Port Huron, MI — This Memorial Day, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs will recognize 27 local fallen heroes from World Wars I and II, along with the Korean, Vietnam, and Iraq wars. Their names will be added to the Pine Grove Tablet memorial monument in Pine Grove Park.
Daniel J. Crocker, retired State Director of Veterans Services, Department of Michigan of Veterans of Foreign Wars, said, “Last year we had the distinct opportunity to have 21 names added to the tablets. At that time, I was about 60% done with my research. As the research continued, I continue to identify more county residents that lost their life because of their service to our country. At this stage, I think we have found almost all but cannot honestly say that we will not find more in the future. Of the 27 names that have been added, three were identified through the Blue Water Area Fallen Heroes Community Banner Project spearheaded by Mr. Ed Weichsler. The bottom line is that 27 former servicemen with ties to St. Clair County who paid the supreme sacrifice on the altar of freedom will finally and forever be memorialized on the sacred tablets located in Pine Grove Park. Never to be forgotten anymore. This is truly the largest number that has been added since the Vietnam War.”
The following service members will be remembered and honored:
World War I
Private First-Class Gabriel H. Dibble, Marine City
Private John A. Fraley, Casco Township
Private Edward C. Hastings, Wadhams
Captain Harold G. Ross, Port Huron
World War II
Private First-Class David D. Bryce, Port Huron
Private John A. Cartwright, Algonac
Private Rolla W. Caskie, Port Huron
Private Robert T. Chandler, Ira Township
Corporal Frederick N. Cryderman, Port Huron
Private First-Class Donald L. Diebel, Port Huron
Staff Sergeant Stanley H. Firth, Port Huron
Captain Jack S. Gerrie, Port Huron
Private John Grenenko, Port Huron
Private First-Class Frank S. Gubala, Marine City
Private John C. Haxer, Marine City
Carpenters Mate 3rd Class Thomas J. Herman, Avoca
Private First-Class Raymond D. Hill, Jr., Marine City
Ships Cook 1st Class Richard E. Hoetger, Marine City
Private First-Class James E. Lindsay Jr., Port Huron
Private Harry J. Massman, Port Huron
Lieutenant Ray W. Sherman, Port Huron
Sergeant Marvin L. Stolp, St. Clair
Staff Sergeant Michael J. Tanowigch, Yale
Private Carl F. Williams, Marysville
Korean
Corporal Richard M. King, Algonac
Vietnam
Private First-Class Allan D. Timmerman, Port Huron
Iraq
Lance Corporal Thomas P. Echols, St. Clair
If you are a family member, friend or acquaintance of a St. Clair County service member who died while serving their country, the committee is looking for photos of over 580 service members to add to the Blue Water Fallen Heroes Community Banner Program. Call the banner message line at (810) 985-2007 for information on how to submit your photograph.
Despite the cancellation of the Memorial Day parade in Downtown Port Huron, The Department of Veteran’s affairs is asking community members to observe a moment of silence on Monday, May 25th at 12 noon to show respect for our fallen heroes.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
