World War II Veteran Honored

The Thorp Courier (Thorp, WI)
March 21, 2007
Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

WWII Veterans Celebrated for Their Service

On Saturday, March 17 a long overdue event took place at the firehouse in Stanley.  Ten local veterans gathered to be honored for their heroic service to our country.  Sadly, one veteran was hospitalized and could not be present.
 
People filled the hall until there was standing room only.
 
“We just let the guys and their families know what was going on.  We didn’t even put it in the paper,” said Bill Darby the Quartermaster for the Stanley VFW Post 2711.
 
Bill Darby got this whole event underway by contacting the Governor of Saipan, located in the Western Pacific, a United States commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to authorize the medallions.  All Pacific Theater Veterans are eligible.
 
As Scott Suder was announced he asked that we stand and say the pledge of allegiance, stating he felt it was appropriate for the occasion.  Rep. Suder stated he was not there to make speeches, but was present to honor a very special group of individuals and to celebrate the occasion with the veterans and their families, as well as the VFW, American Legion and the citizens of the community.  Rep. Suder commented that if not for their great sacrifices we would not lie in the world we do today.
 
“America would not be the shining beacon of hope for the world it is today, without your bravery,” Scott Suder told the veteran soldiers.  “Their sacrifice, their service helped not only to end tyranny, but protect freedom and preserve democracy for generations.”
 
Rep. Suder brought plaques from the entire legislature and Governor Doyle personalized with the soldier’s individual contributions
 
Commander Pete Rudawski from post 2711 helped Rep. Suder with the presentation of awards. The men were awarded the medallion first.  Rep. Suder presented them and they were received with a salute.  After the medallions were passed out, the plaques were presented to each veteran with a smile and a handshake. 
 
Family members with cameras waved and called out to husbands, fathers, and grandfathers for a wink, a smile, or a twinkle eyed grin. Cameras flashed as we grouped the men together for a group photo.
 
This day may have been a long time coming for these men, but from the stories they told, the war seems as real today, for many of them, as it did 63 years ago.
 
Veterans recognized at the ceremony were:

• James S. Baker, PFC 42nd Armored Inf. Bat. Leyte, Mindanao.
• Russell H. Butterfield, PFC, 127th Army Reg., 32nd Div., Buna, New Guinea. (Bronze Star)
• Donald G. Daniels, Coxswains Mate 3rd Class, U. S. Navy Gropak 9, Peleliu
• John Gospodar, Radioman, 3rd Class, U. S. Navy, APA 159, USS Darke, Iwo Jima, Guam. 
• Harold D. Isenberger, 1st Lt. 7th Army Division, Okinawa.
• Duayne C. Schunk, PFC, 6th Marine Division, Guam, Okinawa.
• Edward Sczpioroski, U. S. Navy, Seaman 1st Class, Philippines
•  Andrew E. Shuk, PFC, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa.
• Peter Smoczyk, Staff Sgt. U.S. Army, New Guinea (2 campaigns)
• Harley E. Swim, PFC 1st Marine Division, Peleliu
• Leslie VanDomelen, Petty Officer 2nd Class, WSS Selfridge, Saipan, Tinian, Guam.
•  Due to hospitalization Harold D. Isenberger, 1st Lt. 7th Army Division, Okinawa

At the Stanley firehouse on Saturday, March 17, family and friends gathered to watch 11 WWII Veterans receive honors for service.  Medallions from the Commonwealth of Saipan and commemorative plaques from the Wisconsin legislators were presented to the veterans for their service to our country.  Pictured are, Front Row: (L-R) Leslie VanDomelen, Donald Daniels, James Baker and Russell Butterfield.  Back row: John Gospodar, Duayne Schunk, Edward Sczpioroski, Peter Smoczyk, Andrew Shuk and Harley Swim.