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Richard Freda Richard A. Freda, from Long Beach, California, enlisted in the U.S Army Infantry in 1942. He served in the 3rd Division and was seriously wounded during the assault on Anzio Beach, Italy. Dad died in 1996 in Long Beach. Thank you, Dad, for your service to your country. We love you and miss you every day. — Your son, Bill (Medford) Erik Porter We would like to honor our nephew, 1st Lt. Erik Porter, a Marine Corps pilot, currently serving in the Middle East aboard an aircraft carrier. We thank you for your bravery, hard work and dedication to your country. — Aunt Julie and Uncle Bob (Denman, Applegate) Jack Buckley Our dad, Jack Buckley, is 90 and still sailing strong! Thank you, Dad, for your service as a U.S. Navy radioman in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Love, your grateful kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. — Jackie Greer, Medford Robert Ulrich My father, Robert Ulrich, a sailor during World War II, didn't have to serve due to family religious beliefs but volunteered as he clearly saw his duty. I salute him, his generation and all our military for honoring their duty to America and the world. We are free because of their dedication. Thanks, Papa. — Jim Ulrich Alfred Buck Alfred Buck, a 100-year-old World War II Army veteran, served his country from Feb. 3, 1941, to June 24, 1945. He was a master sergeant in the 29th Infantry Division, 227th Field Artillery Battalion and fought in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland campaigns. He currently lives in Eagle Point. His family is very proud of his heroic service to our great country and also for his career of public service. — Jim Buck, son, Eagle Point Jerry Hammer "An Honor to Know Him" Army veteran Jerry L. Hammer of Medford served courageously in Vietnam. He took a bullet for his country on May 31, 1970. He served in the Army with the 25th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts due to the combat wound, 2 Bronze Stars and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross medal. Jerry is a humble, loving family man whom we all love dearly. May God bless you all the days of your life. Love you always, — Your wife Elana and family Harold Axelrod Originally from Cleveland, Harold Axelrod was attached to the 66th Black Panther Division, combat engineers, and saw constant action throughout the Battle of the Bulge. His brother, my Uncle Abe, was wounded fighting Rommel's troops in North Africa. When Pop returned home on furlough, he was introduced to a beautiful, vivacious brunette. They married and had me a year later. Now gone, Pop survived the horror and dangers of World War II and lived long enough to have helped my two daughters with their homework. Oh, how he loved being their "Zaide." This picture of these three cocky GI's (Pop's in the middle) was taken on the French Riviera, not long after the Germans were routed out of Paris, Belgium, and Luxembourg in the bloody Battle of the Bulge. They are glad to be alive, thrilled to be victorious and proud to be American GI's. — Joel Axelrod, Ashland Frank Hernandez Frank Hernandez, 91 years old, of Medford, served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. He is a Purple Heart veteran. Frank was injured in Normandy, France, and was a POW in Germany. He has six children, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. — Victoria Lopez, daughter, Medford Frank Bedogne Jr. 1924-2006 A professor for almost three decades at Southern Oregon University, Frank Bedogne Jr. was the veteran of four naval landings in the Pacific during World War II and the recipient of four Bronze Stars. Born in Pennsylvania, he was a devote family man in love with his country and deeply grateful for the educational and other opportunities it afforded. — Rose Marie Bedogne, wife Sam Seto Jr. We remember Sam Seto Jr., an Army officer who received a Silver Star in 1972 for reorganizing a retreating South Vietnamese force and capturing an enemy bunker complex. Dad and Mom enjoyed their life in Medford up to his death in 2011. "A hui hou" ("Until we meet again"). — Florence Seto and Arlene Seto Ching Gordon Snyder Gordon Snyder was born in Portland and opted out of his senior year in high school to join the Navy and enter World War II in September 1943. Gordon served through March 1953 and received the Navy Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal with 5 Stars, China Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. In his later years, Gordon served as a Jackson County resident deputy in the Applegate for five years. — Michael Snyder, Medford Curtis Kline Curtis Kline, specialist 5th class, in Vietnam for one year. I was an Army Security Agent, that’s why there ain’t much on my uniform because when I wasn’t intercepting Viet Cong radio transmissions I traveled all over ‘Nam, carrying enemy captured code books and other data. I got married in December of 1967 and went to Vietnam in April of 1968. Now, after 49 years we’re still married and very happy. — Curtis and Sue Kline, Medford Gene Brewer Staff Sgt. Robert E. (Gene) Brewer fought in World War II. He was in the Oregon 41st Division fighting in the jungles of New Guinea, where he was wounded in June 1944. Among his awards were a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. — Donna Brewer, Medford Gerald Robert Martin Gerald Martin served in the U.S. Army in 1943-1946. He was in Gen. Patton’s Third Army during the race across the Rhine River. He was a driver for officers and inspection teams, sometimes driving at night during blackout and over hazardous terrain. He served in France, Germany and the South Pacific. — Melissa Stiles, daughter, Medford Martin Herrin Martin R. Herrin, shown here with wife Lois, was a lifelong resident of Ashland and Medford before passing away in 1988. He served four years in the Marines during World War II and three years in the Korean conflict. This photo was taken prior to him going overseas. He was in the Pacific Theater for the entire duration of the war. Lois passed away on March 22. — Matt Herrin, son, Medford Gregory L. Culver Gregory Culver graduated South Medford High School in 1991. He served active duty in August 1992 through August 1996 and was discharged from the Active Naval Reserves in 2006. He was a gunner's mate first class aboard the USS Callaghan, a destroyer, serving two tours in the Persian Gulf War. He served with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18 based out of Okinawa and the Special Operations Unit, serving four tours with the Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 101 in Korea and Iraq. — Don and Sue Culver, parents, Medford Donald Culver Donald Culver of Medford served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963. He performed payroll duties for the Navy while stationed in San Diego, California. — Sue Culver, wife, Medford Morris Frantz Morris C. Frantz was born Aug. 20, 1924, in Duluth, Minnesota, and died March 18, 2009, in Phoenix. He served in U.S. Navy from Nov. 29, 1942, to Jan. 16, 1946. He served on the USS Orion, which serviced submarines in the Pacific during World War II. Medals received include a Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with one star, Medal of American Theatre Ribbon, Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal. — Sue Culver, daughter, Medford Dale Hinkle The Tokyo Rose claimed to have sunk the Mississippi four times. That's why it was coined the "ghost ship." Dale "The Butcher" Hinkle joined the Navy in June of '42 at the age of 17, two days after he graduated high school. He served through October 1945. — Andy Hussey Harry Colestock Harry Colestock of Medford is our husband, Pappy, Dad and family hero. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 18 years old and completed several tours in the Vietnam War. Harry came home a well decorated hero. We love and cherish him for what he sacrificed for our country and what he continues to sacrifice for our family. — Taira Butler and Family Franklin Lawrence Sgt. Franklin B. Lawrence of Medford served as a forward observer for the 103rd Infantry, Cactus Division, Battery B in World War II's European Theater. The 103rd fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. After the Bulge, they entered Germany and liberated one of the death camps in Landsberg. “Don’t let anyone ever tell you the Holocaust did not take place," he told me. "Liberating that camp changed my life forever." — Kerry Lawrence, son Dan Ehrheart Capt. Dan Ehrheart, World War II Army Air Force veteran, graduated from Medford High in 1938 where he was a star football player and attended Linfield College. He received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was one of three most decorated men from Oregon during World War II. He later became a paraplegic as a result of shrapnel from his service. He started D & S Harley Davidson. — Toni Williams, niece, Medford John Yungen John Yungen served in the Navy during World War II. After graduating from Dallas High School in Dallas, Oregon, he moved to Seattle and worked for Boeing as a B-17 and B-29 assembly mechanic. He then joined the Navy, was stationed in Hawaii, and was discharged honorably at the end of the war. ​John went to Oregon State University on the GI Bill, graduating with a bachelor's degree in farm rops and a master's in soil science. John spent the bulk of his career as an agronomist (soil scientist) for the OSU Experiment Station in Jackson County. At 95 years old, he is still involved with the Experiment Station (now the Jackson County Extension Service). John and his wife, Virginia, live in Central Point. John is a wonderful father and grandfather. He is still active in his garden, his church, and his children's and grandchildren's lives. — Marilyn Yungen Powell, daughter Willard Marsh My dear daddy, Willard Marsh of Applegate, served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. What a cherished and beloved man he was; loved by his family and so many in the community. He loved his country, family, my mom (the love of his life), and they shared 62 years of marriage. In January, he went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Thanks, Dad, for the love you shared with us and for your service to this country. You are deeply missed! — Tammy Noble, daughter, Sams Valley Ted Snow My father, Ted Snow, left, served in British Guiana during World War II. He survived the war, but not life. His best friend, pictured here, was killed in skies over England by Nazis. RIP — Ron Snow, Medford Stephan R. Fusco Stephan Fusco grew up knowing at an early age that flying was his passion. He used to cut school and go to the local airport to polish planes, just for a ride. As soon as he was old enough, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, stationed in Texas. He became a flight instructor for the pilots during the war, achieving the rank of lieutenant. After the war, he joined United Air Lines and later retired as captain. He still owns and files his own private plane here in Medford. He will celebrate his 93rd birthday in July. — Cheryl Grijalva, daughter, Medford Jay Fischer Jacob (Jay) Fischer was born on Staten Island, New York, on Aug. 4, 1930. Jay joined the Air Force in January 1948 as a private, and retired in 1967 as a major. He flew various aircraft, including the B-25, the F-94c, the F-101b and the T-39. — Signa Fischer, wife, Eagle Point Murray La Hue At 15, Murray La Hue joined the National Guard, mobilized in 1950; 16 months later, still underage, was separated. Next, he enlisted in the Air Force and in 1961 received a commission through the Air Force Officer Candidate School. He retired as a major with 22-plus years military service. His assignments included bases in California, Libya, Texas, Massachusetts, Vietnam, New Mexico, Guam and Louisiana. — Cheryl Giddings, daughter, Medford Neil McCain Neil McCain, of Grants Pass, served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Lofberg anchored in Wonsan Bay, Japan, during the Korean War. In 1953, the Longshoremen were on strike, refusing to help get ammunition to U.S. troops in the war. Morale was low. One day Neil's shipmates dared him to prove his claim that he'd been a cliff diver in California. (He hadn't been. He'd never so much as dove feet first off the edge of a wading pool.) They challenged him to dive off the mast into the bay. If he didn't, they would beat the puddin' out of him, disgrace and humiliate him by labeling him a liar and a coward. Neil climbed to the top, believing it best to die than suffer his shipmates' punishment. Then, after saying a prayer, for which he truly believed would be his last, he pushed off. When Neil hit the water, he was knocked out cold. He quickly awoke, finding himself drowning on the ocean floor. He clinched the mucky sand, then struggled to the surface, gasping for air. When he broke through the water, with bloody eyes, ears, nose and gums, and with sand dribbling out of his fists, his shipmates and sailors from nearby ships erupted in loud cheers that some say could be heard as far away as the striking longshoremen in San Francisco. In one simple, short, yet courageous dive, Neil was successful in boosting the morale of hundreds of others serving in the Navy at a time of war. I salute you, Dad! — Ron McCain, son, Grants Pass Mike Thorniley Mike Thorniley graduated from Medford High School and joined the Navy in 1943. By 1944, he was a corpsman attached to the 5th Marine Division, training in Hawaii for the invasion of Iwo Jima. That terrible battle was difficult to later talk about; it was always with emotion that he would say, “We saw the flag go up.” After that, it was on to Japan. — Mollie Thorniley, daughter, Talent Arnold Meads Arnold Stanley Meads of Ashland was born May 28, 1920. Served in the Marine Corps from July 1, 1941, to Sept. 22, 1945. Was stationed in the Pacific Islands: Tarawa, Tulagi, Guadalcanal, Saipan. Semper fi! — June Willis Francis Poelker and Paul Poelker Army veterans, father and son World War II veteran Francis J. Poelker landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, on Day 6. Served in Europe with Gen. Patton and at the Battle of the Bulge Base Camp. Awarded 5 Campaign Bronze Stars and Marksmanship Medal. Married in 1948 and had three children. Died May 4, 2017, age 95, in Gold Hill. Vietnam veteran Paul F. Poelker enlisted in 1972, was in many locations, foreign and U.S.-based, during his 23-year career. Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and many other Commendation, Achievement and Service Medals. Died Nov. 25, 2014, age 65, from Agent Orange issues. Thank you both for all you did for the USA! I am proud to be your daughter and sister. — Gina Wills, Gold Hill William Douglas Gardiner Col. Doug Gardiner was among the first Medford draftees on April 3, 1941. He is a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, serving in combat zones in New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam. He served overseas, in Germany, Japan and Okinawa and in seven U.S. states, including five years at the Pentagon. He retired and moved back to Medford in 1971. He will be celebrating his 101st birthday in July. Doug visits the National Cemetery at Eagle Point every Memorial Day. — Alan and Danielle Geoffrion, Medford Robert Kyle Jr. Robert F. Kyle Jr. served in the infantry in France during World War II. He received two Bronze Stars — one for Valor — and a Purple Heart. After the war, he graduated from Oregon State with a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve, where he served for over 25 years and is now a retired lieutenant colonel. — Erma Kyle, Medford Kenneth Flint My grandfather Kenneth Flint is a World War II veteran and retiree of the U.S. Postal Service. Born in November 1926, he is 90 years old and a current resident of Phoenix. — Crystal Jeffries, Phoenix William Danielson William Danielson served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years during the Vietnam era. A native of Oregon, Will graduated with a degree in agriculture education from Oregon State University and has lived in Medford since 1985. He enjoys spending time with his four children and three grandchildren. The Wickershams Staff Sgt. Paden Troy Wickersham, Security Forces Air National Guard of Eagle Point, enlisted in in 2007. He was Airman of the Year for Kingsley Air Base in 2013 and 2015. He has received over 15 various ribbons and medals. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and is currently deployed overseas. His return is scheduled for sometime this summer. He will be married to Josie Walker in October 2017. Staff Sgt. Dalton James Wickersham lives in Klamath Falls with his wife, Michelle. He enlisted in the Air National Guard in 2009 and is working at Kingsley Air Base. Dalton was part of the unit that went to California to fight the forest fires and has participated in several temporary duty assignments, both in the states and overseas. Both are the sons of Susan and Pete Wickersham of Eagle Point. — Dona Spence, grandmother, Eagle Point James Kenneth Hayes James Kenneth Hayes was born in Halsey and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1939. He served for over 20 years as a chief gunner's mate during World War II, one ship being the USS Brooklyn. He loved hunting and fishing with his best friend Bill Kirk of Medford. He lived in Albany, and stayed often with his grandson in Grants Pass. He loved serving his country and performed well under pressure while his ship was being attacked by enemy (Japanese) planes. He had lots of experience shooting ducks and geese and it was a natural that he was in charge of shooting down enemy planes. — Shaun Gross, grandchild, Grants Pass Ryan L. Davis Ryan L. Davis is an airman 1st class who served two tours of duty in the Middle East with the Air Combat Command. He also received a Certificate of Recognition as a Foreign Object Debris Poster Award winner for his outstanding support of the Dyess Air Force Base FOD Prevention Program. He later matriculated out to a civilian job doing electronic work on police helicopters and planes. — Patty Davis, Medford Brooke Davis My daughter is also an Army veteran and now is a pharmacist at Oregon Health & Science University. She also served two tours in the Middle East. — Patty Davis, Medford Robert Brown Robert Brown was born in Sams Valley. He enlisted in 1940 in Medford and was chosen to be a part of the newly formed 10th Mountain Infantry, training at Fort Lewis and Mount Rainier and at Camp Hale in Denver. They were trained for fighting in the Italian Alps. He participated in the Aleutian Campaign, the Northern Apennines, and the April 1945 advancement into the Po Valley of Italy. The purpose of the advancement was to drive out the German occupation. Seven days later, the German Army surrendered. His enlistment ended in September 1945. As many World War II veterans, he only told a few stories of his life in the service. He came home, got a job to support his wife and 1-year-old daughter. His association with the local VFW I believe helped him and other combat soldiers to get through what they had seen. They helped each other build homes, fix cars, and gave general support for each other's needs. After retiring to Brookings, he shuttled disabled vets monthly to the White City domiciliary so they could see doctors and pick up free prescriptions. He died in 2001. — Sharon Charles, daughter Ken Gentry Ken Gentry, 84 years old. Born and raised in Medford. Served in U.S. Navy during Korean conflict, 1950-1954. Still loves to golf. — Darlyn Anderson  Steven G. Deaton Chief Warrant Officer 4 Steven G. Deaton, of Medford, was a combat helicopter pilot with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, 1971-1972. He also served as combat surveillance airplane commander in the Republic of South Korea, 1989, and as transport airplane commander in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. William J. Triffo William J. Triffo served in the U.S. Air Force in England during World War II. After the war he came home, married and helped raise five wonderful children. — Ron Alonzo, son-in-law, Medford Tony C. Alonzo Tony C. Alonzo served as a 3rd class petty officer in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War. "A great soldier, a great man, a wonderful father." — Ron Alonzo, son, Medford Kenneth Kelley Kenneth C. Kelley, a retired captain with the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, served for 27 years with the Navy. He's an officer and a gentleman now enjoying life at Rogue Valley Manor in Medford. Thank you, Capt. Kelley, for serving your country. We are mighty proud of you! — Jeannette Bournival Floyd Barnes My husband, Floyd Barnes, served for 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1991. He served three tours in Vietnam as a flight engineer in a helicopter rescuing troops from the jungle. After that, he went into safety where he stayed until he retired. Live, love and laugh. — Laura Barnes, Phoenix Robert E. Moss Marine Cpl. Bob Moss had infantry training at Camp Pendleton and was assigned to military police duty in Hawaii. He did not like being an MP, so in July 1951, when the USS Essex Aircraft carrier was in Pearl Harbor and was one sailor short, he “volunteered” to join the crew working in the gunnery. He moved to Medford in 1959 from South Dakota. Bob passed away in 2015. — Cindy Moss, daughter, Central Point Skip Algeo Skip Algeo, of Medford, graduated from Eagle Point High School in 1965 and later from Southern Oregon College with a degree in physics. He was a captain in the Air Force after college and went to flight school. He flew the first and the last POWs home in a C141 Starlifter cargo plane. Skip later was an operations officer at the Air Force base in Kotzebue, Alaska. After retiring from the Air Force, he went to work for Cray Research Co. in Hanford, Washington, where he kept what was at the time the fastest super computer in the world running smoothly. After retiring in 1997, he returned to Medford, where he enjoys competing in pool tournaments. His men's team won the Western Regional BCA 8 Ball Championship in 2002. — Sandra Gerritz, sister James Peter Giorvas James Giorvas was drafted in 1944 at 18 years old. He was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, volunteered for paratrooper and was shipped to the Philippines. He played baseball for the Army and was a Dodger catcher before and after the war. — Loretta Giorvas Larry Wills Larry Wills, 93, of Rogue River, served in World War II, flying in 28 missions over Europe as a ball-turret gunner. He worked for the Oregon State Police as a game enforcement officer and then the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, retiring in 1980. Larry was raised in Rogue River and was named Rooster Crow Parade grand marshal in 2015. He is a devoted servant to our USA! — Linda Turner, niece, Gold Hill Richard Victor Pawlak Richard Victor Pawlak was a chief warrant officer 2 who was killed in action on March 3, 1970. He joined the Air Force in 1952, left the Air Force to join the Army eight to 10 years later, and became a helicopter pilot. During training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he joined the Golden Knights Parachute team and was subsequently deployed to Vietnam. He was the maintenance technician for the 101st Airborne Division's Aerial Rocket Artillery Battery when, while flying as a co-pilot in a UH-1H helicopter during a direct combat support mission, encountered unforeseen weather conditions and crashed. He was killed three days before he was to return home. He covered 250 missions and was given numerous awards and medals, including a Bronze Star. His captain wrote to Richard's sons, "Your father was a tremendous man, both in job performance and in personal spirit. ... I know that the sense of loss over your father's death is very great to you, but it is also shared by each member of our battery who will always remember him as a dedicated and courageous man. I hope that is the way you will remember him also." — James Pawlak, son Dane Howell and Ryan Frost Lt. Col. Dane Howell, a pilot, served 20 years in the Marines and is the husband of Gail (Hendrix) Howell. Ryan Frost, son of Shelly Frost, is a senior airman with the Air Force Security Forces and a 2012 graduate of South Medford. They are family of Patti Hendrix-Pollard. Randy Pollard was in the Air Force for 20 years. Brandon Pollard, his son, was in the Army for six years. — Patti Hendrix-Pollard, Jacksonville Dale Hendrix Pfc. Dale Hendrix received the Silver Star and Army Commendation Medal when he was 19 years old. On July 21, 1969, Dale displayed great courage and calm under fire while as a door gunner on a UH-1H helicopter engaged in an emergency extraction of a reconnaissance team in Vietnam. While the helicopter received intense enemy fire from the ground, Dale returned accurate aggressive fire and, ignoring his own safety, dropped extraction ropes to the soldiers below. He was also able to guide the pilot through surrounding trees to safety as night fell. He died in Grants Pass in 1998, leaving his widow, Patti; his daughter, Shelly Frost, and grandsons Matt Frost, Ryan Frost and Tyler Frost; and his daughter Gail Howell and grandsons Macen Howell, Thomas Howell and Trevor Howell. — Patti Hendrix-Pollard, Jacksonville Michael Youmans Michael Youmans graduated from Medford High School in June 1969 and left for boot camp shortly after. He served two tours in Vietnam, in the Gulf of Tonkin. He retired as chief after 26-1/2 years in December 1996. He has a ranch in Madras now where he lives with his wife, Debbie. — Pat Youmans, Medford Larry Youmans Larry Youmans joined the Navy in 1941 and was sworn in the day war was declared, Dec. 8, 1941. He served in the Pacific and the Aleutians, and again in the Korean War. He lives in Medford with his wife, Pat, and they will be celebrating 70 years in September. — Pat Youmans, Medford Susan Wetzel Tech Sgt. Susan Wetzel, retired from the U.S. Air Force, graduated from Medford High School in 1971. She enlisted in November 1971 and retired on Dec. 1, 1991. During her 20 years, she served in the Philippines and Hawaii and stateside bases. She lives in Medford with her husband, Don. — Pat Youmans, Medford Don Wetzel Maj. Don Wetzel, retired from the U.S. Air Force, graduated from Peru High School, New York. He served 26 years, retiring in September 1992. He lives in Medford with his wife, Susan, also retired Air Force. — Pat Youmans, Medford Dave Gulas David M. Gulas, born Oct. 15, 1951, served as staff sergeant E-6 in Vietnam from 1970 to 1977. He was awarded a Bronze Star and combat infantry badge. He lives in Medford with family. Thank you for your service. You have many friends. — Doug O'Dell Gus Priebe Gus Priebe was captured on Wake Island at the age of 25. He was a prisoner of war for 3-1/2 years in Japan, in the same camp with Louis Zamperini. He endured conditions most people could not have survived. Gus was born in Washington on Dec. 10, 1916, and has one son, Larry. Gus passed away Sept. 27, 2016, at the age of 99, three months short of turning 100. He was in the logging industry all of his life. Gus was an extraordinary man, highly respected by everyone who knew him, a man of hard work, strength, integrity and a big heart. Thank you for your sacrifice, Dad. We miss you. — Linda Priebe, daughter-in-law, Medford Clay Scott The late Clay Thomas Scott Jr. was a U.S. Navy veteran, pharmacist mate, during World War II. He grew up in Oklahoma and Texas during the Great Depression and was one of seven children. After discharge from the Navy, he entered the real estate profession in Texas. In the 1950s, he moved to California, where he met his wife, Mary. In 1981 they moved to the Rogue Valley. Clay refused all medals and commendations from the war as he believed the only real heroes were the ones who gave their lives.  — Mary E. Scott, Medford Harold Moser Harold Moser, 94, of Medford, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, 1943-46. He served aboard the USS Cowell, a destroyer in the Pacific. Harold always has been proud of his service and of the country he served. Until recently, he attended "shipmate" reunions in cities all over the U.S. Only a handful of the World War II crew survive. — Diane Scheu, daughter Ben C. Confer Ben Confer was drafted into the Army in October 1942 at the age of 22. He was assigned to the 96th Infantry Division's 796 Ordnance Company. He received basic training at Camp Adair in Corvallis for six months before returning home to Illinois, where he married Joyce. In May 1944, Ben was shipped out to the Pacific War Zone, where he joined Gen. MacArthur's invasion of Leyte, Philippines, on Oct. 20. His supply camp was set in a town park area with Japanese soldiers dug into the hillsides. On Easter Sunday, 1945, the 96th Infantry Division led the assault on Okinawa, losing many men in the battle. The 96th was awarded the highest honor given by the Army, the Presidential Unit Citation, but at what a price. Each year the 96th Infantry Division Association had an annual reunion in various cities throughout the nation, with the 48th and final held in Washington, D.C. — Joyce Confer, Medford Carl Orndoff Carl Orndoff, of Central Point, is a retired master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force, serving during World War II. After his service, he taught for 29 years. Since his retirement, he has spent many years volunteering as a coach for baseball and track. He is very proud to have been a sprint coach for the 2010 Crater State Championship Team.  Edmond Vongehr Edmond Dantes Vongehr of Medford served in World War II as a volunteer with the Army Air Corps. He spent 30 months flying in a B-24 Liberator Bomber. He has been a self-employed insurance agent and broker for over 30 years. Along with 20 years' experience as a real estate broker, land developer, mobile home dealer and traveler, his sidelines of activity were gold mining and prospecting in New Zealand, Australia and Alaska. He also wrote a book called "Protesters United."  Donald House Donald House (1920-2017) enlisted in the U.S. Army when World War II began. He was assigned to the 532nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment. Don skippered LCVP and LCM landing craft in the South Pacific. His most notable mission was the only night commando landing in World War II in Nassau Bay, New Guinea. He spent 36 months in the South Pacific. — Carol Wolf Walter Haines Walter D. Haines, 98, of Medford, enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940 and was commissioned in October 1941. He was shot down in February 1942 and was a prisoner of war in March 1942 through August 1945. Roy Deutschman Jr. U.S. Airforce Airman Roy V. Deutschman Jr. was a co-pilot on a B29 in the Berlin Airlift after World War II. Our hero, like so many other American heroes, we thank them every day for our freedom. Roy went to be with the Lord Oct. 20, 2011, with full Air Force honors. — Gloria Deutschman Claude Morgan Claude "Leo" Morgan served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On Nov. 7, 1944, a Kamikaze was aiming for his escort carrier, the USS White Plains, situated off Samar Island in the Philippines during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He and the other anti-aircraft gunners continued firing at the plane well past the time they were trained to duck under their armor and succeeded in exploding the craft in air. A piece of the plane hit him just under his left eye. The task force, of which Morgan's ship was a part, received the Presidential Unit Citation, and Morgan received a Purple Heart. Morgan's father, Oliver Morgan, had been killed the previous day in a logging accident which Leo would not learn until five days later in a terse message. Leo Morgan died in a 1964 car accident that killed his wife and one of his sons. — Duane Morgan Louis Jack Rentz Louis Jack Rentz of Medford served as a Navy corpsman during World War II on Saipan and Tinian islands. In 1944, he was awarded the Bronze Star for rendering first-aid under fire to wounded soldiers during the Battle of Tinian. He later served on the USS Hope hospital ship during the Korean War. Grandpa, thank you for your service, sacrifice and continued patriotism. — Teresa Thomas Julia Chavez Julia Chavez was in the U.S. Navy for 10 years (1996-2006) and was a hospital corpsman on the carriers​ Roosevelt, Enterprise and Truman while attached to Prowler squadrons. She enjoys musical theater and was always asked to sing for military events, including the National Anthem at the Navy Ball in Oklahoma City. She still loves to sing. Originally from Hemet, California, she now resides in Medford. Victor Machcinski U.S. Army Capt. Dr. Victor A. Machcinski served in the 7th Division Medical Corps, 32nd Infantry, in 1952 and '53 during the Korean War. A surgeon in charge of his front-line hospital, he received the Bronze Star, Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant and Combat Medical Badge. He became chief of staff at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. He is buried at Bourne National Cemetery in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. — Katja Machcinski null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null