembered.

This list is being published on Memorial Day - a U.S. federal holiday established to honor and remember men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Therefore, this Memorial Day we hope you will join SPP in showing respect to these brothers as well as the hundreds of other SigEp Patriots who have served our country.

Fraternally,

Ed Jones, NY Eta '96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
Email: sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
Twitter: @SigEpsWhoServe

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 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.

THIS WEEK IN SIGEP PATRTIOT HISTORY

Volume 1/14, 30 DEC 2013 – 05 JAN 2014

01 JAN 1920

Distinguished
Service Cross

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 I Veteran and PA Xi Brother First Lieutenant Paul H. 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

The next day, just up from North Carolina, DC Alpha Brother Kenneth H. Brunner joined the U.S. Army on this date. Brother Brunner was a graduate of the George Washington University Class of 1928, and served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before being discharged after more than two year of "interesting duty" with the Manhattan District in Tennessee – the headquarters for the atomic bomb project.

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 killed in action over Western Europe while serving as a 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. After his training, James received 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.

02JAN1944

World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Irving L. Branch was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Air Force on this date.

03 JAN 1944

KS Beta Brother Lieutenant Commander L.W. Newcomer, U.S. Navy, a Seabee Officer, arrived on Guadalcanal on this date and set up camp as he staged for the pending attack on Bougainville.

30 DEC 1944

For his leadership at Bastogne, WV Beta Brother (then) Brigadier General Anthony “Nuts!” Clement McAuliffe, U.S. Army was awarded the DSC on this date by General Patton. Brother McAuliffe would go on to become a four-star General, be one of five SigEp Patriots to earn the DSC, and was awarded the SigEp Citation in 1965.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 30 SEP – 06 OCT

Brothers,

SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) Update

* 4310! The SPP archives now contain information about 4,310 Brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military.
* 621! SigEps Who Serve – the official SPP Facebook group and the only such group comprised solely of SigEps Patriots – now has 621 members! Don’t worry if you are not on Facebook, there is also a listserve that has about 100 brothers-in-arms.

Are you a Brother who serves/served? Please let us know by emailing sigepswhoserve@gmail.com or go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve to join your brothers-in-arms. We will ask for your home chapter, rank, branch of service (Army, Navy, Air National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard, etc), military status (active, reserve, retired, etc) and whether you are a combat veteran.

Perhaps you know of such a Brother. Please help SPP find our fellow SigEp Patriots by passing our contact information to him.

03 OCT 1918

World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles Enos Tayntor, U.S. Army Ambulance Service died on this date in Revigny-sur-Ornain, France of double pneumonia. Born in 1896, Brother Tayntor was a member of the Medical Corps, Base Hospital Unit 83, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). He was called in to the service in JUN 1918, and after state-side training he sailed for France in September. Charles landed first in England, and he was in France but a few days before his death.

Respect can be paid to Brother Tayntor at Westfield Cemetery in Danielson, CT.

USS Forrestal (CV-59)



01 OCT 1955

The first U.S. super carrier, USS Forrestal (CV-59), was commissioned on this date, and named in honor of World War I Veteran, first Secretary of Defense and NH Alpha Brother Lieutenant James Vincent Forrestal, U.S. Navy Reserve. Forrestal was the second U.S. Navy ship named in honor of a SigEp Patriot.

02 OCT 1964
World War II Veteran VA Epsilon Brother James Green Watson died on this date.

05 OCT 1972
On this date, Vietnam War Veteran and KS Beta Brother Captain James Downs Latham, U.S. Air Force was on a mission over North Vietnam in his F-4E “Phantom II” fighter when he was shot down and immediately captured. At the time, James was a pilot assigned to the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron during his second tour in Vietnam.

Over the next five weeks he was kept apart from his co-pilot in various bunkers before reunited for a long truck ride to Hanoi which lasted three weeks. When finally put in with other Americans, Brother Latham spent time in the “Hanoi Hilton” and the “Zoo” until released after 175 days in captivity.

“During my brief period as a POW many things became apparent to me. But the one that really made an impression on me was the value of freedom.  I'm afraid people will never know how valuable freedom is until they have to live without it. After being held prisoner for four weeks in lower North Vietnam, the frustrations of captivity really got to me and I attempted to escape. Although I was free for only six or seven hours and the punishment received upon recapture was brutal, I became aware for the first time why men were willing to give their lives to be free.”