November 2021

Joseph C. Haines Sr.

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LTC (Retired) AUS Joseph C. Haines Sr.

Haines entered military service on Sept. 9, 1940, when he enlisted in the New Jersey National Guard.

He entered into federal service on Sept. 16, 1940, when all of the National Guard was mobilized due to the war in Europe. He served in various enlisted roles in the Quartermaster, infantry and Cavalry units of the 44th Infantry Division, rising to the rank of corporal.

Joseph C. Haines Sr._story

Thomas E. Pitts

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Thomas E. Pitts died at the age of 74.

He earned a number of honors while serving in the U.S. Army.

“He was my hero.” — Coe Pitts

Thomas E. Pitts_story

Richard M. Preno

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Richard M. Preno, Sergeant, U.S. Air Force.

Enlisted 1946-1949 — overseas 21 months.

Richard M. Preno_story

Martin Conrad Peters

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Martin Conrad Peters was born in Okarche on Nov. 10, 1938.

I met him in 1959 at Jobe’s Drive-In. We decided to get married Jan. 27, 1961. I was still in high school.

We were afraid he was going to get drafted and he did in June. He went to serve his country, I stayed home and went to school. His basic training was at Fort Carson, Colo. He wrote me a letter every day. I still have every one of them.

Martin Conrad Peters_story

Howard Hurst

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Howard Hurst was born in Canadian County in 1917. Died in 2008.

Served as a combat infantryman during World War II in the Aleutian Islands.

Hurst was awarded the Purple Heart, AP Service Ribbon and four Bronze Service Stars, American Defense Service Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and two Bronze Stars.

Howard Hurst_story

Walter Ross

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Walter Ross

USAF, World War II, 1943-46.

Served in New Guinea, Philippines and Japan.

Walter Ross_story

Charles Thomas

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Charles “Sonny” Thomas

Enlisted at age 17 in the U.S. Navy, 1950-1954.

Aviation Boatsmate

Korean War Service Medal

Charles Thomas_story