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TAPS
IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN SOLDIER
by Isaac Epps
The ones who went
Were truly sent
To do a Noble Deed;
When evil showed
They took the load
In Justice, they believed.
They heard the call
And gave their All
And some did not not come back.
They knew the chance
But took the stance
When Liberty was attacked.
It Speaks of Duty, Faith; and Love;
It speaks of a respect
for Country; For Others,
For the Right of Man;
To forget would be neglect.
On this Their Day
We stop to pray
Their Memory shall live;
The sacrifice they made was Life.
What more can someone Give?
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Standing Guard
Submitted by Dominic Biello
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Claude L. Bohannon
513th
Mr. Claude Lacy Bohannon, Jr., 90, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Royal Park Nursing and Rehab Center in Matthews, NC. Claude was born on December 26, 1924 in Forsyth County, NC to the late Claude L. Bohannon, Sr. and Lizzy Bohannon. Claude joined the 17th Airborne Division of the United States Army following graduation from Paratrooper School at Fort Benning, GA. He joined WWII in Europe at the Battle of the Bulge. Claude was deployed into Belgium and later captured and held as a POW by the Germans for several months. Claude was a devoted husband, father and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bohannon was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Lib” Bohannon; and two brothers, William C. Bohannon and Jimmy Ray Bohannon. Mr. Bohannon is survived by two sons, Jerry Bohannon and wife, Trish of Winston-Salem and Craig Bohannon and wife, Karen of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Amity Bohannon McNeal and husband, Joe of Chillicothe, Ohio, Jonathan Bohannon of Charlotte, NC, and Zachary Bohannon of Winston-Salem; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Carson McNeal; one sister, Earlene Welch and husband, William “Buford” of Winston-Salem; and one sister-in-law, Jimmie Bohannon. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the POW MIA Foundation, 7407 LeGrande Street South, Jacksonville, Florida 32244. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mr. Bohannon. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.
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Keith "Skip" Merrill
(194/A)
Keith Bartlett Merrill Jr. "Skip", 92, passed away Friday, September 11, 2015, while residing at Thomas Rest Haven, Coon Rapids, Iowa. Skip was born in Des Moines to Keith senior and Rachael Garst Merrill on September 10, 1923. He lived in Des Moines and Spirit Lake as well as Waukee and lately Coon Rapids Iowa.
Skip was an agent/owner of Keith Merrill Agency, retired and served in the Army Medical Corp in WWII and Korea. He was active in the Scottish Rite, Zig-Ga-Zig Shrine, Lion's Club, NRA, Isaac Walton, the Waveland Park Masonic Lodge, and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Ames Iowa. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, Des Moines and Iowa State University, Ames. He very much enjoyed boating, hunting and fishing.
Skip was preceded in death by his daughter, Holli Ann Merrill; his second wife Judith; his third wife Suzanne; his parents, Keith Sr. and Rachael Merrill and two sisters, Ann Merrill Shelby and Gretchen Merrill Wilson. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Merrill Morey of Denton, Texas; his daughter, Michelle Merrill of Santa Barbara, CA., his son Christopher Merrill of Glendora CA; three grandsons, Byron Merrill, Patrick Merrill and Danen Maughan, all of California. Skip is also survived by his five step children Jim and Laurie Jones, Rochelle Stoner Kelly, Thomas Stoner Jr. and Theodore A. Stoner, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He will be sorely missed by friends and family alike.
Services for Skip will be held at Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, 815 High Street, Des Moines at 1:00 PM, Thursday, September 17, 2015. An informal reception is to follow.
Very special thanks to Thomas Rest Haven and Saint Anthony's Regional Hospice for their exceptional care. Our deepest gratitude to the Garst family and the Morey family who were indispensable to Skip and his family.
Please make any donations in Skip's memory to Thomas Rest Haven, 217 Main St., Coon Rapids, IA. 50058 or St. Anthony's Regional Hospice, 318 Maple St., Carroll, IA 51401. - See more here.
Editors Note: 17th Veteran John J. Schumacher (194/H) represented the 17th Airborne Family at the funeral for Skip Merrill
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Dennis E. McGinley
193/HQ2
Dennis Earnest McGinley, the son of the late Dennis Dulen and Pearl Ennis McGinley was born August 14, 1924, in Dyersburg, TN.
He was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the United States Army during World War II and Korea and the National Guard. He retired after 23 years of service.
On November 27, 1943, in Piggott, AR, he was united in marriage to Sue McIntosh. She survives.
Mr. McGinley died July 1, 2015, at his residence in Gideon, MO at the age of 90 years, 10 months and 17 days.
Survivors include his wife, Sue McGinley of Gideon; 3 sons, Dennis McGinley and wife Francis of Clarkton, Stanley McGinley and wife Gina of Gideon, and Kenny McGinley and wife Marenda of Portagevile, MO; 1 daughter, Donna McGinley of Gideon; 3 sisters, Francis Thornton of Gideon, Maggie Freeman of Gideon, and Anna Mae Boyd of Flint, Michigan 8 grandchildren, Dennis McGinley, Bobby McGinley, Nikki Barnes, Erica McGinley, Travis McGinley, Tiffany McGinley, Kaileigh McGinley, and Morgan McGinley; 9 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by 1 grandson, Dewayne Graham; 2 infant grandsons; 4 sisters, Katie Prewitt, Geneva Hollis, Eddie McGinley and Cassie McGinley; and 5 brothers, Charlie McGinley, Raymond McGinley, Max McGinley, Leonard McGinley and Tommy McGinley.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. at Bradshaw Funeral Home. Funeral services will held Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel with the Reverend Dennis McGinley and Reverend Jack Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Stanfield Cemetery in Clarkton with military rites.
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Dr. Hubert W. Miller
(PM)
Life Member of the 17th Airborne Division Association
Dr. Hubert W. Miller, 97, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2015 in Sarasota, Fl. Predeceased by wife of 52 years Louise Mayfield Anderson Miller (Sarasota resident since 1928). Hubert came to Sarasota in 1936. He was 17th Airborne PM company in WWII; a Chiropractor (Palmer College) for 47 years. He loved to fish. He loved to tell stories. He was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by daughters Mary Lois Miller and Margie (& Mike) Gayle, Sarasota; brother Paul Miller, IL; sisters Hilda Elmore and Annette Wood, AL; many nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity . Service at Sarasota National Cemetery on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 11:30 AM. - See more by clicking here.
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17th Airborne Online Store
Sales of the items below help to support the missions of the "Scions of the 17th Airborne", to honor the veterans of the 17th, and to keep the history of the Division alive.
Send your check to:
Scions of the 17th Airborne Division
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd
Danbury, CT 06811
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17th Airborne Car Flags
These high quality car flags are double sided, 12" x 18", and feature a heavy duty window mount. A great way to show your pride in the 17th Airborne Division
$25 each, includes S&H in the U.S.A.
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Scions of the 17th Airborne Pins
This pin was designed by our founding veteran, Col. John Kormann. The pin is 3/4" in Diameter, with the Scion Logo
$10 each, includes S&H in the U.S.A.
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Scion Coffee Mugs
Your beverage is guaranteed to taste better
in this Scions mug than in a canteen cup!
$16 each, includes S&H in the U.S.A.
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Our new Marketing Team designed these great new T - Shirts. The shirts are Made in the USA, Preshrunk 100% Cotton with the Scion logo on the front and the back.
Available in sizes
S, M, L, & XL & 2XL for $25 each
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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Operation Varsity Reports Available
This 57 page document was produced by the 17th Airborne staff at the end of the war. Included are maps of Drop and Landing Zones, Status of each glider load after landing, pre- arranged artillery coordinates, and much more.
8.5" x 14". Great reading.
Available in hard copy for a donation of $22 each
or on a CD for $12 each. Includes S&H in the U.S.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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17th Airborne Challenge Coins
Challenge coins have been created by military organizations for many years.
This beautiful, high quality challenge coin was developed by Scion Jeff Schumacher and his wife Melinda as a tribute to the 17th Airborne. The coin has the 17th Airborne insignia on one side, and the Scions logo on the reverse side. These coins are another great way to foster, promote, and honor the story of the 17th. On both sides around the perimeter of the coin there is a "rope" boundary symbolizing shroud lines of a parachute and tow ropes of the gliders (on two sides because they did double tow in Varsity).The black color symbolizes "SURPRISE" and the gold is the golden opportunity to seize by surprise. Also some blue on the Airborne side of the coin representing the blue skies on 3/24/45.
Available for $15 each, two for $25. Any additional coins above the quantity of two would be $10 each. Includes S&H.
Consider donating additional funds so that we can send these to as many of our veterans as possible, or buy two and give one to your special 17th veteran!
At the recent funeral of one of our veterans, the family actually included one of these coins with the veterans remains.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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Scion Hats and Patches
Show your pride to be a Scion of the 17th Airborne Division
The sample hats that we had made up for the Lancaster, PA Operation Varsity gathering sold out very quickly, so we had some more made up. Available in Blue or Black, these hats have our Scion patch sewn on.
A $25.00 donation is requested for each hat.
We also have additional Scion patches identical to those included in the packages sent to new members.he Patches are 3.5"H x 3"W and are available for $3.00 each.
Includes S&H in the U.S.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne", 62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
Proceeds from the sale of these items help to support the mission of the Scions, to honor our veterans, and to tell the story of the 17th Airborne Division
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17th Airborne Decals
Scion Gary Stift had these great decals made up, and donated a quantity to us for sale to our members. Thanks Gary!!
Decals are available for $8.00 each, includes S&H in the USA.
Please indicate if you want the Talon Decal, or the Scion logo Decal, and the quantity requested.
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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Talon Newspapers on CD
During WWII, the 17th published a number of magazines, or newspapers under the title of "Talon". The two most well known are "Talon in Ardennes" and "Talon Crosses the Rhine". In addition we have located 14 additional issues. We have scanned these issues, and combined them on one CD, so that they can be made available to our membership. Thanks to those who have donated these materials.
Thanks to our membership, we have the funds to put this package together!
The CD is available for $10 each. Includes S&H in the USA
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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"Thunderbolt" Commemorative Book
This 118 page book, published by the 17th before deployment to Europe, has many photo of individual units, as well as photos of the training.
Two sample pages are shown below. Perhaps you can find your father, or grandfathers photo !
Thanks to our membership, we have the funds to put this package together!
The CD is available for $20 each. Includes S&H in the USA
Checks may be made out to "Scions of the 17th Airborne",
62A Forty Acre Mt. Rd., Danbury, CT 06811-3353
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Become a Member of the
Scions of the 17th Airborne!
Regular membership in the "Scions of the 17th Airborne" is open to any descendant or family member of any trooper who served with the 17th during its existence.
Our mission is to insure that the sacrifice and history of the 17th Airborne Division is not forgotten.
Distinguished Honorary Members
All veterans of the 17th are considered as "Distinguished Honorary Members" of the Scions. We exist to honor you, our veterans.
Associate Membership is available to individuals who have an interest in the history of the 17th Airborne, but are not related to a veteran of the 17th. Associate Members do not have voting rights.
To join our growing organization, contact the Scions at: Scionsofthe17thAirborne@gmail.com.
Our brand-new website contains a wealth of information on the 17th Airborne and its history, and our Members Section (open exclusively to dues-paying Scions) contains hundreds of pages of documents obtained from the National Archives! Check it out at www.17thscions.org!
We also have a great Facebook page, where there are lots of great posts by friends of the 17th in the U.S. and in Europe. Check us out on Facebook at:
17th Airborne Division Scions (Descendants).
Please consider passing this on to your children and grandchildren, if they are not already members. As our membership grows, we can take on new projects of value.
President
Rose Friday, daughter of Edward Friday (194th)
Vice President
Michele Smith, daughter of Bill Smith (466th)
Secretary/Treasurer
Ed Siergiej Jr., son of Edward J. Siergiej (194th)
Board of Directors
Cindy Heigl - daughter of Tony Heigl (193rd)
Melanie Sembrat - daughter of Harry Sembrat (513th)
Robert Smith - brother of Levert L. Smith (194th)
Isaac Epps - son of Ralph Epps (194th)
Jeff Schumacher - son of John Schumacher (194th)
Chuck Katz - son of John Katz (194th)
Adam Coolong - grandson of Charles Booth (680th/HQ)
Paul Madden - son of Harold Madden (680th/A)
Marty Cavanah - son of Earl Cavanah (193rd/194th)
Patty Bowers - daughter of Thomas Miller (193rd/HQ2)
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