This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 18 – 25 AUG

(To get us back to our correct format, this work covers 8 days.)

“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,

19 AUG 1966

World War II Veteran and WI Alpha Brother James R. Boren died on this date in Marinette, Wisconsin.

18 AUG 1980

World War II Veteran and KS Gamma Brother Major General Frank H. Spink, Jr., U.S. Air Force Reserve died on this date.

Respect can be paid to Brother Spink at Section O, Site 282, Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Fort Leavenworth, KS.

20 AUG 2007

U.S. Navy Veteran and FL Epsilon Founding Father Major Herbert Luther Marsh, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died on this date in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 80. Herbert joined the Navy following his graduation from high school, and after completing his tour he attended Florida State University where he was a charter member of FL Epsilon. He later attended Georgetown University, and subsequently joined the Air Force retiring at the rank of Major after 20 years of service.

Major Marsh returned to Jacksonville with his family, becoming the director of the NE FL chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and later the NE FL chapter of the Leukemia Society. He devoted over 20 years to helping those stricken with these diseases. In his most recent years he was the owner of Marsh Tax Services.

Respect can be paid to Brother Marsh at Greenlawn Cemetery in Jacksonville.

19 AUG 2012

OH Eta Brother
Dick Allyn,
CDR, US Navy (Retired)

Korean War Veteran and OH Eta Brother Commander Richard “Dick” Hall Allyn, U.S. Navy (Retired), 81, died on this date in Albany, New York. In 1954, Brother Allyn accepted a commission in the U.S. Navy. He was a naval aviator and flight instructor during his service to the country during the Korean War and continued his military service through 1977.

Dick cared deeply about his vocation as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America for more than 30 years. He held all the important positions in the organization in several councils across the country. His service culminated in a position on the National Staff Northeast Region.

Respect can be paid to Brother Allyn at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 12 – 17 AUG

Brothers,

14 AUG 1918

On this date, World War I Veteran and MI Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Howard Thornburg Baker, U.S. Army Air Corps died of wounds received two days earlier. He was 26 years old, yet he lived an incredible life filled with commitment.

Brother Baker, of Williamsport, PA, enlisted in the British Army after graduating from the University of Michigan, and served 22 months in the trenches of Europe, in addition to much service behind the lines. In JUL 1917, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the Coast Artillery. On 28 MAY 1918, he joined the 91st Aero Squadron American Expeditionary Forces. Howard was mortally wounded in aerial combat during an evening reconnaissance on 12 AUG 1919 about five miles behind the German lines when he was attacked.

The Croix de Guerre with Palm was awarded posthumously to First Lieutenant Baker by Marshal Petain, Commander-in-Chief of the French forces in the field, and his parents were sent the medal and copy of the citation.

Brother Baker was buried with full military honors, and respect can be paid to him at Plot D, Row 27, Grave 2 at St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Thiaucourt, France.

12 AUG 1942

Following his graduation from Duke University, NC Gamma Brother James H. Spence entered the service of the U.S. Army Air Corps on this date. He would attain the rank of Staff Sergeant before being discharged from his WWII service in 1946.

13 AUG 1944

On this date, World War II Veteran and WI Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Stephen R. Boren, U.S. Army Air Corps made the ultimate sacrifice while killed in action when his P-51D Mustang crashed during a strafing run near Troesnes, France. The Marinette, Wisconsin native joined the 335th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force in July and was on his second mission when he was killed.

Based on a review of the previously classified eyewitness account and missing air crew report, as well as communication with the squadron historian, it appears that Brother Boren’s remains were not recoverable and/or recognizable due to nature of the crash, and because other pilots went down that day in that area causing confusion among German investigators.

14 AUG 2009

Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and TN Gamma Brother Staff Sergeant Tanner Stephen Kuth, U.S. Army was wounded while riding in a vehicle when it was hit by an improvised explosive device. Thankfully, Brother Kuth is alive and well, and doing great things to support and encourage veterans.

14 AUG 1992

NC Beta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Matthew D. “David” Cooper, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the USMC on this date and began his amazing career.

Thomas D. Walt
OR Alpha Brother
U.S. Navy Veteran



15 AUG 2009

U.S. Navy Veteran OR Alpha Brother Thomas Dale Walt died on this date in Raleigh, North Carolina following a hard-fought battle with cancer. At Oregon State, Brother Walt was captain of the Navy ROTC Scabbard and Blade honor society. He was 63 years old. Following graduation in 1969, he entered the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Washington DC, where he served for five years in the Division of Naval Reactors under Admiral H.G. Rickover.

17 AUG 2009

On this date, World War II Veteran and OH Epsilon President Lieutenant Commander Charles Henson “Chuck” Pulley, U.S. Navy died in Lexington, Kentucky of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. Brother Pulley joined the Navy in 1941, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander, trained as a fighter pilot, served with naval intelligence and worked in the research and development of the parachute, a step that set the direction for his life's work as a safety advocate. His work in parachute research led to his first job with Irving Air Chute in 1950. He became president of the company in 1962, which became Irvin Industries, and began the manufacture of automotive seat belts for General Motors. This established his life-long mission to promote automotive safety and seat belt use worldwide. His advocacy took him throughout the world to address legislative bodies, safety organizations and national media on the life-saving benefits of safety belts and brought him international recognition.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 17 – 23 DEC

Brothers,

While it is terrific that some SigEp Patriots have recently returned home from service overseas, it important to remember that brothers (and other Americans serving to defend our country) are still standing duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Bahrain, Kuwait and other parts of the world. Please keep them in mind when you express your thanks this holiday season, and always remember the sacrifices they make all year.

19 DEC 1917

World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Robert Lester Tavenner was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant on this date.

22 DEC 1944

On this date, after being presented a proposal for the surrender of the troops under his command at Bastogne, WV Beta Brother Brigadier General Anthony Clement McAuliffe, U.S. Army spoke the most famous quote of World War II: “Nuts!”

To read the entire story go to http://www.sigepblog.org/2012/12/22-december.html#idc-container

20 DEC 1968

World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Raymond J. McGarry died on this date at the age of 64 in the Veterans Hospital at White River Junction, Vermont after a short illness.

Respect can be paid to Brother McGarry at the Calvary Cemetery in Rutland, Vermont.

19 DEC 1979
Mexican War and World War I Veteran CO Beta Brother Colonel Maurice C. Bigelow, U.S. Army died on this date. Maurice became a member of the Colorado National Guard in 1908, and graduated from the University of Denver in 1912 before studying law for two years at UD and another two semesters at the University of Munich. After graduation, he returned to the States and worked briefly at a bank before he was mobilized to the Mexican border with the First Colorado Infantry. When the U.S. declared war on Germany, his unit was immediately redesignated the 157th Infantry. Brother Bigelow was made a captain in the 157th Infantry and sent to Europe where he commanded the machine gun company of that regiment.

While overseas he was transferred to the First Division, which suffered over 100% casualties. At the outset the division numbered approximately 28,000 men and 31,000 men, including replacements, were lost in the conflicts in which this division was engaged. Even so, Maurice was never wounded. He proved to be a very efficient officer and gained much practical experience in the science of military tactics. He returned from Germany with the Third Machine Gun Battalion, First Division – the first to be sent to Europe for the war and the last to return.

After his return, Maurice was sent to several commands before being detailed to Fort Benning, Georgia where he attended the infantry school and graduated in 1923.

OWA State College in Ames, Iowa secured the services of Brother Bigelow to be assistant professor of Military Science and Tactics on a four years detail. He instructed in machine guns and automatic weapons, and their use in modern warfare.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bigelow at Section 4, Site 2701, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 20 – 26 AUG

“A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.” ~ General George S. Patton, U.S. Army

Brothers,

20 AUG 2007

U.S. Navy Veteran and FL Epsilon Founding Father Major Herbert Luther Marsh, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died on this date in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 80.

Born 01 JUL 1927 in Jacksonville, Herbert joined the Navy following his graduation from high school, and after completing his tour he attended Florida State University where he was a charter member of FL Epsilon.

He attended Georgetown University, and later joined the Air Force where he rose to the rank of Major and retired with 20 years of service. Major Marsh returned to Jacksonville with his family, becoming the director of the NE FL chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and later the NE FL chapter of the Leukemia Society. He devoted over 20 years to helping those stricken with these diseases. In his most recent years he was the owner of Marsh Tax Services.

Respect can be paid to Brother Marsh at Greenlawn Cemetery in Jacksonville.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

– U.S. Air Force Korean War Veteran and MS Gamma Renaissance Brother Lieutenant Colonel Paul Francis Weisend, U.S. Air Force Reserve (Retired) passed away 27 JUL 2012 in Glendora, California.

– U.S. Navy Korean War Veteran and PA Delta Brother Commander Robert Twigg Mullen, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) passed away 31 JUL 2012 at the age of 83 in Melbourne, Florida.

– U.S. Army Korean War Veteran AR Gamma Brother James Roy Sulcer passed away 05 AUG 2012 in Hernando, Mississippi.

– U.S. Navy Veteran MI Alpha Brother John Henry Jacobs of Atherton, California passed away at his home on 16 AUG 2012 at the age of 84 after a short battle with Leukemia.

– Korean War Veteran OH Eta Brother Commander Richard Hall “Dick” Allyn , U.S. Navy (Retired) passed away 19 AUG 2012 in Albany, New York.

– U.S. Army World War II Veteran WI Alpha Brother David Joseph Flanagan, Jr. passed away 20 AUG 2012 in New London, Wisconsin. While at Lawrence University (then College), Brother Flanagan was called in to the Army during WWII where he served in France, Australia Belgium and Germany until being transferred to the Philippines.

– IN Beta Brother Captain F. Robert Brueckmann, U.S. Army (Medical Corps) passed also passed away 20 AUG 2012 after a long illness.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Weisend, Mullen, Sulcer, Jacobs, Allyn, Flanagan and Brueckmann. While gone SPP pledges these brothers will never be forgotten.

CELEBRATIONS!

* Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and CA Omega Brother Sergeant Mashruf Ahmed, U.S. Army has been serving in Afghanistan as a civilian for quite a long time, and looks like he is finally headed home. Safe travels, Brother!

* Congratulations to CA Theta Brother James Riggins on his recent promotion to Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps!

Have great news about a promotion, new orders, the birth of a child or anything else? SPP would love to share it with everyone! Just send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

* SPP is honored to welcome U.S. Army Veteran IA Eta Brother Kyle Kouri, TN Kappa Brother Private Andre Parsolo Rivers, U.S. Marine Corps and TN Eta Brother Major James Chase, U.S. Army to SigEps Who Serve – the official Facebook group of the SigEp Patriots Project. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve to join nearly 500 brothers-in-arms. All we ask is your military affiliation and home chapter. Please help SPP find our fellow SigEp Patriots by sending them the link.

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, 28 NOV – 04 DEC

In this edition of “This Week:”
- A Week with Two SigEp Patriots Killed in Action
- Former CNO was Born This Week
- Wreaths Across America at Arlington and more than 600 Locations
- Update: SigEp Patriots Project

29 NOV 1916
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran, Governor (Colorado) and CO Beta Brother John Arthur Love was born on this date in Gibson City, Illinois.

29 NOV 1920
Renaissance Brother and Former U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr., U.S. Navy (Retired) was born on this date in San Francisco, California.

03 DEC 1944
On this date, World War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother Staff Sergeant Robert Bernard Patterson, U.S. Army made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Germany. Brother Patterson joined the ROTC program at Oklahoma A&M in October 1942, and enlisted in the Army in June 1943. His decorations include the Order of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and Presidential Citation.

Extensive research of national and U.S. cemeteries overseas, the location of Brother Patterson’s internment is unknown. I would appreciate it if you contact me if you have that or any other information regarding Brother Patterson.

30 NOV 1964
World War II Veteran and IN Alpha Brother Brigadier General M.C. Smith, U.S. Air Force retired on this date after 22 years of service to the Nation.

29 NOV 1967
On this date, World War II Veteran, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Northern District of Florida and FL Alpha Brother Major Winston Eugene Arnow, U.S. Army JAG Corps was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the bench of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida.

03 DEC 2006
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and TN Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Trane McCloud, U.S. Marine Corps was killed in action on this date when the Sea Knight helicopter he was a passenger in crashed in to Lake Qadisiyah, Al Anbar Province, Iraq during an emergency landing.

Brother McCloud, 39, served almost 17 years with the Marines – including tours at The Pentagon, a fellowship on Capitol Hill and as an instructor at the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico. He began his tour in Iraq in September 2006 assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. Trane was was promoted posthumously to Lieutenant Colonel, and respect can be paid to Brother McCloud in Section 60 Site 8455 at Arlington National Cemetery.

TN Alpha Brother Wade Hutchens said a trust fund has been established for McCloud's widow and the couple's three young children. Donations should be sent to the McCloud Family Fund, c/o Barnes & Sherry Financial Management, 713 Main St., Port Jefferson, N.Y. 11777.

Wade said checks should be made payable to Margaret McCloud, his widow. Anyone wishing their contribution to be specifically for the children's education fund should make checks to College America, he added.

Wreaths Across America™ (WAA)
This coming Saturday, 10 DEC, the SigEp Patriots Project will be at Arlington National Cemetery for the second year in a row showing our respect and appreciation while participating in this great event that is also taking place in more than 600 locations in America.

Maps will be supplied showing the gravesite location of every SigEp Patriot that is known to be buried at Arlington. An event was created on Facebook – check it out at http://www.facebook.com/events/136519363120292/events/136519363120292

The WWA story began 20 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine donated 5,000 wreaths to be placed on the headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.

Wherever you are located follow this link http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Locations and then click on your state to find a WAA event near you.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran and WI Alpha Brother Joseph Kortenhof died peacefully at home in St. Louis, Missouri of lung cancer on 29 NOV 2011. After serving in the Army Air Force, Brother Kortenhof earned degrees from Lawrence College and the University of Michigan Law School. Joseph was listed in “The Best Lawyers in America”, “Who’s Who in American Law” and “Who’s Who in America.” Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joseph’s wife, Althea, and the rest of his family.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE
* SigEps Who Serve – the official Facebook group of the SPP – now numbers 415! We welcome SigEp Patriots Ben Garner, Steven Leemon, Chris Bush, Victor Morris and Grant Peters.

If you are a SigEp Patriot and on Facebook, just click on the link to go to the SigEps Who Serve page http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. You will then be contacted to supply your home chapter and military affiliation. In addition to Facebook, SPP also has a listserve that you can join by writing to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

* SPP Chapter Representatives / Points of Contact (POCs)
- ND Alpha President, Mark Becker is the 12th and newest SigEp Patriot Project POC, and we are lucky to have him with us.

- NE Beta Alumni Brother & AVC VP of Communication and Finance, Cory Butler is now the primary SPP POC for NE Beta. This week, Cory added another 50 names to the archives bringing the total of NE Beta Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military to 90. Thanks Cory!

POCs can be undergraduate or alumni brothers. Contact SPP at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to establish your POC.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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