Prince George – Hopewell �Military Wall of Honor�
The following pages comprise a Military Wall of Honor that recognizes those from Prince George and Hopewell that died while serving in military function from World War I until now by preserving their picture, gravesite picture or memorial picture. This Wall, consisting of over 100 individuals, is based on names listed on the Prince George War Memorial Monuments, the Hopewell War Memorial Monument and the Library of Virginia military death records, as well as other resources.
Information about fallen patriots from the War of 1812 and the American Civil War to be added in the near future.
Please help us obtain pictures of those we don’t have.
Better pictures are also needed of some others.
World War One
John J. Buyalos
Born: February 22, 1896
Killed in Action: October 5, 1918
while serving in France
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
Co. G, 318th Infantry Regiment,
80th Infantry Division
Prior to entering the service Corporal Buyalos worked as a shipping clerk for Morris Gates Co. in Petersburg.
Interment:
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France
Timothy B. Cogle
Born: August 10, 1897
Killed in Action: October 6, 1918
while serving in France
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
159th Brigade, 318th Infantry Regiment
80th Division
Prior to entering the service, Pvt. Cogle was a farmer. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, Maude Emory Cogle, and his parents, Daniel and Alice Cogle
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, VA
Roy Ellis
Born: April 5, 1894
Killed in Action: August 1, 1918
while serving in France
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
80th Division
Pvt. Ellis worked as a farmer before enlisting in
November 1917.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Ellis was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. William B. Ellis, two sisters, Lillie and Emma, and three brothers, Charles, Clyde and Willie.
Interment:
Salem United Methodist Church,
Burrowsville,
Prince George, Virginia
George R. Evans
Born: June 6, 1874
Killed in Action: October 16, 1918
while serving in France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
Company E, 116th Infantry Regiment,
29th Infantry Division
Cpl. Evans worked as a farmer in the Disputanta area of Prince George County before enlisting on September 12, 1918 at age 44.
At the time of his death, Cpl. Evans was survived by his mother, Mrs. Alice R. Evans.
Interment:
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
Romagne, France
William Henry
Born: November 22, 1893
Died in Service: January 3, 1918
while serving at Camp Lee, Virginia
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Prior to entering the service, Pvt. Henry worked on state roads. His military draft record listed that he was tall and slender with light brown eyes and black hair.
At the time of his death Pvt. Henry was pre-deceased by his father, Robert T. Henry and survived by his mother, Margaret Miranda Brown.
Interment:
Burkes Garden Central Cemetery,
Tazewell, Virginia
Wade H. Miller
Born: November 5, 1895
Killed in Action: July 15, 1918
while serving in France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
42nd Infantry Division
Before entering the service, Cpl. Miller attended North Carolina State where he was on their baseball team. After college he worked as a mechanic for DuPont in Hopewell. He enlisted on June 5, 1917 and was killed on the first day of The Second Battle of Marne.
At the time of his death, Cpl. Miller was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. Miller and two brothers.
Interment:
Kendalls Baptist Church Cemetery
New London, North Carolina
Grover C. Pasley
Born: February 16, 1891
Killed in Action: July 15, 1918
while serving in France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Company D, 38th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Infantry Division
Before entering the service, Pvt. Pasley worked as an operator at DuPont in Hopewell. He enlisted on June 5, 1917 and was killed on the first day of The Second Battle of Marne.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Pasley was survived by his mother, Mrs. Alberta Jane Kelly Pasley, two sisters and four brothers.
Interment:
Oise-Aisne American Cemetery,
Picardie, France
Harvey F. Tatum
Born: February 2, 1896
Killed in Action: October 25, 1918
while serving in France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
116th Infantry Regiment,
29th Infantry Division
Interment:
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
Romagne, France
Henry Thompson
Born: March 15, 1890
Killed in Action: September 27, 1918
while serving in France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
369th Infantry Regiment
93rd Infantry Division
The 93rd Infantry Division was an
African-American division that was attached to the French Fourth Army.
Prior to entering the service, Pvt. Thompson worked for DuPont in Hopewell and was survived by his wife.
Interment:
St. Mihiel American Cemetery
Thiaucourt, France
James W. Wooden
Born: November 22, 1895
Died in Service: September 25, 1918
while serving in France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
505th Engineer Regiment
Prior to entering the service Pvt. Wooden was a farmer.
Pvt. Wooden was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Wooden of Disputanta, two sisters, Mary and Sadie, and one brother, Hammond.
Interment:
St. Mihiel American Cemetery
Thiaucourt, France
Edwin F. Wrenn
Born: 1891
Killed in Service: October 25, 1918
while serving in France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
116th Infantry Regiment
29th Infantry Division
Cpl. Wrenn was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. George O. Wrenn of Disputanta, two sisters, Lilly and Emma, and three brothers, George, Lewis and Charles.
Interment:
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
Romagne, France
World War Two
Ray Charley Ayers
Born: October 9, 1908
Killed in Action (MIA): February 28, 1942
while serving on the
USS Houston near Java
U.S. Navy
Rank: Chief Quartermaster
Chief Ayers enlisted in 1926 at age 18.
He previously served on the USS Texas
and the USS Idaho.
At the time of his death, Chief Ayers was survived by his wife, Mrs. Marie Siros Ayers, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. W. E. Ayers, four sisters, Mrs. W. E. Franklin, Mrs. C. W. McLauchlin, Mrs. Gladys McLauchlin and Mrs. Elsie Legett, and four brothers, Andrew, James, Roy and Walter.
Memorial: Manila American Cemetery, Philippines
Robert Benson Baird
Born: December 6, 1920
Killed in Action: July 27, 1944
while serving at St. Lo, France
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Second Division
Pvt. Baird enlisted September 15, 1942. He was wounded in June 1944 during the Normandy invasion, then returned to duty in July 1944.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Baird was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie F. Baird, and a number of brothers and sisters.
Interment:
Baird Family Cemetery,
Prince George, VA
Albert C. Blackmon
Born: July 26, 1920
Died in Service: April 10, 1946
while serving in Italy.
U.S. Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
191st Company
488th Port Battalion
Prior to entering the service in March 1943, Lt. Blackmon had been studying electrical engineering at VPI. He had also served on the front combat lines after arriving in Italy in November 1944.
At the time of his death, Lt. Blackmon was survived by his step-mother, Mrs. Effie Neaves Blackmon of Hopewell and his fiancée, Miss Katie D. Brannon of Natchez, Mississippi.
Interment:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
Pierre Bontecou
Born: August 9, 1921
Killed in Action: April 5, 1945
while serving at Bad Soden, Germany
U.S. Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Fifth Infantry, 71st Infantry Division
After graduating from Hopewell High School in 1938, Lt. Bontecou attended VPI before transferring to the West Point Military Academy in 1941, graduating in 1944.
At the time of his death, Lt. Bontecou was survived by his wife of less than one year, Betty Books Bontecou, his mother, Eva Archer Bontecou and grandfather, Walter Archer.
Interment:
United States Military Academy Post Cemetery
West Point, New York
Walter L. Brooks
Born: February 7, 1904
Killed in Action: March 22, 1945
on Luzon Island, Philippines
U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
25th Infantry Division
Sergeant Brooks was pre-deceased by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. R. L. Brooks, and survived by six sisters and four brothers. Sergeant Brooks worked at Tubize in Hopewell before entering the service.
Interment:
Providence Methodist Church
King & Queen County, Virginia
Michael H. Burchell
Born: June 15, 1918
Killed in Action: February 24, 1945
while serving near Hamback, Germany
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
119th Infantry, 30th Division,
First Army
At the time of his death, Pfc. Burchell was survived by his wife, Mrs Ethel P. Burchell and two sons, Michael and James Burchell.
Interment:
Waverly Cemetery,
Waverly, Virginia
Leroy D. Burkett
Born: 1921
Killed in Action: November 11, 1944
while serving in Germany
U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Co. F, 120th Infantry, 30th Division,
First Army
S/Sgt. Burkett previously served in France, Belgium and Holland.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Burkett was survived by his father Mr. William J. Burkett, Sr., two sisters Ila G. Burkett and Lois E. Burkett, and two brothers W. L. Burkett and William J. Burkett, Jr.
Interment:
Netherlands American Cemetery,
Margraten, Netherlands
Thomas A. Burney
Born: September 2, 1923
Killed in Action: January 7, 1944
while serving on the USS St. Augustine
in the Atlantic
U.S. Navy
Rank: Seaman Second Class
Before entering the service on November 30, 1942, Seaman Burney worked at Tubize in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Seaman Burney was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Neill J. Burney, four sisters Sue, Alvah Jean and Nancy Burney, and two brothers Neill, Jr. and Hal Burney.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
John Garland Burton
Born: May 6, 1918
Killed in Action (MIA): May 2, 1942
while serving on the USS Cythera
in the Atlantic off the coast of North Carolina.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Seaman First Class
At the time of his death, Seaman Burton was survived by his mother, Mrs. Mildred Henson and a number of step-brothers.
Memorialized on the East Coast Memorial, Manhattan, New York where his name is inscribed on the pylons of the missing.
William F. Butterworth, Jr.
Born: September 5, 1925
Killed in Action (MIA): October 25, 1944
while on the USS Samuel B. Roberts
in the Leyte Gulf, Philippines
U.S. Navy
Rank: Fireman Second Class
Before entering service, Fireman Butterworth worked for Old Dominion Water Co.
At the time of his death, Fireman Butterworth was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. William F. Butterworth, Sr. and two younger sisters Evelyn and Nancy.
Memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery, Manila, The Philippines, and the Samuel B. Roberts Memorial at Ft, Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
Frank L. Cole
Born: October 6, 1925
Killed in Action: March 8, 1945
while serving on Iwo Jima
U.S. Marine Corp
Rank: Private
4th Division,
23rd Infantry Regiment
At the time of his death Pvt. Cole was survived by his parents, Frank J. and Lydia Smith Cole, two sisters, Mrs. Joseph H. Klunk and Mrs. H.G. Myers, and four brothers Clifford O., Leo S., Leroy J. and Leonard H. Cole.
Interment:
Blandford Cemetery
Petersburg, Virginia
James B. Collier
Born: October 8, 1920
Killed in Action (MIA): June 15, 1944
while onboard the USS LST-133 Troop Transport near Barfleur, France
U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
113th Field Artillery Battalion
30th Infantry Division
After attending school in Hopewell, S/Sgt. Collier joined the North Carolina National Guard in Louisburg, NC and attended Louisburg College there.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Collier was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Collier, sister, Miss Christine Collier and a brother, Henry Collier.
Memorial:
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Garden of the Missing,
Colleville-sur-Mer, Basse-Normande, France
John L. Corum
Born: May 28,1921
Died in Service: November 8, 1945
at Elmira, New York
U.S. Army Air Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
669th and 671st Bomb Squadron,
Ninth Air Force 416th Bomb Group
Lt. Corum enlisted in National Guard in July 1939 and entered the Army Air Corp in June 1941. He served in the Aleutians and in Europe. He was awarded the Air Medal and several Oak Leaf Clusters.
At the time of his death, Lt. Corum was survived by his mother, Mrs. Grace M. Lowe and a brother, Robert S. Corum.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, VA
Henrie Descheemaeker
Born: November 2, 1912
Killed in Action: August 22, 1944
near Halluin in Northern France
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division
At the time of his death, Pvt. Descheemaeker was survived by his wife, Estelle, three daughters, Juanita, Jean and Dawn, and two sons, Robert and Henrie, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Julius Descheemaeker, and two brothers, Gerard and August Descheemaeker.
Interment:
Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, Basse-Normandie, France
Peter R. Dennis
Born: 1921
Killed in Action (MIA): December 12, 1942
while serving near Buna, New Guinea
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Sergeant
71st Bomber Squadron,
38th Bomber Group
At the time of his death, Sgt. Dennis was survived by a sister, Mrs. William M. Grubbs and numerous other relatives.
Memorialized on the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial where his name is inscribed on the Wall of the Missing.
Jackson E. Doar
Born: November 12, 1915
Killed in Action: October 19, 1943
offshore of Huntington Beach, California
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Second Lieutenant
329th Fighter Group, 332nd Fighter Squadron
Orange County A.A.B.
Prior to entering the service, Lt. Doar worked for Solvay in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Lt. Doar was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. J.B. Doar, and two brothers Jean and Graham.
Interment:
Elmwood Cemetery,
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Paul P. Doulis
Born: December 22, 1922
Died in Service: April 24, 1945
at Frederick, Maryland
U.S. Navy
Rank: Seaman Third Class
Seaman Doulis attended William and Mary College before entering the Navy V-12 program. He received training in this program at the University of North Carolina and the University of Georgia, before becoming Pharmacist Mate.
At the time of his death, Seaman Doulis was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Doulis, a sister, Elpie and a brother Christos.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, VA
Eddie L. Edwards
Born: June 29, 1918
Killed in Action: January 31, 1944
while serving in Italy
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Pvt. Edwards entered service on June 11, 1942, and served under General George S. Patton in North Africa, Tunisia, Sicily and Italy.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Edwards was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. E. L. Edwards, five sisters, Mrs. A. J. Lewis, Mrs. George L. Arvin, Mrs. Harwood Webb, Mrs. Charles Jackson and Miss Marion Edwards, and three brothers, J.L. Edwards, C.B. Edwards and Harvey Edwards.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, VA
William M. Edwards
Born: January 25, 1924
Killed in Action: March 13, 1945
while serving on Iwo Jima
U.S. Marine Corp
Rank: Corporal
Third Marine Division,
War Dog Detachment
Cpl. Edwards worked at Hercules in Hopewell before enlisting in the service in September, 1942
At the time of his death, Cpl. Edwards was survived by his grandmother, Mrs. Clara Clark Middleton.
Interment:
Totuskey Baptist Church Cemetery,
Richmond County, Virginia
Ray E. Elrod
Born: December 18, 1918
Killed in Action (MIA): January 18, 1944
while serving in the Marshall Islands
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Staff Sergeant
531st Bomber Squadron, 7th Air Force
S/Sgt. Elrod worked at Hercules in Hopewell before enlisting in November 1940. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked on December 7, 1941, at which time his barracks was bombed.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Elrod was survived by his mother, Mrs. Dessie Elrod and three brothers, Leonard, J.A., J.T. and J.P.
Memorialized at The Honolulu Memorial,
Honolulu, Hawaii, where his name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing
Arnold W. England
Born: April 8, 1918
Killed in Action (MIA): February 3, 1943
while serving on the
SS Dorchester in the Atlantic
U.S. Merchant Marines
The Dorchester was a luxury liner that had been converted to a troop transport ship when it was torpedoed. Pvt. Shornak from Hopewell was on the same ship and also died when it sunk.
At the time of his death, Mr. England was survived by his wife, Amelia C. England, his mother, Mrs. Sallie J. England, and a number of brothers and sisters.
The SS Dorchester and its passengers are remembered on the SS Dorchester Memorial in Clark County, Wisconsin.
Roland S. Epps, Sr.
Born: March 11, 1925
Died in Service: February 26, 1946
while serving in Nagoya, Japan
U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
3161st Engineer Firefighting Platoon,
1191st Engineers
Sgt. Epps worked as a farmer before enlisting on September 26, 1944.
At the time of his death, Sgt. Epps was survived by his wife, Mrs. Juanitha Epps, his 13 month old son, Roland Epps, Jr, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Epps, five sisters and four brothers.
Interment:
Morning Star Baptist Church Cemetery.
Prince George, Virginia
Edward T. Fauntleroy
Born: November 9, 1922
Killed in Action: February 23, 1945
while serving in Germany.
U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
13th Infantry Regiment,
8th Infantry Division
S/Sgt. Fauntleroy enlisted in the National Guard on February 3, 1941, and was working at Tubize in Hopewell when he went on active duty.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Fauntleroy was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. S. G. Fauntleroy, Sr., sisters Mrs. A. L. Graham and Lucy Fauntleroy, and two brothers, W. C. Fauntleroy & S.G. Fauntleroy, Jr.
Interment:
Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery
Henri-Chapelle, Belgium
Walter A. Gibbs
Born: February 18, 1925
Killed in Action: April 19, 1945
while serving in Luzon.
U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
Co. F, 126th Infantry
Sgt. Gibbs received a Silver Star and
Purple Heart for his service.
At the time of his death, Sgt. Gibbs was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Floyd C. Gibbs, a sister, Charlotte and two brothers, Floyd and Herbert.
Interment:
Blandford Cemetery
Petersburg, Virginia
Paul Golnik
Born: July 3, 1924
Killed in Action (MIA): August 8, 1945
while serving in the Philippines.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Seaman First Class
Patrol Bombing Squadron 27,
Okinawa
Seaman Golnik enlisted on May 9, 1944. The PBM Mariner aircraft he was serving on was lost at sea while during a mission near Japan two days after the first atomic bomb was dropped.
At the time of his death, Seaman Golnik was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Golnik, three sisters, Annie, Emily and Christine, and two brothers, Bedrick and Christian.
Seaman Golnik’s name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at at the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
Robert B. Graham
Born: About 1923
Killed in Action: March 31, 1945
while serving on the USS Hancock at Okinawa.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Lieutenant, Junior Grade
Lt. Graham volunteered for the service soon after graduation from Benedictine High School in Richmond in 1942, where he was in their military preparation program and played football. He died in the Navy while piloting a Curtis Hell-Diver that crash landed on an aircraft carrier.
At the time of his death, Lt. Graham was survived by his wife, Mrs. Audrey C. Graham, his 13 month old daughter, Nancy Bruce Graham, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. John G. Graham, and two brothers, J. Malcolm Graham and Samuel G. Graham.
Interment:
Lt. Graham was buried at sea. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial,
Honolulu, Hawaii
Calvin N. Harp, Jr.
Born: June 25, 1922
Killed in Action: January 28, 1945
while serving near Mittelwihr, France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Second Lieutenant
254th Infantry, 63rd Infantry Division
7th Army
Lt. Harp received a Silver Star and
Purple Heart for his service.
At the time of his death, Lt. Harp was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Calvin N. Harp, Sr. and a sister, Shirley Harp.
Interment:
Elmwood Cemetery
Norfolk, Virginia
James A. Harper
Born: About 1917
Killed in Action: November 26, 1943
while returning from a mission over Germany.
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Second Lieutenant
66th Bomber Squadron, 44th Bomb Group
8th Air Forces
Lt. Harper received a
Purple Heart for his service.
At the time of his death, Lt. Harper was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jesse A. Harper, four brothers and two sisters.
Interment:
Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Ellwood City, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
Lynwood C. Harrell
Born: May 15, 1920
Killed in Action (MIA): July 25, 1944
on a mission over Germany.
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Staff Sergeant
764th Bomber Squadron,
461th Bomber Group
S/Sgt. Harrell received a Purple Heart and an Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters for his service. His brother, S/Sgt. Turner G. Harrell was also killed in action earlier during WWII.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Harper was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Turner J. Harrell, and sister, Miss Ruth Hope Harrell and his grandmother, Mrs. Lulu Walton Harrell.
Memorialized at Epinal American Cemetery,
Epinal, France where is name is inscribed on the wall.
Turner G. Harrell
Born: August 18, 1918
Killed in Action (MIA): February 24, 1944
on a mission in the Central Pacific.
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Staff Sergeant
17th Bomber Squadron,
118th Bomber Group
Sgt. Harrell received a Purple Heart for his service.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Harrell was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Turner J. Harrell, and sister, Miss Ruth Hope Harrell, brother, S/Sgt. Lynwood Harrell and his grandmother, Mrs. Lulu Walton Harrell. His brother, S/Sgt. Lynwood C. Harrell was also killed in action later during WWII.
S/Sgt. Harrell’s name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
William H. Harvell
Born: October 14, 1918
Died in Service: January 26, 1945
while serving in the Pacific.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
Prior to enlisting on February 21, 1944, Pfc. Harvell worked at DuPont at Richmond.
At the time of his death, Pfc. Harvell was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Harvell, sisters Carrie, Gertrude and Annie, and brothers Frank and James.
Interment:
Providence Baptist Church Cemetery
Prince George, Virginia
Miles R. Hicks
Born: December 9, 1911
Died in Service: April 1, 1945
while serving in Europe.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
Co. A, 717th Railway Operating Battalion
Prior to entering the service on July 7, 1943, Pfc. Miles was a carpenter. Pfc. Hicks went to Europe on September 11, 1944 with the Army Engineers.
At the time of his death, Pfc. Hicks was survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary E. Hicks, stepson, Charles H. Saunders, four brothers and two sisters.
Interment:
Ardennes American Cemetery
Liege, Belgium
Henry G. Hopkins
Born: October 20, 1920
Died in Service: July 30, 1945
while serving at La Fere, France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
Signal Corps
Cpl. Hopkins was employed at Tubize prior to entering the service in September 1942. Before going to France, he had previously served in England and Germany with the Signal Corps.
At the time of his death, Cpl. Hopkins was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. M. A. Hopkins, a sister, Mrs. Cecil Compton and two brothers.
Interment:
Zachary Taylor National Cemetery
Louisville, Kentucky
William M. Horak
Born: October 25, 1920
Killed in Action: November 13, 1943
while serving on the USS Denver
in the Solomon Islands
U.S. Navy
Rank: Machinist Mate, First Class
Machinist Mate Horak enlisted on May 8, 1939 and previously served on the
USS Downes & USS Maury.
At the time of his death, Machinist Mate Horak was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Horak, three sisters, Pearl, Elizabeth and Lucille, and one brother, Henry.
Interment:
St. Joseph’s Cemetery
Petersburg, Virginia
Edward R. Hubbard
Born: September 18, 1913
Killed in Action: March 13, 1945
while serving in Germany.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
104th Regiment, 26th Infantry Division,
Third Army
Before entering the service, Pfc. Hubbard was manager of the Little Star Market on East Broadway in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Pfc. Hubbard was survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence Slagle Hubbard, step-son James “Skeets” Slagle, mother & step-father, Mr. & Mrs. David Newman, two sisters and three brothers.
Interment:
Luxembourg American Cemetery
Luxembourg
Arthur M. Hughes
Born: October 30, 1920
Killed in Action: July 9, 1944
while serving on Saipan,
Northern Mariana Islands.
U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
4th Marine Division
Before entering the service, Cpl. Hughes worked with his father in the contracting business.
At the time of his death, Cpl. Hughes was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence G. Hughes and sister Louise Hughes.
Interment:
Appomattox Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Charley C. Johnson
Born: 1921
Killed in Action (MIA): August 5, 1943
while serving on the USS Plymouth off the coast of Cape Henry, Virginia.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Yeoman, Second Class
At the time of his death, Yeoman Johnson was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. William F. Johnson, Sr. and two brothers, William F. Johnson, Jr. and Clayton J. Johnson.
Yeoman Johnson received a Purple Heart for his service and is memorialized on the East Coast Memorial, Manhattan, New York where his name is inscribed on the pylons of the missing.
Douglas D. Johnson
Born: December 18, 1916
Killed in Action: April 4, 1945
while serving near Kustleberg, Germany.
U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
Co. B, 23rd Infantry Battalion,
7th Armored Division
Prior to enlisting on April 7, 1942, Sgt. Johnson worked for the Virginia Lens Company.
At the time of his death, Sgt. Johnson was survived by his wife, Mrs. Alice Johnson, his mother and step-father, Mr. & Mrs. Walter B. Baird, Sr., brother John F. Johnson, step-sisters Janice and Pearl Baird, and step-brother Walter B. Baird, Jr.
Interment:
Netherlands American Cemetery,
Margraten, Netherlands.
Walter T. Kurnas
Born: January 30, 1920
Died in Service: July 18, 1942
while in Hopewell.
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
57th Quartermaster Regiment
At the time of his death, Cpl. Kurnas was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. John Kurnas, four sisters, Louis, Clara, Valerie and Janice, and two brothers, John and Louis.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Joseph L. LaRue
Born: Unknown
Killed in Action (MIA): December 8, 1942
While serving on the SS James McKay
In the Atlantic south of Iceland
U.S. Merchant Marines
At the time of his death, Mr. LaRue was survived by his wife, Mrs. Joseph (Adele) LaRue of Brown Avenue in Hopewell. He was posthumously awarded the Mariners Medal.
Memorialized on the East Coast Memorial, Manhattan, New York
and his name is engraved on the War Memorial Monument in
Hopewell, Virginia
Hilliard C. Leatherwood, Jr.
Born: August 12, 1924
Killed in Action: April 13, 1945
while serving in Germany.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
46th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division
Third Army
Pfc. Leatherwood volunteered for service on March 6, 1943 and went overseas on October 5, 1943. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star.
At the time of his death, Pfc. Leatherwood was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. H.C. Leatherwood, Sr., and a brother Robert Leatherwood.
Interment:
Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, Limburg, Netherlands
James E. Lowder
Born: March 3, 1922
Killed in Action (MIA): May 9, 1945
while serving in the Pacific.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Ensign
Prior to entering the Navy in March 1943, Ensign Lowder worked for DuPont. He was awarded the Air Medal and Purple Heart.
At the time of his death, Ensign Lowder was survived by his mother, Mrs. E. H. Lowder, a sister, Hazel Lowder and a brother Roy Lowder.
Ensign Lowder’s name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
David I. Maile
Born: January 24, 1920
Killed in Action: July 25, 1944
while serving in France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
117th Infantry, 30th Division
Prior to entering the Army in February 1941, Pfc. Maile worked for Tubize in Hopewell and was in the National Guard.
At the time of his death, Pfc Maile was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. C. Eugene Maile, and two brothers, Eugene Maile, Jr. and John W. Maile.
Interment:
Blandford Cemetery
Petersburg, Virginia
Vester E. Mathis
Born: October 2, 1921
Killed in Action: December 7, 1944
near Differten, Germany.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division
Prior to entering the Army in February 1944, Pvt. Mathis worked for Solvay in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Mathis was survived by his wife, Mrs. Doris Watts Mathis, a 2-year old daughter, Judith Lamerie Mathis, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. R. L. Mathis, five brothers and two sisters.
Interment:
Lorraine American Cemetery
St. Avoid, France
Daniel J. McCormick
Born: December 13, 1907
Killed in Action: June 22, 1943
in the Atlas Mountains, Algeria.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
325th Glider Infantry Regiment,
82nd Airborne Division
Prior to entering the Army in April 1942, Pvt. McCormick worked as a carpenter.
At the time of his death, Pvt. McCormick was survived by his mother, Mrs. Ella J. McCormick, three sisters, Mrs. Mary Mooregian, Mrs. Annie Kelebrian and Mrs. Martha Jane Watson, and a brother, Joseph A. McCormick. Joseph was later killed in action in World War II.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Joseph A. McCormick
Born: May 12, 1911
Killed in Action: December 24, 1943
in the Alaskan Theater.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Seaman, First Class
Seabees
At the time of his death, Seaman McCormick was survived by his mother, Mrs. Ella J. McCormick, three sisters, Mrs. Mary Mooregian, Mrs. Annie Kelebrian and Mrs. Martha Jane Watson. He was pre-deceased by his older brother, Daniel J. McCormick, who was killed in action on June 22, 1943 in Algeria.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
�Elmer L. McKesson�
Born: September 27, 1919
Killed in Action: July 12, 1944
at Normandy, France.
U.S. Army
Ranks: Staff Sergeant
Co. H, 329th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division
Prior to entering the service in October 1942, S/Sgt. McKesson obtained a degree in agricultural engineering from Clemson College and was employed by the Soil Conservation Service in McCormick Co., South Carolina.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. McKesson was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Earl R. McKesson. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star.
Interment:
Blandford Cemetery
Petersburg, Virginia
George A. Meyers�
Born: About 1920
Killed in Action (MIA): February 14, 1944
while serving in the Atlantic.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Electricians Mate First Class
Prior to entering the Navy in January 1943, Electricians Mate Meyers studied electrical engineering at VPI Extension, Bluefield, VA and was working at Hummel-Ross in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Electricians Mate Meyers was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Earl G. Meyers and a brother, Harold R. Meyers.
Memorialized on the East Coast Memorial, Manhattan, New York where his name is inscribed on the pylons of the missing.
�Wilmer C. Neaves, Jr�
Born: September 29, 1918
Killed in Action (MIA): March 20, 1944
in the South Pacific.
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: First Lieutenant
Pacific Wing
Air Transport Command
Prior to joining the National Guard in January 1941 and going on active duty the following month, Lt. Neaves worked at Hercules in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Lt. Neaves was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Wilmer C. Neaves, Sr., two sisters, Mrs. W. W. Nelson and Miss Patricia Neaves, and one brother, Thomas Neaves.
Lt. Neaves’s name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
�Charles R. Noblin�
Born: September 26, 1922
Died in Service: August 13, 1944
in England.
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Staff Sergeant
848th Bomber Squadron
Prior to joining the service in January 1943, S/Sgt. Noblin was a musician who played on several radio stations and at Washington night clubs .
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Noblin was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Sterling E. Noblin, one sister, Mrs. Frances Barnette and one brother, George S. Noblin.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
�Harvey E. Nuckles�
Born: April 11, 1925
Died in Service (MIA): November 10, 1944
while serving on the USS Mount Hood.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Fireman, Second Class
Fireman Nuckles left Hopewell High School in February 1943 while 17 years old to join the Navy.
At the time of his death, Fireman Nuckles was survived by his mother, Mrs. Devilla M. Nuckles and a sister, Miss Helen Nuckles.
Memorialized on the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial where his name is inscribed on the Wall of the Missing.
Joseph M. Parham
Born: September 2, 1918
Killed in Action: December 4, 1944
while serving in Italy.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
366th Infantry Regiment
92nd Infantry Division
Fifth Army
Pvt. Parham enlisted on September 2, 1941, and was serving with the Buffalo Soldier Division when he died.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Parham was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Mongo Parham, sisters, Annabelle and Carrie, and brothers Edward, William and Clarence.
Interment:
Florence American Cemetery
Toscana, Italy
Robert J. Phelps
Born: About 1920
Killed in Action (MIA): December 12, 1943
while serving in the Southwest Pacific.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Chief Fire Controlman
Chief Phelps enlisted in the Navy in 1938. He had previously served on the heavy cruiser USS Quincy and a destroyer.
At the time of his death, Chief Phelps was survived by his parents, Dr. & Mrs. B. T. Phelps, two sisters, Gladys and Betty, and three brothers Edward, Brown and Charles.
Chief Phelps’ name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
�Paul E. Piskla�
Born: July 26, 1923
Killed in Action: September 11, 1944
while attempting to cross the La Mozelle River near Anzig, France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
23rd Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division
Prior to joining the Army in November 1943, Pvt. Piskla worked at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Piskla was survived by his mother, Mrs. Margaret Piskla, three sisters, Annie, Lillian and Emily, and one brother, Milton.
Interment:
Lorraine American Cemetery
St. Avoid, France
�Raleigh C. Powell, Jr.�
Born: April 16, 1915
Killed in Action: April 24, 1945
near Bielefeld, Germany.
U.S. Army
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
121st Engineer Combat Battalion
29th Infantry Division
Lt. Col. Powell, Jr. received the Purple Heart, Legion of Merit Medal and Bronze Star.
At the time of his death, Lt. Col. Powell was survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary B. Powell, son, Raleigh Powell III, daughter Nancy Powell, parents, Mr. & Mrs. Raleigh Powell Sr., one brother and three sisters.
Interment:
Netherlands American Cemetery
Margraten, Netherlands
�James R. Puryear�
Born: July 26, 1909
Died: November 18, 1942
at Douglas, Georgia.
63rd Army Air Force
Flying Training Department
Raymond Richardson Aviation Company
Mr. Puryear was a civilian flying instructor who loved flying. Too old to enlist for WWII, he volunteered as an instructor and died while training a student pilot.
At the time of his death, Mr. Puryear was survived by his wife, Dorothy, a daughter, Betty and son, Frank.
Interment:
Sunset Memorial Park
Chester, Virginia
�Thomas E. Reid, Jr.�
Born: May 6, 1920
Killed in Action: June 6, 1944
during the D-Day invasion at
Normandy, France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
147th Engineer Combat Battalion
Prior to joining the Army in February 1943, Pvt. Reid worked at Solvay in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Reid was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Reid, Jr., three sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Moore, Mrs. Doris Palmer and Miss Alma Reid, and one brother, Ray Reid.
Interment:
Normandy American Cemetery
Normandy, France
�David S. Rickman
Born: January 20, 1922
Killed in Action: November 19, 1944
while serving at Lorraine, France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
2nd Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division
S/Sgt. Rickman joined the National Guard soon after graduating from Hopewell High School before transferring to the Army in June 1944.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Rickman was survived by his mother, Ada Rickman, five brothers, Earl, Gilbert, Reed, George and Joe, and two sisters, Frances and Mattie. All of his brothers served in WWII.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Henderson Tinsley Riggan
Born: November 8, 1911
Killed in Action: November 1, 1944
while serving on the USS Anderson
in the Leyte Gulf, Philippines.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Chief Electricians Mate
Chief Riggan joined the Navy upon completion of school at age 17 and having worked some part time jobs,.
At the time of his death, Chief Riggan was survived by his wife, Edna Riggan, parents, Mr. & Mrs. James T. Riggan, three sisters, Lucy Etta, Beulah Eastman, Dora Belle Ellen, and three brothers, Rueben, Ellsworth and Bedford.
Interment:
Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery
San Diego, California
Gratto M. Rosazza
Born: June 6, 1918
Killed in Action: December 9, 1944
at Kirviller, France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division,
Third Army
Prior to entering the service in April 1944, Pvt. Rosazza worked for Hummel Ross in Hopewell as a crane operator and welder.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Rosazza was survived by his wife, Mrs. Dorothy Rosazza, one son, Karl K. Rosazza, and his parents, Mr. & Mrs. K. M Rosazza.
Interment:
Merchants Hope Cemetery
Prince George, Virginia
Edward L. Rott
Born: October 25, 1916
Killed in Action: December 16, 1944
while serving in Luxemburg.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Co. B, 60th Armored Infantry
At the time of his death, Pvt. Rott was survived by his mother, Mrs. Barbara Kratochnil Rott and a number of brothers and sisters.
Interment:
St. James Cemetery,
Dinwiddie, Virginia
Milos G. Rott
Born: August 12, 1918
Killed in Action: August 27, 1944
while serving in Luxemburg.
U.S. Army
Rank: Technical Sergeant
175th Infantry,
29th Infantry Division
Prior to enlisting in the National Guard on December 31, 1940, Sgt. Rott worked for
E. J. Bohatic Co.
At the time of his death, Sgt. Rott was survived by his mother, Mrs. Helen Zajics Rott, a brother John, who also served in WWII, and two sisters Georgia and Lydia.
Interment:
Gary’s Church Cemetery,
Prince George, Virginia
Harry S. Rust
Born: February 11, 1918
Killed in Action: June 6, 1944
during the D-Day invasion at
Normandy, France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Third Army
Prior to entering the active duty in February 1941, Pvt. Rust worked for DuPont and was in the National Guard.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Rust was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. L. W. Rust, Sr., two sisters, Melville and Iris Rust, and one brother, Leonard Rust, Jr.
Interment:
Appomattox Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Elmer H. Sheets
Born: December 30, 1924
Killed in Action: January 15, 1945
while serving in Belgium.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
291st Infantry Regiment
75th Infantry Division
Prior to entering the active duty in June 1943, Pfc. Sheets had attended VPI for one year.
At the time of his death, Pfc. Sheets was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. M. L. Sheets, one sister, Dorothy “Betty” Sheets and three brothers, Thomas, Paul and James Sheets.
Interment:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
Joseph F. Shornak
Born: October 11, 1904
Killed in Action (MIA): February 3, 1943
while on the USS Dorchester near Greenland.
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Private
Prior to entering the service in August 1942, Pvt. Shornak worked in the Jacksonville, Florida City Engineer’s Office.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Shornak was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Felax Shornak, four sisters, Mrs. Frances Willoughby, Mary Shornak, Rose Shornak and Mrs. Christine Mariniak, and one brother, August Shornak.
Pvt. Shornak received a Purple Heart for his service and is memorialized on the East Coast Memorial, Manhattan, New York where his name is inscribed on the pylons of the missing.
Allen D. Spiers
Born: February 19, 1914
Killed in Action: January 17, 1942
while on duty in Pendleton, Oregon.
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Staff Sergeant
52nd Bombardment Squadron
Ferry Command Service
S/Sgt. Spiers attended Carson High School in Prince George, after which he was in the Civilian Conservation Corp prior to entering the service in July 1935,.
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Spiers was survived by his mother, Mrs. Norah Spiers, three sisters, Mrs. C.A. Drummond, Mrs. Thomas Harville and Mrs. L.E. Hicks, and two brothers, Thurston and William Spiers.
Interment:
Oak Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery
Dinwiddie, Virginia
James C. Steele, Jr.
Born: 1915
Killed in Action (MIA): October 24, 1944
while serving on the USS Princeton.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Chief Warrant Officer
Task Group 38.3
After attending Hopewell High School and before entering the Navy in 1933, Chief Steele worked at Hercules in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Chief Steele was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. James C. Steele, Sr. and one brother, Ralph Steele.
Memorialized on the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial where his name is inscribed on the Wall of the Missing.
Preston E. Temple
Born: September 28, 1925
Killed in Action: March 28, 1945
at Kirchfellen, Germany.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
80th Tank Battalion
Ninth Army
Pfc. Temple left Hopewell High School in December 1943 to enter the Army. He previously served in France, Luxembourg and Holland.
At the time of his death, Pfc. Temple was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur D. Temple, three sisters, Louise Temple, Helen Temple and Mrs. A.R. Wagner, and one brother, Arthur G. Temple.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
John H. Tomko
Born: December 25, 1920
Killed in Action: April 14, 1945
while serving in the
Harz Mountains in Germany.
U.S. Army
Rank: Second Lieutenant
18th Infantry Regiment
1st Infantry Division
Lt. Tomko was awarded the Silver Star posthumously and the Purple Heart.
Lt. Tomko was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tomko, three sisters, Ruth Tomko, Jennie Tomko and Mrs. Vera Chezik, and one brother, Andrew J. Tomko.
Interment:
Tomko Family Cemetery
Prince George, Virginia
Edward A. Vargo
Born: June 7, 1916
Killed in Action: June 6, 1944
during the D-Day invasion at
Normandy, France.
U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
116th Infantry Regiment
29st Infantry Division
Prior to entering the service, S/Sgt. Vargo worked at Solvay in Hopewell. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.
S/Sgt. Vargo was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Vargo, six sisters, Annie, Esther, Lilly, Ruth, Alice and Mary, and one brother, William Vargo.
Interment:
Normandy American Cemetery,
Normandy, France
William R. Vest
Born: October 14, 1911
Killed in Action: December 20, 1944
while serving on Leyte Island in the Philippines.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
307th Infantry Regiment
77th Infantry Division
Prior to entering the service, Pfc. Vest worked at Petersburg Laundry.
Pfc. Vest was survived by his father, Mr. William R. Vest and one sister, Mrs. Gertrude V. Tench.
Interment:
Blandford Cemetery
Petersburg, Virginia
Joseph F. Vlkojan
Born: 1913
Died in Service: August 2, 1941
while serving at Ft. Meade, Maryland.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
176th Infantry Regiment
29th Infantry Division
Pfc. Vlkojan was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Vlkojan, one sister, Mary Vlkojan and four brothers, Charles, Jr., Edward, Benjamin and George Vlkojan.
Interment:
Sacred Heart Church Cemetery
Prince George, Virginia
Martin J. Volek
Born: February 23, 1915
Died in Service: March 22, 1945
while serving on the Luzon Island in the Philippines.
U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
172th Infantry Regiment
43rd Infantry Division
Prior to entering the service, S/Sgt. Volek worked at Tubize in Hopewell and was a member of the Virginia National Guard.
S/Sgt. Volek was survived by his mother, Mrs. Teresa J. Volek, and two sisters, Mrs. V.N. Fields and Mrs. W.R. Hedgepath .
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Charles E. Watkins
Born: June 27, 1917
Died in Service: March 1, 1945
while serving on Guam.
U.S. Army Air Force
Rank: Sergeant
3rd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron
Prior to entering the service in April 1942, Sgt. Watkins had attended Pan American Business College in Richmond and worked at Solvay in Hopewell.
Sgt. Watkins was survived by his wife of one year, Mrs. Josephine Ameen Watkins, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Ashby N. Watkins and a sister, Julia.
Interment:
Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery
Dinwiddie, Virginia
Charles Russell Wicker
Born: November 17, 1907
Died in Service: April 12, 1944
while serving at Pearl Harbor.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Prior to entering the service, Lt. Wicker was working as a chemical engineer for DuPont in Wilmington Delaware.
Lt. Wicker was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Wicker, three sisters, Mrs. F. C. Clements, Mrs. L.A. Davis and Ola L. Wicker, and four brothers, William, Samuel, Warren and Norman Wicker.
Interment:
Appomattox Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
James F. Williamson
Born: March 27, 1924
Died in Service: August 31, 1945
while serving at Long Beach, California.
U.S. Navy
Rank: Seaman, Second Class
Prior to entering the service in April 1943, Seaman Williamson worked for Short and Thompson. He previously was stationed in Bermuda, British West Indies.
Seaman Williamson was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. William K. Williamson, and four brothers, Charles, Harold, William and Norman.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Korean �War
Andrew G. Book
Born: October 22, 1921
Killed in Action: September 3, 1950
at Chindong-Ni, Korea
U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Co. G, 2nd Bn, 5th Regimental Combat Team
SFC Book previously served in the Philippines, North Africa and Sicily during World War II before serving in Korea.
At the time of his death, SFC Book was survived by his wife, Helen Mariniak Book, two daughters Helen & Mary, three sisters Mrs. Anna Kraich, Mrs. Catherine Cervetti and Mrs. Margie Kukurda, and one brother Mr. George Book.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, VA
Larry Kennedy
Born: December 2, 1918
Killed in Action: March 9, 1951
while serving in South Korea.
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
Company I, 9th Infantry Regiment
2nd Infantry Division
Cpl. Kennedy enlisted on March 18, 1943 and served in WWII before re-enlisting for service in Korea.
At the time of his death, Cpl. Kennedy was survived by his wife, Mrs. Joyce O. Kennedy, three sisters and two brothers.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Thomas W. King
Born: September 21, 1930
Killed in Action: March 16, 1951
while serving in South Korea.
U.S. Army
Ranks: Corporal
5th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division
Cpl. King enlisted in July 1948 and served two years until July 1950, before being called back to active duty in September 1950 for service in Korea.
At the time of his death, Cpl. King was survived by his mother, Mrs. Myrt King, five sisters, three brothers and a special aunt.
Interment:
Mise Family Cemetery
Blackridge, Virginia
Felix S. Lee
Born: March 16, 1912
Killed in Action: November 29, 1950
while serving in Korea.
U.S. Army
Rank: Major
8668th Administration Area Unit
Major Lee served in World War II and re-entered active duty in 1948. He was assigned to Korea in October 1950.
At the time of his death, Major Lee was survived by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Lee, and two sons, Thomas F. and William S Lee.
Interment:
Blandford Cemetery
Petersburg, Virginia
Joseph Matonis
Born: April 21, 1913
Killed in Action: September 3, 1950
at the Second Battle of the Naktong Bulge, Korea.
U.S. Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
2nd Engineer Combat Battalion,
2nd Infantry Division.
Lt. Matonis enlisted in the Army on March 1, 1942 and served in World War II before serving in Korea.
At the time of his death, Lt. Matonis was survived by his wife, Mrs. Joan Matonis, and his mother, Mrs. Marcele Matonis.
Interment:
Lithuanian National Cemetery,
Haverhill, Massachusetts
�John D. Meikle�
Born: February 1, 1933
Killed in Action (MIA): December 15, 1950
near Ungdong-ni, North Korea.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Co. B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment
3rd Infantry Division
Pvt. Meikle enlisted in the Army on June 5, 1950 at age 17, just after getting out of school. The Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950. He was still 17 years old when he died.
At the time of his death, Pvt. Meikle was survived by his parents, Lawrence D. Meikle and Roma Gale Montgomery Meikle, his step-mother Myrtle Cain Meikle, and two sisters, Jewell and Linda.
Pvt. Meikle’s name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
Willie L. Moore
Born: March 5, 1921
Killed in Action: November 5, 1951
while serving in North Korea.
U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Co. G, 7th Battalion, 7th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division
SFC Moore was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism for action on August 22, 1950, while serving in Korea. He also received the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.
At the time of his death, SFC Moore was survived by his aunt, Mrs. Carrie Jackson and other relatives.
Interment:
First Baptist Church Cemetery
Disputanta, Virginia
�William E. O’Berry�
Born: November 13, 1930
Killed in Action: June 14, 1952
near Ch’orwon, North Korea.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
Co. I, 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment
45th Infantry Division
Prior to Pfc. O’Berry entering the service in August 1951, he worked at DuPont at Richmond. He loved hunting and fishing.
At the time of his death, Pfc. O’Berry was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Alphonso O’Berry, a brother, Alvin O’Berry and his grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Bollinger.
Interment:
Sunset Memorial Park
Chester, Virginia
�Robert A. Reed�
Born: December 27, 1927
Killed in Action (MIA): September 22, 1950
near Taegu, South Korea.
U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
Co. A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment
1st Cavalry Division
At the time of his death, Sgt. Reed was survived by his wife. Mrs. Gertrude Reed and his parents Mr. & Mrs. Hugh D. Reed.
Sgt. Reed’s name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
Vietnam �War
Klaus Y. (J.) Bingham
Born: December 14, 1943
Killed in Actio (MIA): May 10, 1971
while serving in the Quang Nam Province,
South Vietnam
U.S. Army
Staff Sergeant
RECON, Team ASP, TF-1 AE, MACV-SOG. 5th SF Group, USARRV
Sgt. Bingham attended Hopewell High School, graduating in 1962. He worked at Allied Chemical in Hopewell before entering the Army.
Sgt. Bingham’s parents were Master Sergeant and Mrs. William P. Bingham. He also had a younger sister, Christie.
Sgt. Bingham’s name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial,
Honolulu, Hawaii
John Wesley Blanding
Born: July 18, 1947
Died in Service: May 29, 1969
while serving in Vietnam
U.S. Army
Rank: Specialist Fourth Grade
HQ, 45th GS Group, Army SPT CMD QUI NHON, 1st LOG CMD
Specialist Blanding enlisted on
September 16, 1968, after attending Prince George High School
At the time of his death, Specialist Blanding was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Blanding, grandmother Mrs. Sarah Blanding, two brothers Thomas L. Blanding and Alfred Blanding, three sisters Myrtle Blanding, Edith Blanding and Alberta Barnes.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery,
Hopewell, VA
David L. Chaney
Born: September 21, 1943
Killed in Action: January 1, 1968
at Tay Ninh, Vietnam
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
At the time of his death, Cpl. Chaney was survived by his father, David P. Chaney, three sisters, Mrs. Mary Creech, Mrs. Martha Danes and Mrs. Sandra Norris, and two brothers James F. and Larry Chaney.
Interment:
Bermuda Memorial Park,
Chesterfield, Virginia
Freddie I. Crockett
Born: December 13, 1947
Killed in Action: May 6, 1968
at Binh Dinh, South Vietnam
U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade
At the time of his death, Pvt. Crockett was survived by his wife, Roxie Morse Crockett, children, Shelia and Gerald Crockett, and parents,
Mr. & Mrs. Willie I. Crockett.
Interment:
Powell’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Prince George, Virginia
William L. Draper
Born: March 23, 1948
Killed in Action: February 17, 1968
at Thua Thien, South Vietnam
U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines,
1st Marine Division
Prior to entering the service, Pfc. Draper worked for Clark and Prichard Clothiers in Hopewell.
At the time of his death, Pfc. Draper was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Horace H. Baird, a sister, Alice Baird and grandmother, Mrs. Hazel Draper.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, VA
Nathaniel Irving
Born: June 16, 1948
Killed in Action: February 8, 1969
while serving in Pleiku Province,
South Vietnam.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
Co. K, 75th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division
At the time of his death, Pfc. Irving was survived by his mother, Mrs. Luvester Irving Grammer, step-father Mr. James Grammer, six sisters, Mrs. Jennie M. Blanding, Mrs. Eliza Peterson, Mrs. Florence Tate, misses Catherine, Irene and Joyce Grammer and five brothers, William, Robert, James, Eugene and, John Grammer.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Robert L. Lewis
Born: October 4, 1940
Killed in Action: November 15, 1965
while serving in Pleiku Province,
South Vietnam.
U.S. Army
Rank: Specialist Fourth Grade
Co. C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division
At the time of his death, Specialist Lewis was survived by his mother, Mrs. Annie L. Rollins, father, Mr. Herman L. Lewis, grandparents, Mrs. Daisy Rollins and Charlie Lewis, two aunts and three uncles.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Robert G. Mayes
Born: June 27, 1940
Killed in Action: May 8, 1967
while serving in Phu Yen Province,
South Vietnam.
U.S. Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Co. C, 54th Infantry Regiment,
97th MP Battalion, 18th MP Brigade
At the time of his death, S/Sgt. Mayes was survived by his wife, Mrs. Marie M. Mayes, three children, Robert Lee, Walter Larry and Patricia Honey Mayes, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Pearson, a sister, Marie F. Mayes and a brother, Frederick Mayes.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
James L. McClain
Born: April 23, 1947
Killed in Action: June 12, 1967
while serving in Phan Thiet, Province,
South Vietnam.
U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
Prior to going to Vietnam, Cpl. McClain was stationed at Ft. Lee, Virginia and lived in Hopewell with his wife.
At the time of his death, Cpl. McClain was survived by his wife of nine months, Mrs. Diane Kluver McClain, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Lee McClain of Harris, Iowa, two sisters and one brother.
Interment:
Union Cemetery,
Harris, Iowa
Christopher G. Morbitzer
Born: June 19, 1947
Killed in Action: August 19, 1971
while serving in the Dinh Tuong Province, South Vietnam.
U.S. Army
Rank: Captain
Advance Team 66, Headquarters
Military Assistance Command Vietnam Advisors
At the time of his death, Cpt. Morbitzer was survived by his wife, his father, Kurt M. Morbitzer, two brothers and three sisters.
Cpt. Morbitzer is memorialized on the Vietnam Wall and the War Memorial Monument at Prince George, Virginia
Terry P. Pierce
Born: October 23, 1947
Died in Service: November 29, 1966
while serving at Quang Tri Province,
South Vietnam.
U.S. Army
Rank: Private First Class
HHB, 2nd Battalion, 94th Artillery Regiment
XXIV Corps
At the time of his death, Pfc. Pierce was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. John P. Pierce, and five brothers, James, Mitchell, Sean, Thomas and Kim.
Interment:
City Point National Cemetery
Hopewell, Virginia
Global �War on Terrorism
Michael M. Carey
Born: February 6, 1984
Killed in Action: May 18, 2004
at Al Anbar, Iraq
U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment,
1st Marine Division
At the time of his death, Pfc. Carey was survived by his wife, Heather, daughter, Mia, who was born two weeks before he died, father William and stepmother, Darlene Carey, mother Sandra Rhodes and stepfather Robert Rhodes, sister, Tandra Murphey and two brothers, Kristopher Carey and Travis Rhodes.
Interment:
Merchants Hope Memorial Park
Prince George, Virginia
Phillip A. Myers
Born: March 10, 1979
Killed in Action: April 4, 2009
while serving near Helmund Province, Afghanistan.
U.S. Air Force
Rank: Technical Sergeant
48th Civil Engineer Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Flight,
RAF Lakenheath, England
At the time of his death, TSgt Myers was survived by his wife, Mrs. Aimee Myers, daughter, Dakotah Myers, son, Kaiden Myers, mother, Mrs. Treasa Hamilton, father, Mr. Eddie Myers, brother, Sean Myers, his grandparents, an aunt and uncles.
Interment:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
Jesse A. Ozbat
Born: February 21, 1984
Killed in Action: May 20, 2012
at Uruzgan, Afghanistan
U.S. Army
Rank: Captain
168th Brigade Support Battalion
214th Fires Brigade
Cpt. Ozbat entered the Virginia State University ROTC upon graduating from high school and entered the service immediately afterwards.
At the time of his death, Cpt. Ozbat was survived by his wife, Danielle T. Ozbat, parents, Mr. & Mrs. Aaron M. Ozbat; sister, Marisa N. Ozbat, and brother, Elijah A. Ozbat.
Interment:
Blandford National Cemetery,
Petersburg, Virginia
Lawrence G. Sprader, Jr.
Born: July 2, 1982
Died in Service: June 12, 2007
while on duty at Ft. Hood, Texas.
U.S. Army
Rank: Sergeant
HHD, 11th Military Police (CID) Battalion
Sgt. Sprader joined the Army upon graduation from Prince George High School, and had previously served in the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
At the time of his death, Sgt. Sprader was survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. L. G. Sprader, Sr, and a brother, Christopher Sprader.
Interment:
Virginia Veterans Cemetery
Amelia, Virginia
References & Resources