OBITUARY AND DEATH REPORTS
FORMER MEMBERS OF THE
97th ENGINEER BATTALION (CONST)
Private, U. S. Army, Alphonso Bates, 97th Engineer General Service Group:
Entered the Service From: Pennsylvania
Service Nr.: 13051942
Date of Death: May 14, 1944
Wars or Conflicts: World War II
Buried: Plot L Row 2 Grave 32
Manila American Cemetery
Technician Fifth Class Willie B. Hatcher, U. S. Army, 97th Engineer General Service Group:
Entered the Service From: Georgia
Service Nr.: 34062615
Date of Death: November 01, 1944
Wars or Conflicts: World War II
Buried: Plot F Row 14 Grave 93
Technician Fifth Class, William Watson, U.S. Army, 97th Engineer General Service Group:
Entered the Service From: Pennsylvania
Service #: 33108473
Date of Death: July 29, 1945
Wars or Conflicts: World War II
Memorialized: Tablets of the Missing
Manila American Cemetery
COLONEL STEPHEN CARSON WHIPPLE, 2 SEPTEMBER 1958, CALIFORNIA:
Colonel Stephen Carson Whipple is interred at Golden Gate National Cemetery, 1300 Sheath Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066. The colonel is in section S Plot # 090. His wife, Margery Whipple, is also buried in the same cemetery at plot 091. While not the actual obituary, the following is a composite writing of our research on Colonel Whipple and his family:
Stephen Carson Whipple, born 15 February 1889, in the city of Eureka, County of Humboldt, State of California. His parents were Stephen Girard Whipple, father, and Georgia Ella (Harriman) Whipple, mother. Colonel Whipple graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, College of Civil Engineering on 23 December 1913. He married his wife Margery White at Chico, Butte, California, 11 July 1917. He and his wife had two daughters, Nancy E. Whipple and Margery J. Whipple. Margery W. Whipple was born 26 September 1892, lived in Santa Clara, California and died on 12 September 1984. Colonel Whipple passed away in San Francisco, California on 2 September 1958 at the age of 69 years, 6 months and 18 days. (Prepared by BG Michael A. LePeilbet and CPT Donald M. Ricks)
Colonel Stephen Carson Whipple was the first commander of the 97th Engineer Battalion (Regiment at that time) and commanded the 97th Engineers when they built the Northern section of the ALCAN Highway. For more information, see: In Alaska
MARC S. ROTH, PRIOR TO DEPARTING FRANCE, CIRCA 1964:
I was informed by one of our members that Marc S. Roth died in an automobile accident before his scheduled rotation date. If anyone can confirm this, please e-mail Don Ricks.
JAMES L. GESE, 13 JUNE 1965, MINNESOTA:
Citation for the actual St. Paul newspaper not available:
Twin Cities area victims were: James Leon Gese, 24, of 749 Jessie Street [and his friend] Donald Thomas Bergman, 24, of 707 De Soto Street. Gese and Bergman were killed shortly before midnight when their car left Centerville Road near County Road J, about 3 miles south of Centerville in Anoka County. The car crashed into a power pole and continued on for about 65 feet before landing on its top. Both men were thrown from the car. They died at the scene. Gese was employed as a well-driller for the McCarthy Well Company.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Gese; six sisters, Joan, Susan, and Sylvia Gese and Mrs. Donald LaValle, all of St. Paul; Mrs. Donald Vaillancourt, South St. Paul; and Mrs. Gerald Lind, Iver Grove; and two brothers, Richard and Valentine, both of St. Paul.
[Jim Gese was a dedicated and proficient mechanic in Company D, 97th Engineer Bn (Const).
copies of material from family files courtesy of Valentine Gese, St. Paul, Minnesota
Notes on Jim Gese, by Don Ricks:
Jim had an unique laugh, something that drew people to him. He was a smooth guy to most of us, with a ready, cocky smile, and he didn't allow people around him to do stupid stuff. He was our Cool Hand Luke. He loved fun but was more on the serious side than many of our more loose men in the unit. If he liked you, he would allow you to get a little closer, but if he didn't care for a particular personality he would just be nice and stand off more. He and I were friends, as close as any others in the platoon, both introverts and not really needing other people. We worked well together, and Jim was a very good mechanic, sought after by the more particular truck drivers.
I came from a large family, too, with three younger sisters, an older brother, and a younger brother just below me. Perhaps that is why we were close. I knew a close relationship with my siblings, and it continues even today. In fact, we have a reunion coming up at the end of this month, and they are coming from all over to be in south Georgia. I'm certain Jim discussed his family, but I didn't recall much of what I discovered about you guys from his obituary and accident story.
Jim and I were diesel and ordinance mechanics, in a group of six to eight mechanics, depending on who was coming and going. We slept in the same Quonset hut barracks (headquarters platoon), ate our meals together, listened to music, and went out on the town together. About six months after Jim arrived I began dating a French woman, so thereafter I did not spend as much time with him and the others, but we continued to closely work everyday in the same maintenance hanger. I also began to sing and play guitar with a band made up by air force men who lived a good distance from us. I was gone most weekends. Jim was always steady and seldom went off on his own, but you could find him engrossed in a book and not really needing another's company. I remember an irritating time with him, when he was reading several large books, such as The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, by journalist William L. Shirer. He ignored everyone! Then, he began to read another huge one, something by Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace, I believe. You couldn't get him away from them, and we were glad when he had had enough.
We looked up to Jim and gave him a lot of room, too. He was a serious card player and one of our better decision-makers. We often sought his opinion on difficult maintenance matters, and he would listen more than talk, reflect and give a calculated, reasonable response. If you went out on the town, you wanted Jim along, because he would be one who kept things from getting out of hand. When stupid stuff happened, Jim was way back from it, in a reasonable position and not involved in questionable behavior. I respected him and quietly gave him his due, although I was then one of the ones with a ready chip on my shoulder. Luckily, I got rid of that mentality in a few years. Jim was a balancing factor for me , for when I wanted to talk serious he was there to be serious. You could trust him.
I recall only once when we had an argument that became serious, because of unusual, even rare, behavior from him. Evidence is in one of the photographs at our site, which I will share with you [Photo page 2, 4 Mechanics and a Driver]. On a late Saturday night, Jim came into the barracks slightly inebriated. He had some cause to be that way, but I can't recall what it was. Well, he had purchased a Symphonic record player, one with a flip lid that held several 78 RPM records, with an automatic changer. It sounded good. We all enjoyed the record player and even bought records for him to play in early evening. Jim had purchased a copy of West Side Story's sound track, and he often played it. Jim was sometimes melancholy, and that record made him go deeper into a shell, I don't know why. It was about 1:30 am on Sunday morning when Jim came into the Quonset hut, a long, curved roof metal structure. We had bunks along the wall, with metal wall lockers separating individual living areas. Jim and I had bunks about the center of the structure and across from each other. Everyone else was asleep, but Jim turned on the lights and opened his record player. When he started West Side Story, I rolled over and asked him if he knew what time it was? He didn't answer but just laid down on his bunk. I turned back over and put a pillow on my head, but others started calling him down about the music and lights. He simply didn't respond.
I rolled out of bed, walked over and turned off the player, then the light, and went back to bed, thinking he had gone to sleep. He still hadn't said a word, just grunted. But when I returned to my bunk, Jim got up and made his way to the light switch and then to the player, this time louder than before. It was a challenge to everyone in the close barracks. There was chaos in dreamland.
I asked Jim calmly to turn off the player and light and pleaded with him to go to sleep. He just said I should mind my own business and laid back on the bed but glaringly looking at me. Well, I told him he was out of character, and he mumbled something and rolled his head to the left, away from me. I sat up on the side of my bed, pulled on my combat boots and quickly walked over and put my booted foot square in the middle of the record and stomped it dead, ruining it forever. That was how quick I went off in those days.
Well, Jim was up and at me before anyone could hold him off, and we swapped a few blows, he getting the best of the short bout, before others separated us. However, I had got in a good lick to his right eye area, and in the next day or two he had a black eye. It shows up in the U. S. Army photo (4 mechanics and a driver mentioned), where he is standing to my right behind me. Of course, I regretted destroying the player and the fight, and even went to him the next day to apologize. He was a man, that is for sure, and before I could get mine out he was telling me how stupid his conduct was, how he regretted the confrontation, and apologized for the ruckus. He even admired the black eye, telling me I had a good punch. He eventually apologized to everyone, and we never figured out what made him have that particular episode of bravado. We never had another cross word.
This isn't a bad memory but serves to reveal Jim's character and manliness. He was polite and reflective, and we had a good foreign tour together. He was one of my favorite people, and I have over the years found him in my mind, wondering what had become of him. I enjoyed his swagger, and the cocky yet poised sureness he constantly exhibited. For a mechanic, he was neat and tidy. He got dirty, like all of us, but he didn't stay that way long. He had lots of pride, and I imagine he worked on that car of his a lot. I took most of the photos of him at our site, and Jim took many of those of me, as I was the one with a camera and readily shared my prints with others.
SFC EVERARD AARON DAVIS, 13 JANUARY 1968, BEN HOA PROVINCE, SOUTH VIETNAM:
SFC Everard Aaron Davis, Male, Black or African American, Never Married, Methodist Churches, aged 57, born 15 October 1910, at Jamaica, Queens County New York; died in Bien Hoa Province, Vietnam, on 13 January 1968, from a stroke and is buried at Long Island National Cemetery. He served in the Unites States Army for 26 years (1942-1968). He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal in 1945 and then served during the Korean War before his service in Vietnam. He was with Company A, 97th EBC and served as Platoon Sergeant of the First Platoon (LT Klinck’s platoon) circa 1955–58.
Source: Find A Grave, Long Island National Cemetery
Though we do not have a verified photograph of SFC Everard A. Davis, he is most likely one of the Black or African–American non–commissioned officers in this company photo from July 1957:
SGM JOSEPH ARTHUR SHEHAN, 28 JANUARY 1978, SALINA, KASNSAS:
SGM Joseph A. Shehan served as Sergeant Major for the 97th Engineer Battalion until he retired in September 1969, and he was replaced by SGM Turner. See the Constructor Newsletter for October 1969.
CAPTAIN ALLISON MAYFIELD HENSON, JR., COMPANY A, 97TH EBC, VERDUN, FRANCE, DIED 24 JUNE 1988, VIRGINIA:
With a big thank you to John W. Ford, Company A, 97th EBC, Verdun, France, 1963–66, we have a photo of an outstanding officer with whom John served. Allison retired a Lieutenant Colonel and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery:
Source: The Black in Crimson and Black: A History and Profiles of African Americans at SDSU (PDF)
Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, USA, Plot: Sec 60 Site 5312
STANLEY JULE GRINDY, 1991, ARIZONA:
Stanley was buried at this cemetery:
Search for “Fort Huachuca Cemetery” then “Grindy” Sierra Vista
Cochise County
Arizona, USA
Plot: section 9 site 462
Birth: Aug. 18, 1931
Death: Oct. 1, 1991
Served in the US Army:
18 Apr 1952-18 Jan 1954
25 Jan 1954-5 Apr 1962
29 Jun 1962-28 Feb 1973
NOTE: Stanley’s wife Carole Gay Lawson Grindy is buried beside him.
Stanley and I served together in France in 1963, and I departed in September of that year. Several years later, as a fixed wing pilot in Vietnam, I ran into many people I had know in service, and it was no surprise that I opened the air stair door of a U-21 one day and saw Stanley J. Grindy begin his climb into the aircraft. When he saw me, he backed down and said in a surprised way, “RICKS!!”
When he recognized I was a captain, he was again all military, being a senior sergeant, and began to bring his hand up to salute, with a growing puzzled look on his face. I quickly descended the stairs and took him by the hand, and with a big grin on my face said something like, “Grindy, you old salty dog!” We shook hands for some time, both trying to compose ourselves and to make some sense out of the encounter. I had forgotten about our passengers and was approached by two others who asked if they could get aboard. I ushered them on board and turned again to Stanley and quickly told him where I was assigned. We chatted for a few minutes, with the right engine running and the left one in beta range, the pilot waving that we had to go. I never saw Stanley again but wished we had had more time together that day.
A few years before our encounter in 1970, First Sergeant Stanley J. Grindy was present when 1LT Wayne R. Holland took command of Company C, 97th Engineer Battalion (Const), at Pirmasens, Germany, on 17 November 1967. The outgoing company commander was Captain T. Meadows:
Stan Grindy was 1SG of Co C in Pirmasens when I came on board as CO. He was one of the most capable NCOs I have ever served with. Michael LePeilbet was the guidon bearer and close confidant of 1SG Grindy as I recall. Wayne R. Holland, LTC (Retired).
COLONEL WILLIAM P. GARDINER, 20 AUGUST 1994, FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA:
Obituary from the Washington Post (August 22, 1994):
William P. Gardiner, 71, a Springfield resident who was a retired Army colonel and a former environmental engineer, died of lung cancer Aug. 20 at Fairfax Hospital. He served in the Army for more than 30 years before retiring from the Army's environmental office at the Pentagon. He then was an associate with V.J. Ciccone Associates of Woodbridge, developers of water treatment systems, until retiring in the mid-1980s. Col. Gardiner was born in Scotland and raised in Pittsfield, Mass. He was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers when he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1945.
His Army career took him to posts in Germany, Japan and France. His stateside assignments included a tour as a West Point instructor. He was a graduate of the Army's Command and Staff College and the Army War College. He received a master's degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University and a master's in computer science from American University. Col. Gardiner was a member of the Fort Belvoir Yacht Club.
Survivors include his wife, Anita, of Springfield; three children, James Gardiner of Winchester, Jane Midnight of Williamsburg and Joan Lonergan of Stafford; a sister, Betty Barker of Deerfield, Mass.; and seven grandchildren.
Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Plot: Columbarium 3 OO-21-1
MAJ WALTER A. STEERS, 16 JUNE 1996, LAKEWOOD, WASHINGTON:
Walter A Steers was born on 26 April 1914 and died on 16 June 1996 at the age of 82. This person last resided in Lakewood, Washington in Pierce County. Major Steers was Executive Officer of the 97th Engineer Battalion under the command of Major Robert Atkins.
JULIUS NIEMIEC, CWO (Retired), 29 SEPTEMBER 1996, CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY:
Julius Niemiec was born on January 26, 1914 and died on September 29, 1996 at the age of 82. This person last resided in Clifton, New Jersey in Passaic County. Julius Niemiec was assigned the social security number (SSN) of: 143-05-4622 [Source: death-record.com]. Served in A Company, Vassincourt, France.
MSGT THORGEL “SARGE” KLESSEN, WWII, 17 NOVEMBER 1998, SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA:
Obituary and other information for this soldier from Company C, 97EBC is coming soon.
97TH EBC FIRST SERGEANT AND BATTALLION SERGEANT MAJOR WILLIAM LEO CROFT, WORLD WAR II, KOREA, VIETNAM, 28 JANUARY 2000:
CSM (Retired) Leo Croft died 28 January 2000 at Rolla, Missouri, and is buried at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Greene County, Missouri:
CSM INGRAM MELVIN ENGEBRETSON, CSM 97TH ENGR BN, GERMANY, FORT RILEY, 18 JULY 2000, TACOMA, WA:
Ingram M. Engebretson
Ingram M. Engebretson, “Ing,” born April 30, 1911 in New Auburn, WI, passed away July 18, 2000 in Tacoma. He retired as Command Sgt. Major in the U.S. Army after 24 years of service. His greatest interest in the military was to teach young soldiers in trades they would later need and utilize in civilian life. He was a devoted Christian and ushered for over 64 years. Ing was a member of First Assembly of God—Life Christian Center, and served as president of Men of The Chapel overseas and in Texas. Ing is survived by his wife of 58 years, Agnes, sister Ester Erdman of WI, and numerous family and friends. He was preceded in death by parents Otto and Bertha, and sister Laura. Graveside services will be held Monday, July 24 at 11:00 a.m. at New Tacoma Cemetery. Arrangements by Tuell-McKee Funeral Home, 272-1414. Pub Date: 7/21/2000
Tacoma News Tribune [exact source data unknown]
COLONEL HAROLD L. MYRON, 21 AUGUST 2000, FLORIDA:
MYRON - Harold L. Col. Ret., of Coconut Creek, FL passed away on August 21, 2000. He is survived by his wife Estelle; his son, Richard Myron, daughter, Judi Grindle and four grandchildren. There will be a military funeral on Thursday, in Atlanta at Crest Lawn. Military grave side services.
AUBREY R. “RAY’ ETHERIDGE, 28 SEPTEMBER 2000, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI:
Aubrey R. Etheridge was born on April 05, 1943 and died on September 28, 2000 at the age of 57. This person last resided in Saint Louis, Missouri in Saint Louis City County [SOURCE: www.death-record.com]. Burial: Section 1N, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Lemay Township, Saint Louis County, Missouri, United States, Section 1N Site 767
LTC WILLIAM FRANKLIN CRISE, 17 March 2002, CULVER, INDIANA:
LT COL Crise and his wife Betty were interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Veteran Service Dates from 05-01-1943 to 06-30-1963. Information extracted from the National Cemetery Administration's National Gravesite Locator. http://www.cem.va.gov/
MILTON E. SCHUSSMAN, JUNE 4, 2003, WISCONSIN:
The Fond du Lac Reporter, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, June 4, 2003: Milton E. Schussman, 64, of N10811 Town Hall Road, Malone, died unexpectedly Monday, June 2, 2003. He was born Jan. 22, 1939, on the family homestead in the Town of Calumet, a son of the late Erwin and Esther Jensen Schussman. Milton served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. On Oct. 6, 1972, he married Virginia Koehler at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in the Town of Calumet. Milton and his wife farmed on the Schussman homestead in the Town of Calumet.
[Milton was a mechanic, and a very good one, during his service with Company D, 97th Engineer Bn (Const).]
LOUIS VINCENT GENUARIO, SR., JANUARY 10, 2004
From a contemporary press report: Louis Vincent Genuario Sr., 78, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who started a construction company and was involved in Fairfax County community groups, died of complications from a cranial hemorrhage January 10, 2004, at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia.
Colonel Genuario was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, and in high school lettered in soccer, basketball and baseball. He served in the Army Air Forces during World War II in the China-Burma-India theater.
He was a 1950 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he was captain of the soccer team.
He served in Korea during the war there. He received the Silver Star for charging with hand grenades and his automatic weapon while the enemy was encircled but preparing to break out. "Enemy breakthrough was averted and approximately 100 enemies were annihilated," his citation read.
He was seriously wounded during the Pusan perimeter defense and the breakout across the Naktong River. He spent almost two years in the hospital recovering from wounds and then transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers.
He later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a master's degree in civil engineering from Harvard University. His final active-duty assignment, in 1966, was at the Pentagon doing personnel work for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Colonel Genuario then became the area engineer for the D.C. Department of Highways and was in charge of building the Mall tunnel and Reflecting Pool project near the Capitol.
In 1970, Colonel Genuario started a construction company that has since become three firms: Genuario Construction Co. Inc., Wakefield Homes LC and Genuario Properties Inc. The companies specialize in high-end residential housing, infill development, light-commercial contracting and historic renovations.
He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, taught religious education and served on the parish council for more than 10 years. He was a lay minister for four years and was appointed by the bishop of Arlington to serve on the diocesan committee to develop plans for a priests' retirement home.
He was appointed to the Fairfax County affordable dwelling unit advisory board and the Fairfax County disability advisory board.
He served on the city of Alexandria's committee on affordable housing. He also helped establish the first homeless shelter in Fairfax County.
In 1998, the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association named him builder of the year.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Rose Greco Genuario of Alexandria; two sons, Arthur R. Genuario and Louis V. Genuario Jr., both of Alexandria; four daughters, Debra G. Whitt of Richmond, Christina G. Aiello of Santa Fe, N.M., and Donna G. Hart and Marina G. Nagler, both of Fredericksburg; his mother, Gemma Genuario of Westport, Conn.; a sister; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
On Saturday, morning January 10, 2004, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (retired) Louis Vincent Genuario of Alexandria, Virginia, died of complications from a hemorrhage incurred three and a half weeks earlier. He was the beloved husband of Rose G. Genuario; loving father of Donna Hart (Donn), Christina Aiello, Marina Nagler, Arthur Genuario (Susan), Debra Whitt (Spencer) and Louis Genuario, Jr. (Laura); adoring grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of six; devoted son of Gemma Genuario of Westport, Connecticut; caring brother of Maria Sikes of Norwalk, Connecticut, and the late Vincent Louis Genuario.
Colonel Genuario was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on January 1, 1926 to Arthur and Gemma Genuario, was a graduate of Norwalk High School where he lettered in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Colonel Genuario then spent two years in the China-Burma-India Theater of World War II in the Army Air Corp. Colonel Genuario then entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1950.
Immediately following graduation, Colonel Genuario was sent to Korea and after earning the Silver Star for bravery and action was seriously wounded during Pusan Perimeter Defense and breakout across Naktong River Offensive. He spent almost two years in the hospital recovering from wounds and then transferred to the Corps of Engineers.
After various engineering assignments in the U.S., France, and Germany and studying at MIT and earning a Master's of Civil Engineering at Harvard University, Colonel Genuario retired in 1966.
From 1966 to 1970 Colonel Genuario was an area engineer for the District of Columbia Department of Highways and was in charge of building the mall tunnel and reflecting pool project near the Capitol. In 1970 Colonel Genuario founded his own home building and development entities which now include:Genuario Construction Company Inc., Wakefield Homes LC, and Genuario Properties Inc. The companies specialize in high end residential housing, infill land development, light commercial contracting, and historic renovations.
Colonel Genuario was a charter member of Good Shephard Catholic Church, taught religious education, and had been on the parish council for over 10 years. His civic involvement included being an officer in the Williamsburg Manor North civic association; President of the Holland Meadows PTA; active in Fort Hunt High School PTA; appointed to the Fairfax County Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board for over six years and the Fairfax County Disability Advisory Board; served also on the city of Alexandria Committee on Affordable Housing, and on the Board for the South East Fairfax Development Cooperation. Colonel Genuario had been a VP for Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services on the board of Route 1 Corridor Housing and helped established the first homeless shelter in Fairfax County. Colonel Genuario was President of Mount Vernon Country Club in 1987 and 1988; President of Alexandria Building Association 1990 to 1994; 1994 to 2000 member of Board of Army Retirement Residence Foundation, 1998 awarded Builder of the Year Northern Virginia Building Industry Association; VP and Life Director for NVVIA; Consultant to Time Life Books for 10 years and Class historian USMA 1950.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Alexandria, VA on Friday, January 16 at 12 Noon. Interment Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors on February 5 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers any memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shephard Housing and Family Services Inc., P.O. Box 15096, Alexandria, VA 22309.
GENUARIO, LOUIS V
LTC US ARMY
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 10/01/1940 - 10/01/1961
DATE OF BIRTH: 01/01/1926
DATE OF DEATH: 01/10/2004
DATE OF INTERMENT: 02/05/2004
BURIED AT: SECTION 54 SITE 11
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Posted: 7 August 2004 Updated: 22 Januaru 2006
SOURCE: Arlington National Cemetery Website
Editor’s Note: Captain Louis V. Genuario served as Company Commander, D Company, in 1961 as I arrived in April. His successor, Captain Horace Schow II, assumed command later in 1961 and is also buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 64, Site 3457.
KENNETH H. NAKANASHI, JUNE 4, 2004, HAWAII:
KENNETH HIROSHI NAKANISHI, 63, of Honolulu, died June 4, 2004. Born in Honolulu. Survived by wife, Sharie An; daughters, Lori Griffith, Kerri and Marci; two granddaughters; brothers, Ernest, James and Gary; sister, Mae Matsushige. Visitation 1 p.m. Saturday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary.
FERNAND MITCHELL ACHÉE, JR., 21 January 2005:
LTC ACHÉE served as commander of the 97th Engineer Battalion in 1964 and is buried at Section 8, Site 7283, Arlington National Cemetery:
HORACE SCHOW II, MARCH 29, 2005, FLORIDA (BURIED ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY):
The Arlington national Cemetery web site shows the following page for one of our former commanders, Horace Schow II:
GLENN A. HARRISON, OCTOBER 27, 2005, GRANIT FALLS, NORTH CAROLINA:
News-Topic, Lenoir, NC, October 31, 2005: Glenn A. Harrison, 68, of Granite Falls, N.C., died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005, at Frye Regional Medical Center.
He was born Feb. 16, 1937, in Caldwell County to Verlee H. Harrison of Granite Falls and the late Ralph D. Harrison. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patsy H. Moretz.
Mr. Harrison was retired from Hickory Business Furniture as a supervisor and a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife, Hazel W. Harrison of the home; three brothers, Bob L., Tom W. and Jake D. Harrison, all of Granite Falls; and a sister, Judy H. Phelps of Granite Falls.
Funeral services will be Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at 4 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne White and Mr. Robert Morgan officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service from 2 until 4 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Tim Phelps, Jon Harrison, Brian Harrison, Bradley Harrison, Frank Winkler and Richard Aultman.
Source: http://newstopic.net/articles/2005/10/31/obituaries/26glennharrison.txt
JAMES “JIMMIE” D. MORTON, MAJOR, U. S. ARMY, RETIRED, 15 DECEMBER 2005, LIVINGSTON, TEXAS:
Major Jimmie D. Morton, born James (Jimmie) D Morton, born 17 April 1924, Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, died 15 December 2005 at Providence Hospital, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan, USA. After Basic Combat Training he attended Company Clerk Schooling, was promoted to Corporal and was reassigned to the 97th Engineer Regiment (Colored) at Camp Blanding, Florida, from June 1941 until September 1941. In October 1941 the 97th Engineer Regiment was transfered to Alaska to help build the Alcan Highway, and, he was promoted and worked as S/Sgt and Regimental Message Center Chief until November 1944 (circa the completion of the Alcan Highway).
Following is a photo of Major Morton at his retirement and a link to a more thorough overview of his career at this Find A Grave web site link:
KENNETH EARL TRAINHAM, JR., MAJOR, U. S. ARMY, RETIRED, SEPTEMBER 8, 2006, LIVINGSTON, TEXAS:
Notes From Mrs. Joyce Trainham:
“Kenneth’s obituary was published in the Mineral Wells Index. Ken and I were living as “full time” rv–ers. We were here in Weatherford at our daughters house when lung cancer took him after a 14 month battle. We lived in Mineral Wells for 30 years, after his last assignment was to close down Fort Wolters. He arrived in france in October 1959, and we left with a new baby in December 1962 for Fort Benning, Georgia. I will try to find his orders. Ken graduated Officer's Candidate School (OCS)(Ft. Benning) in 1965. He was commishened infantry, but after 1 year as a Vietanmese advisor he branch transfered back to engineers. He acquired his degree by night school. I'm sorry i can't remember the units he served in in Vietnam. If i can find his orders, I'll let you know. He would have been thrilled to hear from all his buddies. He died 6 years ago today.”
Comments:
Ernest and Mary Comeau: “I remember Kenneth from when I was there. Mary and I offer our heartfelt condolences to their famly.”
Ron Stilley: “It is so very sad to hear of Ken’s passing. The memory that stands out of Ken is: I had gone to the movies at Vassaincourt, and Ken was there, and there were also some young ladies in the audience. Another young GI was cussing up a storm and wouldn’t stop when Ken asked him, so Ken used reasonable force and “persuaded” him to watch his mouth. I remember Ken got applause. Another one of the good guys gone. God Bless them all.”
Phyllis (Trainham) Peel: My mom and dad met the night he was promoted to Specialist 5. She was going to Verdun High School, and they married there in November 1961. My brother was born over there in 1962. Dad Retired as a Major after closing Ft. Wolters in Mineral Wells, Texas, in 1975. He passed away 6 years ago of Lung Cancer (Agent Orange).
Don Ricks: “I first remember Kenneth as a rather serious-looking man, but when you got to know him he was open and fun to be around. He was a lot more seriouis than me, and I sort of walked softly around him. He just seemed older than me in ways I can't explain. Ken was a good man. In April 1969, Kenneth was assigned to HHC, 34th Engineer Battalion, APO 96289, Vietnam. He spent his first tour, 1966–67, as an ARVN advisor (Infantry). Upon return, he transferred back to Engineers and went to Fort Belvoir Engineer school.”
CHAPLAIN KENNETH E. ADCOCK, 16 SEPTEMBER 2006, RALEIGH, NC:
RALEIGH, N.C. - Kenneth E. Adcock, 77, died on Saturday, September 16, 2006.
Dr. Adcock entered the Army as a 1st Lt. in 1961. He was promoted to Captain in Dec. 1962 and was promoted to Major in Feb. 1967. He served on active duty for 13 years until September 1974. After discharge from active duty he completed 15 years in the Army reserves and retired in 1989 with the rank of Colonel. He served at Ft. Devens, Mass. two years; Etain, France, three year [Editor: 97th EBC]; Ft. Bragg, N.C., 82nd Airborne Division, 2 years; 101st Abn Div. Ft. Campbell, Ky. 6 months; Vietnam, 101st Abn. Div., 1 year (Nov. 1967 to Nov 1968); Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., 9 months; Chaplains Advanced Career Course, Ft. Hamilton, N.Y. 1 year; Administrative Chaplain at Ft. Polk, La., 3 years; Aschaffenburg, Germany, 2 years. He return to U.S. and was discharged from active duty in 1974. He attained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951 from Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, Tenn.; Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1961 from Phillips University, Enid Okla.; and Doctor of Ministry degree in 1979 from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Pemberton Adcock; sons Joe (Lynn) Adcock, Cary, and Jake (Sue) Adcock, Raleigh; daughter Jane A. Tracy, Athens, Ga.; brother Bill Adcock, Madisonville, Ky.; sister Dorothy Shelton, Madisonville, Ky.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral Service will be held on at 10 a.m. Wednesday at McLaurin at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations, 12830 U.S. 70 West, Clayton, N.C. 27520, with the Rev's. Charles Aldridge and Lance Bailey officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Johnson Bible College, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, Tenn. 37998.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.
HERMAN LEE HALE, 6 DECEMBER 2006, PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS:
SOURCE: Obituary
COLONEL (RETIRED) ALBERT ADOLPHE DUPONT, JULY 16, 2009, MOUNT PLEASANT, TEXAS:
Colonel Dupont served as Commander, 97th Engineer Battalion (Construction) for approximately eighteen months, from 1967 to 1969. Obituary and photographgs courtesty of Colonel Dupont’s son, MSgt (Ret.) Stephen Dupont, United States Air Force:
1LT WILLIAM EDWARD GRIGGS, 26 OCTOBER 2009, BALTIMORE, MD:
Source of article extract: The World War II Black Regiment That Built the Alaskan Military Highway, by William E. Griggs (University Press of Mississippi, Jackson, 2002), page 112. For further information, see Maryland Generations: Veterans Profiles
1LT JAMES DUNCAN “JIM” WELLS, 7 NOVEMBER 2009, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA:
1LT James D. Wells, formerly of Company A, 97th EBC during the 1950s, returned to civilian life and had a remarkable career as an architect. His obituary is at Find A Grave:
CSM BENEDICT BALTHAZAR, 79, 28 NOVEMBER 2009, MILILANI, HAWAII:
Benedict Balthazar, 79
December 11, 2009
The Maui News
Benedict Joseph Balthazar, 79, of Mililani, and formerly of Maui, died Nov. 28, 2009, in Mililani.
Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday at Schofield Main Chapel on Oahu, with a service at 10 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Schofield Cemetery. The family requests no flowers and casual attire. Donations may be made to St. Francis Hospice. Ultimate Cremation Services of Hawaii is assisting with the arrangements.
Mr. Balthazar was born June 30, 1930, in Paia. He was a retired command sergeant major for the U.S. Army and a retired U.S. federal firefighter.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Keiko Balthazar; a son, Lee Balthazar, three daughters, Valerie Santiago, Shirley Balthazar-Baurer and Jenny Brady; two brothers, Steven Balthazar and Dennis Balthazar; two sisters, Lourdes Santos and Barbara Edwards; and 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
This is the obituary for the man who was First Sergeant of Company D and then became the 97th Engineer Battallion Command Sergeant Major, 1966–1967 He was my 1SGT for about a year, then my boss the last 6 months I was there. I lived on the economy and checked on the building at Vassincourt a couple of times a week—other than that I did nothing. He was a great guy and the reason I stayed in the Army Reserves as long as I did. I really hated to leave the Army when I did because I was working for such a great guy. When Natalie was born he and his wife come to the hospital to visit her and bring a gift. At the time he was working late at night with the units moving and all, but he found time to visit the hospital. I really miss this guy!
Lloyd Mullins
CW4 CHARLES E. CAMPBELL, 1 DECEMBER 2009, BRADENTON, OHIO:
Charles E. Campbell (Died 1 December 2009)
He moved to Bradenton in 1988 from Bucyrus, Ohio.
He was a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church of Bucyrus, Ohio, a veteran of the U. S. Army, retired after thirty years, serving during World War II, and Vietnam, and was a Purple Heart recipient.
Survived by wife, Emma “Louise” of Bradenton, FL; sons, Charles E. of Spring Branch, TX; Mark I., CW4, Ret., of New Windsor, NY; Dean of Hamilton, OH; daughter, Christine L. Kalb of Bucyrus, OH; brothers, Jack of Galion, OH; Bill of Vancouver, Canada; sister, Ruth Foght of Galion, OH; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren.
There will be no local services.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel in charge.
Memorial Donations made to Good Hope Lutheran Church Poplar Street Bucyrus, OH 44820.
LTC (RET.) RICHARD HENRY KAFONEK, 6 JUNE 2012, LINCOLN, NEBRASKA:
LT CREED F. ALDERSON, JR., 17 AUGUST 2012, ASHVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA:
Creed F. Alderson, Jr., 78, of Asheville died August 17, 2012 in the loving arms of his family at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, Asheville. Born in Norton, Virginia, November 21, 1933, Creed was a 22-year resident of Asheville and 50 year part-time resident of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. Son of Creed Flanary Alderson, Sr. and Mary Ford Alderson, he was preceded in death by his brother Tom Gent Alderson and loving wife, Nicola.
He served with Company A, 97th EBC at Vassincourt during the mid 1950s.
Creed’s full obituary and photograph are available within this PDF file:
1SG JOSEPH ERICK STADLER, 24 SEPTEMBER 2012, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS:
EARL LANDIS CASTLE, OCTOBER 19, 2012, WEBER CITY, VIRGINIA:
Earl Castle was stationed in Vassincourt from 1957 to 1959. He was a cook [Obituary courtesy of Joe Greear]:
Source:Click on “Obituary,” search Earl L. Castle
WEBER CITY, Va. — Earl Landis Castle, 78, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, (Oct. 19, 2012), after a lingering illness.
A resident of Scott County, Va., he served two years in the United States Army. He worked at Holston Defense Corporation (Kingsport) and retired in 1991 after 30 years of service. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Weber City, Va.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Chloe Castle; and a sister, Adala Frasier.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shelby Castle (Gate City, Va.); a son, David Castle and wife Charnita (Weber City, Va.); a daughter, Sandra Honaker and husband Jason (Gate City, Va.); grandchildren, Kenny Howe, Spencer Howe, Lakin Castle; great-grandchildren, Kacey Howe, Jacob Howe; a sister, Lou Satterfield and husband Stan (Clinton, Tenn.); sister-in-law, Nell Hartsock and husband Daris (Gate City, Va.); brother-in-law, Henry Cain and Peggy Nickels (Tazewell, Va.); several nieces and nephews.
The family of Earl Castle will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Colonial Funeral Home (Weber City, Va.).
A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Dean Smith and Pastor Scott Fields, will be held at 8 p.m in the funeral home chapel.
Music will be provided by Tammy Riner.
A graveside service will be held at 11a.m. on Tuesday at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, Va. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #3 / Post #265 of Gate City, Va. / Kingsport, Tenn. and members of the Virginia National Guard. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Colonial Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. to go to the cemetery in procession.
Pallbearers will be Kenny Howe, Spencer Howe, Reed Satterfield, Gary Frasier, Ricky Hartsock, and Lyle Hartsock.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family of Earl Castle by visiting the funeral home’s website (www.colonialfhscott.com).
Serving the family of Earl L. Castle is Colonial Funeral Home of Scott County, Inc. , Weber City, Virginia.
COMMENTS:
“I have known Earl all my life. He was in the 97th Engineers. He started out as a truck driver and ended up being a cook. I tried to get him to come to the reunion at Ft. Leonard Wood with me, but his health was too bad and he was not able to come.
Joe Greear”
“Earl was a great friend, and he will be missed. I am glad you [Joe Greear] provided me his phone number, and I talked to Earl through his wife a few months ago.
Larry L Castleman”
HARRY L. HARVEY, LTC (RET), 19 JUNE 2013, GRANTS PASS, OREGON:
Harry L. Harvey was stationed with Headquarters, 97th Engineer Battalion (Const), at Etain and Verdun, 1965–66. Our condolences to Jacque Sue Harvey and her family:
DAVID SAMAHA (AKA DAVID PRATER), 31 DECEMBER 2013, HOUSTON, TEXAS:
We have verbal confirmation that David Samaha died after a lengthy struggle with cancer on New Years Eve, 2013. David served from 1964–67 at Vassincourt and Verdun, France and at Pirmasens, Germany. When details of a planned memorial service are shared by his family we will post the information here.
SYLVESTER PATTERSON, 28 JANUARY 2014, BRONX, NEW YORK:
COMMENTS:
I am sorry to hear of Patterson’s passing. He and I had a friendly competition going in our driving situations. His truck and my truck were the two newest in the company and we always fought to be the best during inspections and when hauling loads, we tried to get the most, the heaviest and the fastest in what ever we were hauling. I’m sorry we never got to see each other after we left France. He was a good friend even if he was in the third platoon. His truck number was A–33.
Terry Wilkes
ROBERT A. ATKINS, SR., 21 JUNE 2014, LANSING, KANSAS:
We have learned through an internet search that Colonel Robert A. Atkins, Sr., aged 90, died in June and was buried burial with military honors in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. The following PDF file is a tribute to Colonel Atkins that is also his obituary:
BRIEN DAVID CARRIGAN, 30 JULY 2014, LIBERTY, NORTH CAROLINA:
LIBERTY - Mr. Brien Carrigan, 72, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at ARMC [cancer].
Omega Funeral Service and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements. Funeral Home Link
Funeral Home:
Omega Funeral Service & Crematory, LLC.
2120 May Drive Burlington, NC 27215
(336) 395-8326
Service arrangements are not yet announced.
GILBERT HAROLD ROTENBERRY, 25 JULY 2015, ABINGDON, VIRGINIA (U. S. Army Retired):
[A note from Harold’s friend, Joe Greear:]
I am saddened to send you this link. Our fellow soldier, Harold Rotenberry, passed away Saturday evening, July 25. He had been struggling with lung problems for the last few years. Could you please post this on the web site so that others will know about his passing.
Regards,
Joe Greear [Company A/D, 97th EBC]
GUSTAVE A. NORDSTROM, JR., 1929—14 September 2015, ESSEX JUNCTION, VERMONT (U. S. Army Retired):
MILTON SCOTT ROSSELAND, 13 AUGUST 1942—22 APRIL 2016, CIRCLE, MONTANA:
LARRY G. LITTLE, 6 JUNE 2016, HORN LAKE, MISSISSIPPI:
Larry Little served with the 97th EBC in in Germany and at Fort Riley, Kansdas, with SP5 Michael LePeilbet (BG, Retired), who recently visited Larry in Mississippi. BG LePeilbet has been in contact with the family and provided some guidance assistance for service connected benefits:
HORN LAKE––Larry G. Little, 69, passed away June 6, 2016.
Mr. Little was born in the Mississippi Delta in Marks, but his parents later settled in Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended school and went to college. He was preceded in death by his parents, John G. and Mary A. Little.
He is survived by his wife of 46 and a half years, Pam Little; daughter, Susan Holtzclaw (Lyndon); son, Michael G. Little (Nora); son, John C. “Patrick” Little; grandchildren: Jocelyne, Chris, Emily, Nicholaus, Logan, and Jeremiah; sister, Kathy Eisenbraun; niece, Kaylyn Goode; nephew, Wade Goode; and his dog that he loved very much, Gabby.
Mr. Little was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. He was stationed in Germany and drove a fuel tanker to the Czechoslovakian border when the Russians invaded them in 1968.
After his military service he became a truck driver where he had 32 years of safe driving without a ticket or accident.
A visitation will be held from 12:30–2 pm on Friday, June 10, 2016 with a funeral service to follow at 2:00. All services and interment will be held at Forest Hill, South on Holmes Road.
DECEASED: JAMES JOSEPH VESEY, PLATOON AND COMMANDER, COMPANY A, 97TH EBC, 1955–56, MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA, 9 FEBRUARY 2017:
James Vesey photo credit, courtesy of Daniel Klinck, former member Company A.
Obituary for James Vesey’s wife, Caulean Vesey, who died 26 June 2016
DEATH OF BILL LIZYNESS, ROCKWOOD, MICHIGAN, 10 OCTOBER 2017:
"Bill Lizyness from C Company, 97th Engineers, passed away. As I recall he hung with Dick Machuta (long time deceased), and Bill Clinton. They played guitars and had a little band." Harry Puncec
LARRY EDWARD DOYLE, BOONEVILLE, MISSOURI, 20 JANUARY 2018, AT HARRY S. TRUMAN VETERANS HOSPITAL, COLUMBIA, MISSOURI:
DECEASED: WILLIAM D. ADAMS, PLATOON LEADER, COMPANY A, 97TH EBC, 1955–57, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 16 SEPTEMBER 2018:
Dear Members,
It is with heavy hearts that we find ourselves informing you of the passing of our longest tenured member, Mr. William Adams, who passed away peacefully, at the age of 85, on September 16, 2018.
Mr. Adams was a member of our Club beginning in 1964, serving in many leadership roles including President of the Club and the Algonquin Club Foundation.
Burial will be private.
Thank you,
Management, The Algonquin Club of Boston
OBITUARY:
DECEASED: LYNN HARLAN HAYES, COMMANDER, COMPANY C, DECEMBER 1971, SIERRA VISTA, ARIZONA, 2 JANUARY 2019:
For additional about service to the 97th EBC provided by CPT Lynn Hayes, please visit this link:
Lynn Hayes article
DECEASED: CHESTER S. MATTHEWS, COMPANY A/D, MESA, ARIZONA, 1 SEPTEMBER 2017:
DECEASED: RAY LEE COFFEY, COMPANY A/D, ARDMORE, OKLAHOMA, 21 AUGUST 2018:
DECEASED: LARRY LYNN CASTLEMAN, MAJOR, RETIRED, COMPANY A, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, 29 JULY 2020:
Larry Lynn Castleman
September 26, 1939 - July 29, 2020
U. S. ARMY Retired
MAJ Larry Lynn Castleman U. S. Army (Ret.) passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, in Birmingham, AL. He was 80.
Memorial Services will be held on Monday, August 10, 2020, at 10:00 am at Ridgecrest Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Sanders officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 6863 Dothan, AL 36302.
Mr. Castleman was born on September 26, 1939, in Scott City, Missouri. He graduated from Upper Iowa University with a bachelor’s degree and Central Michigan University with a master’s degree. Mr. Castleman proudly served in the U.S. Army for 20 years retiring as Major. While in the Army, he served in many countries including the Panama Canal where he met and married his wife, Kathryn. Larry enjoyed technology, reading, watching old cowboy movies, and volunteering with various organizations, including the DAV. Larry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. and Helen M. Castleman and brother, Edward Castleman.
Survivors include his wife Kathryn Castleman; children, Douglas (Jennifer) Castleman, Helen “Chrissy” (Jeffrey) Taylor and Laura (Preston) Jones; grandchildren, Ethan Castleman, Owen Castleman, Olivia Castleman, Haylee Castleman, Grace Taylor, and Zachary Taylor; siblings, Thomas Bruce Castleman, Neisha Schwartz, and Mark Castleman.
Posted by: SunsetMemorialPark
Date: Aug 06, 2020
SOURCE: Larry L. Castleman Obituary
EDITOR: It is difficult to lose a brother in arms, no matter the time or place. Larry was an extraordinary man who lived a full life and helped many people. He was instrumental in the collection and display of much of the history posted at this web site. He and I worked closly together to collect and preserve all that we possibly could in the time given. He was a friend, counselor, encourager and alway willing to give of himself. We have lost another veteran we will miss for the much that he gave. My condolences to his much–loved family, comrads and friends. Donald M. Ricks, Hazel Green, Alabama.
DECEASED: MICHAEL ANTHONY LEPEILBET, BRIGIDAIR GENERAL, RETIRED, COMPANY C, CORNING, CALIFORNIA, 29 NOVEMBER 2021:
[Published by Daily News on Dec. 8, 2021.]
Find–A–Greave siteL https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/235828321/michael-anthony-lepeilbet/photo
EDITOR: This was a complete surprise to me, and I am still looking for more information to share. General Lepeilbet was a great encourager and friend and would do anything for you> He helped a lot during the last few years to organize functions and encoureager reunion events across the country [see reunion event files for years 2014-2015]. We will all miss this veteran soldier. Our condolences to his friends and family.
Please send in obituary information.
