Veterans Memorial Coalition USA

Eighty-one years ago, today - a day that will live in infamy. Take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice at Pearl Harbor and make time to support Wreaths Across America - Official Page by purchasing a wreath for placement on the grave of a veteran on December 17.

For Whom the Bell Tolls: John Finn - Alex Warrick Listen to the amazing story of the first Medal of Honor recipient in World War II, John Finn, who received commendation for his defense of the Naval Air Stat...

Today marks the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember the 2,403 Americans killed and the 1,178 others who were wounded.

December 17th is National Wreaths Across America Day, when the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

Join Wreaths Across America - Official Page by sponsoring a veterans’ wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering or donating to a local sponsorship group.

Today, October 13, is the 247th birthday of the United States Navy. It is a good day to remember that 22 years ago yesterday, while the USS Cole (DDG 67) refueled at Aden, Yemen, two al-Qaeda terrorists brought an inflatable Zodiac-type speedboat that carried a bomb alongside the destroyer, port side amidships, and detonated their lethal cargo. The explosion blew a 40-foot wide hole in Cole, but the crew’s valiant damage control efforts saved her.

The attack killed 17 Sailors: 31-year-old Lt. j.g. Andrew Triplett; 35-year-old ETC Richard D. Costelow; 30-year-old EW1 Kevin S. Rux; 21-year-old HT2 Kenneth E. Clodfelter; 24-year-old EN2 Mark I. Nieto; 24-year-old EW2 Ronald S. Owens; 32-year-old OS2 Timothy L. Saunders; 22-year-old MS3 Ronchester M. Santiago; 19-year-old MSSN Lakeina M. Francis; 21-year-old ISSN Timothy L. Gauna; 22-year-old SMSN Cherone L. Gunn; 19-year-old ISSN James R. McDaniels; 22-year-old SN Lakiba N. Palmer; 19-year-old ENFN Joshua L. Parlett; 19-year-old FN Patrick H. Roy; 26-year-old FN Gary Swenchonis Jr.; and 19-year-old SN Craig B. Wibberley. In addition, 37 of their shipmates sustained wounds.

https://youtu.be/IhsMl-wb64o

Floridians are facing many issues at the moment, but there is still time to take a moment and remember. Remember Angelo Vaccaro. Remember Adam Quinn.

Angelo and Adam were both killed in Afghanistan this week, almost exactly a year apart. They are both memorialized at the Global War on Terror Memorial located at the Deltona Veterans Memorial Park.

Angelo "Moose" Vaccaro was a 2001 graduate of Deltona High School, and as Corporal Vaccaro, a medic in the 10th Mountain Division, he became the first member of the United States Military to be awarded TWO Silver Stars in the Global War on Terrorism. Angelo was survived by his parents, wife, two brothers and a sister. You can read more about Angelo here: https://militaryhallofhonor.com/honoree-record.php?id=8565

Adam Quinn graduated from DeLand High School in 2003. An extremely popular paratrooper and computer systems specialist with the 82nd Airborne Division, Adam died Oct. 6, 2007, from injuries sustained when a car bomb blew up near his vehicle near Kabul, Afghanistan. He was 22 years old, and left behind a wife, unborn child, parents and a brother. https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-sgt-adam-d-quinn/3097591

died Aug. 31, 2011 at FOB Shank, Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Specialist James, of Deltona, Florida, was 21 years old. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.

From the Congressional Record: "Specialist James joined the U.S. Army in June of 2008. Upon completion of his training in November of 2009, Specialist James reported to Ft. Polk, LA. where he deployed with his unit in October 2010 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Specialist James's impressive list of awards and decorations include the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Combat Action Badge. Specialist James was a former student at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona where he was an accomplished athlete in Football, Basketball and Track. James was known as a good student who was well liked by those who knew him. We shall never forget the ultimate sacrifice Specialist James has given for his country. His actions will serve as an everlasting reminder of the dedication and sacrifice the members of our nation's armed services make every day."

The ripples of war extend far beyond the battlefield.

"Little Pink Dress"

78 years ago today, Private First Class Harvey, from Campbell County, Virginia, died from non-battle causes in Italy. He is buried is buried or memorialized at Plot I Row 3 Grave 66, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, in Nettuno, Italy. Assigned to the 3411th Quartermaster Truck Company, his commendations include the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Army Presidential Unit Citation, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon.

Today we remember Leroy Harvey.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 24, 1944
Private First Class, U.S. Army
3411th Quartermaster Truck Company
Entered Service From: Virginia
Buried: Plot I Row 3 Grave 66
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Italy
Service # 33213488
www.abmc.gov

David (Dave) Edward Ruiz passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 22, 2021 in Dallas, TX., after battling COVID-19 for several weeks. Officer Ruiz, born October 1, 1955 in Washington, D.C., began civil service early in life. Out of high school, he joined the US Navy and served for twenty years (combined active duty and reserves). Ruiz served as a sworn police officer with the Dallas Police Department for over 32 years and then retired. Following retirement, he worked as a reserve officer on patrol duty for the next four years.

Harold E. Moosmann was born in Syracuse New York in 1918 and according to the 1930 Federal Census he was living at 194 West Passaic Street in Rochelle Park New Jersey. His parents were Emil and Hedwig Moosmann and they were born in Switzerland and owned a dairy farm in New Jersey in 1930. Harold E. Moosmann served in the United States Army rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant with the 850th Signal Battalion. Harold E. Moosmann died while in service on August 21, 1943 and is buried in North Africa American cemetery in Tunisia.

Harold E. Moosmann received the “SOLDIERS MEDAL”, which was established by Act of Congress on July 2, 1926, is awarded to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving with the United States Army, has distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The heroic act must involve personal hazard or danger, and the voluntary assumption of risks to life above and beyond the call of duty. Saving a life in the absence of risk is not sufficient justification for this award.

(Source: https://veterans.hackensackschools.org/VeteranSubpages/Individual%20Veteran%20Sub%20Pages/Harold%20E%20Moosmann/Harold%20E%20Moosmann%20Index.html).

Today we remember Harold E. Moosmann.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 21, 1943
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
850th Signal Battalion
Entered Service From: New Jersey
Buried: Plot B Row 11 Grave 8
North Africa American Cemetery, Tunisia
Award: Soldier’s Medal
Service # O-386391
www.abmc.gov

Once again, Navy Chiefs get the job done.

On behalf of the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation Pensacola Board, we would like to thank the Navy Chiefs group for getting their hands dirty this morning digging the trenches we need as we prepare for the newest addition to our Veterans Memorial Park - the War Dog monument.

Fought in three wars. Lived 98 years.

#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran William B. Colgan - VA News Today’s is Air Force Veteran William B. Colgan, a Veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.

Originally from Shalimar, Florida, 6-foot-2, 240 pound Samuel Hairston earned a football scholarship at the University of Houston, where he played linebacker for his first three seasons then switched to defensive end as a senior. After earning a Bachelors Degree in Economics, Hairston shocked his friends by following his father and a brother into the United States Army. Sgt. 1st Class Hairston was a paratrooper and platoon sergeant with A Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and had been stationed at Fort Bragg, NC since 2003. Sgt. 1st Class Hairston received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters. On August 12, 2014, Sgt. 1st Class Hairston, 35 years old, was fatally wounded in Ghazni, Afghanistan, when his unit came under enemy small-arms fire while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He is survived by his wife, Staff Sgt. Tawana Hairston, and his stepson, Hayden.

Alan Herbert Wellingham, born October 1, 2016 in Oakland, California. Volunteered to stand up in an exposed position and act as an observer for his company during an assault on enemy positions in Sicily. He remained at his post for two hours until killed by an enemy machine gun.

Today we remember Alan H. Wellingham.
World War II
Date of Death: Aug. 11, 1943
Corporal, U.S. Army
7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Entered Service From: California
Buried: Plot I Row 1 Grave 16
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Italy
Awards: Silver Star, Purple Heart
Service # 39009909
www.abmc.gov

33,652 Americans died in battle during the Korean War, and another 3,262 died illness, accidents and other non-battle causes.

17 years old.

On July 14, 1943, B-17 #42-3223 "Red Hot Riding Hood" took off from the Rattlesden Base in Suffolk, UK, on Mission #9 to Amiens-Glisy, France. 2LT Burroughs was the co-pilot of the plane, which developed engine trouble, caught fire and exploded. Six members of the crew were killed.

Today we remember William D. Burroughs.
World War II
Date of Death: July 14, 1943
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces
533rd Bomber Squadron, 381st Bomber Group, Heavy
Entered Service From: New York
Buried: Plot C Row 0 Grave 39
Cambridge American Cemetery, United Kingdom
Service # O-795016
www.abmc.gov

Extraordinary indeed.

Mrs. Helen Smith McQuiston of 105 South Main Street, Union City, received word from the U.S. War Department in August 1944, that her husband, Technician Fifth Grade John C. McQuiston was dead.

Tech McQuiston, 29, had been serving with a U.S. Artillery unit in the European Theater and died in an Army base hospital on July 4, 1944, from wounds received in action.

Before he went into the service in March 1942, Tech McQuiston worked at the Standard Chair Company. He received his basic training at Camp Gordon, Georgia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Later he transferred to Camp Forrest, Tennessee, where he was assigned to a unit ready to go overseas. He landed in England in January 1944.

His is one of the seven hundred and twenty-seven names listed on the Erie County WWII Memorial (https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=116479), dedicated to those that gave their lives in service to their nation during the war years of World War Two.

Today we remember John C. McQuiston.
World War II
Date of Death: July 4, 1944
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
12th Field Artillery Observation Battalion
Entered Service From: Pennsylvania
Buried: Plot B Row 2 Grave 29
Cambridge American Cemetery, United Kingdom
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 33166326
www.abmc.gov

Rest in Peace good sir, and may you never be forgotten.

The last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, Hershel "Woody" Williams, has passed away at the age of 98. Woody's dedication to service began in Japan where he went "above and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division" as written in the citation for his Medal of Honor. Woody would fight for 34 of the 36 days in the Battle of Iwo Jima, being the only surviving member of his six-man demolition team. In one four-hour period, Woody eliminated seven Japanese pillboxes with six different flamethrowers allowing American forces to advance forward. Woody would receive the Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman on October 5, 1945.

Woody's service to his fellow soldier didn't end when he came back from the South Pacific. Woody worked for 33 years as a Veterans Service Representative with the Department of Veterans Affairs and for nearly 10 years as the Commandant of the Veterans Nursing Home in Barboursville, West Virginia.

Woody Williams would continue his work to honor the families of the fallen through the creation of the Woody Williams Foundation which works to honor and support Gold Star Families who's loved ones have paid the ultimate price for our nation's freedom. The Woody Williams Foundation has installed over 100 monuments, with another 72 in-progress, in all 50 states. These monuments, and the honor paid to the families of those lost, will forever be a part of Woody's lasting legacy.

For a life dedicated to service, we say thank you Woody Williams. We are proud to Always Remember the immeasurable impact you had on a grateful nation.

Sergeant Javier Sanchez Jr., 28, of Greenfield, California (Monterey County), was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, near Watertown. Sanchez joined the Army in August 2006 and arrived at Fort Drum in December 2011. He was previously deployed to Iraq from April 2008 to May 2009. He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in January, 2013.

Sgt. Sanchez's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Sgt. Sanchez is survived by his wife, mother, father, sister, and brother.

Sgt. Javier Sanchez Jr. was assigned to Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. when he was killed in action in Sar Rowzah, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by an improvised explosive device. His passion was his family and friends; he greatly enjoyed the time spent with all whom he knew. We will Sgt. Javier.

Private Henry Thomas Cummiskey, born in 1899, was the son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Haggerty) Cummiskey of New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts. New Bedford is in far southeastern Massachusetts 32 mi SE of Providence, RI. His father was born in England. In the 1900 census 1 year old Henry is living with his parents and siblings John 11, James 7, Michael 6, and Catherine 5, at 116 Division Street in new Bedford. His father is a “Speeder Tender” in a cotton mill. Henry’s sister Catherine died in Aug 1900 at age 5 from accidental poisoning. In the 1910 census 11-year-old Henry is living with his parents and siblings John 21, Michael 16, and Ellen 9, at 49 River Street in New Bedford. 17-year-old brother, James, is already out of the household. His parents and two older brothers all work in a cotton mill.

Upon Induction Henry was assigned to Battery E of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment attached to the 2nd Division. The Regiment landed in at Le Havre, France in February 1918, and was initially staged at Bourmont, France. On 21 March 1918, the Regiment deployed against the German Army on the west face of the St. Mihiel Salient. By 1 June 1918, the regiment occupied positions northwest of Chateau-Thierry south of Belleau Wood. On 23 Jun 1918 US Marines of the 5th Regiment attached to the 2nd Division occupied half of the hill of Belleau Wood just south of the hamlet of Belleau.

Newspapers of the day and Soldiers of the Great War, Volume 2, Massachusetts show Privates: Cummiskey, Henry T, from New Bedford as killed in action 23 Jun 1918. Casualty reports incorrectly spelled Henry’s name Cumminskey nationwide. Only the Boston Post listed it correctly.

(Research provided by Jodi Kueker)

Today we remember Henry T. Cummiskey.
World War I
Date of Death: June 23, 1918
Private, U.S. Army
15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Division
Entered Service From: Massachusetts
Buried: Plot B Row 4 Grave 68
Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, France
www.abmc.gov

John J. Caputo was born on August 29, 1923 to Louis and Grace Caputo, who lived in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania. John was the-sixth oldest of 12 children. John's parents emigrated from Italy, but all of the children were born in Pennsylvania, except for one son, Vincent who was born in Illinois. John's father worked as a laborer in a mushroom house.

John entered the Army in May, 1943. After basic training he was assigned to the 143rd Infantry Regiment 36th Infantry Division. John’s Regiment fought in the landing at Sicily and at Anzio.

Private First Class John J. Caputo was killed in action on June 22, 1944 in Italy. John's parents received the dreaded telegram from the War Department on July 13, 1944 that John had been killed. He is buried in the Florence American Cemetery in Italy.

John's brother, Corporal William Caputo also fought in the war, sustaining wounds in the Pacific Theater.

Today we remember John J. Caputo.
World War II
Date of Death: June 22, 1944
Private First Class, U.S. Army
143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division
Entered Service From: Pennsylvania
Florence American Cemetery, Italy
Buried: Plot B Row 4 Grave 32
Award: Purple Heart
Service # 33779080
www.abmc.gov

We’re back with another and today we are looking at GySgt Robert Howard McCard who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on 16 June 1944.

Robert McCard enlisted in the Marines on 18 December 1939 and was sent to Sea School after completing boot camp. He was promoted to private first class on 2 July 1940 and temporarily made sergeant while he went on recruiting duty in May 1941. ⁠

In December 1941, McCard left the recruiting service, reverting to his rank of private first class. Over the next three years, McCard rose to the rank of sergeant and in April of 1943, he was assigned to the 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, which was then being formed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. ⁠

McCard deployed on 13 January 1944 to the Marshall Islands and took part in several battles. He made platoon sergeant and gunnery sergeant on two successive days in May while acting as platoon sergeant of a tank company.

After leaving the Marshall Islands, he went to the Hawaiian Islands for two months then sailed for Saipan. D-Day for the Battle of Saipan was 15 June 1944. The next day, while participating in an advance, his tank was put out of action by a battery of Japanese 77-millimeter guns. Cut off from the rest of his platoon, McCard brought all his tank’s weapons to bear on the enemy. The intensity of the enemy fire caused him to order his crew out of the escape hatch. ⁠

While his crew made their escape, the tank commander hurled hand grenades at the enemy until his supply was exhausted. Severely wounded, McCard dismantled one of the tank’s machine guns, then faced the enemy again, killing sixteen of the enemy before he was mortally wounded. ⁠

For his heroic actions, GySgt McCard was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor which was presented to his widow on 10 April 1945. ⁠

Semper Fi, GySgt McCard. ⁠

America250: Army Veteran Charles L. Thomas - VAntage Point This week’s America250 salute is Army Veteran Charles L. Thomas, who received a Medal of Honor for his actions fighting during World War II.

2nd Lt Hugh B. Crandall, a fighter pilot with the 94th Fighter Squadron, was shot down over Plan de Dieu during WWII by AA fire during strafing runs against the local German airfield. .

Today we remember Hugh B. Crandall Jr.
World War II
Date of Death: June 15, 1944
Second Lieutenant U.S. Army Air Forces
94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group
Entered Service From: Oregon
Buried: Plot A Row 9 Grave 15
Rhone American Cemetery, France
Award: Air Medal, Purple Heart
Service # O-762266
www.abmc.gov