(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Beaver County Radio is teaming up with numerous local businesses to honor our fallen soldiers that were killed in action and that have passed away by other means over the years. You can still submit entries to the list up  until Memorial Day. e-mail all information and a photo to fsparks@beavercountyradio.com. A special thanks goes out to our very special friend Jerry Fischer for his assistance with this project.

Soldiers Killed in Action

Staff SGT. Dylan Elchin

On November 27th, 2018, Staff Sgt, Dylan Elchin, USAF was killed in action while deployed in Afghanistan defending our freedom. Born June 11, 1993 in Brighton Twp, he was a 2012 Hopewell High School Graduate, and a former Boy Scout.

Dylan was in special operations as a J. Tac Qualified Combat Controller with the U.S. Air Force serving with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Army Commendation With Valor, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the NATO Medal.

 

PFC Timothy R. Brown Jr.

 

PFC Brown was from Conway, Pennsylvania.
Brown was was just 21 years old when he was in a convoy in Taji, Iraq in which he was injured by an explosive device. Brown died of his injuries. Brown was assigned to D Company, 519th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Died on August 12, 2003.

 

Staff Sgt. Ernest G. Bucklew

Staff Sgt. Ernest G. Bucklew of Enon Valley, Pennsylvania was 33 years old when he was killed in action .
Bucklew was on board a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter when it went down in Al Fallujah, Iraq. The cause of the incident was unknown. He was assigned to Support Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Died on November 2, 2003.

Bucklew was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

Spc. Shawn M. Davies

Shawn M.-Davies-Obituary

Army Spc. Davies of Hopewell Twp , Pennsylvania was killed at the age of 22.
Davies died in Baghdad, Iraq, of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on July 8, 2004.

Pvt. Dylan R. Paytas

PVT. Dylan R. Paytas of Freedom, Pa. was killed by a fellow soldier at the age of 20.He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.; died Nov. 16, 2005, from injuries sustained from multiple gunshot wounds in Baqubah, Iraq.

Sgt. Allan R. Bevington

 

Sgt. Bevington, of Beaver Falls, was 22 when he was killed by an IED on September 21, 2006. Assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, of the 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany. He was a combat engineer.

 

Marine Capt. Todd M. Siebert

Marine Corps Captain Todd M. Siebert, 34, of Baden, Pennsylvania was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. On February 16, 2007, while conducting patrol in the Al-Anbar province, Iraq, Captain Siebert’s armored military vehicle was struck by an unidentified projectile. He had only been in Iraq for six weeks and died as a result of injuries sustained from the explosion.

A 1990 graduate of North Allegheny High School, Todd Siebert was a member of the JROTC program.  He enlisted in the Marines in 1992 and was promoted to Sergeant two years later.  He received a commission as an infantry officer in 1999 after he graduated from Penn State University.  Captain Siebert was a member of the Marine Historical Society and an avid collector of World War II military memorabilia. He also enjoyed landscaping.  In 1994, he got married and the couple had two children.

 

Major John William Macroglou

(Photo and story obtained from forevermissed.com)

08/23/1949 to 10/23/1983

Major John Macroglou, USMC  of Aliquippa was killed October 23, 1983 in the terrorist suicide bombing of the Marine Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon. At the time of his death, Maj Macroglou was the Battalion Executive Officer and the highest ranking Marine to die in the bombing along with 240 other Marines. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. (Section 59, #612)
When Arlington Cemetery called his wife to finalize his burial arrangements, they also gave her a message from Major Macroglou. He wanted his burial flag flown over the next Pittsburgh Steeler vs Cleveland Brown home game. Maj Macroglou was lifelong Steeler Fan!

Robert Curtis Sisson Jr. 

10/29/1981 to 02/21/2011

 SGTRobert Sisson Jr. was a 2000 graduate of Center High School. He was a squad leader and after serving two tours of duty in Iraq he was deployed to Afghanistan. Sisson was killed in action in Afghanistan on February 21, 2011.

World War II

 

Lt. Louis Gustav Moslener Jr. 

     (First Soldier from Beaver County Killed in WW II)

 

 

August 8, 1918 – December  7, 1941

Moslener graduated from Monaca high school in 1935 and attended Carnegie Tech. He left to join the U.S. Army Air Corps May 13, 1940 at the Tulsa OK training school, then to Maxwell Field in Alabama and later to Miami University in Coral Gables FL, where he graduated in the first Aerial/Celestial Navigator Training class (Class 40-A) conducted by Pan American Airways. He was stationed at Fort Douglas, Salt Lake City UT.

He was navigator on B-24A Liberator #40-2371. He and his crew belonged to the 88th Reconnaissance Squadron, andarrived at Hickam Field, Hawaii on December 5, 1941 to complete final preparations for a secret project to photograph Japanese military bases in the Marshall and Caroline Islands. Problems were encountered in installing the machine guns and the aircraft was still there on the morning of 7 December. That morning, Moslener and his crew were at hangar 15 preparing their plane for a short check flight before leaving on the next leg of their journey when the Japanese attack began. A bomb hit the hangar, killing Moslener along with another crew member and wounding four more of the crew.

Moslener was not only one of the first Americans killed, he was the first Beaver County native killed in WW II and the plane was the first US aircraft destroyed in the war.

Cemetery records show that he was buried here October 25, 1947, before that he was buried in Hawaii.

Lt. George N. Trumpeter

September 9, 1919- November 8, 1942

Lt. George N. Trumpeter  from Monaca was just 22 years-old when the plane he was a pilot of was reported missing in action somewhere overseas while on air patrol over the coast of Safi.

Stephen Anzio Jr. 

July 11, 1924- July 19, 1943

Anzio a Beaver High School Graduate was just 19 when the plane hw was in was shot down off the coast of Gibraltar, Spain on July 19, 1943, while searching for enemy submarines. His body was never recovered.

Vietnam 

George Ronald Kroner

February 26, 1942- April 10, 1963

George Ronald Kroner was born on February 26, 1942, in Rochester, Pa.  He attended schools in Cleveland, Ohio, and Baden, Pa., where he earned letters in football and basketball.  He was a graduate of Ambridge High School in Pennsylvania, where he also participated in sports.

In August of 1960, George enlisted in the Navy and received his basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, San Diego, Calif.  Shortly after completing his basic training he was assigned to the destroyer U.S.S. Samuel N. Moore (DD 747), and served in that ship until June 1962.

George then volunteered for submarine duty and upon being accepted, he was enrolled in the Submarine School at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn.  He successfully completed the course of instruction and was graduated with the class of October 1962.

On November 16, 1962, George was assigned to the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593).

On April 10, 1963 George perished when approximately 300 miles off he coast of New England the Thresher had some type of failure in either a pipe valve or a hull weld that caused it to flood near the engine room.

 

Howard Maxwell Eakin Jr. 

 

4/15/1934 – 06/05/1963

Howard was  a graduate of Beaver High School. He as a Captain in the Army. On June 5, 1963 he perished in South Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal and also had a compound in Vietnam dedicated in his name. Captain Eakin was the first Vietnam casualty from Beaver County.

 

Michael Peter Martin Jr.

02/20/1942 to 12/12/1963

Martin was from Center Twp. and on December 12, 1963, a U.S. Army light transport U-1A Otter from the 18th Aviation Company destined for Ban Me Thout crashed into the top of an 8400’ mountain, 400 feet below the summit, reportedly after being hit by ground fire. An accident investigation team landed above the crash site in UH-1 helicopters and descended to the downed plane. There were no survivors. Lost in the crash were pilot CAPT Clarence L. Moorer, co-pilot 2LT Louis A Carricarte, crew chief SP4 Michael P. Martin Jr., and passenger CAPT Ted P. Neura Jr. (USAF).

 

John Leroy Straley

05/18/1939 to 01/18/1964

Pfc. John L. Straley of Wampum Rd 2 was killed Jan 18, 1064 when a helicopter he was riding was shot down in the South China Sea in Saigon, Vietnam.
Reported as missing since that time. He still is considered lost at sea.
He is one of four local heroes listed as a POW/MIA.

 

Doyle Wilmer Lynn

11/03/1926 to 05/27/1965

Doyle was from Aliquippa Pa. He served in the US Navy, VF111 USS Midway CVA41 and attained the rank of CDR/O-5. His plane was shot down over Vihn, North Vietnam on May 17, 1965. To this day he is till listed as POW/MIA. One of four POW/ MIA’s from Beaver County.

 

John Willie White

03/10/1946 to 06/09/1965

White was from Aliquippa. He served in the US Army and in one year of service attained the rank of PFC/E-3. On June 9, 1965, at the age of 19, John perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam.

 

Henry  D. Grimm Jr.

03/11/1947 to 06/25/1965

Henry Delbert Grimm Jr, 18, of Midland, PA was among the passengers and crew of the US Air Force Trasport KC135 leaving El Toro and headed for Vietnam when it crashed, killing everyone on board. Although Henry is not listed on the national memorial in Washington D.C., he is included on the Vietnam Memorial in Beaver, Pa.

 

Raymo Santilli

03/03/1942 to 11/12/1965

Santilli from Aliquippa, came to the United States in 1954 from Itlay. Spec. 4/c U.S. Army, {US52599711}, Vietnam War-Spec. Santilli was killed in action from multiple fragmentation wounds during Operation Bushmaster I on 11-12-1965 while serving as a Light Weapons Infantryman with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Spec. Santilli started his tour of Vietnam on 10-7-1965.

Joseph Anthony Cestaric

11/15/1918 to 12/17/1965

Cestaric was a graduate of Midland High School served the USAF and after 22years, attained the rank of MSGT/E-7. On December 17, 1965 at the age of 47, he perished after his plane was shot down over Nihn Thuan, South Vietnam.

 

Robert Howard Carr Jr. 

09/11/1947 to 06/15/1966

Carr was a 1965 graduate of Beaver Falls High School. While serving in the Army he attained the rank of PFC/E-3 after one year. On June 15, 1966 at the age of 18 he was hit by hostile small arms while on a combat mission. He was award the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Military merit Medal by the South Vietnam government.

 

Gary Leonard Miller

10/09/1946 to 09/19/1966

Miller was born on October 10, 1946 and was from Rochester, Pa. A US Marine he attained the rank of PFC/E-2. After serving one month and 29 days in Vietnam, he was killed on September 19, 1966 at just 19 years-old. Miller was walking point man on patrol when he was hit by a sniper in the area of Da Nang, South Vietnam.

James Everett Graham Jr. 

10/31/1947 to 09/24/1966

Graham was a graduate of Rochester High School and served in the US Marine Corps attaining the rank of PFC/E-2 after one year. He was treated for injuries and four days later died at the age of just 18 in Quang Tri on September 24, 1966. He received two Purple Hearts, Vietnamese Medal of Valor, Military Merit with Oak Leaves and many other medals.

 

Howard David Strauss

11/07/1947 to 10/26/1966

Strauss was a graduate of Monaca High School and served as a U.S. Marine Infantryman attaining the rank of LCPL/E-3. On October 26, 1966, at the age of 18, he perished in Quang Tri Province of South Vietnam. He received the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Purple Heart and several other medals.

 

Ronald Edward McClelland

10/28/1935 to 10/28/1966

SGT. McClelland was a 1953 of Aliquippa High School. He served in the US Army for six years attaining the rank of SGT/E-5. On October 28, 1966 his 31st birthday, he was killed by enemy small arms fire.

Samuel Lightman

02/19/1946 to 11/02/1966

Lightman was a 1964 Graduate of Ambridge High School and served as a Marine Infantryman with the rank of PFC/E-2. On November 2, 1966 at the age of 20 he was killed by hostile rifle fire while in a defensive position.

 

Fredrick William Mullen

01/13/1945 to 11/05/1966

Mullen of Beaver, Pa. served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of SP5/E-5. On November 5, 1966, at the age of 21, he was killed when giving aid to a wounded soldier. Mullen received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals.

David Carl Louthan

05/22/1946 to 05/29/1966

Louthan was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School and served in the U.S. Marines as and infantryman. In two years of service he attained the rank of LCPL/E3. On November 29, 1966 at the age of 20, David perished in the province of Quang Nam, South Vietnam while with the F Company, First Battalion.

 

Curtis Lee Jeter Jr.

Jeter Jr. was a graduate of Aliquippa High School and served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of PFC/E-3. on December 16, 1966, at the age of 19, he perished from fragments of a grenade. He served only 4 months in Vietnam with Company B, 101st Airborne Division before his death.

Thomas Richard Mark

05/10/1948 to 02/04/1967

Mark was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantryman. After one year of service , he attained the rank of PFC/E-2. On February 4, 1967 at the age of 18 was killed by multiple fragment wounds from a hostile explosive attack. He was only in Vietnam for 14 days when he died.

Bennie Joe Paolantonio

06/28/1946 to 05/20/1967

Paolantonio was a 1964 graduate of Ambridge High School and he served with the U.S. Army attaining the rank of SP4/E-4. On March 20, 1967, at the age of 20, he was killed by enemy small arms fire while participating in an air assault mission of Vietnam. He received the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

 

Roger Morton Netherland

04/05/1926 to 05/10/1967

Capt. Netherland of Beaver served in the U.S. Navy , VA94 and attained the rank of CAPT/O-6. On May 10, 1967, at the age of 41, his plane was shot down over the Haiphong area of North Vietnam. He was listed as POW/MIA until June 6, 2000. He was highly decorated with numerous medals for his service to our country.

 

Julius Edgar Jenkins

09/11/1945 to 05/22/1967

Jenkins of Aliquippa served in the U.S. Army and after one year obtained the rank of SP4/E-4. On May 22, 1967, at the age of 21, he perished in Pleiku, South Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal.

 

Joseph Andrew Tomko

06/19/1935 to 06/01/1967

Captain Tomko was a graduate of Aliquippa High School and served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of Capt/O-3. At the age of 31 he was severely wounded by enemy small arms fire near Wuang Ngai and later died in a hospital in Japan on June 1, 1967.

Nick Panella Jr. 

05/22/1946 to 07/03/1967

Nick was a 1964 graduate of St. Veronica High School in Ambridge and served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of PFC/E-3. On July 7, 1967, at the age of 21, he was severely wounded in an enemy attack in the Binh Dinh Province and later died as a result of those wounds. He was awarded the Purple Heart the day before he died.

James Francis Tritt

07/13/1942 to 07/07/1967

Tritt of Monaca served in the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of MM2/E-5. On July 7, 1967, at the age of 24, he was lost at sea in the Gulf of Tonkin off of Vietnam. He remains one of four Vietnam Veteran in Beaver County listed as a POW/MIA.

 

Andrew M. Hovancik Jr. 

09/28/1946 to 07/16/1967

Andrew was a 1964 graduate of New Brighton High School. He served as a 0311 infantryman with the US Marine Corps and with two years of service attained the rank of SGT/E-5. On July 16, 1967, at the age of 20, he perished in Thua Thien, South Vietnam.

William Howard Goedeker

10/19/1945 to 08/24/1967

William was from the Chippewa area and served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantryman. After four years of service he attained the rank of PFC/E-2. On August 24, 1967, at the age of 21, he perished instantly when hit by heavy mortar fire. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medals.

 

David Lawrence Cowart

    05/11/1947 to 09/25/1967

David was from Aliquippa and serve in the U.S. Marine Corps attaining the rank of LCPL/E-3. On September 25, 1967, at the age of 20, he perished in Quang Nam, South Vietnam.

 

Robert Clarence Howard

11/16/1928 to 11/04/1967

Robert was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School. He served in the US Army with 20 years of service attaining the rank of SSGT/E-6. On November 4, 1967, at the age of 38, he perished in Long Khanh while serving with F Troop, Second Squadron, 11th ACR. He planned on retiring in March of 1968. He served two tours in Vietnam.

Michael Allen Casp

09/26/1940 to 11/14/1967

Michael was from Beaver, Pa. He was captain of the 1961 West Point Football team and after four years of service in the U.S. Army he attained the rank of CAPT/O-3. On November 14, 1967, at the age of 27, Michael perished in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Heroic and Meritorious Service. He served two tours in Vietnam; the first as an advisor and the second as an artillery commander.

Larry Wendell Pierce

11/04/1946 to 12/24/1967

Pierce of Baden, Pa served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of PFC/E-3. On December 24, 1967 , at the age of 21, he was killed returning from a night reconnaissance mission. He received the Purple Heart.

William Joseph Potter Jr. 

09/24/1935 to 12/29/ 1967

William was from Ambridge and served in the U.S. Air Force and obtained the rank of LTC/O-5. On December 29, 1967, at the age of 32, he perished in the line of duty to our country in Laos. He was listed as MIA until 1999.

Adolphus Ellis

10/26/1967 to 03/01/1968

Adolphus was a 1966 graduate of Beaver High School and served in the U.S. Army. After one year he obtained the rank of PFC/E-3. On March 1, 1968, at the age of 20, he perished in Dinh Tuong after serving eight months in Vietnam.

William James Bowers

09/11/1947 to 03/08/1968

William was for Koppel, Pa.. He was a 1965 graduate from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City. William served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of SP4/E-4 after one year. On March 8, 1968, at the age of 20, he perished while serving with the 101st Airborne Division in the area of Thau Thien, South Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals.

David Lynn Brown

02/24/1945 to 03/18/1968

David was from Ellwood City, Pa. and served as a 0311 Infantryman in the U.S. Marine Corps. He  attained the rank of LCPL/E-3 after one year of service. On March 18, 1968, at the age of 21, David perished serving our country in Thau Thien, South Vietnam.

Lawrence Ryland Koman

07/08/1944 to 03/20/1968

Koman was from Aliquippa, Pa. and served as a 2LT/O-1 with the U.S. Marines. On March 20, 1968, at the age of 23, he was killed in action by mortar fire in Khe Sanh, South Vietnam.

 

Lawrence James Snyder

12/20/1946 to 04/19/ 1968

Snyder was from Rochester and graduated from Grove City High School. He was an Infantryman in the U.S. Marine Corps and attained the rank of CPL/E-4 after serving for two years. On April 19, 1968, at the age of 21, he was killed while in a defensive position in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.

 

Alfred Bennett Cafrelli

05/18/1947 to 04/21/1968

Cafrelli was a 1965 graduate of Hopewell High School . He served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of SP4/E-4 after one year. On April 21, 1968, at the age of 20, he perished when he was on patrol in his Jeep when it overturned killing him. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

 

Wallace William Shane

04/21/1946 to 05/05/1968

Wallace was from Baden, Pa. and graduated from Freedom High School. He served in the U.S. Marines as an Infantryman attaining the rank of PFC/E-2. On May 5, 1968, at the age of 22, he killed in action at Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam while serving with L Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Nicholas Samuel Vrankovich

12/08/1949 to 5/24/1968

Vrankovich was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantryman and obtained the rank of LCP/E-3. On May 24, 1968, at the age of 18, he perished in the Quang Tri area of South Vietnam.

 

Earl Raymond Welsh Jr.

07/08/1947 to 07/19/1968

Welsh was from South Beaver Township and graduated from Northwestern High School in Darlington, Pa. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps attaining the rank of PVT/E-1. On July 19, 1968, at the age of 21, he perished as the result of wounds from a hostile explosive in the Quang Nam Province of South Vietnam. He had only been in Vietnam for 10 months before his death.

Bay Benton Boothe Sr.

09/07/1939 to 08/15/1968

Boothe was from Monaca and served in the U.S. Army. In eight years of service he attained the rank of SSGT/E-6. On August 15, 1968, at the age of 28, he perished when his platoon entered an extensive bunker and came under heavy automatic weapons fire in the Gia Dinh area of South Vietnam. He was awarded the Siler Star and Purple Heart, among other medals after serving six tours in Vietnam.

William John Bilbo Jr.

08/04/1948 to 08/26/1968

Bilbo was a 1966 graduate of New Brighton High School and served as a U.S. Marine. In one year of service he attained the rank of LCPL/E-3. On August 26, 1968, at the age of 20, he perished in service to our country in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

Charles William Seth

09/24/1941 to 09/14/1968

Seth was a graduate of Ambridge High School and served four years in the U.S. Army  attaining the rank of SP4/E-4. On September 14, 1968, at the age of 26, he perished in the area of Thua Thien, South Vietnam. He was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart.

Frank Albert Skocich

04/06/1948 to 09/17/1968

Skocich was from Ambridge PA. He served one year in the U.S. Marines attaining the rank of PFC/E-2. On September 17, 1968, at the age of 20, Skocich perished in the service to our country in Quang Tri, South Vietnam.

William Lee McLaughlin

09/10/1948 to 10/03/1968

McLaughlin was from Hookstown, Pa. and served in the U.S. Army. He attained the rank of CPL/E-3. On October 3, 1968, at the age of 20, he was killed by a Viet Cong who was hidden in a dwelling while he voluntarily went to forward to investigate an area for a possible ambush. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for heroism and the Purple Heart.

Charles Thomas (Butch) Roeder

11/14/1940 to 10/29/1968

Butch was from Beaver Falls. He served 11 years in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of SGT/E-5. On October 29, 1968, at the age of 27, he perished in the area of Bien Hoa, South Vietnam.

John Richard Larimore

04/15/1948 to 11/24/1968

John was from Aliquippa, Pa. and served as an infantryman in the U.S. Marine Corps. In one year he obtained the rank of PFC/E-2. On November 24, 1968, at the age of 20, he perished in the service of our country in Quang Tri, South Vietnam.

Louis Rodriguez

06/25/1928 to 12/20/1968

Louis was from Ambridge, Pa and served in the U.S. Army for 17 years. He attained the rank of SFC/E-7 and served three tours in Vietnam. On December 20, 1968, at the age of 40, he was killed in action near Duc Pho. He received several medals posthumously including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Purple Heart.

Ronnie Lee Eckenroad

10/07, 1949 to 03/19/1969

Ronnie Lee was from Beaver Falls and served with the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantryman and point man on patrols. After one year of service he attained the rank of PFC/E-2. On March 19, 1969, at the age of 19, he died in hostile fire in Quang Tri, South Vietnam while trying to provide cover for the men of his squad. He received numerous medals including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Combat V.

Robert Wayne Moon

06/26/1948 to 04/23/1969

Robert served in the U.S. Army for one year obtaining the rank SP4/E-4. On April 23, 1969, at the age of 20, he perished in the service of our country in Wuang Ngi, South Vietnam.

Donovan Russel Fluharty

03/25/1947 to 05/20/1969

Donovan was a of Beaver High School and served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of SP4/E-4. On May 20, 1969, at the age of 21, he perished in Kontum, South Vietnam after being hit by rocket fragmentations.

Larry Eugene Boyer

06/03/1946 to 05/25/1969

Larry graduated as a star athlete from Riverside High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years attaining the rank of CPLE/E-4. On May 25, 1969, at the age of 21, he perished by enemy gunfire while on patrol going to the aid of a fellow Marine in the Quang Tri area of South Vietnam.

Thomas William Strathmann

02/25/1947 to 06/08/1969

Thomas graduated from Beaver Falls High School and served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of CPL/E-3. On June 8. 1969, at the age of 22, he served with the First Air Cavalry Division and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Charles Edward Hunsinger

10/13/1949 to 06/17/1969

CPL Hunsinger of Independence Township served in the U.S, Army, 82nd Airborne. After one year he obtained the rank of CPL/E-3. On June 17, 1969, at the age of 19, he perished in Quang Ngai, South Vietnam.

Philip Mastramico

03/22/1948 to 06/27/1969

SGT Mastramico was a 1968 graduate of Monaca High School. he served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank if SGT/E-5. on June 27, 1969, at the age of 21, he perished in Kien Tuong, South Vietnam. He was awarded numerous medals for bravery and the Purple Heart.

James Herbert Workman 

09/17/1948 To 06/30/ 1969

PFC Workman was from Chippewa Township and was a 1966 graduate of Beaver Falls High School. He served in the U.S. Army and obtained the rank of PFC/E-3. He was a member of the Military Police serving with Company B. On June 30, 1969, at the age of 20, he was killed in Saigon, South Vietnam.

David Francis Smith 

01/10/1947 to 08/06/1969

PFC Smith was from Ellwood City Pa. and a graduate of Riverside High School. He served in U.S. Army and attained the rank of PFC/E-3. On August 6,, 1969, at the age of 22, he was killed in action in Thua Thien, South Vietnam while serving with the C Company, 1st Battalion, 506 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.

Edward Eugene See

09/25/1924 to 10/31/1969

SMAJ See was a graduate of New Brighton High School. He served in the U.S. Army for 26 years and attained the rank if SMAJ/E-9. A veteran of WW II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. On October 31, 1969, at the age of 45, he was killed in a helicopter crash in a jungle near Saigon. He was awarded the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.

Larry Lynn Fowler

11/07/1948 to 11/27/1969

CPL Fowler was from New Galilee, Pa. and graduated in 1966 from Beaver Falls High School. He served in the U.S. Army and after one year obtained the rank of CPL/E-3. On November 27, 1969, at the age of 21, he perished in Thua Thien, South Vietnam, He received six Vietnam medals including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Daniel Millard Dawson

04/28/1946 to 12/05/1969

SP4 Dawson was from Hookstown, Pa. and served in the U.S. Army. After one year of service he attained the rank of  SP4/E-4. On December 15, 1969, at the age of 23, he perished in the service to our country in Phuoc Long, South Vietnam.

Edward Allen Bischoff

01/03/1949 to 01/12/1970

PFC Bischoff was a graduate of Beaver High School and the Western Pennsylvania Institute of Technology. He served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of PFC/E-3. He was killed in action near Tay Ninh on January 12, 1971, at the age of 21. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart posthumously.

Walter Herbert Bucka Jr.

06/15/1941 to 02/06/1970

SSGT Bucka was a graduate of Ambridge High School. After graduating he served in the U.S. Army for 8 years and attained the rank of SSGT/E-6. On February 6, 1970, at the age of 28, he perished in the service of our country in Quang Tri, South Vietnam.

Thomas Richard Brewer

05/20/1949 to 03/15/1970

CPL Brewer was a graduate of Rochester High School and served in the U.S. Army after graduation obtaining the rank of CPL/E-3 after one year. On March 15, 1970, at the age of 20, he perished while on a military mission in Binh Dinh, South VVietnam.

Donald James Pierce, Jr.

07/31/1950 to 03/18/1970

CPL Pierce was a graduate of Hopewell High School and served as an infantryman in the U.S. Marine Corps attaining the rank of CPL/E-4. On March 18, 1970, at the age of 19, he was killed by a land mine while leading a squad on night patrol in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.

Jan Houston Nelson

09/09/1944 to 04/11/1970

1st LT Nelson graduated from Aliquippa High School and attended the University of Kansas before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He attained the rank of 1LT/O-2.  Nelson perished on April 11, 1970, at the age of 25 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He is one of four listed as POW/MIA from Beaver County.

Robert Martin Kuner, Jr. 

12/01/1949 to 06/15/1970

LCPL Kuner was from North Sewickley and was a graduate of Riverside High School. In one year of service in the U.S. Marine Corps he attained the rank of LCPL/E-3. On June 15, 1970, at the age of 20, Kuner perished in Quang Nam, South Vietnam.

William Agner Jurich

06/04/1946 to 06/25/1970

1st LT Jurich was from Ohioville. He graduated from Geneva College before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968. He attained the rank if 1LT/O-2 and on June 25, 1970, at the age of 24, he was killed in a combat mission over Lam Dong, South Vietnam.

James Earl Hupp

05/08/1949 to 07/08/1970

SP4 Hupp was from Darlington, Pa. and was a 1967 graduate of Northwestern High School. He served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of SP4/E-4. On July 8, 1970, at the age of 21, he was killed when he drew fire to himself in order to warn his platoon of the enemy in the Thua Thien area of South Vietnam. He was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Andrew Joseph Fritsch III

07/04/1949 to 08/10/1970

SSGT Fritsch was a graduate of Freedom High School and served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of SSGT/E-6. On August 10, 1970, at the age of 21, he perished in action in Tay Ninh, near Saigon.

John (Jack) Anthony Ogrizek

08/08/1950 to 09/26/1970

CPL Ogrizek graduated from Ambridge and served in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of CPL/E-3. On September 26, 1970, at the age of 20, in the area of Binh Dinh, South Vietnam, he was killed while he and members of his platoon were disarming an explosive device that prematurely detonated.

Fredrick Joseph Hughes

01/18/1950 to 11/14/1970

CPL Hughes was a graduate of Ambridge High School and attained the rank of CPL/E-3 while serving in the U.S. Army. On November 14, 1970, at the age of 19, he was killed when a booby trap detonated on a combat mission.

Ralph Angelo Moreira

 

 

 

Loved ones who served who have passed on:

 

Francis William Karas

08/15/1944 to 04/08/2016

Bill was a graduate of the 1964 Hopewell High School and served in the U.S. Army for two years attaining the rank of SGT./E-5. He was stationed in Fort Sill OK.

Sgt. Joseph Martin Kroll Jr. 

8 Feb 1922 – 9 Dec 1972 
Sgt. Kroll  served in the United States Army – WWII – Jun 1944 – May 1946
Military Police – 394th Infantry, Co. A, 99th Division – Battle of the Bulge, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and France.
Combat Infantry Badge & Bronze Star Recipient.
Julius Louis Timko
(1919 – 2003)
Timko served in the United States 5th Army – WWII – Oct 1941 – Jun 1945
Infantry – 34th Div. “Red Bulls” Anti-Tank Co. North African Theater
POW – Feb 1943 – Jun 1945 – Camp: Stalag 3B Furstenberg, Brandenberg, Prussia
Maj. Vincent Mario Gargaro 
(1919 – 2003)
Major Gargaro served in the United States Army Air Corp. WWII
8th Weather Squadron – Meteorologist
Jan 1943 – Mar 1946

Frederick “Ted” Bauer

Technical Sargent Frederick “Ted” Bauer was one of Beaver Counties most decorated WW2 Veterans.  Born Dec 15, 1919 and passed away August 20, 1995.  Serving with the US Army Air Corps 13th Air Force 424th Bomb Squadron from April 1942 to June 1945 he was an aerial photographer and rear tail gunner on B-17 Liberators.  He was awarded the Army Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and four bronze battle stars.  Was also awarded liberation medals of New Guinea, South Philippines, Northern Philippines, and China along with a Presidential Citation and his Good Conduct Medal.  In retirement he served as Ellwood Cities VFW Post 252 Post Commander, VFW 26th District Commander, delated to state and national VFW conventions and active member of VFW Honor Guard serving in over 800 military funerals and various veterans honor events.

The Medich Brothers

The Aliquippa natives all enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in WWII Dave , the eldest was born  on January 30, 1917 was  a sergeant and was based stateside in Fort Meade, Maryland. He died September 30, 2013 Dan was born 11/17/1918, he died on July 13, 1992. They are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Aliquippa, PA. , He was a Tech5 and served  in New Guinea in the Pacific Theater. George was  a Private 1st class born October 31, 1921  and was serving in France, when he and   3 other members of his unit were killed when a landmine exploded under the truck, killing them. on March 5. 1945.  George was buried in a German Cemetery and the family was able to have his body brought back to the United States. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery  on September 11, 1948.
Charles McMillan

Charles McMillan, was a veteran of WW2 he served in the Philippines until he was burned in an accident in the mess tent. He carried the scars on his legs from the fire his whole life. He passed away January 1986.

Charles Gutch Sr. 

142 INFANTRY – 36TH DIVISION  1942 – 1945 .3 ANPHIBIOUS INVASIONS NORTH AFRICA – SALARNO –   ANZIO

Pete Castronovo, Sr

Pete Castronovo, Sr. , from Monaca, Pa., enlisted in the US Navy in 1944.
Was on an LST in the Pacific (most people do not realize that the government had the LST’s built to hold thousands of troops and they did not expect them to return)
Returned to Monaca, in 1949 he married Anne Swatek of Midland
Had 4 children.  Lived in Monaca until he passed in November of 2009.

 

Special Section honoring our special Beaver County Veterans who are still living that fought for out Freedom.

 

Jeff O’Connor- Owner of Rochester Smokehouse, A sponsor of this Memorial Day Tribute.