WW11 Soldiers from Hartford Michigan

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1939 « World War II » 1945
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Killed in Action Wounded in action POW/MIA Died during active duty + Contracted disease-illness-disability during service
Markillie, Robert R. US Army b 8-10-1916 d 4-6-2007 Hartford MI Benton Harbor MI Age 90y, 7m, 27d In service February 1944 to December 1945 From HHS Class of 1934 Worked the family farm in Hartford, Whirlpool Corporation, and delivered coal for Uncle Walt Markillie, who owned the local coal and feed store in earlier years. Son of Ralph and Louise (Krohne) Markillie Married Mabel Woodward Markillie		Martin, Lovell Hilburn "Marty" US Army b 9-9-1919 d 5-20-2006 Mt. Vernon AR Grand Rapids MI Age 86y, 8m, 2d In Service 19__ to 19__ Member of American Legion Stoddard Post 93 Lifetime member of National Disabled American Veterans Resident of Hartford MI and formerly Fennville MI	Matthews Jr., Guy L. (Bonz)
			US Navy USS Wisconsin (age 17 in photo) b 1926 d 1-21-1996 Age 70 Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI Sec 4 Lot 80 Sp 2 In service 1943 to 19__ Left high school to enter the Navy and was a member of the HHS Class of 1943 Other photos Husband of Carolyn Matthews
McComb, C. Everett (Buster)
Fireman 1st Class US Navy USS Indianapolis Killed in Action. After delivering the atomic bomb to Tinian Atoll in the Marianas Islands, the USS Indianapolis was sunk by a Japanese submarine. Of the 1200 men aboard, only about 400 were rescued. Buster was reported as missing in action at end of war and later declared dead. See WW11 Memorial HHS Class of 19__ Photo from the album of Roy (Bud) Davis		By Roy (Bud) Davis Paw Paw River Journal TriCity Record - 2005 This story comes from our recent All-School HHS Reunion. Marion and I sat with one of her classmates, Jean Rhinehart Brown. I have written before about a cousin of hers… Everett “Buster” McCombs. He was a friend from high school, and back in the day Marion and I double-dated with one of her friends and him. I have been haunted for years by the story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Buster was on that ship, and what happened to all of those men right at the end of the war is almost too horrible to contemplate. Of the ship’s complement of 1,200, about 400 went down when the Indianapolis was torpedoed. Almost 800 were left floating in the water, burned, covered with oil. When they were finally rescued, only about 400 had survived. The stories of giving up and slipping beneath the surface, or being grabbed by sharks, have been well documented. Thinking about Buster’s being one of them has always bothered me. He was such a lively guy… full of high spirits, and a natural clown. West Coast friend Bob Conolly said one summer he ran a sports program for Hartford High students. They had a school for learning to box. Bob said Buster was one of the most natural lightweight fighters he had ever seen… but he just would not get serious. So the night we sat with Jean Rhinehart Brown at the reunion, the talk soon turned to old times; and I asked her if she ever found out what happened to Buster. Jean said, “yes,” she did. She too was haunted by the story of the Indianapolis. And at a meeting one time, she had a chance to talk to one of the survivors. This guy had floated for days, until they were finally rescued. He knew Buster... remembered him well. And he told Jean that when the Japanese torpedoes hit, Buster was sleeping below deck. He never knew what hit him. Just went down with the ship. When Jean told that story, I felt an immediate sense of relief. Since then, I have been thinking. If I had been that survivor, and a relative asked me about a loved one… I think if necessary I might have fudged the story a little bit… but we will always hope that’s the way it was.

		McCowen, Alfred (Gene) US Navy Radar Operator 2C 2nd Class Petty Officer In service 1943 to 1945 WW 11 and 1951 to 1952 Korean War (see Korean War info) USS Bunker Hill Cv17 USS Markab AD 21 From Keeler MI Dowagiac High School Class of 1941	McCoy, Charles W US Army b 7-7-1924 d 2-18-07 Hartford MI Bangor MI Age 82y, 7m, 17d Buried in Arlington Hill Cemetery Bangor MI In service 19__ to 19__ Served at Asiatic-Pacific Theater Philippine Liberation Son of Bryan and Lula (Vernon) McCoy Lifelong farmer Retired from Van Buren Co. Road Commission in 1986.
McFarland, James (Jay) Edward US Navy b1926 d1999 Age 73 Seaman 1st Class Port Director 3912 Sasebo, Japan NRS Pearl Harbor T.H. In service 1944 to 1946 Received the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon, and WW 11 Victory Ribbon. From Jonesboro AR, came to Hartford MI in 1935. Left high school to enter the Navy and was a member of the HHS Class of 194__ Picture above is Jay and his wife, Charlene. Photo and information submitted by Charlene McFarland		McGowan, Gale US Army Medical Corps. - Sgt Served in Iceland, Ireland, France, Luxemburg, German, Czechoslovakia. In service 1941 - 1945 Awards » Bronze Star » Citation for Distinctive Heroism in connection with military operation against the enemy on Jan 18, 1945 in Luxemburg. Citation stated: "Sgt. McGowan, a medical aid man, disregarding personal safety, continuously rendered medical treatment to his stricken comrades. The personal heroism and superb medical skill displayed by McGowan reflect great credit upon himself and the medical corps." HHS Class of 19__	McIntyre, George (Mac) Merchant Marine b 6-16-1925 d 10-27-2002 Age 77y, 4m, 13d Former owner of the Keeler Country Store. Was a member of Decatur American Legion Post 309
McNitt, James Rollo Brigadier General, Retired
US Air Force US Army Signal Corps b 1910 in Hartford MI In service 12-17-1940 to 11-1962 Active Duty 6-1934 to 12-27-1940 Reserves 1962 - Retired. 1959 - Promoted to Brigadier General. 1958 - Commander of the 6920th Security Wing. 1957 - Assigned overseas to Hawaii. Colonel McNitt served with Hdqs Commander in Chief Pacific as Asst. Chief of Staff Communications and Electronics. 1954 - Returned to US, assigned to the Pentagon at Hdqs US Air Force. Post Graduate work in Engineering Admin. at The George Washington University, Washington DC. 1952 - Went to Korea. Appointed Director of Communications and Electronics at Headquarters Fifth Air Force. In Dec. 1952 became Deputy for Communications at Hdq. Japanese Air Defense Force, Nagoya, Japan 1950-51 - Attended Air War College, assigned as Chief Liaison Office with the Air Defense Laboratory, Headquarters US Air Force, Cambridge Research Cntr, Cambridge, Mass. 1949 - Liaison Officer for the air Defense Command. Became Commander of the 506th Aircraft Control and Warning Group at McChord AFB, WA. 1948 - Organized and commanded the 607th Tactical Control Group. 1947 - Appointed Chief of Communications for 12th Air Force, March AFB, CA. 1943 - Transferred to European Theater. Participated in 6 campaigns with 71st Fighter Wing. 1940 - Active Duty-Company Commander of a Signal Construction Co. in US Army Signal Corps. Placed on duty as Commander of a radar company soon after start of WW 11. 1937 - Promoted to First Lieutenant 1934 - Commissioned as Second Lieutenant 1934 - University of Michigan - BS in Engineering Physics From Hartford MI HHS Class of 1928 Information from the United States Air Force Biography website at http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=6433
Meagher, Raymond Edward US Army b 6-22-1925 d 3-4-2006 Pembina ND Hartford MI Age 80y, 8m, 10d Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In service 19__ to 19__ Worked at Watervliet Paper Co DuWell Manufacturing Krenek Car Sales, and Brookfield, Inc Member of Hartford American Legion Post 93 Son of Edward & Eva (Crobett) Meagher		Melson, Roman Dwight US Air Force b 12-9-1933 d 5-3-2006 Moulton AL Hartford MI Age 71y, 4m, 25d Buried at Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In Service 19__ to 19__	Miska, Leonard
			US Army b 9-19-1921 d 2-1950s W Palm Bch FL Buried in Chicago IL HHS Class of 1941 Vice President Resided in Hartford during the 1920s-1930s Information submitted by Virginia Meachum, 1st cousin, on 4-14-2004
Mix, Robert "Bob"
US Army b 1-22-1918 d 2-21-2008 Hartford MI St Joseph MI Age 90y, 1m, 1d Buried in Rush Lake Indian Burial Cemetery Hartford MI In service 19__ to 19__ Wounded in action Wounded in the leg while in Italy and received a Purple Heart as well as several other medals of honor. From Hartford MI Son of R.C. "John" & Sarah Mix Employed as a Painter at Kaywood Products until retirement in 1980 Elder in the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi tribe Last resided in Benton Harbor MI
Morris, George (Sonny) US Marine Corp.		Munroe, Donald Cameron Corporal US Marine Corp. Reserve In Service 19__ to 19__ POW/MIA - released From Hartford HHS Class of 1942	Munro, Nathaniel "Nat" W.
			US Army - Staff Sergeant 32nd "Red Arrow" Division 41st Division b 12-30-1917 d 2-25-2008 Calgary CAN Reno NV Age 90y, 1m, 28d Buried at Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In service 4-1941 to 8-1945 Wounded in action Nat served in the Army's 32nd "Red Arrow" Division and the 41st Division in the Pacific Theater from April 1941 until August 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. He first fought in New Guinea at the Battle of Buna, known as "Bloody Buna", where the U.S. and Aussies, at a terrible cost, inflicted the first defeat of the war on the Japanese Imperial Army on January 23, 1943, about two weeks ahead of the better-known victory at Guadalcanal. These two victories saved Australia from invasion and the very real possibility of defeat. After several more island-hopping campaigns, he was wounded in the liberation of the Philippines in April 1945. After more than two years of combat duty, one of the longest combat tours of any American soldiers in the war, he returned to American soil on August 14, 1945, the day of the Japanese surrender. Awards and Medals Among his decorations were the Purple Heart and four bronze battle stars. Despite his distinguished service record, Nat, like so many other WWII vets, did not speak of the war until the latter years of his life. Son of Nathaniel and Isabella (McDonald) Munro Married to Mary Ann (Shafer) Munro From Hartford MI HHS Class of 1937 Lived in Henderson NV 1947 to 2004
Myers, Leon Killed in Action in Italy In service 19__ to 19__ See WW11 Memorial HHS Class of 19__		Myers, Norman US Army Air Corps b 4/7/1922 d 10/1/2004 Hartford MI Lawton MI Age 81y, 6m, 9d Buried at Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In service 19__ to 19__ HHS Class of 1939 Married Alleyne Markillie HHS 1936	Neff, Ernest US Army b 1-20-1914 d 4-14-2005 Hartford MI Watervliet MI Age 91y, 2m, 25d Buried in North Shore Memorial Gardens Coloma, MI In service 19__ to 19__ Member of the Hartford American Legion Stoddard Post 93.
Neff, Walter US Army b 9-18-1917 d 12-24-2000 Age 83y, 3m, 7d Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford MI In service 19__ to 19__ POW/MIA held at Camp M. Stammlager. From Hartford MI HHS Class of 1939 Member of American Legion Stoddard Post 93 Hartford Public Schools Crossing Guard for 10 years.		Nelson, Doreen Audrey US Army - SGT b 1/10/1927 d 10/16/1997 Age 70y, 17d Buried at Ft. Custer National Cemetery Augusta MI Plot 3 0 318 Last residence: Hartford MI	Nelson, Richard Warren US Air Force - SGT b 1/5/1921 d 3/16/1993 Age 71y, 10m, 16d Buried at Ft. Custer National Cemetery Augusta MI Plot 3 0 318 Last residence: Hartford MI
Newnum, Jr., Thomas Wilsonn		Nickol, Donald US Army In service 19__ to 19__ HHS Class of 1938	Olds, Donald H. Sergeant In Service 19__ to 12-25-1945 Killed in Action Belgium - 12-25-1945 See WW11 Memorial HHS Class of 19__
US Army - Sergeant Infantry - Engineering Squad Leader b 6-21-1921 d 12-2-2007 Bangor Twp MI Watervliet MI Age 86y, 5m, 13d Buried in Watervliet Cemetery Watervliet MI In service 1944 - 1946 Served in South Pacific, Philippines From Bangor MI Bangor High School Class of 19__ Resided in Hartford 1950 to 1960 Awards and Medals » Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon » Philippine Liberation Ribbon » Victory Medal » Good Conduct Medal » Army of Occupations Medal » Japan Philippine Independence Ribbon Life occupations were as a truck driver, grain farmer, retired as a paper making machine operator from Watervliet Paper Mill in 1984. Memberships in Teamster's Union, United Paper Workers International Union, and Henry Chamberlan Masonic Lodge 308. October, 2003 - Photo and information submitted by his son, Thomas Newnum, who served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam era.
Olds, John S. US Marine Corp, Captain b 7-28-1917 d 3-27-1988 Hartford MI Benton Harbor MI Age 70y, 8m, 1d In service 194__ to 19__ Stationed at Leyte HHS Class of 1935 Married Claire Chamberlin HHS 1934 From: Hartford MI		Olds, Larry Eugene	Olds, Richard W.
		US Marine Corp. - Corporal Line TW, Rifle Sharpshooter, Field Artillery Crewman b 8-4-1922 d 8-12-1993 Age 71y, 9d Photo taken in 1964 Served in the Pacific Theatre of Operations 3rd Marine Division » Participated in consolidation of Southern Solomon Islands » Offensive and Defensive action at Bougainville, BSI, » Participated in capture and occupation of Guam, » Participated in capture of Iwo Jima Enlisted at Detroit, MI on 9-17-1942 Honorable Discharge from the Casual Company, Quantico, VA on 10-11-1945 Monthly pay rate at time of discharge was $69.30. Upon discharge, was paid $.05 per mile from Quantico, VA to Detroit MI and paid $79.35 in full. HHS Class of 1940	US Air Force Pilot - Captain b 10/30/1918 d 12/19/2001 Hartford MI Fresno CA Age 83y, 1m, 21d Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In service 1942 - 1946 Pilot on B17 Flying Fortress, "Bugs Bunny Jr.", 447th bombing group, unit of the 3rd Air Division. Flew over 50 combat missions in European Theatre Served in England Awards » Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 oak leaf cluster » Air Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters » European Theater Award with 5 battle stars » Service Bar » Victory Medal HHS Class of 1936 Resided in Hartford 1946-1956 then relocated to California in 1956. Last known residence was Fresno CA.
Parascandolo, Gerald T. (Jerry)			Pate, Claud Willoughby US Army b 1-16-1921 d 10-2-2002 Age 81y, 9m, 2d Buried at Ft. Custer National Cemetery Battle Creek MI From Eva, Alabama
In service 1943 - 1945 Enlisted at age 18. Saw combat in Italy. Awards * Bronze Star * Purple Heart with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters Returned to service in the US ARMY RESERVES and retired as a Colonel From HHS Class of 1943 Did not graduate with class, left school to enter service. Jerry is the brother of Dominic Parascandolo, who served during the Korean War 2002 - Resides in North Judson, Indiana		US Army - Infantryman Staff Sergeant I Co., 3rd Battalion, 86st Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division b 1-7-1925 Photo taken in Naples, Italy Wounded in action
Pawling, Loren Earl			Perrin, James Killed in action See WW11 Memorial HHS Class of 19__
US Army Tec 5 - Railroad Engineer b 12-11-1918 d 12-03-1986 Fayette, OH Battle Creek, MI Age 67y, 11m, 24d Died at the VA Medical Center Battle Creek MI Buried at Ft Custer National Cemetery Augusta, Michigan Plot C 0 213 Served at » Bombay, India - 725th shipped out to Bombay from 12-1944 to 9-1945. » Camp Claiborne, LA - 1 year with the Claiborn-Polk Railroad for war-time training with the 725th Operating Railroad Battalion. » Camp Perry, Ohio - Basic Training In service 2-1943 to 9-1945 The following is an excerpt from Roundup India-Burma Theatre Newspaper September 13, 1945 "In the not too distant future, shop will close in the India-Burma Theater. The green jungle will reclaim the many obscure installations in Burma. Yank khaki will disappear from the warp and woof of life in wartime India. When that day comes, you who served on this "have-not front" can look at yourself in the mirror and say: 'Maybe you didn't march into Berlin or Tokyo, maybe you haven't a collection of stories that'll knock 'em cold, maybe your chest isn't loaded with fruit salad (medals)-- but by God, you did a job.' 'Through hell and high water and more mud and jungle than you ever dreamed existed.' " From Fayette OH Fayette High School Class of 1936 Transferred to Hartford with C&O Railroad from Howell MI in 1959. Loren was the last Train Depot Agent at Hartford when passenger service was discontinued in 1970. The depot was demolished in 1976. Photo and information provided on 7-29-2003 by Diane Taylor Pawling, daughter-in-law.
Phillips, Richard S.			Pierce, Larry B. US Army b 7-21-1933 d 6-16-2000 Age 66y, 10m, 27d In Service 19__ to 19__ From Hartford HHS Class of 1951
US Army - SSGT Company A 13th Armored Regiment 1st Armored Division b 2-10-1911 d 7-8-1987 Hartford MI Battle Creek MI Age 76y, 4m, 28d Buried on 7-13-1987 at Ft Custer National Cemetery Augusta, Michigan Plot 1 0 328 In service 6-26-1942 to 10-21-1945 Served at Algeria-French Morroco, Tunisia, Rome-Arno Southern France, Rineland Central Europe GO 33 & 40 WD45 Awards and Medals » Bronze Star Medal » Good Conduct Medal » European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 6 Bronze Stars and 1 Bronze Arrowhead From Hartford MI HHS Class of 1928 Son of William & Clara (Sleezer) Phillips Married to Veronica (Baleski) Phillips Last residence was Hartford MI 2-19-2008 Information submitted by his daughter, Linda Willer. Photo submitted by Arlene Ward.
Polmanteer, Ted "Sarge" US Army Master Sergeant Ret. 2-13-1920 d 4-29-2003 Keeler Twp. MI Prescott AZ Age 83y, 2m, 16d Burial of ashes in North Shore Memorial Gardens, Hagar Shore MI US Navy during WW2 In service US Navy 19__ to 19__ and US Army - retired in 1960 From Keeler Twp. MI Son of Carl and Hazel (Avery) Polmanteer. Married to Virginia Smith Polmanteer in 1942.		Pomeroy, Kenneth Davis
		US Navy Storekeeper (SK) - E4 b 4-27-1927 d 6-8-1974 Hartford MI Hartford MI Age 47y, 1m, 13d Buried at Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In service 4-25-1945 to 7-18-1946 - WW11 6-20-1951 to 9-27-1956 - Korean War Served in Guam Served on the USS New Jersey Medals and Awards » Victory Ribbon WW11 » Asiatic Pacific Ribbon » Good Conduct Medal From Hartford MI Class of 1944 6-2005 - Information and photo submitted by his wife, Margaret A. Pomeroy
		Prouty, Charles (Fred) US Army Air Force b 8/1/1921 d 2-4-2005 Cadillac MI Grand Rapids MI In service 19__ to 19__ Served in Italy From Hartford MI HHS Class of 1939	Rathbun, Roy US Navy Seaman - 2nd Class Great Lakes, IL Died on active duty after a short illness See WW11 Memorial In service 1945 to 1946 HHS Class of 1944
		Rhinehart, Harvey US Army Photo taken in 1945 In service 19__ to 19__ Rich Rhinehart, Harvey's son, served during Korea and Vietnam Era.
Rhinehart, Victor John (Jack) US Army - Paratrooper 82nd Airborne b1-22-1925 d 7-29-1957 Stickney SD Benton Twp MI Age 32y, 6m, 7d Wounded in action In service 194_ - 194_ (3 years of service) Wounded in the invasion of Normandy. HHS Class of ____ From Hartford MI Died, as a civilian, in a sewer line hookup accident in Benton Township MI		Rhinehart, James US Army - Pilot b 1922 - d 1965 Age 43 US Navy In service 194_ - 1954 From Hartford MI. HHS Class of 1939 Died in 1965, as a civilian, in Alabama as rotors fell off a Helicopter he was testing and crashed into wooded area. Medals and Awards » Soldiers Medal » Distinguished Flying Cross » Bronze Star for heroism in Korea V mail to mother, Mary Rhinehart in 1944 Certificate presented by Village of Hartford in 1943 Top picture submitted by his sister, Betty Rhinehart Bulat Edmonds. Lower photo was from the album of Roy (Bud) Davis.	Rhinehart, Robert US Army - Aerial Gunner b1923 - d1997 Age 74 In service 19__ to 19__ Stationed in Germany HHS Class of 19__ Medals and Awards » Good Conduct » Distinguished Flying Cross » Air Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. The Sky Shark - fantastic photo of Bob in front of the plane was on during WW11. An arrow "^" indicates Bob in the photo.
Rice, Dale US Marine Corps. Served in the South Pacific In service 19__ to 19__		Rice, Dwaine Merele US Coast Guard Seaman - 1st Class b 11-15-1921 d 4-8-2006 Burnstad ND Kalamazoo MI Interred at Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In service 19__ to 19__ From Hartford HHS Class of 1940 1955-2006 Owner of Rice's Sporting Equipment 1963 - 1990 US Postal Carrier - Retired Resided in Hartford until his passing.
		Richmond, Russell	Richter, Paul F.
		US Navy In service 19__ to 19__ HHS Class of 1940 From Hartford MI	US Air Force Bomber Pilot, Instructor 1st Lieutenant b1918 d 4/5/2002 Grand Rapids MI Age 84 Ninth Air Force - 386 Bomb Group Flew 56 combat missions as a bombardier on B-26 and A29 bombers Stationed in » England » Bombardier Navigator School Childress Army Air Field, TX In service 1941 to Oct 1945 Awards » Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters » European Theatre Ribbon with 2 battle stars HHS Class of 1936 Son of Paul & Mabel (Dowd) Richter Sr. Photo from the album of Roy (Bud) Davis)
Roberts, Fred Killed in Action In service 19__ to 19__ See WW11 Memorial HHS Class of 19__		Rose, Donald	Rose, Wayne US Navy In service 19__ to 19__ Service Manager for Couell Mfg Co. for 28 yrs, Service Manager for CC Brumeca of Gruges Belgium and Paris France for 6 yrs, owner of Rose Machine Shop in Hartford. Member of the Hartford Old Engine and Tractor Club Married to Mary (Groth) Rose (HHS 1947) Resides in Hartford
		(Don Rose and Harlan Fredricks) US Navy Air Corps Quartermaster - 1st class b 4-10-1925 d 12-20-2004 New Buffalo MI St. Joseph MI Age 79y, 8m, 12d In service 1943 - 1946 Served on ship during the Pacific Theater and was in ports at Okinawa, China, Japan. While is service, he taught in American schools in France and Germany. HHS Class of 1943 Graduate of Western Michigan University and taught at Watervliet Public Schools and retired from the Benton Harbor School District. Lifetime resident of Hartford, except when in the military. Don and Harlan were close friends during high school
Rowe, Edwin S. US Army 15th Air Force Service Command Served in Italy In service 1943 - 19__ HHS Class of 19__
Rudell, William
US Army Corporal AAF AUS HQ SQ 13th AAF Postal Flight Clerk 056 b 1-12-1924 at Thora, IA d 9-21-1977 Hartford MI buried in Keeler Cemetery, Keeler, MI Age 53y, 8m, 11d	In service 3-25-1943 - inducted at CP Grant, IL 2-25-1946 - discharged at Ft Sheridan IL Served in Southern Philippines Awards » Victory Medal » American Theater Ribbon » Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star » 1 Overseas Service Bar » Good Conduct Medal HHS Class of 1942 Photo and information contributed by his wife, Bernice Matrau Rudell 12/22/2002
Ruple, Max		Ruple, Wayne
US Army - Corporal Tank Unit - 7th Army b 9-12-1921 d 4-12-1945 Age 23y, 6m, 31d Died in Germany Buried in Lorraine American Cemetery Moselle France Plot d, row 16, gravesite 21 Killed in Action In service 9-2-1942 to 4-12-1945 See WW11 Memorial From Keeler HHS Class of 19__ Photo and information submitted by Jim and Mary Ruple Smith on 8/26/2003. Max is Mary's uncle. She is a graduate of HHS Class of 1974.		US Army In Service 19__ to 19__ From Keeler MI Photo taken July 6, 1952 with Keeler buddies; L-R Bob Dodd (HHS 1943), Wayne Ruple, DeWaine Jones (HHS 1950), and George Hall, who was also in service. Photo submitted by Robert Hall, brother of George Hall 4-22-2003
Saetre, George A.		Salnave, Myron A. US Army Cook - Pvt 1st Class b 3/31/1909 d 2-20-1976 Lawton, MI Age 66y, 10m, 22d Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Section 3, Lot 94 N 1/2 Hartford MI In service 3-23-1942 to 10-7-1945 Served in the Aleutian Islands. Medals and Awards » Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon » Bronze Star » Good Conduct Medal Graduate of South Haven High School, South Haven MI Resided in Hartford 1945 - 1976. Information submitted by Myron's stepson, Don Mills on 4-14-2004
US Army - Sergeant Air Corps Radio Operator Air Corps Direction Finding Operator In service 1942 to 1945 Served in European Theatre Operations, England, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe. Awards and Medals » EAME Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars » Victory Medal » Good Conduct Medal Lane Technical HS, Chicago IL Class of 1940 Resided in Hartford since 1941. Married to Martha (VanLiere) Saetre
		Sanders, Harold Herbert
		Citation For meritorious and efficient performance of duty while serving in a Marine artillery battery during operations against the enemy on Roi-Namue, Marshall Islands, Saipan and Tinian, Marianas islands, Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. Private First Class Sanders, serving as a cannoneer in the howitzer section, performed his duties in an excellent manner, often working tirelessly day and night. Under heavy fire on Saipan and Iwo Jima, he carried out his duties regardless of danger and personal fatigue, constantly setting an example to those who worked with him. On Saipan, when his battery was destroyed by enemy shell fire, he joined another battery and continued the fight against the enemy. By his initiative, energy, and devotion to duty he contributed materially to the smooth operation of his battery. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services. Roy S. Geiger, Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps. « » Commendation for service set forth in the following Citation For excellent service in the line of his profession and outstanding conduct under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, during the invasion and capture of Saipan, Marinas Islands, 15 June to 9 July, 1944. By his initiative, energy, and devotion to duty he contributed materially to the smooth operation of the battery, of which he was a member, until it was rendered inactive by intense enemy fire on the 16th of June, 1944. C.B. Cates, Major General United States Marine Corps Commanding Fourth Marine Division Click here to view a postcard Harold sent home to his mother, Mrs. W.W. Sanders on October 12, 1943. Harold also received a Certificate of Honor from the Village of Hartford MI, dated March 6, 1944. Click here to view a sample certificate.	US Marine Corps Cannoneer, Howitzer Section Private 1st Class b 1/17/1925 d 12/4/1991 Doering WI Hartford MI Age 66y, 10m, 17d Cremated - ashes scattered over pond on daughter's (Pam) farm in Hartford MI In service 4/30/1943 to 12/5/1945 2nd Bn. 14 Marines "5" Btry 4 Marine Div. Weapons - ER Rifle, Qual Bayonet Served in Guam, Philippines, Roi-Namur, Marshall Islands, Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, Saipan & Tinian, Marianas Islands. Rate of pay at discharge $54.00 per month. Discharged from Great lakes IL. Paid $38.02 in full to date of discharge. From Hartford MI HHS Class of ? Did not graduate with class, left school to enter military service. The Sanders boys were all in the military in one branch or the other. Pa Sanders was a beaver farmer, cab owner, and well driller. Most of the boys came home to Hartford to live and went to work as well drillers. Wes, Bob, Harold and Earl Sanders all began their own well drilling business. Later, Harold went into the Carpenter business. He worked on the Cook Nuclear Plant, many bridges and overpasses on I-94, and the JC Penney building in the Orchard mall at Pipestone, Benton Harbor, also worked on the old Howard Johnson Motel and Restaurant at M-139 in Benton Harbor. He built 3 homes, 2 in Hartford and 1 on Bankston Lake, Lawton. Dad lived on the farm with us in his last years. He loved to drive back to the pond on our farm and take a nap, where it quiet and peaceful. He told us that was were he wanted to be after he was gone...so, he forever is.
		Information and photos submitted by his daughter, Pam Sanders Williamson 3/9/2003
Schadler, Elmer Killed in action See WW11 Memorial HHS Class of 19__		Scott, Theodore Stewart US Navy b 4-2-1921 d 3-7-2005 Hartford MI Springdale AR Buried at Fayetteville National Cemetery Fayetteville AR In service 19__ to 19__ From Hartford MI HHS Class of 1942 Retired from State Hospital, Quincy MI in 1983, relocated to Arkansas. Information submitted by Larry Blyly.	Scranton, Robert US Army POW In service 1942 - 1946 From the Press Argus Online June 15, 2003 Scranton grew up in Paw Paw, a small community in southwestern Michigan. He played football and baseball in high school and went on to play football at Western Michigan University. When he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942, the 25-year Scranton soon found himself fighting in Europe. He fought in the Battle of Bulge and was captured by the Germans in December 1944. He spent the next few months on a forced walk across 540 miles through Czechoslovakia and Germany. Scranton said he and his fellow soldiers lived on raw sugar beets and potatoes that they stole from nearby farms. The sugar beets were raised for cow feed. He remembers asking a buddy why everyone was calling him "slim." According to Scranton, his buddy said, "Look at yourself, you're skin and bones." Scranton said he lost over 100 pounds during the walk, and his 6-foot-4-inch frame had dropped to under 150 pounds. He said many guys couldn't keep walking, and the Germans picked them up and supposedly took them to a hospital. He said, "Those guys just disappeared." Of the 300 soldiers who started out on the march, Scranton said only 30 survived. Scranton said he wasn't scared during this time. "I had a strong faith in God that I would make it," he said. Scranton kept a small Bible with him and read it every night with whatever light was available. Scranton received a Bronze Star for his service. ## Teacher and football-baseball-basketball coach at Hartford High School after returning home from service in 1946. Former Hartford Superintendent, H. Gordon Hawkins, informed Bob of a position with the Brighton School District. 2003 update At 84 years old, he and his wife, Mildred, reside in Green Oak Twp MI. Bob retired as Principal of Brighton Middle School after 31 years of service with the Brighton School District. The middle school was renamed Scranton Middle School prior to his retirement.
		Sefcik, George Joseph	In service 1-8-1942 to 10-19-1945
		US Marine Corps and Reserves Sergeant (TW) (CP)
		Wire Chief Telephone and Telegraph
George and friend in Chicago IL Kenneth Sefcik (Bud), brother, and George		b 3-31-1920 d 1-5-1995 Chicago IL Watervliet MI Age 74y, 9m, 8d Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI Sec 22 Lot 227 Sp 3 In service 3-8-1942 to 9-23-1943 Enlisted at RS, CRD, Chicago IL. Honorably Discharged from the Separation Battalion, Redistribution Regt (Prov) Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, MT & RC, SDA in Oceanside CA Served in: Asiatic Pacific Area: Samoa Weapons Qualification: Rifle Marksman Crossed over the Equator on the way to the American Samoa Islands and officially went from a Pollywog to a Shellback. Received a *Domain of Neptunus Rex* certificate on March 16, 1942. Rate of pay when discharged was $81.90 per month. After his discharge from the Marines, George lived most of his life in Bangor MI and worked for Autos Specialties in Hartford MI, where he retired in 197_. He was one of the first CNC Operators with Autos Specialties. George Joseph Sefcik married Alice Elizabeth Carlson Sefcik	On the job in the Marines George's son, Ronald Sefcik served in the US Navy during the Vietnam Era. Ronald is the husband of Emma Thornburg Sefcik, Webmaster of the History of Hartford website.
Scherer, John W. US Army - Signal Corps b 2-6-1920 d 9-26-2007 Keeler MI Dowagiac MI Age 87y, 7m, 24d Buried in Keeler Cemetery Keeler MI In service 19__ to 19__ He attended the Gregory School and graduated from Dowagiac High School. Son of William & Minnie (McKinley) Scherer Married to Amelia Sanchez-Hevia Scherer John was an area fruit farmer for over 30 years and the owner of John Scherer Real Estate Company. He served eight years on the Dowagiac School Board; was treasurer of Keeler Township for many years and served on the Keeler Township Planning Commission. John was a member of the Keeler United Methodist Church, the Dowagiac Elks Lodge 889 and Peninsular Lodge 10 of the Free and Accepted Masons.		Sherwood, Ben L. US Army b 3-31-1916 d 4-9-2005 Oak Lawn IL From Hartford HHS Class of 1935	Shirley, Calvin Coolidge US Army b 11-4-1924 d 3-12-2005 Kennett MO Decatur MI Age 80y, 4m, 8d Buried at Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI
Sikes, Joe R.		Sine, Bert Francis	Sirks, Clifford Dean
US Navy b 9-6-1926 d 6-19-2006 Keiser AR Berrien Springs MI Age 79y, 9m, 14d Buried in Coloma Cemetery Coloma MI From Hartford MI Member of the » Hartford American Legion Stoddard Post 93 » Hartford VFW Post Also served during the Korean Conflict. Former District Manager of Neils Automotive, Hartford MI		US Navy PFC 1st Class Tractor Equipment Operator Machinist Mate USNR b 2-24-1928 d 4-26-2004 Chicago IL Merrillville IN Age 76y, 2m, 3d Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery Hartford MI In Service 5-11-1950 to 5-16-1951 USNR - during Korean War 4-5-1945 to 5-6-1946 Great Lakes IL USNCTC Davisville RI 64th NBC 24th NBC Awards and Medals » American Area Ribbon » WW11 Victory Ribbon » Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon » Philippine Liberation Ribbon Resided in Hartford 1991 to 2004 Photo and information provided by his wife, Theresa Kozlowski Sine	US Marine Corp Private 1st Class b 6-19-1924 d 6-20-1944 St. Joseph MI Saipan, Marinana Islands Age 20y, 1d Buried in the Hill Cemetery Lawrence MI Killed in action Served with the 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division See WW11 Memorial In service 7/1942 to 6/20/1944 Awards and Medals » Silver Star Medal » Purple Heart From the Lawrence High School Class of 1943. Did not graduate with class, but entered the Marines instead. Lived in Hartford 1934 to 1937. Photo and information submitted by his brother, Duane O. Sirks on 11/10/2003.
Skipper, Frank US Army - TEC5 b 7-14-1917 d 12-8-1999 Age 82y, 4m, 27d Buried at Ft. Custer National Cemetery Plot F 0 674 on 12-10-1999 in Battle Creek MI. In service 19__ to 19__ From Hartford MI		Smith, John Darrell	Smith, Ronald Howard "Smitty"
		US Navy USS Thomas Jefferson A.P.A. No. 30 b 9-27-1928 2-22-2008 Kalamazoo MI St Joseph MI Age 79y, 4m, 27d Buried at North Shore Memorial Gardens Hagar Township MI In service 1945 to 1949 Served 4 years in the South Pacific Attended Hartford High School until his 17th birthday in 1945, when he quit school and joined the U.S. Navy. In 1954, he began employment with the Ward Baking Company (Tip Top Bakers) as a route salesman. Kreamo Bakers bought out the agency in 1980 in Benton Harbor. John continued working until 1999 when he retired after 45 years of service at the same location as the agency manager. Life member of VFW Post No. 1137 Son of James and Ruth (Howard) Smith. John's mother passed away when he was 6 years old and he was raised on a small farm in Hartford by grandparents John and Nora Howard. Married to Mary Lou Woods Dorothy Brown Elizabeth Smith Last residence was Coloma MI. John's brother, Ronald "Smitty" Smith served in the US Navy during WW2.	US Navy Motor Machinist's Mate 1st Class b 8-26-1921 d 3-24-2008 Hartford MI St. Joseph MI Age 86y, 6m, 30d Buried in Hill Cemetery Lawrence MI In service 19__ to 19__ Served on the LCI 24 (Landing Craft Infantry) ship. (Designed to deliver soldiers and marines quickly during an amphibious assault on enemy territory.) Partic