Veteran Honorees

2025 Voice From The Stone Honorees: Samuel N. Millington (Civil War KIA) and Levi D. Millington (Civil War KIA) The “Voice From the Stone” honorees for 2025 are brothers Samuel and Levi Millington, killed in action during the Battle of Shiloh in the Civil War. They served alongside their father Otis in the 46th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he was present at their deaths. Through them we honor all those whose names are on the monument, especially those who served and died during the Civil War, on this the 160th Anniversary of its end. CLICK HERE for a detailed biography about the Millington brothers. Scroll below to view their military service summary details. SAMUEL N. MILLINGTON Veteran First NameSamuel Veteran Middle NameN. Veteran Last NameMillington Date of Birth1840 Highest RankPrivate Branch of ArmyYes Unit(s)46th OVI, Co. G Active Service to Year04/06/1862 Civil WarYes KIAYes KIA/DIS/POW When04/06/1862 KIA/DIS/POW WhereShiloh, TN Other CemeteryShiloh, TN Date of Death04/06/1862 Source 1Beers, Record 477; Civil War Soldiers System; Ancestry- Find a Grave; Obit from News of Our Civil War Veterans by Virginia Smith LEVI D. MILLINGTON Veteran First NameLevi Veteran Middle NameD. Veteran Last NameMillington Date of Birth1842 Highest RankPrivate Branch of ArmyYes Unit(s)46th OVI, Co. G Active Service to Year04/06/1862 Civil WarYes KIAYes KIA/DIS/POW When04/06/1862 KIA/DIS/POW WhereShiloh, TN Other CemeteryShiloh, TN Date of Death04/06/1862 Source 1Beers, Record 477; Civil War Soldiers System; American Civil War Research Database <footer id="

Private First Class Roland E. Palmer United States Marine Corps Died of Wounds – 21 February 1945 – Iwo Jima Roland Palmer was born in Marysville on August 31, 1925, as the third son to Harry Palmer. He was the second son to Harry’s second wife, and Esther (Scheiderer) Palmer. His older brothers were Harold his half-brother, and Arthur. By the time World War Two began, Roland had four younger brothers too: John, known as Hans; Robert and Ralph, twins; and William. Roland and his brothers grew up on the east side of Marysville, living on South Oak, East 6th, and East 4th Streets. At Marysville High School, Roland played football, and in his senior year was starting defensive halfback, while brother John started at right offensive guard. He graduated in 1943. Before enlisting in the Marine Corps, he served in Company G of the Ohio State Guard, which took over the role of the Ohio National Guard division when it was activated. Roland enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in November, 1943, and was sent to Parris Island, S.C. for training. After graduating boot camp, he was assigned to the 4th Pioneer Battalion of the 4th Marine Division. At the time, the 4th Division was in the Pacific Theater, having taken part in the battle for Kwajalein. He would have joined the division as it prepared on Maui, Territory of Hawaii, for its next mission. This was the invasion of Saipan, which was to provide the airfields for the B-29s to begin bombing Japan. After Saipan, back to Maui to prepare for next assignment – Iwo Jima. In January, 1945, moved to Oahu to finalize preparation for the invasion of “Island X”. On 27 January 1945, the division sailed aboard the transports heading to Iwo Jima. <footer id="

2023 Voice from the Stone Honoree Samuel Layton Hill – Spanish-American War KIA One hundred and twenty five years ago, the United States fought what is known as the Spanish-American War. While the motivation for the war was primarily to free the peoples of Cuba, Porto Rico, Guam and the Philippines from Spanish rule, the outcome propelled the United States onto the world stage. One of the many National Guard units were activated and sworn into federal duty as volunteers was the 14th Ohio Infantry Regiment, which contained Company E, from Union County. When sworn in, the 14th was renamed the 4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and Company E became Company D. And one of it’s men was Samuel Layton Hill. Samuel was born on July 3rd, 1875 in Delaware County, and lived for a time with his parents, Israel and Martha Blaney Hill in Concord Township, Delaware County which borders Jerome Township here in Union County. After his father died, he moved with his mother to Paris Township in Union County, where she later remarried. He graduated from Marysville High School on East Sixth Street. In the newspaper write up on his re-burial in Oakdale cemetery, he was described as “a young man of strictest integrity, and a dedicated sense of honor. He was always upright, candid and open-hearted. He was a good boy in his home, a good boy in school, and a good soldier.” On April 26, 1898, two days after war was declared, he joined Company E of the 14th Ohio. On May 9th, he was mustered into federal service with the rest of the company. After their training, Samuel and the men from Union County left for Porto Rico. They landed there on August 3rd at Arroyo, and on August 4th was sent to the front-lines outside Guyama on outpost duty. The Spanish were on the other side of the front. After participating in the battle for Guyama from the 7th to 10th of August, the 4th was again on outpost duty outside the city when Private Hill was struck down by friendly fire. He was originally buried outside Guyama, but in 1899 was brought home to Union County and re-interred in Oakdale cemetery with full military honors on May 3, 1899. <footer id="

2022 Voice from the Stone Honoree Simon Shover – War of 1812 POW Simon Shover was born in Loudoun County, Virginia in 1785. His father and mother were Henry and Rosanna Shover. Henry was a veteran of the War for Independence, or American Revolution. Simon had three sisters – Elizabeth, Catharine and Barbara; and two brothers - Frederick and Adam. During the war of 1812 Adam served as a Lieutenant with the first company organized in Union County, with James Curry, the son of the founder of Union County as captain. The family moved to Jerome Township about 1805, and settled on a farm just north of Big Darby Creek. As a young man living in pre-Union County, Simon worked on the family farm. In the summer of 1812, after war had been declared against England, Simon enlisted in Captain Angus Langham’s company in Chillicothe. According to an advertisement for recruits, anyone enlisting would be expected to serve either a five year term or an eighteen month term, and he would receive a bounty of sixteen dollars. The recruiting parties were looking for men of “Patriotism, Courage and Enterprise.” Simon’s service during his eighteen months of service would certainly prove he had these qualities. One way we know this is that he was made Orderly Sergeant of his company, a position of much responsibility. Langham’s company became part of the 19th Regiment of the regular army. The lineage of this regiment continues to this day in the 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” The regiment, along with a number of Kentucky volunteers, was assigned to the Northwest Army under command of General James Winchester. This army replaced the one under General William Hull which had been captured at Fort Detroit in July, 1812. General Winchester and his army were to meet with General William Henry Harrison and the rest of the American forces to recapture Detroit. On January, 18, 1813, General Winchester sent a contingent to attack the British and their native allies at a place called Frenchtown, now Monroe, Michigan on the River Raisin. The Americans drove the British from the town, and General Winchester brought up the rest of US forces. He did not prepare them for a counter-attack though, and when the British and Indians attacked at dawn on January 22nd, the US forces were taken by surprise. The regular US troops were overwhelmed quickly, and as they tried to surrender, many were killed and scalped. Out of 400 men, 220 were killed, 147 were captured, and the rest escaped. The Kentucky troops fought on in Frenchtown, refusing to surrender fearing they would be killed. While they fought hard, their ammunition began to run low and eventually they were forced to surrender to the British. Their wounded were kept in houses in the village. The British commander promised the over 500 POW’s would be taken to a nearby British fort, and the wounded cared for. Unfortunately, his Indian allies had other ideas. On the 23rd, as the main group of POW’s was led away, anyone unable to keep up, mainly those with less serious wounds, was killed and scalped. The Indians then set fire to the buildings which housed the more seriously wounded, and then began killing those that tried to escape. Known as the ‘River Raisin Massacre’, it so horrified Americans as news spread, that it overshadowed the loss of the battle. The rallying cry, “Remember the River Raisin!” would lead many more to enlist for the war, and would inspire similar calls in 1836, “Remember the Alamo!”, and in 1941, “Remember Pearl Harbor!” Simon was captured at Frenchtown, and witnessed the massacre of POWs and the wounded by the Indians. Showing his quick thinking, Simon claimed to have escaped death by jumping around and up on a log, flapping his arms and crowing like a rooster. Apparently his captors thought this was amusing, and also that maybe he was a little insane. So he was taken prisoner, and eventually paroled with the vow not to fight again until exchanged. However, after his return to Jerome Township, he found most of his friends still fighting in the war, so he disregarded his parole and went back to join General Harrison’s army. He continued to serve until the end of the war. Unfortunately, his experiences in the war seem to have affected him with post-traumatic stress. The DeBeers Union County history says he was “one of the most eccentric and reckless characters that lived in Union County.” In addition, he may have been one of those veterans that has trouble re-adjusting to civilian life after what he went through in the war. He was too fond of alcohol, and he was known for letting out “an Indian war whoop” in order to get money for a drink. He would swim his horse across the Darby when the water level was very high. Once he rode his horse into court and let out his Indian war cry at the top of his voice. He was known for playing all kinds of tricks, but his humor and popularity usually kept him out of trouble. Because of his drinking, he lost his property, and led a wandering life, relying on the charity of old friends. He ended his days in the old County Infirmary that used to stand on Route 4, and when he died in 1863, he was buried in the cemetery on the property. As no record shows he was moved to the Potter’s field at Oakdale cemetery, his remains are still buried somewhere on the land at Route 4 and County Home Road. As sad ending for one of Union County’s courageous soldiers. Simon was known to be brave and honorable, and was one of Union County’s most distinguished soldiers in the War of 1812. His experience is a reminder that our Veterans sometimes need help, and how important the Veterans Service Office, and our other Veterans groups are to the well-being of these brave men and women. Presented by Bo Johnstone – November 6, 2022 Researched by Sue Kinebaum – Reference Librarian at Marysville Public Library Veteran First NameSimon Veteran Last NameShover Date of Birth1785 Highest RankLieutenant Branch of ArmyYes Unit(s)19th Regiment, Captain Angus Lanham's Co. Active Service from Year1812 War of 1812Yes POWYes KIA/DIS/POW When01/23/1813 KIA/DIS/POW WhereMonroe, Michigan Township of residence entering serviceJerome Township of current residence or at time of deathParis CemeteryOTHER Other CemeteryInfirmary Farm Date of Death1863 Source 1Esther Carmany; Beers, Chapter II; Record 434; Beers, Jerome Township History, (273); Union Co. Cem. Rec., Vol. 2, p. 123 Notes 1taken prisoner at General Winchester's defeat; held captive by Indians and reportedly escaped death by "jumping on a log, flapping his arms and crowing like a rooster." (Beers, 273) Notes 2son of Henry Shover, Revolutionary War; Shover family buried in Jerome Cemetery, Ash Section Notes 32022 Voice From the Stone Honoree Record AuthenticatedYes <footer id="

2021 Veteran Honoree Lieutenant Colonel James A. Curry James A. Curry was born near Belfast, Ireland on January 29, 1752. He came to America with is parents and four other siblings in 1762. An outbreak of disease on the ship took the lives of his brothers and sisters. He and his parents settled in Rockingham County, Virginia. As he grew up, James worked on the family farm. In his early 20’s, James became a member of the Virginia Militia. In 1774, the governor of Virginia called up the militia and sent them into the western part of the state to stop Indian raids on the local communities. During a battle between the militia and Indians at Point Pleasant (now in West Virginia) on the Kanawa River, James was severely wounded. He recovered just as the American Revolution broke out. James enlisted in the Virginia Line, as the infantry regiments were called at that time. He quickly rose in rank, and was soon commissioned as a Lieutenant. He eventually rose to the rank of Captain in the Virginia Line of the Continental/U.S. Army. Because of his education, he was moved to staff duty. Most of his duty was with General Washington and the main Continental Army, where he saw action in the major battles of the war, including Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine Creek, Germantown and Monmouth Courthouse. He was also present at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78, when Major General (Baron) Friedrich von Steuben helped create a real American Army. In 1780, after some duty in Virginia as a recruiting officer, he joined the Virginia troops headed to South Carolina to reinforce General Benjamin Lincoln around Charleston. Unfortunately, the American Army in South Carolina was captured in May of 1780, and Captain Curry was one of the prisoners of war. He was exchanged for a British officer, and continued serving with Gen. Washington, being present at the capture of Yorktown in late 1781. By the end of the war he was a brevet Major. After the war he returned to Virginia and married, and in 1798, he moved his family to the Ohio territory. His first residences were in Ross and Highland counties. In 1811, he moved his family again, to a part of Delaware county that would eventually become a section of Union County. While in Highland County, he served two terms as a state legislator, and eventually served two terms from the new Union County also. It was through his efforts that Union County came to be established, with the official date being April 1, 1820. While in Highland County, he became Lieutenant Colonel James Curry, serving as the regimental commander of the 2nd Ohio Regiment, and also as an inspector of state troops. He retired from service prior to the War of 1812. His oldest son, also called James A. Curry served during that war, both in the infantry and cavalry. During the Civil War, Lt. Col. Curry’s sons David and William W., and his grandson’s James, James A., Otway and William L. Curry all served with the Union Army. Otway was a captain with Company C, 121st Ohio Infantry; and William L. was a captain with Company K, 1st Ohio Cavalry. His grandson James A. died during the war while in the service. Lt. Col. Curry died in Jerome Township, Union County on February 15, 1855, and never saw how his service in the War for Independence led to a tradition of military service by his grandchildren. He no doubt would have been proud of them. Veteran First NameJames Veteran Last NameCurry Date of Birth01/29/1752 Highest RankColonel Unit(s)Virginia Line Revolutionary WarYes Township of residence entering serviceJerome CemeteryJerome Twp: Curry Date of Death07/05/1834 Source 1Beers, Record 428 and Chapter IV, Jerome Township, Biographical Sketches (291); Ohio Vital Records; D.A.R., p.98; Union County Engineer survey records Notes 1father to Capt. James A. Curry, War of 1812; grandfather to Adison, James, and William Curry, Civil War; served in Ohio State Legislature, 1813-1820; served as Associate Judge, 1822-1828 Notes 2given military warrant for 1,000 acres in Jerome Township in 1807 (Survey 1440) settled there in 1811 Record AuthenticatedYes <footer id="

2020 Voice From The Stone Honorees: Virgil R Webb (WW2 KIA) and Virgil R Webb, Jr (Vietnam KIA) VIRGIL R. WEBB (WORLD WAR II VETERAN) PaverPaver - Section B Veteran First NameVirgil Veteran Middle NameRalph Veteran Last NameWebb Picture Date of Birth08/22/1916 Highest RankCorporal Branch of ArmyYes Unit(s)361st Infantry, Tank Unit Active Service from Year12/10/1941 Active Service to Year06/29/1944 World War IIYes Overseas Service Input Box 1Africa Purple HeartYes Other DecorationsYes Other Decoration Names 1Good Conduct Medal, 3 Battle Stars, Purple Heart KIAYes KIA/DIS/POW When06/29/1944 KIA/DIS/POW WhereItaly Township of residence entering serviceClaibourne SchoolRichwood High School CemeteryParis Twp: Oakdale Date of Death06/29/1944 Source 1DD-214, Union Co. Recorder's Office, Vol. 6, p. 89; Sharon Webb; G.W. Claar; National Archives; Union Co. Cem. Rec., Vol. 6, p. 89; Young American Patriots, p. 1087 Notes 1serial #35270657; buried in Section H, Row 20, Oakdale Cemetery; Young American Patriots lists DOB as 9/21/1916; KIA . VIRGIL WEBB, JR (VIETNAM VETERAN) PaverPaver - Section B Veteran First NameVirgil Veteran Last NameWebb, Jr. Picture Date of Birth09/05/1942 Highest RankCorporal Branch of ArmyYes Branch of Air ForceYes Unit(s)6102nd Supply Squadron; 173rd Airborne Brigade, Light Weapons Infantry Active Service from Year04/01/1960 Active Service to Year09/27/1968 Vietnam WarYes Overseas Service Input Box 1South Vietnam Bronze StarYes Purple HeartYes Presidential Unit CitationNo Other DecorationsNo Other Decoration Names 1Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal KIAYes KIA/DIS/POW When09/27/1968 KIA/DIS/POW WhereMilitary Region 2, Binh Dinh, South Vietnam Township of residence entering serviceParis Township of current residence or at time of deathParis ChurchUnited Methodist Church CemeteryParis Twp: Oakdale Date of Death09/27/1968 Source 1Mark Hoffhines; National Archives; Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Virtual Wall; DD-214, Union Co. Recorder's Office, Vol. 10, p. 507 Notes 1Serial #15626540; enlisted 04/01/1960, Columbus, Ohio; honorably discharged 12/10/1963 with 3 years, 8 months, and 10 days of active duty; later returned to active duty status from Reserves; Notes 2Type of Casualty: Hostile - Killed; Reason: explosive device; body recovered; age 26; posthumously promoted; NARA Ref. #17461; honored on Panel 42W, Row 33, of the Vietnam Wall; KIA (father was also KIA, WWII) Notes 32-21-2013 Patty Brown 642-3206, Annalee Webb 642-3033 <footer id="

2019 Veteran Honoree: Oscar C. Decker Paver Pavers - Section C, D, G, J, N & Q Veteran First Name Oscar Veteran Middle Name C. Veteran Last Name Decker Picture Date of Birth 10/10/1924 Highest Rank Major General Branch of Army Yes Unit(s) 20th Tank Battalion, 20th Armored Div.; 317th Tank Battalion; 82nd Reconnaisance Battalion of 2nd Armored Division; U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command Active Service from Year 02/23/1943 to 03/11/1946 Active Service to Year 07/05/1951 to 07/01/1983 Guard Service from Year 10/11/1949 Guard Service to Year 07/05/1951 Reserve Service from Year 03/11/1946 Reserve Service to Year 10/11/1949 World War II Yes Korean War Yes Vietnam War Yes Overseas Service Input Box 1 Germany; Iran; Vietnam Distinguished Service Medal Yes Legion of Merit Yes Presidential Unit Citation Yes Other Decoration Names 1 Legion of Merit (3) Township of residence entering service OTHER Other Township of residence entering service Nebraska Township of current residence or at time of death Paris Church St. John's Lutheran, Marysville, OH Other School Battle Creek, Nebraska Source 1 Veteran form submitted 01/07/2005 by veteran, Oscar C. Decker, Jr.; No DD-214 recorded as of 10/12/2007 in Union County Recorder's Office; Source 2 65rh wedding announcement, MJT 11/2/2009 On September 20, 2019, Major General Oscar Decker, a great American patriot, quietly passed away at the age of 94. He was surrounded by his wife and children in his daughter's home in Haymarket, VA. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with military honors on January 23, 2020. Major General Oscar Decker served continuously in the United States Army for over 40 years; he served 35 years on Active Duty, with over 5 years spent in either the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. His distinguished career included both enlisted and commissioned officer service which spanned three wars, numerous conflicts, including almost 8 years of duty overseas. He served as a General Officer on Active Duty for almost 10 years. Oscar Decker was born on October 10, 1924 in Moorefield, Nebraska. He enlisted into the U.S. Army on February 23, 1943. He joined the Armor Branch and served in a Tank Battalion in Europe during WWII. On November 8, 1944, Corporal Decker married the lovely Ella Mae (Babe) Tillson. On March 11, 1946, he left Active Duty as a Sergeant, and immediately joined the Army Reserve, the Army National Guard, and Army ROTC while finishing his studies at the University of Nebraska. On July 5, 1951, Oscar Decker graduated from college and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. He immediately went back on Active Duty serving in Armor and Ordnance units, assignments throughout the United States, Germany, Iran, and Vietnam until his retirement on June 30, 1983. In Vietnam, he commanded a battalion and saw action during the 1968 TET Offensive. He was assigned to the Pentagon twice, once as a staff officer for the Chief of Staff of the Army, and later as the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Logistics. The highlight of General Decker's career was as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command leading over 6,000 personnel for the research, development, and production of the Abrams Main Battle Tank, the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and the HUMVEE, and several other new generation trucks and vehicles greatly impacting upon the combat effectiveness of the Army. Among his many military decorations, he was awarded the Legion of Merit four times and was bestowed the Distinguished Service Medal. Upon retirement from the Army in 1983, Oscar Decker moved to Marysville, Ohio, where for the next 33+ years he gave his talents and leadership in the service of his church, his community, and his county. He committed himself to the welfare of all veterans and their families by being active in veteran organizations and assisting the Union County Veterans Service Commission. In 2003, he spearheaded the formation of the Union County Military Family Support Group providing support and recognition for the ever-increasing troops deploying from Union County and for their families left behind. He also astutely chaired the Union County Remembrance Committee overseeing the construction of the Union County Veterans Monument and Plaza dedicated on May 19, 2007. He truly was a "Voice for the Stone." He provided leadership for many significant civic and economic projects for Marysville and Union County assisting such organizations as the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Marysville School System. Oscar Decker's contributions to Union County were so numerous that the debt owed to him can never be repaid. However in 2008, he was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, and on September 11, 2012, a new Marysville Fire Station on County Home Road was named for him. Thus, the citizens of Union County, Ohio are now remembering and honoring this great soldier, veteran, and friend during this "Voice from the Stone" Veterans Day Ceremony on November 10, 2019. <footer id="

2018 Veteran Honoree: Ralph Ewing Veteran First Name Ralph Veteran Middle Name C. Veteran Last Name Ewing Picture Date of Birth 1900 Highest Rank Private First Class Branch of Army Yes Unit(s) Co. E, 4th Infantry Regiment; Co. E, 166th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division Active Service from Year 06/19/1917 Active Service to Year 10/27/1918 World War I Yes KIA Yes KIA/DIS/POW When 10/27/1918 KIA/DIS/POW Where France Township of residence entering service Paris Township of current residence or at time of death UNKNOWN Cemetery Paris Twp: Oakdale Date of Death 10/27/1918 Source 1 Milford Center Monument; Union Co. Cem. Rec., Vol. 6, p. 45; Ohio Soldiers in WWI, 1917-1918 Source 2 No DD-214 recorded as of 10/19/2007 in Union co. Recorder's Office Notes 1 enlisted 6/19/1917, Marysville, OH; wounded 6/21/1918; killed in action; body returned to U.S. on U.S.S. Wheaton, October 1921; interred in Oakdale Cemetery, 10/30/1921; cemetery records list DOB as 1898 Notes 2 father, Charles Ewing, Marysville, OH, notified of death; KIA <footer id="

2017 Veteran Honorees: Calvin E Newell, Charles G Bowersmith, Ronald Hamilton Name Calvin Eugene Newell War(s) Vietnam War Service Branch(es) Marines (Navy) Date of Birth 5/05/1948 Date of Death 4/18/1967 Cause of Death Killed in Action Place of Death Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam Unit(s) 3rd Marine Div. 26th Marine Reg. 1st Bat. Co. C Calvin Eugene Newell, the first man from Union County to die in the Vietnam War, was one of the Voices from the Stone Honorees in 2017. Born on May 5th, 1948 to Lena Newell of Plain City, Calvin was known as 'ornery' by his childhood friends. One of Calvin's favorite childhood pastimes was baseball. He attended Jonathon Alder schools, although he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1966 rather than graduate high school. Assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Newell was part of the initial landings near Da Nang in 1966. Newell remained in the region, and in the spring of 1967, was involved in an operation to clear out the NVA and Viet Cong from the province. Regrettably, Calvin was shot and killed by a Vietnamese sniper on April 18th, 1967. Newell's body was returned to the United States. CPL Newell is interred at Darby Township Cemetery in Unionville Center. Name Charles George Bowersmith War(s) Vietnam War Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 4/09/1948 Date of Death 11/06/1967 Cause of Death Killed in Action Place of Death Kon Tum Province, Vietnam Unit(s) 173rd Airborne Brig. 503rd Inf. Reg. 4th Bat. Co. A Charles George Bowersmith was one of the Voices from the Stone Honorees in 2017. Charles was born on April 9th, 1948 to Charles and Evelyn Bowersmith of Bellefontaine, although Charles would grow up near Raymond and attend Raymond schools. Due to sharing the same name with his father, Charles went by George. He attended high school at Marysville High School, although he joined the Army prior to his graduation. While in the Army, George became a paratrooper and was assigned to Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. At first, George was stationed in Germany. However, he was sent to Vietnam in the May of 1967, arriving on May 29th, 1967. He would be wounded three times, as well as hospitalized for malaria and jungle rot, before he was killed on November 6th, 1967 by gunfire during the Battle of Đắk T&ocirc;. George was only nineteen years old at the time of his death. His body was returned to the States, and PFC Bowersmith is buried at Oakdale Cemetery. Name Ronald Hamilton War(s) Vietnam War Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 6/22/1947 Date of Death 6/23/1967 Cause of Death Killed in Action Place of Death Quảng Ng&atilde;i Province, Vietnam Unit(s) 25th 'Tropic Lightning' Inf. Div. 35th Inf. Reg. 2nd Bat. Co. C Ronald Lloyd Hamilton was the third Voices from the Stone Honoree in 2017. Ron was born on June 22nd, 1947 in Marion to Lloyd and Bernice Hamilton of Richwood. As a child, Ron attended Richwood schools. At the age of eighteen, Ron went to Battlecreek, Michigan, where he studied to be an auto mechanic. Ron was drafted in the fall of 1966, and attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th 'Tropic Lightning' Infantry Division. He was deployed to Vietnam, arriving on March 20th, 1967. On the day after his twentieth birthday, June 23rd , 1967, Ron was tragically killed by an enemy grenade. For his actions during the engagement he was killed in, Ron was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. His body was transported back to the United States, and he was buried at York Center Cemetery on the 4th of July, 1967. <footer id="

2016 Veteran Honoree: Ransom Reed Name Ransom Reed War(s) Civil War Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 1840 Date of Death 9/10/1861 Cause of Death Killed in Action Place of Death Carnifex Ferry, West Virginia Unit(s) 13th O.V.I Co. F Ransom Reed, the first man from Union County to die in the Civil War, was 2016's Voices from the Stone Honoree. Ransom was born sometime during 1840 in Paris Township. Ransom would serve in the 13th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company F. Unfortunately, Reed was killed during the Battle of Carnifex Ferry on September 10th, 1861. Ransom is buried in Grafton, West Virginia. <footer id="

2015 Veteran Honoree: James Cochenour Name James Cochenour War(s) World War Two, Korean War Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 10/01/1922 Date of Death Captured 11/30/1950, found dead 2/28/1951 Cause of Death Prisoner of War, executed Place of Death Ch'ongch'on River Unit(s) 82nd Airborne Div. 508th Parachute Inf. Reg. 3rd Bat. Co. I (World War Two) 8th Army, 2nd Inf. Div. 23rd Inf. Reg. Co. L (Korean War) James Cochenour had the honor of being the 2015 "Voices from the Stone" Honoree. James was born on October 1, 1922 at a farm just outside of Plain City. James was the second child of Wilby and Donna Cochenour. He had an older brother named John, a younger brother named Jerry, and a little sister named Donna Jean. He attended Jerome Rural Township School in New California. He was active in sports as wells as the Future Farmers of America, Boys' Chorus, and Literary Club. After James graduated in 1940, he stayed at home to help on the farm. James enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 5, 1942 and was officially sworn in in December, 1942. In 1943, after basic training, James decided to join the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment and was assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion. In January, 1944, the 508th was assigned to the 82nd "All American" Division for the Invasion of Europe. On June 6, 1944, James and the rest of the division were dropped south of Utah Beach to secure the area around the Ste. Mere-Eglise road junction. The 508th served in Normandy until July 11, 1944 when they were transferred back to England to recuperate. On September 17, 1944, James and the 508th were dropped in Holland to secure bridges in and around Nijmegen during Operation Market Garden. The 508th remained in Holland until November 2, 1944 when they returned to France to rest. However, their rest was not long as the Germans launched the attack known as the Battle of the Bulge on December 16, 1944. The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were the only reserves close by, so James and the 82nd were sent through Bastogne to defend bridges at Trois-Ponts and Vielsalm, Belgium. The 82nd joined the counter-attack to drive back the Germans and in late January or early February James was wounded in action. In April, 1945, the 508th was re-assigned and eventually became the guard unit for General Eisenhower after the German surrender in May. James remained with the 508th until November, 1945, when he was discharged from the regular Army as a Tech or Platoon Sergeant. While serving in World War Two James won the following decorations: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct medal, Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign medal, European Theater medal with four battle stars, WWII Victory medal, Army of Occupation medal, Dutch Bronze Cross, Belgian Fourragere, and Combat Infantry badge. In 1946, James enlisted in the Army Reserves and was assigned to the 2nd Army. Sometime in the late 1940's or early 1950 he married Mary Lou Rausch of Plain City. In July, 1950, James was assigned to Company L, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division and left for Korea July 23, 1950. The 2nd first entered combat on August 24, 1950 along the Pusan Perimeter. During a counter-attack on the Naktong River on September 16, 1950, James made a three mile round trip under enemy fire several times to bring ammunition and grenades to his men. For his heroism, he received the Bronze Star and was promoted to Master Sergeant. As the 2nd drove north it became the first American force to enter the North Korean capital of Pyongyang while continuing to drive north towards the Yalu River. The Chinese Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, fearing a UN invasion, ordered 260,000 soldiers into Korea. At the Battle of Ch'ongch'on River, the 2nd Division was given the task of protecting the 8th Army's flank and rear. The 2nd Division was surrounded and had to fight their way out of a 6 mile long Chinese roadblock called the "Gauntlet". It was during this action that James was captured on November 30, 1950. On February 28, 1951, James' body, along with many others, was found during a UN offensive. James and the others had had their hands wired behind their backs before being shot in the head by their captors, either Chinese or Korean. James' body was returned to the United States and he now rests at Forest Grove Cemetery, Plain City. For his Service in Korea, James was awarded the Bronze Star, National Defense medal, Korean Service medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, another Combat Infantry badge, and posthumously the UN Service medal, Republic of Korea War Service medal, and the Prisoner of War medal. <footer id="

2014 Veteran Honorees: Ralph Berger, Dyer Bird Name Ralph Berger War(s) World War I Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 7/03/1898 Date of Death 6/02/1918 Cause of Death Missing in Action Place of Death Near Hau d'Ancerviller, France Unit(s) 42nd 'Rainbow' Div. 166th Inf. Reg. Co. E Ralph Berger was one of the two Voices from the Stone Honorees in 2014. Ralph was born on July 3rd, 1898 to John and Lucy Berger of Marysville. Ralph was the second oldest of eight children. When he was sixteen, Ralph enlisted in the 4th Ohio Infantry and was assigned to Company E. Prior to World War I, Ralph fought in the Mexican Border War. In 1917, the Regiment was re-christened the 166th Infantry Regiment of the 42nd Infantry Division and was sent to France. By early 1918 the Regiment was in the trenches. On June 2nd, 1918, Ralph was sent on a night patrol. The patrol encountered a German force, and during the ensuing engagement, Ralph was wounded. Ralph's comrades temporarily left him in a shell hole for protection, but after the engagement was over, Ralph had vanished. Even after the area was searched, Ralph was not found. He was presumed dead. At the time of his disappearance, Ralph was only nineteen. His remains were never found. Ralph's name is listed on the "Tablet of the Missing" at the Saint Mihiel American Cemetery in Thiacourt, France. Name Dyer Bird War(s) World War I Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 1/05/1900 Date of Death 3/02/1918 Cause of Death Killed in Action Place of Death Near Domjevin, France Unit(s) 42nd 'Rainbow' Div. 166th Inf. Reg. 1st Bat. Co. D Dyer Bird was the other Voices from the Stone Honoree in 2014. Dyer was born on January 5th, 1900 to Edwin and Mary Bird of Taylor Township. Unfortunately, Dyer's mother died from Typhoid Fever before he was even a year old. Dyer would grow up on his grandparent's farm, moving to Marion after the death of his grandfather. On July 15th, 1917, Dyer enlisted in Company D, 4th Ohio Infantry. Shortly thereafter, the Regiment was renamed the 166th Infantry Regiment of the 42nd Infantry Division and sent to France. By early 1918, the Regiment was in the trenches. The 1st Battalion, of which Company D was a part, was the first battalion to man the trenches from the 166th. On March 2nd, during a transition between the 1st and 3rd Battalions, Dyer spotted a German raiding party. After throwing two grenades, Dyer attempted to warn his comrades, but was struck by a fatal blow to the head. Dyer had just turned eighteen. Dyer Bird was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre, the highest French award for valor at that time, for his actions that deadly night. His funeral was attended by the Division Commander, then Colonel Douglas MacArthur, and many high-ranking French officers. Although he was originally buried near Domjevin, France, Dyer's body was exhumed and re-buried at the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery at Romagne, France. <footer id="

2013 Veteran Honorees: John "Blackie" Porter, Harold Neibler Name John "Blackie" Porter War(s) World War II Service Branch(es) Army Air Corps Date of Birth 2/27/1916 Date of Death 12/10/1943 Cause of Death Killed in Action (Plane was shot down) Place of Death Burma Unit(s) India-China Wing, Air Transport Command John "Blackie" Porter had the honor of being one of the two Voices from the Stone Honorees in 2013. Blackie was born on February 27th, 1916. He attended Marysville schools, graduating in 1934. By 1940, he was working for a publishing company in Dayton when he decided to enlist in the Army Air Corps. Blackie, who had at some point learned to fly, graduated from pilot school quickly and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on July 11th, 1941. Blackie married his sweetheart on December 10th, 1941. Prior to 1943, Blackie accrued many hours of flight time and experience. In March, 1943, Blackie's brother was killed in North Africa, and Blackie began to look for a way to get into combat. In June, 1943, Blackie was assigned to Jorhat, India to fly cargo planes. He decided to begin a search and rescue team, and managed to convince his superiors to make the unit official in October, 1943. He and his crew made history on November 6th, 1943, when they managed to down a fighter plane from an unarmed transport. On December 10th, 1943, Blackie's second anniversary, the team heard a distress signal from a transport. Upon arriving at the location of the downed transport, the team's plane was ambushed by Japanese fighter planes. The team's plane's left engine was destroyed, and Blackie gave the order to bail. Due to the close proximity of the mountains and the plane's low altitude, only the co-pilot was able to bail before the plane crashed. No one still on the plane survived. Blackie's body was never recovered. His name is list on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines. Name Harold Neibler War(s) World War II Service Branch(es) Army Air Corps Date of Birth 5/22/1917 Date of Death 12/10/1943 Cause of Death Killed in Action (Plane was shot down) Place of Death Burma Unit(s) India-China Wing, Air Transport Command Harold Neibler had the honor of being one of the two Voices from the Stone Honorees in 2013. Harold was born on May 22nd, 1917. He grew up in Paris Township, and graduated from Marysville High School in 1936. By 1942, Harold was working as an aeronautical engineer for the Curtiss-Wright Airplane Corporation in Columbus. Because his job was considered an essential wartime job, Harold was deferred from the draft, although he chose to enlist in the Army Air Corps anyway. Harold worked as a crew chief in New York, Kentucky, and Florida, before being assigned to the China-Burma-India Theater in the August of 1943. Initially Harold worked on a ground crew, but was transferred to Captain John "Blackie" Porter's Search and Rescue team in the October of 1943. Captain Porter was the other Voices from the Stone Honoree in 2013. On December 10th, 1943, the team heard a distress signal from a transport and went to investigate. Upon arriving at the location of the downed transport, the team's plane was ambushed by Japanese fighter planes. The team's plane's left engine was destroyed, and Captain Porter gave the order to bail. Due to the plane's loss in altitude and the proximity of the mountains, only one of the crew members was able to bail before the plane crashed. Sadly, Harold was among the dead. His body was never recovered. Harold's name is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines. <footer id="

2012 Veteran Honorees: Melviron Wilcox, Richard Wilcox, Charles Wilcox Name Melviron Wilcox War(s) Civil War Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 1815 Date of Death 7/17/1864 Cause of Death Killed in Action Place of Death Big Shanty, Georgia Unit(s) 121st O.V.I. Co. C Melviron Wilcox was one of the three Voices from the Stone Honorees in 2012 and the father of the other two Honorees that year. Melviron was born in 1815. His eldest son, Charles, would be born in 1839, and his younger son would be born in 1843. Melviron enlisted in the 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry sometime in the fall of 1862 and was assigned to Company C. Melviron and the regiment would fight in many different Civil War battles, including the Battles of Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge. Unfortunately, Melviron was killed during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Melviron is buried at the Nashville National Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee. Name Richard Wilcox War(s) Civil War Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 1843 Date of Death 6/26/1864 Cause of Death Killed in Action Place of Death Chattanooga, Tennessee Unit(s) 66th O.V.I. Co. F Richard Wilcox was one of the three Voices from the Stone Honorees in 2012 and the son and brother of the other two Honorees that year. Richard was born sometime in 1843. In the fall of 1861, Richard and his brother Charles enlisted in the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and were assigned to Company F. The 66th fought in many battles, notably the Battles of Fredericksburg, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Chancellorsville, and Kennesaw Mountain. Sadly, Richard was killed sometime during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. The location of Richard's grave is unknown. Name Charles Wilcox War(s) Civil War Service Branch(es) Army Date of Birth 12/11/1839 Date of Death 6/11/1879 Cause of Death N/A Place of Death N/A Unit(s) 66th O.V.I. Co. F Charles Wilcox was one of the three Voices from the Stone Honorees in 2012 and the brother and son of the other two Honorees that year. Charles was born on December 11th, 1839. He, along with his brother Richard, enlisted in the 66th Ohio Volunteer in the fall of 1861. Along with his brother Richard, Charles fought in a variety of battles from Fredericksburg to Kennesaw Mountain. However, unlike his brother and father, Charles would survive the war. He would die on June 11th, 1879. Charles is buried at Mt. Herman cemetery in Dover Township. <footer id="