MONDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2014

VETERANSDAY
SALUTING OUR SOLDIERS
A Special Supplement to Cadillac News
THE ORIGIN OF
VETERANS DAY
In 1921, an unknown World
War
I
American
soldier
was buried in Arlington National
Cemetery. This site, on a hillside
overlooking the Potomac River and
the city of Washington, became
the focal point of reverence for
Americas veterans.
Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where
an unknown soldier was buried in
each nations highest place of honor
(in England, Westminster Abbey; in
France, the Arc de Triumph). These
memorial gestures all took place
on November 11, giving universal
recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11
a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th
hour of the 11th day of the 11th
month). The day became known as
Armistice Day.
Armistice Day officially received its
name in America in 1926 through a
Congressional resolution. It became
a national holiday 12 years later
by similar Congressional action. If
the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was the
War to end all Wars, November
11 might still be called Armistice
Day. But only a few years after the
holiday was proclaimed, war broke

out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half

million Americans took part. Four
hundred seven thousand of them
died in service, more than 292,000
in battle.
Armistice Day Changed
To Honor All Veterans
Realizing that peace was equally
preserved by veterans of WW II and
Korea, Congress was requested to
make this day an occasion to honor
those who have served America
in all wars. In 1954 President
Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
On Memorial Day 1958, two more
unidentified American war dead
were brought from overseas and
interred in the plaza beside the
unknown soldier of World War I.
One was killed in World War II, the
other in the Korean War. In 1973,
a law passed providing interment
of an unknown American from
the Vietnam War, but none was
found for several years. In 1984,
an unknown serviceman from that
conflict was placed alongside the
others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave
their lives in all wars, an Army
honor guard, The 3rd U.S. Infantry
(The Old Guard), keeps day and
night vigil.
A law passed in 1968 changed
the national commemoration of

Veterans Day to the fourth Monday

in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11
was a date of historic significance to
many Americans.
Therefore, in 1978 Congress
returned the observance to its traditional date.
National Ceremonies
Held at Arlington
The focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day continues to be the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb
of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on
November 11, a combined color
guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at
the tomb. The nations tribute to
its war dead is symbolized by the
laying of a presidential wreath. The
bugler plays Taps. The rest of the
ceremony takes place in the amphitheater.
Every year the President of the
United States urges all Americans
to honor the commitment of our
veterans through appropriate public ceremonies.

News
CADILLAC

Trusted. Local. Connected.

Thank you
Veterans!
Welcome
Home!
Craig Simonton

Sons of the
American Legion
Quadron 94

U.S. Army, 1970-1973

11th Armored Cav.
Tank Gunner Spec 4
Based in Ft. Ord, California
Vietnam War 1970-71
Bronze Star

Kent Altman

U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Saratoga CV-60
Mayport, FL
Served 1984-1987
Aviation Ordnance

sincerest
thanks
to all of our servicemen and women, both
past and present, who have given their all

in defense of our great nation.

We salute your
valor & dedication!

Chris Eastway

Senior Airman, 1994-1998

~ Basic Training- Lackland
Airforce Base in Texas.
Stationed at Elmendorf
Airforce Base in Anchorage
Alaska and in Denver,
Colorado, DSAS-DE.

Thank you for your service

Rick Curtis

U.S. Army, Basic

Training - May 1975,Ft.
Leonardwood, MO
Camp Casey, Korea
Dec. 1975-1977,
Ft. Bragg, NC 19771978 2nd Infantry Div.

Ken Koch

U.S. Army, 1/32 Armor

M1 Tank Mechanic
Ft. Hood, TX
Dessert Storm Vet
Served from 1987-1991

John Leveque
Army
September 1969
-January, 1970
(Medical Discharge_
Fort Knox, Kentucky

Call today for a tour or more information

231-775-7750
An Assisted Living Community

108 Wildwood Drive (just off Sunnyside Drive)

A program of Baruch Senior Ministries, a non-profit organization

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www.cadillacnews.com | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014

Area veteran served during three wars

The good Lord was watching out for me.
He was drafted in 1943,
CADILLAC William
placed with the 32nd InMcVety, 90, served in World fantry Division and sent
War II, Korea and Vietto fight the Japanese durnam. He agreed to share
ing the liberation of the
memories of his 20 years
Philippines. When he arof military service.
rived, he joined the Battle
I never earned a Purple of Leyte, where he said
Heart, he said. I was
progress was very slow,
lucky I didnt get touched, the trail was very dangernot even a little scratch.
ous.
BY MARDI SUHS
CADILLAC NEWS

McVety noted that it was

his division that captured
General Tomoyuki Yamashita, who surrendered
on Sept. 2, 1945.
General Yamashita is
the man who ran MacArthur out of the Philippines, McVety explained.
When he was taken, none
of us were there to witness
this, it was done quietly. He
was shipped immediately

MARDI SUHS | CADILLAC NEWS

William McVety dug this mortar out of the ground near his tent in Vietnam. He said they took heavy
fire every night.

MARDI SUHS | CADILLAC NEWS

World War II veteran William McVety also had tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. Here McVety visits
The Three Soldiers bronze statue that compliments the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington,
D.C.

to Manila and he was tried

and hanged. He didnt go to
trial after the war like the
rest of the generals. MacArthur made short work
of him.
On Oct. 9, 1945, the 32nd
left Luzon for Sasebo, Japan for occupation duty
after the Japanese surrendered.
When we landed in
Japan, it wasnt what I
expected, he said. We
set up police patrols in
case things might erupt,
but the public was docile
and living under extreme
conditions. They had been
bombed so much. It was
pitiful to see the way they
were living.
McVety left Japan in January of 1946 and was discharged. But after growing
up on a farm in Missaukee
County, he enjoyed the
military, the camaraderie
and the chance to travel.
In 1949, he re-enlisted and
was assigned to the 11th
Airborne Division, signal
company for four years,
with one year in Korea.

Thank you

to all those who have served.

On Veterans Day, we remember the brave men & women

who fought to protect our countrys freedoms
at home & overseas.

Mr. Cleans Complete Auto Clean-Up

Exit REalty
GREatER CadillaC
Independent Member Broker

Corner of Plett Rd. & 13th St.

Office: 231-775-4100

605 N. Mitchell, Cadillac 775-3824

We honor and give thanks to all

veterans who served and sacrificed
to ensure our freedom.

BREIDENSTEIN OIL
& AUTO SERVICE, INC.

502 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac

(231) 775-3371

Open: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5:30 PM

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT!

Longs Hearing Care Systems

www.longshearingcare.com
CADILLAC LOCATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-286-1378
1027 N. Mitchell St. 231-779-0400

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We accept most insurance plans. Payment plans also available

One night, an 8 mm mortar landed just a few yards

from his tent.
I heard them coming,
I rolled off my cot, several mortars landed right
around my tent. We just
got clobbered something
terrible, he said. My
tent had so many holes in
it, like the stars in the sky
from all that stuff that flew
from the mortars. A lot of
guys went to the hospital
that night and were evacuated and never came back,
they were sent home.
After he retired from
the military in 1967, he
visited friends in Flint
and was hired by the citys
parks and recreation department. For 18 years he
enjoyed the outdoor work.
A self-described rock
hound, McVety taught
himself gemology and won
awards for his gem cutting skills. For 17 years, he
spent winters in Florida.
Now, he lives in Cadillac
near his nephew, Randy,
and his wife, Melissa
Miles.

Our Veterans,
Our Heroes
Its time to honor the brave soldiers
who safeguard our peace and freedoms.
Thanks, veterans.
We salute you for your extraordinary
courage and dedication to your country.

Family Practice
of Cadillac

Medicine For Your Entire Family

Remember the Brave

Give Thanks to Americas Heroes!

MITCHELLS AUTO SERVICE

775-6115 522 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac

We Salute
Honoring Our
Americas Veterans
Brave Veterans

As our Armed Forces fight to protect our freedom abroad,

were reminded of the sacrifice made by so many brave
soldiers before them.
On Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and thank all
of the veterans who have served our country. We are
eternally grateful for their dedication and service.

We stayed in combat
ready maneuvers, he
explained. We drew fire
in Korea a few times but
there werent many injuries to speak of.
One of his favorite assignments was during
the Cold War with the 833
Signal Corps in Fontainebleu, France. He served as
communications chief at
NATO headquarters for
central Europe with top
secret clearance, living in
Paris for four years.
In 1965, McVety was
reassigned with the First
Infantry Division.
We were the first U.S.
Army troops to land in
Vietnam, he recalled. Two
weeks after they landed,
combat operations began.
By the end of the year, the
division had been in three
major operations.
We were harassed at
night and mortared, he
recalled. The area was
controlled by Viet Cong.
We spent all this time in
that jungle, we got shelled
several times pretty bad.

All Of Us At Godfrey
Thank Our Vets
For Their Service.

GODFREY
CHEVROLET BUICK
YourGMGuY.coM

U.S. 131 North, Cadillac On The Busy North End

775-4661 OR 1-800-4-GODFREY

827 E. Division Cadillac 231-775-9741

Honoring Our

Brave
Veterans

As our Armed Forces fight to protect our freedom

abroad, were reminded of the sacrifice made by so
many brave soldiers before them. On Veterans Day,
we pause to recognize and thank all of the veterans
who have served our country. We are eternally
grateful for their dedication and service.

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CADILLAC NEWS | TRUSTED. LOCAL. CONNECTED

V3

World War II veteran remembers Burma

BY MARDI SUHS
CADILLAC NEWS

CADILLAC At 93,
World War II veteran Fred
E. Baker has a startling
charisma.
Hes tall and slim. When
we met, he was wearing
his Army Air Corps leather bomber jacket with a
large, round patch over the
right front a gold eagle
in a blue sky surrounded
by the words: 22nd Bomb
Squadron, China-BurmaIndia 1942-1945.
His military issue khaki
officers hat is equally impressive.
We met in September,
the day before he left on
the Mid-Michigan Honor
Flight to Washington, D.C.
He was with his volunteer
guardian for the trip, veteran Matt Magiera, First
Vice Commander of the
AmVets Post 110 in Cadillac.
Baker splits his time
between Cadillac and a
home in Lansing, where
for 37 years he worked for
the Michigan Sheriff s Association, the oldest law
enforcement association
in Michigan.
I worked in every

We honor our
service men &
women, past and
present
MANTON
TIRE &
PARTY STORE
711 S. Michigan, Manton
231-824-3061

We bombed Burma
to keep the Japanese
supplies out of the
South Pacific.
Fred Baker
WW II veteran
n

county in Michigan, he
explained. I represented
the rights of citizens to
control law enforcement,
to find out what was happening within the county
to maintain the sheriff s
department.
Born in St. Johns, Baker
remembered the day that
changed his life, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Dec.
7, 1941.
I had been out the night
before chasing girls, he
laughed. All of a sudden
they announced we were
at war. The phone rang immediately that morning at
mom and dads house.
His best friend called,
saying he was going to
enlist on Monday, the next
day. Baker said hed go,
too. They drove to Lansing
and stood in line at the
U.S. Post Office. Baker
enlisted in the Army
Air Corps and his friend
joined the U.S. Navy.
Baker was trained as an
aircraft technician and
sent to India as part of
the 22nd Bombardment
Squadron. They landed
on July 23, 1942, with
forward bases in Assam,
India. They were operating as part of the 341st

We salute our veterans

& the hardworking men and
women in armed forces today.

Lee Goodrich, LUTCF

www.lgoodrichinsurance.com

Call Lee at 231-779-7936

9052 E. 13th St., Suite B, Cadillac, MI 49601

We honor the members of our

armed forces who served and
made the ultimate sacrifice.
Their courage and dedication
will always be remembered.

Smith Lumber Co.

202 North River, Evart 231-734-5513

Saluting Our Veterans

Throughout history, at home and overseas, theyve put
their love for their country above all else. On Veterans
Day, we proudly honor these brave men and women
for their courage, commitment and pariotism.
To all the men and women of
the U.S. Armed Forces who have
sacrificed so much, we thank you
from the bottom of our hearts.
3080 W. 13th St., Cadillac
231-779-8088
www.ERAGreaterNorth.com

MARDI SUHS | CADILLAC NEWS

A collection of World War II veteran Fred E. Bakers favorite old photographs.

Group, 10th Air Force,
with headquarters in New
Delhi. By the end of November, they were moved
to Chakulia. Operations
intensified and soon the
Bombing Eagles were
flying the length and
breadth of northern and
central Burma, destroying railroad installations,
bridges, oil storage areas,
factories and supply depots. Missions continued
without rest through the
monsoons. The Squadron,
with its B-25s, became
one of the most potent and
effective arms of the old
India Task Force.
Our squadron was
made up of B-25s and we
took care of Burma, he
said. We bombed Burma
to keep the Japanese supplies out of the South Pacific. We did a good job and
they had to surrender. We
helped the Chinese people,
that was our job. I was a
technician, I could work
on any aircraft.
Id also go on bombing
missions, he recalled,
noting that in flight, his
job was flight engineer.
These missions were
very dangerous. Hundreds
of planes were flying
through the Himalayas,
because everything else,
we couldnt get through.

And then he added, Remember, 76 percent of

the people in the air during that war didnt come
home, they were killed.
Some historians call
the China-Burma-India
campaign the forgotten
campaign of the wars
history. It took years of
bitter fighting in hellish
terrain before the Allies

were able to reclaim the

Burma Road, the only
overland access to China
through the Himalayas
on the hairpin mountain
curves of the Burma Road.
Looking back, Baker
called himself an adventurous soul who would do
anything.
Ill be 94 in November,
he said, quoting the Se-

renity Prayer.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I
cannot change; courage
to change the things I
can; and wisdom to know
the difference, he said.
Thats where Im at. I
used to hunt and fish but
I cant walk in the rivers
anymore. But I like to help
people if I can.

MARDI SUHS | CADILLAC NEWS

Leaving for Washington, D.C., veteran Matt Magiera and World War II Fred E. Baker say goodbye to
their friends at the AmVets Post 110 in Cadillac.

Because the
memory will
live forever.

Over the past year,

we have had the
privilege of
serving
the families of
many veterans
of foreign wars.

Bosticks
Drugstore
117 W. Main St., Manton
(231) 824-6465 Fax (231) 824-6466
bosticksdrugstore@yahoo.com

Mike Moffit, Pharmacist

Quality Hometown Care, for a healthier you!

In recognition
of the service
these veterans
rendered to their country, we would like
to show our appreciation this Veterans
Day.
In memory of their lives and their service.

PETERSON
FUNERAL HOMES, INC.

They are our family, friends and

neighbors; everyday citizens, yet so
much more. They are the brave men
and women who have put their lives at
risk to protect and serve our country
in war. Time and again, our countrys
veterans have been on the front lines in
defense of our freedom.
On Veterans Day, we take this
opportunity to say thank you to the
brave souls who have served in battle
for our Armed Forces.

(231)775-3411
400 Hobart Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
(231) 876-7200

The Peterson Chapel

205 E. Cass St., Cadillac, MI
Ross C. Meyering, Mgr.
231-775-3411

The McBain Chapel

212 E. Maple St., McBain, MI
Megan Meyering-Brinks, Mgr.
231-825-2361

South End Business US-131, Exit 177, Cadillac

www.HighpointAuto.com
(231) 775-1222 1-800-828-9852

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www.cadillacnews.com | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014

Enlisted at 40, treated Desert Storm casualties at 51

to Kuwait to start this big
war, it hit home, she recalled. They started callCADILLAC Helen
ing all of these reservists
Quinn was a divorced
and it got interesting.
mother of two grown chilSince enlisting, Quinn
dren when a U.S. Army
has remarried, moved to
Reserves recruiter visited Cadillac and was working
the medical office where
at Mercy Hospital.
she was working as a
By now she was 51.
nurse.
When she received a call
He was there to recruit
to pick up a registered letthe doctor.
ter, she knew it contained
Gee, she
orders.
said. I would
That was
love to do that
a little scary
but Im probfor me, she
ably too old.
admitted. But
Quinn was
when I got my
40. But the
orders, my
military cared
husband, Darmore for her
rell, insisted
experience
on driving me
than her age.
to report to
She was an
duty.
R.N. with expeQuinn was
rience in surassigned to
gery, plus labor Helen Quinn
Eisenhower
and delivery.
Medical CenRetired Lieutenant Colonel
I thought
ter in Augusta,
n
they were tryGeorgia,
ing to kill me,
to treat the
she laughed
wounded
recalling boot
flown in from
camp. They took us out
battle.
in the boonies for compass
Three shifts of medical
work and sent you out to
personnel worked around
find your way back ... we
the clock in eight operatcouldnt march for beans
ing suites.
and we didnt know what
We got fresh shipments
all the insignias meant,
every day, she recalled.
she said of the medical
And every day a general
recruits.
went through the wards
Quinn loved her work in and pinned Purple Hearts
the reserves. Her unit was on everyone. The newspabased in Southfield, and
pers were full of reports
one weekend every month of how few died in this
she worked and trained in war, but at the hospital, we
V.A. hospitals throughout
were seeing so many guys
the country and once in
come through there.
the Netherlands. In the
It was running well,
summer, she was the chief she said. It was really
nurse at Camp Grayling
bustling and the hospital
and ran the infirmary.
was always full. We treated
In 1991, Operation Desert a lot of burns, that was the
Storm, the first U.S. Army worst, and fractures. In
Persian Gulf War started. addition, there were many
More than 500,000 solnoncombat related injudiers and service personries caused by accidents,
nel were sent to the Gulf,
like road crashes.
along with 4,000 military
Quinn spent two months
RNs who staffed hospital
nursing the war wounded.
ships, MASH units and the She retired from the
flight-evacuation teams.
military in 1998 having
When they started
achieved the rank of Lieusending everybody over
tenant Colonel.
BY MARDI SUHS
CADILLAC NEWS

And every
day a general
went through the
wards and pinned
Purple Hearts on
everyone.

A Salute To
Our Heroes.
Our Veterans.

P
REALTY
OF CADILLAC

MARDI SUHS | CADILLAC NEWS

Helen Quinn enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves when she was 40 and received orders to serve in Operation Desert Storm at a military
hospital for war wounded in Augusta, Georgia.
Quinn didnt save photos from her time in the
service. But she did make
a scrapbook for her husband, Darrell, a Vietnam
veteran.
It was so bad for them
when they came home,
she said. They were
shunned and looked down
on. Darrell came home on
a regular flight and didnt
tell anybody. He walked
in the door and said, Im
home. There was nobody
cheering and waving flags,
you had to sneak back into
the country.
Quinn is proud of her
entire familys military
service. Her youngest
son served for 20 years in
the U.S. Coast Guard and
another other son served
four years in the U.S. Army; a grandson served in
Iraq and another grandson
served in Afghanistan.

Remembering Our
Fallen Heroes

A special thank you to

all veterans for your
courage, sacrifice and
service.
5884 E. M-115, Cadillac
Office: (231) 779-2515
www.prorealty-cadillac.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Darrell
and Helen
Quinn are
military
retirees
that enjoy
traveling.

Vincent E. Goslyn, Jr.

We Salute
Our Veterans!

If you served your country honorably

- you can be an AmVet.
Veterans Always Welcome!

AmVets Post 110

127 W. Cass St., Cadillac 231-775-7433

415 Goode Ave.

Cadillac, MI 49601

231-775-0775

Locally Owned & Operated

COURAGE.

Honoring The Best SACRIFICE.

and The Bravest DEDICATION.
HOLIHAN DRUGS

Your Full Service Pharmacy

128 N. Main, Evart, MI 734-2551

HONOR.

As your local independent agent, were your neighbor someone you can trust and someone whos here for you 24/7!

Thank You Veterans!

113 N. Roland St., McBain, MI 49657 www.schepers.agency.com
Phone 231-825-2411 1-877-251-0727 Fax 231-825-2228

142 Main St., Marion (231) 743-9814

Then join hand in hand,

brave Americans all!
By uniting we stand
by dividing we fall.
~ John Dickinson

We salute veterans & soldiers!

McBain Auto Service, Inc.

9438 Morey Rd.
M-66 N. McBain
231-825-2729
North of light on 66
near softball diamond
Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30

A Proud Tribute To
Our Veterans

Home
of the Free,
Thanks to
the Brave!

Wexford Wood Workings

Locally Made Products

407 Goode Ave., Cadillac 231-876-WOOD (9663)

wexfordwoodworkings.com

Belle Oakes
Living Center
2353 S. LaChance Road Lake City, MI 49651 231-779-4671

Esther Nederhood, R.N., Owner www.belleoakes.com

is proud to wish salutations to

our wonderful veterans:
James Ream Bert Sisson David Sperow
Ernie Bonham Alfred Cockeram
Ted Agema Paul McGiness Roger Loeks
Raymond Modders Phillip Molitor
Gerald Kelly Dorothy Montgomery
William Varner Morton Henick Lyle Rose
Lloyd Robinson

Thank you from the bottom

of our hearts for your service.

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V5

Korea The Forgotten War? not to this veteran

naked from the waist up,
too used up and spent
with hopelessness and
Dedicated to all veterans
exhaustion to even brush
of the Korean War
away the flies. Wandering
The Forgotten War?
aimlessly about with the
Not by me.
familiar 1,000-yard stare in
I remember it like it was their eyes, looking for but
yesterday.
finding no relief in any diI arrived on Korean soil
rection. What has bothered
soon after the war had beme most down through
gun in June of 1950. I was
the years, is at the time I
in a U.S. Army Longshore- had little or no empathy
man Outfit. We received
or sympathy for them. My
and unloaded ships at
carnal mind and heart had
Pusan as they brought in
mostly been seared over
war materials, weapons,
and shut tight from overtanks, trucks, and supplies load or any kind feelings
of every nature to fight the for them, another consebrutal, invading, North Ko- quence of war it seems.
rean enemy. We had crews Open air markets on the
of ragged South Korean
streets without refrigeradock workers who worked tion, with flies so thick you
for 50 cents for a 12-hour
would have to keep your
shift. A complete culture
mouth closed in fear of inshock to the mind of the
haling them. It was almost
18-year-old farm boy that I as if I had died and gone
was at the time. They were straight to hell. It stunk so
a humble and subdued
bad, there were parts of
people, after being under
Pusan you had to hold your
Japanese domination, inbreath and move quickly
timidation, manipulation
through to keep from getand harsh rule for more
ting sick. This just skims
than 35 years, then being
the surface in describing
set free after World War
Pusan, Korea, during the
II. All I ever saw the dock
summer, autumn and fall
workers eat was fish heads of 1950.
and rice that they carried
It soon became worse.
to work in little tin conEverything about the
tainers. It always made me enemy at the time was suwonder where the rest of
perior to our forces there.
the fish had gone.
Battle-hardened troops,
The area was filled to
greatly outnumbering us,
overflowing with displaced with better Russian tanks,
people driven ahead of
planes and other weapons
the well-trained, wellto use against us. Our first
equipped invaders, to
troops to face them were
escape a certain death
no match at all. Soft U.S.
from the North Korean
Army troops that had been
enemy. War orphans in
pulling occupation duty in
Pusan were begging on
Japan were quickly sent to
the streets and fighting
slow their advance to keep
each other for scraps of
from having ourselves
food we had scraped from
forced out of Korea altoour mess kits into garbage gether. The slaughter of
cans. I will never forget the these unprepared troops,
little 3- or 4-year-old girl
facing a superior numthat I picked up and held,
bered fighting force began
showed her a few minimmediately. It appeared
utes of kindness before
we might be pushed out of
I put her down and had
Korea at the time.
to leave, and how she ran
We feared that if that
after me with outstretched happened, we might never
arms, crying daddy, daddy. be able to get our dead
Mothers with little babies
comrades out of Korea
strapped to their backs,
later on. We began digging
BY LEITH CUNNINGHAM
OF FIFE LAKE SPECIAL TO THE CADILLAC NEWS

Our Sincerest Thanks to All

Who Have Served.

Pizza Plus

up the battlefield cemeteries, wrapping the bodies

in a poncho or shelter
half, with their dog tags
attached. They came rolling into Pusan loaded into
boxcars. We handled hundreds and even thousands
of these dead and mangled
bodies of young men and
boys still in their teens, not
yet able to vote or to have a
legal drink of alcohol.
The Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. has
the inscription, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE on it.
How well I know first hand
that to be true. We live free
in our country because
many others have paid the
ultimate price to make that
a reality.
The Communist Chinese
Army entered the war in
overwhelming force and
numbers during November
of 1950. Our country took

soldiers already in Korea

to try to stem the tide and
beat them back. Again,
they were soft and without
any recent training for
going into combat. Yet, I
relished the fact that I was
one among many others,
chosen to go into a combat infantry outfit. I had
developed a purple passion hatred for the enemy,
especially so for the North
Koreans. Reports came in
by way of The Stars and
Stripes newspaper, that for
effect they had killed some
of our soldiers executionstyle, tying their hands
behind their backs with
barbed wire and shooting
them in the back of the
head. My mindset at the
time was, the only good
Korean, is a dead one, the
more we kill today, the less
well have to kill tomorrow. A testimony to the

Thank you to all

service men &
women for your
great sacrifice for
our country

302 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac

231-775-7727

HQAA Accredited 1908 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac

www.airwayoxygeninc.com 775-2443 Toll Free 1-800-828-6160

Thank you to all those who

have served past & present.

Carl T.

Vernelle

JOHNSON
INSURANCE AGENCY

223 N. Mitchell, Cadillac

231-775-3469

ignorance and gullibility

of an 18-year-old mind
that can be programmed
and trained to accept the
insanity of war, to kill and
destroy others made in
the image and likeness of
God. For the first time in
my Army life I volunteered
for something I had been
advised not to do. All of my
past military friends and
family members had advised against volunteering
for anything. I volunteered
as a machine gunner with
the 2nd Indianhead Infantry Division.
Too late, I remembered
our basic training drill instructor telling us that the
average life of a machine
gunner under attack is
about three minutes. Along
with that I had not planned
on having to carry the
thing through knee-deep
snow-covered mountains

and rice paddies at 30, 40

and 50 below zero blizzard
weather, without proper
cold weather clothing or
decent food.
The kill-or-be-killed
insanity of war ended
for me when I was evacuated off the frontlines on
March 7,1951. My feet had
been frozen and the war
was over for me. I weighed
barely over 100 pounds,
skin stretched over bone
from the extreme cold
without proper cold weather clothing and never getting enough to eat. Almost
everything that could be
taken and still remain
alive had been sucked out
of me, on the battlefields of
Korea. I spent most all of
the next year recovering in
Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek.

SEE FRIENDS ON V6

With Honor and Respect

to Our Veterans:
They are our family, friends, and neighbors; everyday citizens,
yet so much more. They are the brave men and women who
have put their lives at risk to protet and serve our country in
war. Time and again, our countrys veterans have been on the
front lines in defense of our freedom. On Veterans Day, we
take this opprotunity to say thank you to the brave souls who
have served in battle for our Armed Forces.

2201 N. Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-3453

On Veterans
Day
On Veterans Day, we
proudly honor these
brave men and women
for their courage,
commitment and
patriotism.

We recognize the many

sacrifices made by our men
and women in uniform both
today and throughout our
nations history. We honor
their courage and dedication,
and we thank them for their
contribution to our country.

Thank You, Veterans.

Northern Michigan Servicestore

6170 W. Blue Rd., Lake City

Corner of M-55 and M-66 231-839-3030

Quality is affordable - We only look expensive Call for your appointment today!
2141 Plett Rd., Cadillac 231-775-4679

Midtown proudly honors

WWII 10th Mountain
Division Veteran,
Lawrence Johnson,
and all service men
and women who have
sacrificed for our
Countrys FREEDOM!

7985 Mackinaw Trail, Suite 100, Cadillac

231-779-9550

COURTESY PHOTO

Left is a sketch of Leith Cunningham made during his days in the service, right is a recent photo.

860 N. Mitchell CADILLAC 775-0910

Honoring the Best

& the Bravest
For their courage, hard work and dedication
to their country, we salute the men and
women of our Armed Forces past and
present. It is because of their sacrifice that
America remains the land of the free, and
we thank them for protecting our citizens
and our country.
Wishing all of our veterans and
soldiers a very happy Veterans Day.

231-826-3333 Falmouth
www.ebelsgeneralstore.com

V6

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CADILLAC NEWS | TRUSTED. LOCAL. CONNECTED

www.cadillacnews.com | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014

Korean War veteran remembers Armistice Day ambush

Guard as part of the Military
Police. Wilson said he was
discharged when he told them
It was on a Nov. 11 that
he wanted to join the Army.
Eugene Wilson, now 82, was
Wilson joined the famed
one of a number of men am10th Mountain Division and
bushed during the Korean
went to Camp Carson in ColoWar. Although today we know rado for specialized training,
Nov. 11 as Veterans Day, it was including skiing and mounstill known as Armistice Day tain climbing.
a remembrance of the end
To tell you the truth, I
of World War I, when Wilson wasnt that good of a skier,
was serving in Korea in 1950. Wilson said.
It wouldnt be until 1954 that
Wilson recalled he was told
the date was expanded to inhe would be going to Berlin
clude all veterans and become when he was shipped overknown as Veterans Day.
seas, and the war between
Wilson, who lives in CadilNorth Korea and South Korea
lac, was 18 when he was sent
had not yet begun.
to Korea.
Wilson got off the ship
He had joined the National
at Pusan. He was sleeping
BY JEFF BRODDLE
CADILLAC NEWS

among a pile of backpacks

when someone woke him up
and told him he was now a
Wolfhound, or part of the
27th Wolfhound Regiment of
the 25th Division of the U.S.
Army.
He was given a .50 caliber
machine gun and the job of
holding the line against the
enemy. Wilson didnt get to
know very many of his colleagues, he said, because they
were continuously being
carried off the line. Many
were South Koreans, including a helper who assisted in
carrying Wilsons ammunition.

JEFF BRODDLE |
CADILLAC NEWS

Eugene Wilson,
82, of Cadillac
served in the
10th Mountain
Division, but
became a
Wolfhound
when he joined
the battle in
the Korean
War. Wilson
was traveling in a Jeep
when he was
wounded in
an ambush on
Nov. 11, 1950.

SEE SHOOTING BEGAN ON V7

Friends did not die for a tie in Korea

that much different than
Hitler. Still hellbent upon
I come now to a point I
invading South Korea and
would like to make. After
bringing them into the
losing hometown friends
northern fold, in his quest
in the Korean War and oth- to conquer, gain land mass,
ers I became acquainted
and control the minds and
within the service, seeing
hearts of all of Korea.
some of them shot stone
But there is one little
cold dead by my side or
problem, the demilitarized
others having to suffer on
zone, where our military
in pain and agony. Losing
stands guard to make sure
arms, legs, eyes, jawbones it never happens. It may
and all sorts of other body be true that the war has
parts and boggled minds. It never officially ended,
causes me grief, pain and
but it should not take a
sorrow to hear it being remental wizard to figure
ported, that we never won
out and come to a logical
the war. But is that really
conclusion as to who has
true? Lets take a look at the really won the war. A night
evidence.
satellite photograph of
The North Korean and
North and South Korea for
the Chinese war machine
example, reveals a telltale
with all of their superior
message to the world. The
Russian weapons and over- whole of South Korea is
whelming numbers, were
being illuminated with
pushed back to the basic
the lights of industry,
place of their initial invacommerce and progress,
sion, where they still reby a nation that is producmain today. The North Ko- ing and exporting world
reans continue to be an op- class products of every
pressive, military regime
nature. While the North
that rules through fear, in- remains dark and void of
timidation and manipulathe things that democracy
tion. Their people live still has brought to the South.
in abject poverty through- South Korea has become
out the country. Under the one of our greatest trading
despotic rule of one, not all partners. They are a nation
CONTINUED FROM V5

and a people to be admired

and looked up to for their
perseverance, determination, and dogged work
ethic. Their athletes bring
a measure of excellence to
the Olympics at competition time.
I was in Seoul, Korea,
during 1950 and could see
nothing but huge piles of
rubble and devastation.
Unfit for habitation, the
people had all been driven
out in front of the invading armies. Seoul changed
hands four times during
the war. As far as the eye
could see the city had
pretty much been leveled.
I dont remember seeing
anything higher than a
three-story building.
I was amazed in 1988 as
the Olympics were being
held there and we were
all able to see maybe the
most modern city in the
world had risen from the
ashes of destruction and
devastation. The skyline
covered with skyscrapers,
superhighways, bridges
and commerce. A bustling,
city on the move upward
and onward. Another tes-

tament to a people given

a free mind in which to
achieve, build and go forward with.
South Korea today is a
nation with a population
of 50 million people. A full
20 percent of the population lives in the city of
Seoul. A city with a population of roughly 10 million
people, that my friends
is a couple million more
than live in our own New
York City. Interestingly,
Seouls population density
is almost twice that of New
York City.
I was in other Korean
cities such as Pusan, Inchon, Wonju and others,
where the same progress
has since grown and now
thrives as well. The spread
of Communism around
the world was stopped dead
in its tracks in Korea. You
can decide for yourself
who won the war, but for
me the question has been
settled. It gives me comfort
and an inner peace on this
Veterans Day, to know in
the deepest recesses of my
mind and heart that my
friends and comrades did

THE AREAS LARGEST SELECTION OF USED BOOKS!

Gift Certificates Coffee Table Books And A Whole Lot More

We Salute all the

servicemen & women!
store
full service convenience
Movie rentals

MCNALLYS

120 E. PINE STREET CADILLAC (231) 775-8171

How important it is for us

to recognize and celebrate
our heroes and she-roes!
~Maya Angelou

not die in vain or die for

a tie in Korea. Time has
shown that we decisively
did win the war. The proof
is there for all that have
eyes to see with. The South
Korean people have made
it so.
In the 1994 version of
its annual publication,
Service and Casualties in
Major Wars and Conflicts,
the Pentagon put Korean
War battle deaths at 33,652
and other deaths meaning deaths in the war zone
from illness, accidents and
other non-battle causes at
3,262. That yields a total
of 36,914. Around 8,000
men were never recovered,
whose bodies remain in
Korean soil. One such
young man, Sgt. David
Feriend of Fife Lake, lost
his life at the Chosin Reservoir battle, a kid that went
to our school. These brave
and courageous young
men and women went and
served in a country they
had never heard of before
and for a people they did
not know, to keep a nation
free and prevent them from
falling into the grasp of op-

pressing communism. The

grateful, thankful nation
of South Korea, has rapidly through the pages of
time, risen from the ashes
of destruction to that of
unparalleled growth and
development, as a testimony and a memorial to those
lost lives.
South Korea has shown
itself to be ever grateful
and thankful for American
servicemen and women
whom have served their
nation. They put out free
publications to veterans
to prove where their heart
is in this. Among other
things as I understand it
at this point in time, they
will bring any veteran of
the Korean War that would
like to return for a visit
to Korea, by paying for all
food and lodging and half
of the plane fare, or travel
expense. On this Veterans
Day of remembrance, let
us acknowledge and pay
tribute to, the many who
gave some, and the some
that gave all. Remembering as we do, that it is God
who is in control of all
things, and all of the time.

to those who have courageously risked

their lives fighting for our freedoms.

7880 Mackinaw Trail, Cadillac, MI 231.775-9947

108 S. Roland, McBain 231-825-235

We salute our
veterans and soldiers who
have bravely fought for
our freedom.
Thank you from

Knitters Nest

East Old M-55, Cadillac 231-775-YARN (9276)

www.knittersnest.net

We can never repay the

debt of gratitude owed
to our nations veterans.
Thanks for your service
and a job well done!

CADILLAC FAMILY PHARMACY

108 N. Mitchell St. Downtown Cadillac (231) 775-8200

Remembering
our veterans

Lets Put
Our Hands
Together for
Our Veterans

For their service and their sacrifice, we

salute Americas brave veterans.
Thank you for your dedication to
this great country and our values
as a nation.
Your courage and conviction
make us proud to be Americans.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget

that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,
but to live them - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

On Remembrance Day, we
honor the members of our
armed forces who served and
made the ultimate sacrifice.
Their courage and dedication
will always be remembered.

Lest we forget.
Remembrance Day 2014,
November 11

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205 BELL AVENUE CADILLAC 231-775-7143 or Fax 231-775-7486
124 W. UPTON REED CITY 231-832-4565
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For all that you are and all that youve given
to our country, we salute you, veterans.
Your service and your sacrifice
will always be remembered.

CLASSIC CHEVROLET

Corner of M-55 & M-66 Just South of Lake City

231-839-7231 www.classicchevyonline.com

1-800-55-4LESS 231-839-7231

Saluting
Our Veterans!

corey

funeral home inc.

903 N. Mitchell, Cadillac 231-775-3101
Sales Parts Service
www.northlandtrailer.net

Mark F. Corey, Manager

415 N. Main St. Evart
231-734 -2251

775-NEWS (6397)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014 | www.cadillacnews.com

CADILLAC NEWS | TRUSTED. LOCAL. CONNECTED

V7

A witness to Japanese surrender

BY MARDI SUHS
CADILLAC NEWS

BOON Gerald Michell

grew up on a farm and
graduated from Marion
High School in 1942. In
1944, he volunteered to
serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
I knew we were fighting
for our freedom, he said.
I knew that, everyone
knew that.
Trained as an artillery
gunner, he was assigned to
the 40,000 ton battleship,
the USS South Dakota and
joined the crew for the
ships second war time
deployment to the South
Pacific.
In July 1945, Michells
ship was ordered to bombard the coast of Japan
as the Allies prepared to
invade Japan.
By this time, the war
was over in Europe. The
Germans surrendered in
late April and early May.
But the Japanese refused
to surrender and fierce
battles were waging in the
Pacific.
The battleships USS

COURTESY

Jerry Michell was stationed on the 40,000-ton battle ship, USS South Dakota, during World War II. The
ship was in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrendered aboard the USS Missouri.
South Dakota, USS Massachusetts and the USS
Indiana, along with heavy
cruisers and destroyers,
were ordered to begin the
first heavy surface ship
bombardment of Japans
main island.

No one in their right

mind would have expected
that we could approach
this close to the shoreline
of Japan without quick retaliation, stated Michell.
We were surprised that
we werent attacked by ka-

mikaze planes.
The bombardment consisted of three separate
attacks.
After the third, they were
given orders to stop.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY MICHELL

Jerry Michell is shown left with fellow U.S. Navy recruits during
SEE GOING HOME ON PAGE V8 World War II.

As the men drew close to the hut, the shooting began

a Jeep that had broken
through the ice into a river.
At night, the front line all
Wilson rode perched on
but shut down, Wilson rethe spare tire attached to
membered. He was told to
the back of the lead vepull the heavy block from hicle.
his gun and bring it back
The soldiers were travelto camp with him at night, ing down a well-used twobut would leave the rest of
track when they came to
the gun in position.
a spot where another road
His time in combat was
branched off. There were in
over the day Wilson and
a valley. A hut stood nearby.
some men in two Jeeps
The Jeeps stopped as a
headed out to retrieve
second lieutenant spoke
CONTINUED FROM V6

on the field telephone to

headquarters, getting more
information about which
way to go.
Wilson noticed two men
running down the hill toward the hut.
Those are our men,
said the lieutenant.
As the men drew close

to the hut, the shooting

began.
At some point, Wilson
was hit, and was shot
through a kidney and lung.
According to an account
of the incident, someone
ran out of a village and
apparently dropped an incendiary device into one of

the Jeeps.
Easy Company was
called in to assist and engaged in a fire fight with an
estimated 150 well-armed
and equipped enemy
troops. L Company suffered six men killed and 12
wounded, and lost the two
Jeeps. Wilson himself was

from I Company. There

were 42 enemy killed,
while six were captured
and an unknown number
wounded.
Wilson recuperated from
his wounds at an Indiana
hospital. Later, he was sent
to Pennsylvania to train
recruits.

A Salute
To Those Who
Have Served!

We recognize the many sacrifices made

by our men and women in uniform
both today and throughout our nations
history. We honor their courage and
dedication, and we thank them for their
contribution to our country.

A Salute To
Our Brave
Veterans!

Coffey Insurance
207 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac 775-3421
www.coffeyinsurancegroup.com

205 N. Mitchell, Cadillac, MI 231-775-3642 www.instituteofcos.com

M-F 8:30-3:30 Sat. 8:00-3:00

We salute those who have served.

Clean

231-775-0564

134 West Harris St., Cadillac, MI 49601

611 Sunnyside Drive

Cadillac, MI

231-775-9789

www.bcbcpa.com e-mail: info@bcbcpa.com

K
N
A
H
T
S
N
A
R
TE

Our thanks to
all those who have
served in our
nations armed forces.
~ Ron Neal, Veteran
716 S. Chestnut St.
Reed Cit y
231-832-5501
2nd Generation Owned!

460 Pearl Street, Cadillac, Michigan 49601

Skilled Nursing Care & Rehabilitation

would like to honor our veterans:

Harold Bird - Navy, Vietnam
Bud Bos - Army WWII
Clarence Clements - Air Force
Ralph Cross - Navy
Russell Cutler - Army
Fred Feikema - Army, Korean
John Harris - Navy
Margaret Mosher - Army
Lloyd Robinson - Army
Vasco Souto - Air Force
Lawrence Wierda - Navy
Jerry Yonkman - Marines

1714 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac

231-775-8891

Time may hide the sadness,

Smiles may hide the tears,
But memories last forever,
Despite the passing years.
In memory of William Warren Sr. 1918-2000
(231) 775-8511

7193 E. 34 Rd. (Boon), Cadillac

Mon-Thur 9-6, Fri 9-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 10-3

SPECIAL MOMENTS

They wouldnt be possible without our men

and women fighting for our freedom.

Only they know the true cost of freedom.

We sincerely thank all our
veterans & soldiers.

American Legion Post 94

Thank you for your service to our nation.

We salute you!
220 Hughston St., McBain
231-825-2990

Thank You
Veterans &
Soldiers

Your Hometown Spartan Grocery Store

HONOR OUR VETERANS

OUR

VE

ism and
and hero the land
e
ic
if
r
c
a
s
to live in
courage,
for their s the opportunity f the BRAVE.
u
eo
g
for givin EE and the hom
R
F
of the

Autumnwood
of McBain

In war, there are

no unwounded
soldiers.
~ Jose Narosky

1110 N. Mitchell Cadillac, MI 775-2413

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-5:30 PM, Sat. 8 AM-2 PM, Other by Appt.

422 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac

231-775-6500

V8

CADILLAC NEWS | TRUSTED. LOCAL. CONNECTED

Going home soon

the shore but we couldnt
see any people, it was fairly
We were setting out to
bombed out.
sea to refuel and get more
Two months later, on
ammo and we got word that Sept. 2, 1945, Michell took
they dropped the atomic
his artillery position on
bomb and the war was
the left side of the ship to
over. Then we went into
witness history. His ship,
Tokyo Bay. We could see
the USS South Dakota, had
CONTINUED FROM V7

775-NEWS (6397)

www.cadillacnews.com | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014

been linked to the USS Missouri by a walk way. It was

on the USS Missouri that
General Douglas MacArthur accepted the Japanese
Imperial Governments formal surrender aboard the
battleship USS Missouri.
We didnt take part in

NATIONAL ARCHIVES

U.S. Navy carrier planes fly in formation over the USS Missouri, the site of the formal surrender of
the Japanese Imperial government on Sept. 2, 1945. Boons Jerry Michell was aboard the USS South
Dakota at the time in Tokyo Bay.

MARDI SUHS | CADILLAC NEWS

Jerry Michell shows off his mouse pad featuring his wedding picture with his wife Rosie, now
deceased. The couple was married 68 years.

Remembering Those Who Served

the ceremony, Michell recalled. But I was up in my

gun point where I could see
all the Japanese dignitaries
in their tall black hats going onto the Missouri. We
were all happy that the war
was over and that we would
soon be going home.
Eighteen days after the
surrender, Michells ship
left Tokyo Bay. However,
Michell was transferred

to the USS Springfield to

complete his tour of sea
duty. They cruised Japan
and made a stop in Shanghai before heading to its
home port at Long Beach,
California.
Michell was welcomed
home by his high school
sweetheart, Rosie, whom
he had married on his first
leave from the military.
The couple moved to the

This Veterans Day, we honor and give

thanks to all veterans who served and
sacrificed to ensure our freedom.

Remembering those
who gave their lives
for our freedom

The Professional Choice for Hearing

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Left to Right: Dr. Kelly Pendrick, Audiologist

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Detroit area, where Michell

worked driving a semitruck for 30 years while
they raised seven children.
In 1988, the couple returned
to northern Michigan
where he drove a school
bus. Rosie died in 2013
and Michell lives with his
daughter and son-in-law.
We had a wonderful
life together, he said. We
square danced all over the
country.

We recognize the many sacrifices made by our

men and women in uniform both today and
throughout our nations history. We honor
their courage and conribution to our country.

Veterans Day
Nov. 11, 2014

Thank You, Veterans.

231-775-9398 or toll-free 877-775-9398 www.aschearingclinic.com

8872 Professional Dr., Suite A, Cadillac

because everyone deserves great care!

Sincerest thanks

5858 S 47 Mile Road, CadillaC, Mi 49601

A Compass Pointe Healthcare System Community

to all of our servicemen and women, both past and present,

who have given their all in defense of our great nation.

Make The
Right Move
Now!

We salute your valor & dedication!

Kent Altman
Chris Eastway
Rick Curtis
Ken Koch
John Leveque

Cadillac Elks Lodge 680

SALUTES

For their courage, hard work and dedication

to their country, we salute the men and
women of our Armed Forces past and
present. It is because of their sacrifice that
America remains the land of the free, and
we thank them for protecting our citizens
and our country.

ADVANCE
REALTY

Wishing all of our veterans and soldiers a

very happy Veterans Day.

(231) 775-1368

Bandeen
Orthodontics

8865 Professional Dr., Cadillac, MI 49601

www.bandeenbraces.com 231-876-2530

Park Place Centre

108 S. Mitchell
Cadillac, MI 49601

www.advancerealty.com

Carol
Coe-Vokes
President

VETERANS
As long as there are Veterans,
the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks will never forget them.

November 11, 2014

211 N. Pine St., P.O. Box 38 McBain, MI 49657

231-825-8191

Keith D. Burkholder, licensed mortician and resident of the area since 1974