Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)

Years of Service: 1942-1946 and 1949-1951

Robert D. Whited, 89, of Sumner, WA, passed away Friday, February 8, 2013. He was born November 9, 1923 in Lincoln, NE. He served his country during WWII in the South Pacific where he participated in the battles of Guam, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He also served in the Korean War, stationed in Ketchikan, AK commanding the Search and Rescue teams of the 11th Coast Guard District. His medals include: Combat Action Ribbon (Iwo Jima), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (5), World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asia clasp). He graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 1956 with a BA in History and Grace Theological Seminary in 1961 with a M.Div. He served in various pastorates with the Grace Brethren Churches. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jeannette, daughters Karen Spiker, Cathi Fanning, Barbara Warren and Jean Fitzpatrick, 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Services were held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA where he was buried with military honors. We will miss you Whitey, Dad, Gpa! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paralyzed Vets of America at www.pva.org

This post was submitted by thefannings.

This post was submitted by Aretha.

Conflict: Korean War (1950-1953)

Our grandfather was a true hero. After serving two tours in the Korean War he returned home to serve his Lord. He started a family with a beautiful woman (Isabel Argumaniz) and had five children. He then became ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church where he served actively for 32 years. After a spinal cord surgery that left him paralyzed, he adjusted to living his last seven years in a power chair. He continued to serve his family and church despite his disability.

The Lord called him home yesterday, Sunday February 3rd. He is survived by his wife, 5 kids, 14 grand children, 23 great grand children, 6 brothers & 2 sisters. He will be greatly missed but we know he will be dancing in heaven! We love you papo!

This post was submitted by utajnray.

Conflict: Korean War (1950-1953)

Years of Service: 1950-1970

Paul Eugene Jones, Jr. (Born March 9, 1928. Passed away January 17, 2013) – Was a Combat Veteran during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant after 20+ years of service (which includes service in the Navy during WW II, Arizona National Guard during the Korean conflict and the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War).

A dedicated and honorable soldier, Paul E. Jones, Jr. received many decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons during his service. His Badges include: Combat Infantryman (Korea), Combat Infantryman (Vietnam), Joint Chiefs of Staff, Expert Rifle and Carbine, Sharpshooter Rifle and Carbine and Recon DO Patch. His Military Medals (awards) include: American Campaign, Victory Medal WW II, 2 Bronze Stars (1 Korea, 1 Vietnam), 2 Army Commendations, RVN Gallantry Cross with Star/Palm, RVN Honor Medal (EM), ROK Korean Medal, 4 Army Good Conduct Medals, 2 National Defense Medals, Korean Service Medal (2 Battle Stars), United Nations Medal, Armed Forces Exped. Medal (Korea), U.S. Vietnam Service Medal (5 Battle Stars), and RVA Campaign Medal with Device. His Unit Citations include: an Army Presidential Unit Citation (Korea), Army Meritorious Unit Citation (VN), Korean Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation.

His commitment to his fellow soldiers (Buddies and Brothers) was his greatest priority during his years of service. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and he will be remembered as a true American by future generations.

This post was submitted by shellieg1.

Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)

Years of Service: 1940-1966

Radio Man during WWII & Korean Conflict, “Al” Clendenin achieved the rank of Master Chief, continuing to serve post war. He became a much requested Radioman Instructor. Upon Military retirement he became a Civil servant for an additional 20 years. A devoted family man, MC Clendenin raised a family of 7 boys, with his wife Julia. William “Al” Clendenin died Saturday, having lived nearly 60 years in Norfolk VA. 8/5/1923-1/18/2013.

This post was submitted by JudyLBC13.

Conflict: Vietnam War (1961-1973)

Years of Service: 1966-1967

George (Jimmy) Spence was my father. He immigrated from England and was drafted into the Vietnam War before he was even a United States citizen. He survived the war and went on to become a great father. He recently passed away due to complications from ALS commonly found in veterans exposed to Agent Orange. My dad was a courageous and honorable man. I’ll miss my hero.

This post was submitted by JSpence.

Conflict: Korean War (1950-1953)

Years of Service: 1949 – 1952

Thad Taft entered the United States Air Force in 1949 at the age of 19, and served his country in the Korean Conflict. At the age of 21, he was a crew member of a combat plane that lost an engine and crashed. He suffered a permanent spinal cord injury and was honorably discharged in 1952. Upon returning to civilian life, he pursued his education at UCLA and received an Architectural License. He joined Lockheed Aircraft as an engineer/architect, and traveled the world on Lockheed projects. He received several awards for outstanding service, and retired in 1995. Thad was a private pilot for more than 30 years; he owned his own airplane, and was a member of the International Wheelchair Aviators in Southern California. He logged thousands of hours flying throughout the United States and Mexico. He was devoted to his beloved wife Barbara, and their wonderful children and grandchildren. Thad passed from this life to join his God on November 14, 2012.

This post was submitted by DHabib.

Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)

Years of Service: 1942-1945

Ken flew C-47s, transporting troops and supplies in the Pacific Theater. He once successfully piloted a load of other pilots safely through a violent storm while two other cargo planes crashed losing all aboard.

This post was submitted by Alfieweb.

Conflict: Vietnam War (1961-1973)

Years of Service: 1971=

Stirling (Scotty) is my brother and served honorably in VietNam for one year. During that time he was exposed to Agent Orange which resulted in a rare form of leukemia some 30 years later. He was diagnosed in December 2009 and was given 90 days to live. What is remarkable is that he is still very much alive almost 3 years later. I have always been amazed at his courage, fortitude, and insistence on living. Although he lost his business as a result of his disease, he continues to inspire me. He is on disability and has spent time in chemotherapy. Today he spends his days in a recliner and does not have the strength to go upstairs to his “man cave” where his computer and ham radio are. In spite of his disability he is usually cheerful, optimistic and enthusiastically interested in the world at large. I admire those qualities and salute him as a fellow veteran.

This post was submitted by DWest.

Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)

This post was submitted by moranypac.