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Veteran Stories Page 4
Earl Major McCoy
I would like to request an Honor a Veteran button in honor of my father Earl Major
McCoy.
My Dad served during the Korean War, stationed in Korea inthe US Army. He died a year ago, August 2007 and is buried in the Veterans National Cemetery in Bushnall, Florida. It was not until his death that we realized that my father was a decorated veteran of the Korean War, he received several medals including a Distinguished service medal according to paperwork from office of Veterans Affairs. My Dad was a humble man and never called attention to his accomplishments, but was very proud of his service to country. He was apparently a sharpshooter of some sort and operated his weaponry with great precision and accuracy and was placed in a division or unit where he was the only African American in his unit, (I recall overhearing this when I was a child in his conversations to others).
His service to country was passed on to my nephew, as Dad never had any sons (3-daughters) but he always wanted a son to follow in his footsteps. When he learned that my nephew was enlisted in the US Air Force it was one of the proudest days of Dad's life. He died a proud Veteran, and was buried with military honors, my nephew was given the flag from his coffin.
Thank you for this opportunity to share Daddy's story! Sincerely, Renee McCoy (Daughter) and Iris (Earl McCoy's granddaughter)
Fred Robert Arnette
Fred Robert Arnette is my Daddy. He served during WW II. Daddy wouldn't share many
stories of the war with his children. At a young age I could see the distance in his
eyes when it was mentioned. I wish he lived till I was older and mature so I could
have talked with him about his war experiences. I won't to know what our very young
men and women go up against when serving our country. I can only imagine. - Debbe
Arnette
Charlie Benbow and many wonderful Veterans and Friends
My name is Millicent Benbow. I would like to honor my late husband, Charlie Benbow,
by voting in his honor. He was the love of my life. He served in WWII as a combat
engineer in England, Belgium and in Germany along the Rhine River. He survived the
war to come home to me and to his small son. His only brother, John Wesley Long Benbow
was killed when his P-51 Mustang was shot down over Japan in the closing weeks of
the war. Charlie was very patriotic. He raised his children to be patriots and to
love this country. Thank you - Millicent Benbow
My name is David Benbow. I grew up and live in Statesville. In my lifetime I have known many outstanding soldiers, many wonderful veterans and some friends who were killed in the military. It’s hard to select just one vet to honor. Should I honor my Uncle John Benbow, who I never met, because he was killed in WWII when his P-51 Mustang was shot down just before the war ended…or my nephew, Captain Charles Benbow, USMC, who has served 3 tours in Iraq and who was wounded in Afghanistan…or my 2nd Infantry Division buddy, Michael Rymarczuk, U S Army, from Philadelphia, who was shot and killed in the Korean DMZ July 30, 1968, or my Army buddies Earl Jeffery, Cleveland Davis, Rease Weathers, Jimmy Fleenor, all of whom were wounded in the DMZ of Korea in the summer of 1968, or Lloyd King, from Canton, Ohio, who saved them, or Ulysses Biggins, from Miami, Florida, who also saved them but who died this year from agent orange complications, or my DU fraternity brother at UNC, Ted Edwards, USMC who was killed in Vietnam, or my high school classmate and captain of our Statesville High School’s football team, Murray Moseley, US Army, who was killed in Vietnam, or my boyhood friend from 1st Presbyterian Church in Statesville, Ardrey Barringer, USMC, who was killed in Vietnam.
…Which one do I choose to honor? They are the ones who put their very lives at risk and some died in far away lands…away from home…or were wounded and bled their blood for us. I want to honor them all by telling you about them.
I also want to tell you about of my dad, Charlie Benbow, who died last year at age 91. He served in WWII for 4 years in England, Belgium and Germany. His unit of combat engineers built a Bailey bridge across the Rhine River as the Germans were retreating. He was a good man, a good father, a loving husband, a wonderful grandfather, a dedicated Christian, a proud US citizen and a proud veteran. He hated war, but understood its necessity to protect us and those innocent people who are not strong enough to protect themselves from ruthless leaders and from cruel armies which want to conquer for a variety of reasons.
My dad, Charlie Benbow, is the vet whose name I want to place on my tag as I vote on election day…but, as I vote, I will be honoring many more. - David Benbow
James Ferederick Settle
My Grandfather fought in World War II and was stationed in France and Germany. While
growing up he always spoke about "brothers" he served with and seemed to take it very
hard when one-by-one they passed away. He was proud of his service and I will be proud
to wear the pin while voting in this election. - Archelle Williamson
John W.L. Benbow
I would like to vote in honor of Capt. John W. L. Benbow. My Uncle John was a P-51
Mustang pilot in the Army Air Corps who was killed on a mission over Japan on July
16, 1945. Choosing a relative to honor was a very difficult choice for me, as my father
served in France and Germany during World War II, and my son is a Marine Corps infantry
officer who has served five combat tours in the Middle East. I am equally proud of
all three of them, but I chose to honor Uncle John because he gave his life in the
cause of freedom and democracy. Because of his sacrifice, I believe it is my solemn
duty to exercise my right to vote. - John M. Benbow
Ralph B. Walker, II
I am honoring my father, Capt. Ralph B. Walker, II. He served in Vietnam, 1966-1967,
in the army. He was killed in action on May 29, 1967. I was just shy of three years
old when he died. I have no living memories of him, so I take every opportunity like
this to honor his service. From stories I have heard from men who served with him,
he loved what he was doing. He was well respected by the men in his unit. He was a
proud graduate of the West Point Class of 1963. Fellow classmates remember his Texas
swagger and love of Infantry... the dirtier the better. I honor and respect all the
men and women who served/are serving in our armed forces. My family and I miss what
we could have had with me. So, remember to VOTE!!! - Christine Walker Polli
Ned T. Kintzer
What a wonderful way to pay tribute to our service men and women--- past and present.
Thank you. I will wear my personalized pin with great pride.
I am writing to honor my late husband, Ned T. Kintzer, who passed away May 5, 2007 at the age of 59. He proudly served in the United States Army- A CO, 2nd/501st of the 101st Airborne Division. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, 1970-1971.
Almost twenty years after serving his country, Ned felt a need to reconnect with some of his Army buddies. He painstakingly located several of his men and eventually went on to help co-found the Alpha Avengers of Vietnam Association. This Organization has reunions every even year, having had its 10th one this past June 2008 with an attendance of almost 100. It was his passion to continue with the camaraderie and close companionship of these men, and now I proudly serve as the Organization's Secretary/Treasurer.
To say I miss him each day is an understatement, but as I look at the beautiful wooden encasement of Ned's medals displayed below a meticulously folded American flag which draped his casket, I am reminded of what FREEDOM truly means. Thank you to the men and women who serve and have served this great country, and may God continue to bless their families, as well.
A special word of thanks to the State Board of Elections for allowing this web site to exist. The stories displayed here inspire me to persevere even on my darkest days, and for that I am most grateful. AIRBORNE! - Dianne M. Kintzer
L.P. "Mac" McLawhorn
I would like to Honor a veteran--my dad. His name is L.P. "Mac" McLawhorn. He served
in WWII and was a member of the Pathfinders during the invasion of Normandy. He was
also a veteran of the Korean Conflict. My dad died February 1st, 2005 and was granted
his wish of a funeral with military rites. I know this really isn't a story but it
didn't feel right to request a button for my dad and only state his name. Thanks so
much for providing such a wonderful service for all veterans and their families. - Lisa
M. Goss
Bryan Kershaw
I am honoring my son Bryan Kershaw who has been serving in the US Army since 1986.
He has served in So. Korea for a year. He also served in Iraq in 2005. He is now serving
his second tour in Iraq. He recently left on August 28th. My thoughts and prayers
are always with him and his unit. He is our proud soldier and son. - Marguerite
& Jim Kershaw
Harold Small
I would really to get a vote for vets button honoring my father, Harold Small, who
was in the Navy from 1944 to 1953 (active and reserve). He was a great guy, loved
his country and served aboard the USS Paricutin during WWII. They sailed the Pacific,
and Daddy always said he felt close to home when the Armed Services Radio would play
the UNC basketball games. He was a lifelong Tar Heel basketball fan after that! It
means even more to me this year because Daddy just died on September 14th. - Diane
S. Griffin
James G. Moose
My Grandfather, James G. Moose of Rowan County, passed away this past June at the
age of 84. He was a member of the United States Army, and a decorated veteran of World
War II. As a Corporal in the 398th Engineers, he served for 33 months in both the
European and Pacific Theaters of Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and the Philippines.
He was presented the American Service Medal, EAME Service Medal with three Bronze
Stars, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal,
Meritorious Unit Award, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Growing up, my sisters and I always enjoyed playing with his "Army Stuff". Camping out in his tent is one of our fondest memories. Even though he was a towering man, I looked up to him because of his presence and the kind of man he was. He was proud to have served his country, and I learned what Patriotism was through the stories he told us. This past June he was laid to rest at the U.S. National Cemetary in Salisbury and he was given a Hero's burial. I miss him terribly, and I cannot believe he will not be with us this Christmas. He is the definition of a hero and will always be mine. I'd be honored to wear a button that paid tribute to his service this upcoming election day. - Stephanie Hurst
Stwart D. Hervey, Jr. and other important Veterans
My Name is Paul M. Hervey and I live in Mooresville, NC. During my life time, I have
known many veterans who have served our country in time of peace and in time of war.
There is my grandfather, Colonel Stewart D. Hervey who spent over 30 years proudly
serving during WWI and WWII. There is also, my Uncle, Colonel Theodore Hervey, who
graduated from West Point and served his country until he died from complications
from Vietnam. There is my Father, Stewart D. Hervey, Jr. who was a 1st Lieutenant
at 19 years old, wounded, leading a platoon, crossing the Rhine River, being shelled
by the Germany forces defending themselves and their country. And lastly, there was
one whom I never met, but was my father’s close friend and fellow warrior, Paul
O. Wofford. Paul lost his life during that that same river crossing and I am proud
that my father named me after his friend and fellow comrade in arms.
Which one do I choose to honor? They are the ones who put their very lives at risk and some died in far away lands…away from home…or were wounded and bled their blood for us. I want to honor them all by telling you about them. These men were all good men, good fathers, a loving husbands, dedicated Christian, proud US citizen and proud veteran. They all hated war, but understood its necessity to protect us and those innocent people who are not strong enough to protect themselves from ruthless leaders and from cruel armies which want to conquer for a variety of reasons. My father, Stewart D. Hervey, Jr. is the vet whose name I want to place on my tag as I vote on election day…but, as I vote, I will be honoring many more. - Paul M. Hervey
Danny J. Deese
My hero is my husband Danny J. Deese. He served in the Army and is a DAV in the Vietnam
War (it was not a conflict it was a War) in 1968. I am so proud of him and others
who served. All the Vietnam Veterans should be honored and I do honor them all! Thank
you for doing this – All over America – should honor these Vets.
- Phyllis Peyton Deese
William Robert West
I consider it an honor myself to vote in honor of my father, William Robert West,
who passed away in 1992. He served in the Army Air Corps during World World II, as
a radio operator in Europe. He was very proud of his military service, and served
his country with great pride. Although as a child I remember him telling stories of
his military service, I wasn't interested enough at the time to pay much attention,
a fact I deeply regret. After he passed away, I went through some of his military
papers and found orders and commendations for many missions, some of which were classified.
As an adult, I really wish he were still around for me to ask questions. Even after
being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, he couldn't remember my name sometimes,
but he could remember a great deal of the Morse Code he used as a radio operator.
Please send a button honoring Staff Sgt. William Robert West, Army Air Corps, WWII.
- Jeannie M. Chalkley
Robert E. Asker
I am voting in Honor of my grandfather, Robert E. Asker. "Grampa Bob" served in the
US Navy for 23 years, including service in WWII (Pacific theater), Korea, and Vietnam.
He was a Chief Boatswain's Mate. We used to go to his house for Christmas every year,
and when we arrived he often would "pipe us aboard" with his boatswain's whistle.
He loved to hunt and fish, and was a longtime member of the NRA. He was a military
history buff, and had an extensive Civil War library. My grandfather was one of the
most patriotic people I have ever met. He loved and was proud of his country. Almost
any time you saw him, he was wearing a Tshirt with some sort of an American flag or
eagle on it. He passed away this past summer at the age of 81, and I thank you for
this opportunity to honor him in this way. I am proud to be voting this November in
honor of my grandfather, Robert E. Asker. I love and miss you, Grampa! - Krista
Murphy
James D. Roberts
James D. Roberts, a WWII veteran, and a wonderful dad. He was a sargeant in the Army/Airforce
and served in Europe. While in the states, he was stationed at Drew Field in Florida,
where he played on one of the Army/Air Force baseball teams. My dad will turn 91 years
old in November. - Bridget Berrier
Robert Bradbury
I would like to request a button honoring a veteran. My father, *Robert Bradbury*,
was honorably discharged from the Army's 121st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron at
the end of World War II. He was born in No. Augusta, SC and raised in a small town
in up state NY. He didn't realize how smart he was until he went into the Army. So,
when he was discharged, he decided to go to college. He graduated from Columbia University
and worked in the aerospace industry, which far exceeded his dreams. And it really
made a difference in the lives of his 4 daughters. - Lisa Mowat
Jessica Reece
My daughter Jessica joined the army in July of 2005. She has served one tour in Iraq
for 18 months. She is now stationed in Germany.
Even though Jessica's family misses her and she misses us, the Army has helped Jessica in many ways, such as with her confidence to lead and with self discipline. Jessica is a communication specialist with the rank of Specialist. She re-enlisted for 6 years after serving almost 4.
We are very proud of Jessica and all her accomplishments. Way to go Jessica, we love you! - Mom
Michael Allen Howard
On November 4, 2008 I will be voting in honor of Sgt. Michael Allen Howard Michael
enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. After serving 3 tours in Vietnam as a Green
Beret Ranger, Michael returned home, attempting to live a normal life. After many
years of battling 'agent orange' induced cancers, Michael succumbed in 1984.
Brother Mike, you are my inspiration....my hero. Although you're no longer with us, you'll never be forgotten. Love you bro' - Lynn Price
James Lloyd Barefoot
I would like to honor my father, James Lloyd Barefoot, who died on October 4, 1988.
He served his country proudly during WWW II. He was a member of the Benson National
Guard Unit until he reached mandatory retirement age. He was with me the day I registered
to vote and always reminded me and my brothers of the price that men and women paid
for us to have the privilege to vote. My father was my hero. - Penny Taylor
James White
I request a button in honor of my ancestor: James White - Captain, North Carolina
Militia, Revolutionary War, 1779-1781 Brigadier General, Creek and Indian War 1813-1814
JAMES WHITE (1747-1821) James White, statesman, military figure, and philanthropist, was born in 1747 in Rowan County, North Carolina. He married Mary Lawson in 1770, and the Whites had seven children; their oldest son, Hugh Lawson White, achieved national prominence as a presidential candidate in 1836.
In 1783 North Carolina passed what came to be known as the "Land Grab Act" and opened a major portion of East Tennessee for settlement. During the next decade, White purchased over four thousand acres in what is now Knox County. In 1786 he built a fort and five years later laid out a town in what eventually became Knoxville. White donated land for a town common and a Presbyterian church and cemetery. For a nominal fee, he sold land to establish Knoxville's first institution of higher learning, Blount College, which later became the University of Tennessee.
White's public service included election to the legislatures of the State of Franklin and North Carolina. He represented North Carolina at its convention to ratify the Constitution of the United States and was also a representative to the Tennessee Constitutional Convention in 1796. Elected to the Senate in the First General Assembly of Tennessee, he became the Speaker of that body in 1797. White resigned his seat in favor of the popular William Blount after the latter left the U.S. Senate under a cloud of scandal; he returned to the state Senate after Blount's death in 1800. His appointments included justice of the peace and Indian commissioner of Tennessee, and he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Blount College, which later became the University of Tennessee.
White's military career began in 1779, when he served for two years as a captain in the North Carolina militia. He was commander of the "Immortal 38" in the defense of Knoxville in 1793 against an estimated one thousand Cherokee and Creek warriors. White served as a brigadier general with Andrew Jackson during the Creek War of 1813 and 1814. The Cherokees considered White a man of honor; on at least two occasions he tactfully interceded on their behalf and prevented reprisals by hot-headed settlers.
James White died on August 14, 1821, at his farm on the outskirts of Knoxville. In 1982 University of Tennessee archaeologists excavated the farm site. White and his wife, Mary, are buried in the cemetery of the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Knoxville. Thank you. - Larry Tucker
John B. Morgan
My father, John B Morgan, served during World War ll in the United States Army. He
served with the 398th Regiment of the 100th Division. He was always very proud of
his service for his country. He landed in France with his fellow infantrymen and together
they fought their way through France and Germany. He earned the "Bronze Star" during
his military service.
When I went in the army and then to VietNam he told everyone about his son that was in the war zone. He passed away on August 03,2004 and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. We talked about things that only a veteran would understand. - Dennis Morgan c I am requesting a button in honor for Robert Frank Jones, Robert is my brother-in- law who was in the Army, and served on the DMZ during the early 70’s. He was a young man who was married to his high school sweetheart . He and Diane were married right out of high school. They will have been married 40 years in December. He served our country well in the Army Infantry. Robert is an honest caring Christian man who is still giving to his community with his time, talents and money. He coaches his grandchildren in Little League. - Joyce H. Norwood
In Honor of Sergeant E-5 Robert Frank Jones of China Grove, NC 28023 Entered Army June 12, 1970, at age 20. Trained at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville,NC. Advanced Infantry Training in Jungle Warfare at Ft. Polk Louisiana. Arrived Cam Rahn Bay, South Vietnam on November 9, 1970. Assigned to 5th Infantry Davison 1/ 61st stationed on Quang Tri, South Vietnam. Assigned to RECON Platoon as Infantryman at firebase along the DMZ between North and South Vietnam. Our mission was to conduct search and destroy operations in our area by doing recon missions and manning night ambushes.
In January took in country training with 101st Airborne Division as a Sniper. Returned to my Recon Unit with the 5th Infantry Division and carried out 3 man sniper missions by observing trails that the North Vietnamese troops used to take supplies and weapons into South Vietnam. Served as squad leader for a 5 man team responsible for recon missions and ambushes. His responsibilities consisted of being able to read maps, first-aid, operate a radio and make sure we were where we was suppose to be and make sure those that he was responsible for they did on their mission and returned safe. In August 1971 the 5th Infantry Division turned our area over to the South Vietnam Army and those that had be in country for at least 11 months came home. I was reassigned to the 22nd Infantry Division at Tuoy Hoa, South Vietnam until I returned to the States on November 8, 1971, While serving with the 22nd Infantry Davison in Viet Nam obtained the rank of Sergeant E-5. Completed active duty on January 26, 1972.
Please write Robert’s Story with all of the other brave men and women who fought to help us keep our Freedom. - Dale W. Norwood
Gene B. Dague
I would like to have an Honor A Veteran button to honor my Father, GENE B. DAGUE,
a WWII Veteran who was wounded in the Battle for Iwo Jima. I lost my Father on March
27, 2008. He was so proud of his service to his Country as a US Marine and was a faithful
voter in every election. Thank you--this is a wonderful program to Honor our Veterans!!!!!
- Linda D Ford
Roy Harrell
I wish to honor Roy Harrell a World War II, US Navy Veteran. He served as Shore Patrol
Police and rod a Harley Davidson. - Eddie Parris
Donald R. Blackmon
My dad served 4 years in the Army National Guard. He also went to Vietnam t secure
America's future of freedom. People who stand up and fight for this country day after
day should be recognized for what they have done for all of us. - Lisa Blackmon
Donald Clarke, Jr.
Please send me a button to honor my father, Donald Clarke, Jr., who served in the
US Army during Panama and the Gulf War. He is a member of the American Legion and
Society of the Third Infantry Division. Also, he is a law enforcement officer in North
Carolina with about fifteen years of service. I am very proud of him and look forward
to wering the button in his honor this election. - Christina Clarke
Nathan T. Sawyer
I've been told stories of my Great Grandfather whom was first with the Confederate
States of America and how he "escaped" and went over the mountain to join the Union
Army. There he served 100 days and returned to his home in North Carolina. In the
late 1880s he was able to purchase 100 acres of land from treaty with the Cherokees
for five dollars. That land is still in our family today. - James Michael Clampitt
Willard L. Jeffries
My father, Willard L. Jeffries, served in the United States Army, in World War II.
My children remeber their grandfather as a loving, courageous man, a man of great
integrity, an American who loved his country, and his great-grandchildren remember
his compassion and warmth. I am honored to pay tribute to my father, a devoted veteran
who fought hard to protect the freedom of this great nation. - Phil Jeffries
Donald Clarke, Sr.
I would like a button to honor my father, Donald Clarke, Sr., who served in the United
States Army during World War II. He was very proud of his service to our country,
and always reminded my sisters and I of the importance of voting. He passed away on
Jauary 1, 2008, and I miss him very much. Thank you for this opportunity to honor
him and our many other veterans. - Donald Clarke, Jr.
Jesse Thomas Flake
Jesse Thomas Flake was inducted into the US Army at Knoxville, TN on October 12, 1953.
He receivedd his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. After completing basic training,
he was assigned to the South Eastern Signal School at Camp Gordon, GA, where he was
trained in Cryptography and received a top-secret clearance. Following their graduation
from Signal School, all of the Crypto students were transferred to Fort Campbell,
KY where they performed post guard duty until the remainder of the unit returned from
maneuvers in Louisiana. A short time after their return, the entire 53rd Signal Battalion
was assigned to Fort Hood, TX.
He was stationed in the states except for a Temporary Duty trip to Germany with a 1st Lieutenant, a Corporal, a Private First Class and a Private for a special mission whose destination and purpose couldn't be shared with his family until the got back! Shortly after their return, Jesse was promoted to Corporal, a rank that was renamed as SP3 on July 1, 1955. He was discharged from service on July 12, 1955.
Jesse was born in Anson County, NC, on May 26, 1931, but moved with his parents and half brother to the Speedwell Community in Jackson County shortly before his first birthday. His sister was born there in 1935. Jesse is a graduate of Cullowhee High School where he was Valedictorian of his class. He received his bachelor of Science adn Master of Science in Education fror what is now Western Carolina University.
Jesse has always set a fine Christian example, so lovingly caring for his Mama and Daddy as long as they lived, and caring so deeply for his half brother and his family, his sister and her family, his Church and the Young Adults Sunday School class which he taugh for many years, the students in his math class at CHS, his fellow workers at WCU and "Unto These Hills" Drama in Cherokee, and the youg people at Broyhill Children's Home. All children and adults love him! - Betty Jean (Flake) Sink
Joesph Smith
I am voting this year in honor of my father, Joesph Smith. He served honorably in
the Army during Vietnam. He has always been a wonderful father, grandfather and man.
He has taught me so very much during my life and most of all has always loved me.
I am so proud to call him my father. I would love to wear a button in his honor this
year when I vote. Thank you - Landis McEntee