Livingston Parish Public Schools

Excellence in Education

 SERVICE EXPERIENCES

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF SO WE CAN PRESERVE APART OF HISTORY

THE YOUTH OF THIS NATION NEED TO KNOW ABOUTOUR AMERICAN HERO’S,

AND THE PRICE OF FREEDOM, TELL US YOU'RESTORY, ITS IMPORTANT.

(TO UP DATE or CORRECT A STORY E-MAIL  MARINEGENE@SOON.COM)

DALTON K. HUTCHINSON enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 11^th, 1942. Dalton enlisted at Jacksonville Army Air Field, in Jacksonville, Florida

    VINCENT S. SPITALE served during WW II with the 5^th Marine Division, 5^th M.T. Battalion F.M.F.R. in the South Pacific during WW II.

LEROY, S. BANKSTON: service #34029673, born 6 May 1918 in Albany, Livingston Parish, Louisiana. Leroy entered the service of the U.S. Army on 24 March 1941. As a private in basic training, one year and two months as a Staff Sgt. as an anti-tank gunner, at three years he was promote to 1^st Sgt of Ammunition NCO. First/Sgt. Leroy Bankston supervised crews loading, unloading, and trucking ammunition from supply dump to batteries. He supervised and coordinated a crew of thirty-six men, operating an ammunition train of nine trucks. He had the responsibility to see that all batteries in the battalion where constantly supplied with ammunitions. First Sgt Leroy S. Bankston served with the U.S. Army’s Service Battery 250^th Field Artillery Battalion APO 758 U.S. Army. Local men in crack Artillery Unit, 6^th Army group in <st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region>. The first American artillery unit to cross the Rhine River into <st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region w:st="on"> Germany</st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region> is the 250^Th Field Artillery Battalion, which supported the 7th, Armor in General Jacob L. Devers 6^th Army Group in the break through to Strasbourg. Pacing the French’s 2^nd Armored Division made a spectacular drive from Blamont to the Rhine. The truck drawn 105-mm howitzers of the 250^th caravanned for 76 miles in four days. They moved right behind the tank columns and were in firing position in a matter of minutes when the French spearhead met German resistance. Below Strasbourg, the battalion fired 2,400 shells in one day. One of the targets fired on from Strasbourg was a bridge at Kohl, <st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region> across the Rhine. Our action in <st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region> saw truck-drawn artillery supporting a fast moving armored column in what is probably a “first in military history”, said Lt. Col William K. Jealous. We joined the French near Le Man with orders to follow along, said Lt. Col William K Jealous of Fair Lawn, N.J. The battalion paced the French in one day for 101 miles. We’ve learned to admire the effectiveness of their flexible operation plans which probes many attack channels and finally beaks through the weakest channel.” The present mission of the 250^th is close support for the infantry troops. The Battalion has expended 25,000 rounds of ammunition in <st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region w:st="on"> France</st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region> and recently fired the 1,000,000^th shell fired by all artillery of its corps. During combat against the Germans, the battalion expended 61,267 rounds of 105-mm ammunition, a figure likely exceeding that of any similar unit. From Normandy to the Seine River, from the Seine to Strasbourg, the Alsace across the Rhine, the Main, the Danube and on to Munich. Activated September 25^th 1942 the 250^th sailed for <st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region w:st="on">England</st1:st1:st1:st1:country-region> February 11, 1944. Then we landed in Normandy to see the first combat on August 11^th when it supported the initial break through form Le Mans. I participated in the “kill” of the German 7^th Army in the Falaise Gap and we captured 175 prisoners during the fight with the German Units. (Local members of the 250^th Battalion were First/Sgt. Leroy S. Bankston, Rt. 1, Independence, La., and Pfc. Samuel R. Gennaro Rt. 2, Independence, La. Awards and Citations received while fighting the Germans during WW II. First/Sgt. Leroy S. Bankston received on 7 November 1944 the ”Bronze Star Medal”, “The European Theater of Operations Medal”, a “Certificate of Merit in recognition of Conspicuously Meritorious

 JOSEPH STEVE ERDEY enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1943. Joe service number is 2748197 was an   electrician’s mate 3rd class. Joseph Erdey was assigned to a submarine that was lost at sea; Joseph Steve Erdey was reported missing in Action on 1 November 1943.

FORGOTTEN WARRIORS, INC. Chapter 1, POW/MIA- of New Orleans, Louisiana. The “Forgotten Warriors” and what we are about. Our mission is to focus on helping our veterans and their families, especially those with physical and cognitive impairment, with “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” or “Traumatic Brain Injury”. And yes we want to bring home our POW’s and MIA’s it is important to us, it our moral obligation. What is Forgotten Warriors about? I don’t have to remind most of you what happened after Vietnam. No welcome home, not thanks. In some cases we were almost ashamed to be known as Vietnam veterans and didn’t talk about it for years. We were a shamed generation of veterans, we served, we fought and died for America but America Forgot Its Vietnam Warriors.

GEORGE HARVY STEWART out of Albany High School, personal data: color hair: brown, eyes: blue, height: 70”, weight: 175 lbs. George enlisted in the US Navy in New Orleans, Louisiana on the 26 day of Oct. 1960. After boot camp George Stewart was assigned to the U.S. Enterprise (CVA(N)65), at Norfolk, Virginia. George obtain the rank of ADJ-3 on 16 Nov 1962, his navy occupation and D.O.T. number is 5-80.130 air craft “Engine Mechanic”. George Stewart received the “Good Conduct Medal” on 25 Oct 1963 after serving 11 mos. 20 days of foreign sea service. George was discharge from active duty with a “Honorable Discharge” on 25 Oct. 1963.

ELMORE C. OWENS, JR.  Born in the rural area between Albany/Holden, Livingston Parish, Louisiana and attended Albany High School. Drafted into the U.S. Army on 14 March 1946 and received basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas and then on to Sheppard Field, Texas. While undergoing basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, the Army came out with the policy that draftees would serve 2 years in the army or an individual could take a short discharge and re-enlist in the U.S. Army Air Force for three years. At that time, the Army Air Corp was under the control/command of the U.S. Army. On 19 September 1947, the Army Air Corp became a separate branch of the armed forces and became the United States Air Force. I chose to take a short discharge and re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for a period of three years. After basic training I was assigned to the military police unit at Barksdale Field, Louisiana. All of m duties in the military service was associated with police functions, law enforcement and the protection of priority resources, combat aircraft, and ammunition storage facilities, etc.  During my nearly 30 years of military service, I was assigned too many duty stations. I was assigned to Barksdale Field, Louisiana from 1946 – 1949, Reese Air Force Base, Texas from 1949 – 1953, Hickam  Air Force Base, Hawaii from 1956 – 1959, Amarillo AFB, Texas 1959 – 1965,  Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam 1965 – 1966, then to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma 1966 – 1968, Bit burg Air Base, Germany 1968 – 72, then to Whiteman AFB, Missouri  from 1972 – 1973, then back to Barksdale AFB, Bossier City, Louisiana 1973 – 1975. On 31 August 1975, I retired at Barksdale AFB with a total of twenty-nine (29) years and five (5) months of continuous military service. Since retirement, I have resided in the Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana area.

CHARLES S. SPURGEAN Served in the U.S. Navy during WW II aboard a navy ship (unknown) His ship was sunk during a navy battle. Seaman Second Class Charles S. Spurgean lost his life on 2 Jan 1944 and his status is listed as “lost at sea”. Charles Spurgeon’s wife is Mrs. Iris Holden-Spurgeon of 107 St. Ferdinand St. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

  BRADLEY J. BERGERON Iraq/Afghanistan hero. Bradley lost his life in the line of duty on Jan 6, 2005. Bradley Bergeron U.S. Army rank of Spc. Bradley served with the Army National Guard’s 256^th, Infantry Brigade. Spc. Bradley Bergeron died in Baghdad, Iraq when and improvised explosive device struck their Bradley fighting vehicle. Spc. Bradley Bergeron home town is Houma, Louisiana.

JARED C. GUTHRIE joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 12 May 2005. Jared MOS or 0311 infantry man and 0341 mortar man. Jared served in Iraqi, “The War on Terrorism” and Afghanistan War, “Operation Enduring Freedom”.

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SAM H. WILD, SR.  Sam H. Wild was born 30 March 1917 in Killian, Livingston Parish, Louisiana. Sam’s civilian occupation was a School Teacher, married and with four dependent’s .  Sam was inducted into the U.S. Army on 10 May 1945 and his basic training was at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. After basic Sam was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma and trained with Battery “D” 33^rd Batttalion, 8^th Regiment Field Artillery Replacement. Sam H. Wild received th Victory Medal for his service in the army, Sam was separated from service with a honorable discharge on 1 December 1945.

JOHN PAUL LeBLANC served during World War II in the U.S. Navy, hometown Albany, Louisiana. John Paul or J.P. LeBlanc served as an aviation machinists mate 3^rd class in the navy. J.P. saw action in the Asiatic-Pacific Champaign. Paul served with Bombing Squadron 100 and Bombing Squadron 21 during the war. J.P. LeBlanc also survived a plane crash on June 18, 1945 while on patrol. Their air plane went down off the coast of Japan into the Yellow Sea. John Paul LeBlanc served his country in the U.S. Navy from July 27, 1943 until January 1946. John Paul LeBlanc is also a World War II Honoree at the WW II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

PHILIP R. HOOVER served during the Cold War Era. Philip entered the U.S. Army on July 16, 1954 and served until July 1, 1957.

CARL E. EFFERSON served his country during World War II. Carl enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with the naval air wing during WW II. Carl Efferson joined the navy on February 29, 1944 and served until the duration of WW II.

ELWOOD A. KINCHEN was called to serve his country two different times. During WW II Elwood served from 1944 to 1946 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Then once again Elwood Kinchen was call to serve during the Korean War from 1950 to 1951.

VERNON CLINE JOHNSON, SR. served with the U.S. Army from 30 May 1941 until 26 October 1945 during world war II. Cline Johnson was attach to the 889 Signal Company Depot. Cline Johnson, Sr. married Lucille Daniels, they had three children, Vernon C. Jr., Clara Ann and Larry W. Johnson. The Johnson’s made their home near Albany, Louisiana.

SHANE RAWLINS joined the Marine Corp. in 1988 and has served in two conflicts, Somalia and Iraq. In 2010 Chief Warrant Officer -3 Shane Rawlins is serving as Commanding Officer Marine Corps Detachment at Lackland Air Force base in Texas.

ARPAD Z. SZANYI born 11 May 1914, enlisted in the U.S. Army on 11 June 1942 at Camp Livingston, Livingston Parish, Louisiana. Arpad Szanyi served his country during World War II. Arpad Szanyi was killed in action in France on the 2^nd day of October 1944.

MACON LEE McMILLION born June 6^th, 1930 in Linden, Arizona to Lee and Mildred McMillion. Macon enlisted in the US Navy on July 14^th, 1948 at New Orleans, Louisiana. Macon basic training was at the Naval Training Center, San Diego, California. After basic training Macon served aboard the USS St. Paul from 29 November 1948 until 8 April 1949. Macon next duty station was a San Diego, California until 24 January 1950. The Macon served aboard the USS Bataan (CVL-29) in Korean waters and saw action in the combat zone where the USS Bataan flew aircraft strikes in support of the ground forces. In 1950/51 Macon also served aboard the USS Klondike. Macon Lee McMillion was honorably discharge on July 9^th, 1951. After serving his country Macon returned to his family in Corbin, Louisiana. Macon McMillion passed away on 11 September 1994 and is buried at the Salem Cemetery in Walker, Louisiana.

VERNON D. McMORRIS served in the US Navy during WW 11 and aboard the U.S.S. Marcus Island, CVE 77 (Aircraft Carrier) with the rank of Yeoman 2^nd Class. Vernon’s boot camp was at, the Naval Training Center, San Diego, California. His duty stations: were Hedron FAW-14, the aboard the U.S.S. Marcus Island (CVE 77 Aircraft Carrier). Vernon Mc Morris served with the 100^th Bombing Squadron aboard the Carrier. After Carrier duty Vernon served at the US Naval Station in New Orleans, Louisiana until his discharge on May 11, 1946. Yeoman 2^nd Class Vernon D. Mc Morris was awarded several service ribbons and decorations: “The Victory Ribbon”, “Philippine Libration Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars”, “American Theater Campaign Ribbon”, “The Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with Four Bronze Stars”, and the “Presidential Unit Citation (for the battle of Leyte Gulf)”, this medal was awarded subsequent to Vernon’s discharge on May 11, 1946.

WINSON G. HOOVER enlisted 13 April 1944 at age 17. Winson’s basic training was at NTC, San Diego, California and Landing Craft School (PAC). On completion of LCS, Winson boarded the “USS LaPorte (APA 151) on August 14, 1944 in Astoria, Oregon and sail to the China Sea. Aboard the USS Laporte Winson operated a LCVP Landing Craft, and also manned a 5” anti-aircraft gun during general quarters aboard the LaPorte. On 10 October 1945, a call was made “man overboard”. Winson Hoover’s LCVP Craft and crew were call to duty and lowered to the waters of the China Sea. Due to heavy seas and turbulent weather Seaman Harold T. Clothies was never located. Winson said due to the heavy seas and turbulent weather their own return to the USS LaPorte was questionable. Winson ship transported troops ashore at Luzon, Okinawa and served occupational troops in Japan. Decorations & Medals awarded: “The Victory Ribbon”, “Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon (1 Star)”, “American Campaign Ribbon”, and “The Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon (1 Star)”. Winson G. Hoover completed his duty and disembarked the USS LaPorte in Norfolk, Virginia in February 1946, stage at pier 19. Winson separation date from the US Navy was 1 May 1946.

PAUL F. SIBLEY served in the US Army form 14 Oct 1942 until 6 Feb 1946. Paul’s basic training was a Fort Polk, Louisiana. After basic Paul was assigned to the 91^st Reconnaissance and served in the European Theater of Operations.

DONALD E. MARTINEZ was born in Springfield, Louisiana, son of the late Tony Martinez and Marie Wilhelmina Threeton Martinez. Donald enlisted in the US Air Force in 1953 and served as an air craft communications and navigation specialist until he was commissioned in 1964. As an officer, he served as a data automation officer, instructor in systems analysis and systems management, and special assistant to the base commander. Donald earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Ohio State University in 1964, and a MBA from Michigan State University in 1968. After retiring from the US Air Force in 1974, Donald established and ran a successful tax and bookkeeping service for many years. Donald E. Martinez passed away on 1 February 2011 at the age of 74. “In memory from his loving family and many friends.”

EDWARD BALINT a graduate from Albany High School with the class of 1959. After attending Southeastern Louisiana College, Edward enlisted in the US Navy 1 July 1964, and eventually was assigned to the aircraft carrier “USS Yorktown”, CVS-10. Edward became lead aircraft director on the flight deck. While serving on the USS Yorktown, we were deployed to Vietnam for (3) tours of duty. I reflect on my tour of duty as a privileged an opportunity to serve my country. It was also a learning experience in my life during a very difficult time for the U.S... Decorations & Medals awarded: “National Defense Service Medal”, “Vietnam Service Medal (with Three Bronze Stars)”, “Vietnam Campaign Medal (Device) After my service in the navy ended in 1968, I moved to Wisconsin and married my wife Pat. We have (2) children who have blessed us with (4) grandchildren. After 33 years in Wisconsin, Pat and I retired in 2001 and moved to our present home in Oakland, Arkansas in the Ozark Mountains. NOTE: Thanks to all involved in the creation of the Veterans Memorial Plaza- very impressive, Regards, Edward Balint.

JAMES J. KING served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 until 1974. 

James received a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering in June 1950 from 

L.S.U. and a commission as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force. *1950-1951 Pilot 

training. *1951-1953 Korea and Okinawa. *1954-1956 Flight testing at 

Wright-Patterson A.F. Base. *1956-1957 USAF Experimental Flight Test Pilot 

School. *1957-1960 Served on the Staff of the Test Pilot School. *1960-1964 

Served with the Space System as an Aeronautical Engineer. *1964-1969 Station 

at Edwards AFB, California as a flight test pilot. *1969-1970 Vietnam- flew 

over 300 combat missions. *1970-1974 Served at Eglin AFB, Florida as Chief 

of the Range Safety Division. On the 1st of July, 1974 James J. (Jimmy) King 

retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant 

Colonel. 

ROBERT KINCHEN WOODWARD born in 1923, Dennis Mills, St. Helena Parish, 

Louisiana. Robert Woodward enlisted in Baton Rouge, La in the US Navy at the 

beginning of World War Two. Robert served on the Carrier U.S.S. In 1943 in 

a battle in the South Pacific his Carrier had the bow blown away and was on 

fire, the enemy thought the carrier would sink but by the grace of God, they 

were able to limp into port in Seattle, Washington for repairs. Within three 

weeks they were back at sea and battle ready. Robert and his carrier group 

were involved in most of the major sea battles ranging from Midway, Guam to 

the Philippines. Robert Woodward was transferred to the newly Commission 

U.S.S. Rudyerd Bay Escort Carrier (CVE-81) commission on 25 February 1944. 

At the battle of Okinawa Roberts Carrier the Rubic Bay was hit by Kamikaze 

aircraft which killed the two anti-aircraft gunner crews on both sides of 

Robert's group, and Robert was the only survivor of his gunner crew. 

War between the States. Harem Stafford served with the Louisiana Infantry. 

10th Battalion, 11th Regiment. C.S.A. 

 JAMES DEWITT (J.D.) WOODWARD born December 1, 1918, in Dennis Mills, 

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. J.D. Woodward enlisted 3 Feb. 1942 in the U.S. 

Army during WW II and served in Germany. During his tour of duty James 

Woodward was wounded and received the Purple Heart. James finished his tour 

in Germany and was welcome home in 1945.