Nordonia Residents who fell in WWII or Vietnam

This album is dedicated to the men who served their country and paid the supreme price for peace by giving their lives.

Let no one forget their sacrifice and pray that someday man will find peace with their fellow man and forsake war forever.

The hard copy of this album will remain in the Palmer House Museum and will be in the Historical Society's Possession, but it will be owned by the families of those who died for their country. They and only they may add to or subtract from its contents.

The Historical Society of Olde Northfield is honored to display the names of the following patriots who gave their all for America and whose pictures and stories can be viewed in this album.

For more information, click on the name of the fallen solider.

World War II

Former resident of Boston Heights, who graduated with the Northfield Class of 1928.
Junior was born August 17,1910 and died October 24, 1944.
Sgt. Clause, serial # 35916655, entered the United States Army Infantry on October 14, 1943 and was sent to Europe with the 29th Infantry Division- He was killed one year and ten days later, on October 24, 1944 in Aachen, Germany, just across the border from Belgium. Sgt. Clause was just leaving the command post after coming off guard duty, when a German shell exploded nearby and the concussion killed him. He was 34 years, 2 months and 7 days old.

Junior Clause was a great high school basketball player and played on a Northfield Championship team along with Nate Fenton in the mid 1920's. He also was a well known amateur golfer in the Portage/Summit County area. Before he entered the service, he worked at Lamson-Sessions in Kent, Ohio.

Sgt. Junior Clause left his mother, Mrs. Ella Fellenbaum-Clause of Kent, Ohio, four brothers in the service, Sgt. A. "Bud" in Belgium, Cpl. Nathan in France, Lieut. Robert in England, Seaman Norman in the Pacific and three brothers at home - Ellsworth, Paul, John, and William, who later served in the Korean War. He also left five sisters: Wynona, Marge, Eunice, Doris, and Jane are deceased. Nathan still lives in Stow, Ohio. Robert is retired from the Army and Norman also from the Army. William still works in Akron. Junior's father, Mr. Alburtus Franklin Clause, an electrician by trade, died in 1982 and Mrs. Clause in 1977.

JUNIOR NEAL CLAUSE

Northfield Center Resident who attended and graduated from Northfield High School Class of 1933.
Born August 21, 1915- Died May 26,1949 while still in the service of his country.

Carl enlisted in the U.S.Navy immediately after graduation in early 1933, given the serial 2831028, he spent six years in the Navy being discharged in 1939. When World War II appeared inevitable, he reenlisted in early 1940. He spent a considerable amount of time aboard ship in the South Pacific. He was assigned to Treasure Island Naval Station in San Francisco, Calif. as a Chief Petty Officer. He left for his duty assignment at 8:00 AM. one morning and before noon died suddenly. Cause of death was diagnosed as Spinal Meningitis.

CPO Conrad was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg, Ohio with full Military Honors as befitting his military record.

Carl was married to Vivian Flowers of Peninsula, Ohio. In addition to his wife Vivian, Carl left behind his parents Mr. and Mrs. Pierce Irwin Conrad and one sister, Opel Conrad-Hansen, and a brother Irwin. Vivian moved back to California in 1951 and died there in the summer of 1993. Both Mr. and Mrs. Conrad along with Opel have been dead for many years.

CARL CONRAD

A Macedonia Resident, he was born in Alliance on Schunk Ave. on December 29, 1914 and died November 10, 1943. Kenneth attended and graduated from Alliance High School, Class of 1933, Kenney graduated third in his class after being on the honor roll for 7 straight semesters. He was a Sgt., Serial # 35046635 in the U.S. Army Infantry. He served in Sicily and Italy with Headquarters Co., 1st Bn., 15th Infantry. Kenneth was first wounded in Sicily and about two months later was killed in Italy on Nov. 10th 1943, his mother was informed of his death on 12/10/43 by letter. Sgt. Eastwood grew up in Alliance, Ohio and resided in Macedonia for 5 or 6 years, boarding with the Holbrook family, and working at the Heepe Greenhouse (now Laubinger's) on Ledge Road. A romance developed between Ken and Dorothy Holbrook and at the time of his death they were engaged to be married.

Kenneth left behind his parents, Mr. Alvin Clair and Mrs. Edna Gednetz Eastwood, a brother, Robert A., who was a bus driver in Alliance, a sister, Audrey, all living in Alliance, Ohio at the time. His father worked all his life as a "grower" of flowers and in later years operated a Floral Shop in Alliance. Both parents have long been deceased, and his brother Robert passed away in 1991.

Audrey still lives in Alliance, she is the widow of William F. Fox, who also was wounded in WW II.

Dorothy Holbrook was married many years ago to a Mr. Leo Hart.(deceased). Mrs. Hart now resides in Port Charlotte, Florida.

KENNETH EASTWOOD

Macedonia Resident who attended school in Macedonia, Class of 1942. Rod, who was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Gillis of Macedonia, left school to join the service, first in the ROTC, and later as a Sgt. in the Infantry. He was killed in the Battle of the Bulge, the last German offensive of the war in 1944, when he stepped on a land-mine and was killed instantly.Rod was only 20 years old when he died.

He left his childhood sweetheart and wife, the former Margaret Eppard, Macedonia Class of 1945. He also left behind his loving mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Gillis Sr. Mr. Gillis was a WW I Veteran. Margaret later became Mrs. Horlacher and resides in Goleta, Calif.

RODERICK GILLIS JR

Macedonia Resident who attended school in Mogadore, Ohio, Class of 1935.Born Jan. 5,1917-Died Oct. 9, 1944. Carlin "Curly" early in life trained as a pilot and worked at Sky Haven Airport with the early pioneer barnstormer/racing pilot, "Slim" Honroth, training many local residents in the art of flying. He roomed at the time with Darwin Ozmun's grandmother in the Boston Heights area and later in Macedonia, where he lived with his wife Rae. He spent his early Air Corps years ferrying planes to Africa and later flew "Over the Hump" carrying ammunition to the China-Burma-india theater of operations. He was killed on October 9, 1944, when his aircraft blew-up over Accra (Akkra), Capital of Ghana on the Gold Coast of. Africa. Carlin was 27 years old when he died.

He left his wife, the former M. Rae Nine, who later became Mrs. Orville Stebner. Orville was also an Air Corps pilot in WW II. Rae now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and is an active member of both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliaries.

CARLIN GULLETT

Sagamore Hills Resident who attended school in Northfield, Class of 1941. Born August 3, 1923, he died May 31, 1944. Randall was killed while serving as a Sgt.with the 3rd Armored Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Randall was leading his men through an infiltration course where 30-caliber machine guns fired over their heads and due to an unfortunate accident he was killed during this training segment. During Randall's school years he was a very quiet, but much respected individual. A Military Funeral was held in the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery in June of 1944 with Staff Sgt. Dave Thomas, who was home on furlough, representing the U.S. Government. Randy was 20 years- 9 months old.

Randall left his mother and father, Mr. Ryall and Mrs. Alletha Hushour, his sister Adelene,
and brother Gerald, who later served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician Mate 3rd Class and was in
the Pacific Theater of Operations aboard the U.S. Kassan Bay C.V.E. 69. Adelene is deceased.
Gerald now lives in Hilton Head Is., S.C. He also left a four year old brother, Darwin, who now
lives in Texas. Darwin served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 through 1966, with service time in Vietnam.

RANDALL LEYROY HUSHOUR

Northfield Village Resident. Joe only attended Northfield High School in his Junior Year, while working at the Village lee Co. of Northfield. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December of 1943. He rose to the rank of Sgt. and was killed while flying over France as a Turret Gunner in a "Flying Fortress" on August 15, 1944, after first being reported as Missing In Action. After arriving overseas in July of 1944 and the day before he was killed, he wrote that he had been on two missions. Their plane was short down and the only one killed was Joe by rifle fire. Joe was just 18 years old.

Joe was survived by his father Urban Kane and five sisters, Agnes, Helen, Mrs. Mary DeMarco, Mrs. Lewis (Magdalen) Pearce and WAC Pvt. Frances, who was serving in New Guinea, and three brothers, Cpl. Sylvester in the Atlantic War Zone, John and Stanley. Stanley, the youngest brother is deceased as are the sisters Helen, Frances, Mary, and bothers Sylvester, John, and Stanley. Sister Agnes is a nun but had a stroke and lives in Regina Nursing Home in Richfield, Ohio, but the sister, Magdalen (Margret) Pearce is still living in Greencastle, Indiana. She actually owned and operated the Village Ice Company in Northfield Village. Stanley's wife Evelyn lives in Parma.

JOSEPH R. KANE

Northfield Village Resident who attended Northfield schools with the Class of 1943. Danny, always popular, was a 17 year old youth who left after graduating from high school to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in May of 1943. He was first wounded in the leg on Pelelieu Island in the Palaus in September 1944, and was sent to a field hospital in New Caledonia. He held the rating of Acting Corporal in the First Marine Division, and was in the Okinawa invasion which took place on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945. He was killed on June 18, (June 17 - U.S. date) 1945, and was only 19 and 1/2 years old.

Danny was survived by his parents, John and Anna Kapusta, an older brother, Milan, who by then had completed training as a Naval Aviation Cadet at Corpus Christi, Texas, and was now an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, flying T.B.M.s (Torpedo Bombers, Medium), stationed in San Diego and waiting orders to go to sea. Dan also had three sisters: Olga, a Yeoman in the WAVES, Anna, and Elena. The two younger sisters were left home alone with their parents. Olga stayed in the Navy and retired as a Chief Yeoman after serving 20 years. Milan lives in West Bloomfield, Mich., Olga in Bronson, Mich., Anna in Sebring, Fl. and Elena in Knoxville, Tn.

As a fitting tribute to their brother Danny, Olga, Anna and Elena all attended his 50 year class reunion in August 1993.

Danny is buried next to his mother and father in Brooklyn Heights Cemetery in Brooklyn, Ohio.

Sagamore Hills Resident- Attended University School and Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Grandson of the founder of Marshall Drugs, Wentworth Goodson Marshall, who along with his wife Louise Gehring Marshall, resided in Sagamore Hills. Dan enlisted in the Unites States Navy in January 1942, six months before he would have graduated from Western Reserve University and won his wings as a fighter pilot in March of 1943. He served as an instructor at the Miami Naval Air Base until July of 1944. He then went aboard the aircraft carrier "Wasp" in the Pacific Theater of Operations. While on a low flying observation attack to locate enemy fortification guns in Manila Bay, along with two other pilots, three planes were hit. The first plane exploded, the second nose dived into the bay. Dan's plane was seen to right itself and disappeared over the trees in the distance. The first two pilots who were given up for lost were rescued and became prisoners and Dan, who seemed the only one to have a chance to come out alive, was never heard from again. Dan attained the rank of Lieutenant in the United States Naval Air Corps.

Dan was born on May 7, 1920 and was presumed killed on November 14, 1944. Dan was only 24 years and 6 months old at the time of his death.

A monument is located on the Marshall plot in the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery.

Dan left behind his parents, George Gehring and Louise McDaniel Marshall, both deceased, an older brother John George Marshall and a younger brother, William McDaniel Marshall who served in WW 11 with the US Merchant Marine in the waters of South America, Europe and the Barents Sea, where he survived the bombardment in the Battle of Murmansk. Both brothers are now deceased. Additionally, he left behind a younger sister, Louise Marshall Prescott, who now resides in Booton, NJ. Dan was married to Helena ( Nina ) Prescott of Passiac, NJ (No children born of this marriage to Dan). She later married Dan's first cousin, August ( Gus ) C. Mc Daniel. They now reside in Waite Hill, Ohio. William's wife, Janet H. Marshall, resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Janet is quit active in the Western Reserve Historical Society and is also the family's genealogist. William's wife, Janet H. Marshall, resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Janet is quite active in the Western Reserve Historical Society and is also the family's genealogist.

DANIEL COBAUGH MARSHALL

Boston Heights Resident, born November 23, 1921 and died April 29, 1945, who lived behind his mothers restaurant in Boston Heights. Although the Moremans lived in the Northfield School District, he attended and graduated from Hudson High School in 1940.

Willie joined the Air Corps in 1942 and after pilot training and receiving his Wings and Commission as a 2nd Lt., flew in combat as a P-47 fighter pilot, commonly referred to as a "Jug". He was sent to Hawaii, then on to Saipan with the 333rd Fighter Squadron of the 318th Group.

Although Willie's death was not attributed to as a Combat Death, it is only fitting that he still be remembered as a man who served and died for his country.

Briefly described by Murray Handley of Macedonia as follows-, Lt. Moreman, while on a date with an Army Nurse, was viciously attacked and killed by three assailants attached to the U. S. Navy. The nurse, after first being violated, was then murdered. Stanley Dranek was stationed on Saipan with the "Seabees" at the time of Willie's death and has vivid memories of the conditions that occured after his death.

Willie was also known for artistic abilities as shown in this picture with his plane. He painted the Nose Art on most of his Squadron's planes and included his cartoons on every letter home.

Willie at the time left his mother, Bertha Moreman and his brother Robert, who having flown 35 missions as a B-1 7 pilot, was stationed at Air Transport Command, Romulus, Michigan. Bob rose to the rank of Lt. Col. before retiring in 1969. Bob died on March 7, 1993 in Savannah, Ga. and is buried along with his wife, Mary McCray Moreman, also formerly of Northfield, in Beaufort National Cemetery, South Carolina.

Willie had two nieces, Sue Bailey of Savannah, Ga. and Virginia Bacon of Everett, Wa. and one nephew, William Moreman of Charleston, S. C.

WILLIAM MOREMAN

Northfield Center Resident who graduated from Northfield High School with the class of 1939. Howard was born in 1921 and died in 1944.
Howard was an Airman- Radioman 2nd Class, United States Navy Air Corps.
Airman Rivers was killed over Saipan while flying as a Radioman/ Navigator/ Gunner in a Torpedo Bomber, Medium Class (TBM), in 1944. The ironic part is that Howard previously was declared Missing in Action, when another plane he was assigned to was shot down over Guadalcanal and he was found in a life raft in the Pacific after missing for 30 days. He came home on a 30 day convalescent leave and after reporting back to San Diego, Calif. was re-assigned once again to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations and was subsequently killed. Howard was only 23 at the time. There is a marker in the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery erected in his honor.

It is important to point out that Howard was a quiet spoken,
much respected young man in school and in the communities where he grew up, first in Northfield Village
and in 1932 moving to Northfield Center.

Howard left his father and mother, Mr. Aloe William Sr. and Mrs. Eva Rivers,
an older brother, Floyd, and brothers, S/Sgt Aloe William Jr., serving with Co. B., 49th Sig. Cons.,
who later went to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, and Sgt Harold, who served with the 98th Replacement. Btn. in the European Theater.
Aloe William Rivers Sr. served in England during WWII from March 16, 1918 until December 11, 1918, with the 28th Co., 165th Depot Brigade.

HOWARD M. RIVERS

Northfield Center Resident who attended Northfield Schools with the Class of 1941. John "Y', and his cousins, Valita and Phyllis, who idolized him.

John was serving in the United States Army Infantry, stationed in this country, when he heard that his best friend, Don Riedel, had signed up for the Seabees and was assigned overseas. John was determined to get overseas as well. The Battle of the Bulge was going an at this time and John (Sgt Charles John Schoepf) VOLUNTEERED for a mission with the 680th Field Artillery Battalion, 17th Airborne Division, which was to act as a diversion force to protect the Infantry Divisions that the Germans had surrounded. John was told that their chance of survival was slim and only a miracle could save them, but he was willing to give his life for his country and volunteered anyhow. During that mission, March 25th, 1945, literally hundreds of men were "blown out of the sky" in those gliders. Valita described it as "Human Sacrifice" and I responded by telling her that is what "Heroes" are made of and John was a "True Hero.

John's body is buried in the Netherlands Military Cemetery, Margraten, Holland. His father visited his grave in 1953.

John had never known his mother, as his parents were separated when John was just a baby, but just prior to going on that ill fated mission he looked her up in New York and for the last time in his life met his mother and for the first and last time met his step-brothers and sisters. Maybe that was God's way of preparing him for what was to come. John's father moved to Arizona in 1954 and is buried there. His cousin Valita (V. Ski) Chrostowski now lives in Tamarac, Florida, where she has recently retired from teaching school. She said she would have graduated from Northfield High in 1943, but quit school and later got her GED, went on to college and became a teacher. Phyllis now resides in Texas.

CHARLES JOHN SCHOEPF JR.

Northfield Village Resident who attended Northfield School with the Class of 1942. Paul was born on August 12, 1923 and died on September 7, 1944. Paul was a Radioman 3rd Class in the U.S. Navy. He was killed in action aboard a Flagship when he was hit by shrapnel from an enemy bomb on Leyte, Philippine Islands on Sept. 7th, 1944. Paul was only 21 years and less than I month old, when he gave his life for his country.

Paul had a sweetheart back home, known only as Dotty and in his letters home talked about getting married when he returned.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Hastings ("Budd") Steele on March 1, 1943. "Budd" was a former marshall in Northfield Village and served as Mayor from 1937 until 1942. His brother Harold died in infancy. He left his mother, Grace, who later became Mrs. Grace Kotowski. He also left his older brother Donald Hastings Steele, who served as a Seaman 1 st/Class aboard the ABP 13, The Mackinaw, which was a Seaplane Tender in the Asiatic- Pacific Theater. He served from 1943 - 1945. Donald now resides in Willowick, Ohio. As an added note, Donald served on the Northfield Village Police Force from 1948 - 1960.

Paul was at first buried at the U.S. Cemetery, Tacloban #1, Leyte. His family later had his remains shipped back home and he is now buried in Northfield - Macedonia Cemetery.

As a young man, Paul loved to box, competing in the "Golden Gloves" and I would venture a guess that he is still boxing with his shipmates, with lightly padded gloves.

PAUL STEELE

Macedonia Resident who attended Macedonia School, Class of 1925. Bill was born on Feb. 12, 1907 and enlisted in the 79 Engineers. He went overseas in April 1944, and was in the Normandy Invasion on D-Day. He was a Platoon Sgt. and was killed just before the Battle of the Bulge on October 14, 1944. All of the men of the 79th were killed defending a bridge, except for two or three, Randy Hanna of Akron, Ohio and Spence ??? from Washington, Kansas. Bill is buried In Lunesville, France.

Bill's wife, the former Maxine Jones of Randall, Ks., was 7 months pregnant at the time with William (Bill) Jr., who was born on Dec. 28th, 1944 and now lives in Topeka , Ks. with his wife Karen (nee Depoy) and 4 children, a girl 13, twins 12 and the youngest 10. Bill Jr. served in Korea with the Navy during the Korean Conflict. Maxine was remarried 4 years after William's death to Mr. Alfred Wm. Hansen and 3 years later had a 2nd. son. Maxine Strickler - Hansen now resides in Beloit Kansas.

Sgt. Strickler, in addition to his wife Maxine and son, William Jr., left his mother, Edna Strickler and 2 brothers, Carlson and George of Macedonia and three sisters, one of whom is still living, but is in a nursing home.

WILLIAM STRICKLER

Macedonia resident who graduated from Macedonia High School with the Class of 1939. After his parents left Macedonia, he remained to finish school while rooming with the James Williamson family and working as a janitor in the school to support himself until he graduated. Walter was a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Air Corps when he was reported Missing in Action over New Guinea in 1944. He presumably was lost at sea.

Wally's original training was as a P-38 pilot, but when it came time to be assigned to a P-38 group, there weren't any planes available to fly. (War production hadn't caught up with needs. ) So he was assigned to bomber training and became a B-25 pilot He was sent to New Guinea. When he arrived there, he heard of a P-38 squadron needing pilots at another base on New Guinea and a group of 3 planes took off to go to that base. They encountered a storm over the mountains and 2 of the 3 planes turned back. His plane did not and they were never heard from. The plane was never found and he was declared Missing in Action.
Walter left behind his parents, Dorothy L. Tibbits and Walter M. Tibbits Sr. , (both of whom died in 1969) and brothers, Charles B. Tibbits, William Tibbits and sister Sally L. Tibbits-Mann. Another brother, Jack, died at a young age while the family lived in Macedonia. At the time of Walters death the Tibbits family was living in Mentor, Ohio.

Walter was enrolled at Ohio State University at the time of his enlistment

Charles B. Tibbits now lives in Pensacola Beach, Florida, he is also a veteran of World War II.
William, the youngest brother, lives in Berea. Sally L. Tibbits-Mann lives in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus.

WALTER M. TIBBITS Jr.

Macedonia Resident who attended and graduated from Northfield High School, Class of 1937. Harmon was born in March 1919 and died in 1944.

Harmon enlisted in the Air Force (Army Air Corps) in 1940 and was stationed at Chanute Field, Ill. After training, he was sent to Dodge City, Kansas with the 1028th B-26 Bomber Two-Engine Flying Squadron. Harmon and his young bride, Adeline, married in March of 1943. She spent a year with him in Dodge City. In February 1944, he was transferred to Randolph Field, Texas and then to Harlingen, Texas. He was a Corporal and Crew Chief on the B-26 bomber when it went down in the Gulf of Mexico. ( His papers for Sgt. were in process at the time but hadn't gone through) (The above was written 6/15/94 by Adeline Waters-Bick)

His brother Raymond offered this theory pertaining to Harmon's death: "Harmon was a Crew Chief on an aircraft out of Harlingen TX., over the Gulf of Mexico and while pulling a target used for aircraft target practice, his aircraft was shot down by friendly fire. He, along with 4 other members of the crew, were lost at sea"

Harmon left a wife, the former Adeline Haag of Sagamore Hills and an infant son, William Harmon Waters Jr. (Bill was born two months after his father's untimely death). In addition, he left his parents, Elwood and Marie Waters, brother Raymond and sister Mary Jane, all residents of Macedonia

A monument was placed in Northfield - Macedonia Cemetery in his memory.

WILLIAM HARMON WATERS

Vietnam War

$Northfield Village Resident who attended Nordonia High School with the Class of 1971. Born August 13, 1950 and died on July 27, 1970. Terry left school in 1969 and joined the U.S. Army. He was sent to Vietnam afer serving a stint in Germany. He attained the rank of Spec. 4 with the 19th Transportation Battalion and died on July 27, 1970 from injuries sustained on July 24, 2000 after volunteering for a mission at Cam Ranh Bay, and while descending a steep incline while on a military mission, he fell and received a fractured skull. While taken by helicopter the cable holding the lift basket broke and fell into a body of water. He was taken to the hospital with extensive eye and brain damage. Terry was buried on his 19th birthday with full military honors at Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery. Terry, from reports given to me, was a quiet natured individual who was anxious to serve his country. Terry left behind his mother Mrs.Joyce Billings, a WWII War Bride from England and fathe r Mr. Wayne Billings, a Veteran of WWII- European Theater. He also left behind brothers, Robert, Alvin, Dale and sisters Carol and Joyce. Mr. and Mrs. Billings are both deceased. Both Robert and Alvin served in the Army during the Vietnam War, Robert was a Spec 4 with the 9th Infantry Division and was in the Tet Offensive in 1967/68. Alvin also served in the Army, he was to be sworn in on the day that Terry was buried and due to his brothers death was sent to Germany instead of Vietnam- Both Robert and Alvin still live in Northfield Village. Dale lives in Bedford and Carol in Macedonia. Terry is buried in Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery. Terry's name appears on the "Wall" ' in Washington D.C. Panel 08W-Line 58$

TERRANCE ROY BILLINGS

Sagamore Hills Resident who attended Nordonia High School, graduating with the Class of 1962. John was born on November 18,1943 and died in Thailand June 8, 1968.

As a child John attended St Therese Parochial School in Garfield Heights. The family moved to Sagamore Hills in 1958, where John enrolled in school and graduated with the Class of 1962. He received further education at the Barberton Technical School.

John enlisted in the U S. Air Force in 1964, first receiving training at Chanute Field, Ill and then at Bunker Hill Air Force Base, Indiana, finally was shipped to U Tapoa Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.

John attained the rank of Sgt as a Maintenance Analyst, serving with the 4328th Strategic Wing, which supported the B 52 Strato Fortress Bombers in their daily attacks of Viet Cong Targets with KC 135 refueling aircraft. The 4328th also conducted the air war over Vietnam. John was issued a citation for his exemplary conduct and duty performance.

The letter from his Commanding Officer stated simply "John died of a heart-attack while performing his duties" He died on June 8, 1968 and his body was shipped home where he was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, in Twinsburg, on June 15,1968

Sgt Brzuski left his wife Penney Hayden-Brzuski, whom he married while in the service He also left behind his parents, Harry J. and Helen J. Brzuski, his brother Timothy H. Brzuski and his sister, Louise V. Brzuski-Cifra. Mrs Brzuski lives in Sagamore Hills ,Ohio.
Mr Bzruski died on August 2, 1994.

JOHN FRANK BRZUSKI

David moved to Macedonia with his parents soon after graduating with the Class of 1969 from Mayfield High School. Although David only lived there briefly he still qualifies as one of ours from Summit County. David was born on October 10, 1951 and died on May 10, 1971.

David served with the United States Army. He was sent to Vietnam and served as a Sgt., serial # 302467679, with Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 173rd Airborne Brigade as a Medical Corpsman. I received both of these names from the Office of Veterans Affairs of Summit County and it is ironic that these last 2 men both served in the same Brigade. Sgt. Campbell was killed in action on May 10, 1971 at Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam while giving aid to another fallen comrade, David was 19 years and 7 months old on the day he died.

Sgt. Campbell left behind his father and mother, Mr. John S. and Mrs. Nancy G. Campbell, who lived at 9480 Ledge Acres Road, Macedonia, Ohio 44056. John Stannard Campbell died in 1983 and his mother Nancy Gavin Campbell died in 1987, both in Macedonia. In addition David also left behind two brothers, Bruce of Chicago, ILL. and John Christy of Oklahoma City, OK., and two sisters Ann of Dallas, TX. and Elizabeth (Betsy) of Akron, Ohio. John Christy is also a Veteran of Vietnam and is presently on leave from the military attending school. David's name appears on the "Wall" in Washington D.C. Panel 03W Line 28.

DAVID DANA CAMPBELL

ROBERT LEE COLLINS

Boston Heights Resident- Attended Nordonia Hills Grade and High School through the 11th grade in 1965, when his family moved to California where he graduated from High School in 1966.

Jim lived at 7812 Olde Route Eight while he attended school, and according to Fred Busko, a next door neighbor, he was one nice kid and well liked by all.

During the Vietnam War Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sent to Vietnam, serving as a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, when he was Killed In Action on July 8, 1967. Jim was only 19 years old. He visited Boston Heights just prior to going to Vietnam, according to the women of the Sewing Circle from the Boston Heights Cemetery Association at a recent meeting.

James left behind his mother, Mrs. Marion Gazdagh, who now lives in Hudson, Ohio, and brothers, William and George, who now live in California, and also three sisters, Maggie Gazdagh of Portland, Oregon, Virginia Jarowsky of Maple, Heights, Ohio, and Kathy Kohl of Hudson, Ohio.

James' name appears on the "Wall" in Washington D.C. Panel 23E- Line 36.

JAMES ALEC GAZDAGH

Northfield Center Resident who graduated from Nordonia High School in 1968. Charles served in Vietnam as a Staff Sergeant with Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade. Sgt. Hann was involved in a search and clear operation near the village of Chau Son, approximately 20 miles from Hoi An City in Quang Nam Province, where he was wounded on March 24, 1970 by enemy sniper fire. He remained in a 91st Evacuation Hospital until April 27th when he was transferred to the 249th General Hospital , Camp Drake Japan. His parents remained with him seven weeks until his death on June 20th 1970. Charles was only 21 years old.

Charles left behind his parents Seal and Martha Hann and sisters Nancy Dobra and Sandra Hann, now Sandra Varkett. Charles was engaged to Linda Consolo of Northfield. Mr. Hann died in June 1972. Mrs Hann lives in Northfield, Nancy lives in Benicia, Calif. Sandra lives in Macedonia.

Charles' name appears on the "Wall" in Washington D.C. Panel 09W- Line 79.

CHARLES EDWARD HANN

Macedonia Resident who attended Nordonia Hills High School with the Class of 1962.

Through records received through the Ohio State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Vietnam Veterans of America, both in Columbus, Ohio, I have established the following information:

Corporal Walter J. Nerad Jr. served with Co. 1, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He died at 21:45 hours, 30 March 1967 of wounds received to the lower back from hostile rifle fire while engaged in an operation at Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam. He apparently was evacuated out of the area and died later as a result of his wounds.

He left behind his parents, Walter Joseph Nerad Sr. and Louise Ann Nerad. Walter was an only child. Mr. Nerad died in Michigan in 1981 and Mrs. Nerad died in Deerfield Beach, Florida in 1990. Walter is buried with his parents in Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland.

Walter's father served in WW II with the 10th Armored Division, mainly in Czechoslovakia. His Uncle Joseph served with the 45th Infantry Division in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany in WW II. His uncle Joseph lives in Sarasota, Florida, he is also a Purple Heart Veteran. His oldest uncle, Elmer served in an Armored Tank Corps in Italy in WW II. His youngest uncle, Ronald was not in the service.

Walter's name appears on the "Wall" in Washington D.C. Panel 17E-Line 74.

WALTER JOSEPH NERAD JR.

Northfield Center Resident who attended Nordonia High School with the Class of 1969. After moving into the area from Warrensville Heights the family lived on Oakmont in Northfield Center. Alan was born on January 17, 1950 and died on August 25, 1969.

Alan left school to join the United States Army. He was sent to Vietnam and served as a Sgt., serial # 283485645, with Co. C, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. A telegram received by Mr. and Mrs. Strazzanti stated rather curtly, he was on a combat operation when a "Booby Trap" detonated. It was signed, Kenneth G. Wickham, Major General USA. A personal notification was made previously by a representative of the Secretary of the Army.

Sgt. Strazzanti left behind his father and mother, Mr. John A.and Mrs. Helen Ruth Strazzanti, both of whom are retired and living in Parma, Ohio. He also left behind an older brother John, who now lives in Gates Mills, an older sister Rosanne, who now lives in Brecksville and a younger sister Marie, who lives in Parma.

Alan was a parishioner at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Northfield. He was originally interred at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland, but the family decided his final resting place should be at All Saints Cemetery in Northfield Alan was 19 years, 8 months and 8 days old when he died for his country.

Alan's name appears on the "Wall" in Washington D.C. Panel 19W Line 116.

ALAN PETER STRAZZANTI

Northfield Village Resident who attended Nordonia Hills School and graduated with the Class of 1967. Through records received through the Ohio State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Vietnam Veterans of America, both in Columbus, Ohio, I have established the following information: Spec 4 Charles Thomas Wilcox served in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade.He trained with the Green Berets and was sent to Vietnam as a medic-paratrooper.

His records state simply, Spec 4 Wilcox was Killed in Action-Vietnam- 8 May 1971.This was exactly two years to the day that he drafted into the service on May 8, 1969.

He left behind his parents, Clarence Louis and Catherine Gibson Wilcox, whose last known address was 9230 Independence Road, Apt. 408, Parma Heights, Ohio 44130.His father Lt. Col. Clarence Lewis Wilcox,who was Veteran of both WW 11 and Korea, died in San Antonio Texas in May 1979 and his mother Catherine Gibson Wilcox also died in San Antonio Texas in August 1980.
Iam still looking for his brother, David Wilcox, formerly of Medina Who also served in the military as a Captain in the Air Force Reserve after serving three years was discharged in 1960.

CHARLES THOMAS WILCOX

Northfield Center Resident who graduated from Nordonia High School with the Class of 1965. Joe was born on September 14, 1947 and died on August 24, 1967.

Pvt Joseph Michael Zagorski. serial # 51 832 144 Army of the United States, USA Reception Station, Ft Knox, Ky.

The tragic part of this death was that Joe, just the day before, on August 23,1967 entered the service of his country and was killed on August 24, 1967, near Turners Station at Bates Tunnel, Kentucky. While standing on a platform between the railroad cars, he leaned over the side of the car as the train entered the tunnel, his head struck the tunnel and he was thrown underneath the train, as related by Maj. General Kenneth G. Wickam, The Adjutant General.

Joseph M. Zagorski is buried in All-Saints Cemetery in Northfield.
His age was 19. years, 11 Mos,and 10 days.

Joe left behind his father and mother, Mr George Zagorski Sr and Mrs. Jane Zagorski, a sister Roberta (now Sedley), brothers George Jr., Thomas and Victor. George Jr., serial # RA 15651392 served his country as a 5P5 ES, Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Artillery, USARHAW from July 7, 1961 until June 23, 1964. Victor, United States Army, serial # 526636586 served in Vietnam from August of 1966 until July of 1967 with the 563rd Medical Cir. Co. Victor was the first Vietnam Veteran to serve as Commander of Northfield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 6768. Mr. George Zagorski died on July 14,1993 and sister Roberta died in 1989. Mrs. Zagorski lives in Macedonia with her son George Jr., Tom lives in North Olmstead and Vic lives on Highland Road in Northfield, where he grew up.

JOSEPH M. ZAGORSKI