Raymond Rankin
Having grown up in a military family, Susan Frye has a lot to be proud of. Her father and two brothers have all honorably served our country. Knowing that he would presumably be drafted, Susan’s father, Raymond L. Rankin, enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class aboard the USS Chester in the South Pacific during World War II.
During his years in combat, Raymond was injured once while onboard the USS Chester. As he was lying on his top bunk, unaware of the events that laid ahead, torpedoes struck the ship and a pipe burst and fell on his head. Astonishingly, the ship’s crew were still able to steer the ship and make their way to dry land. Surviving his injury, he continued on to serve his remaining term in the Navy.
Raymond married Isabel M. Crowl on February 27, 1943, whom he met at a roller-skating rink while on leave. They settled down in Carmichaels and together celebrated over 65 years of marriage. They were blessed with a daughter, Susan and two sons, Bill and Robert. Susan recalls a few of her parents’ stories they would share while Raymond served in the Navy. “I remember a funny story about a train ride from Pennsylvania all the way to Riverside, California that my mother took to visit my dad,” says Susan. “His ship was being worked on and she was determined to bring him a sack of sugar at his request. Since there was no extra room in the baggage car of the train, my mother sat on the sack of sugar all the way to California!” Susan says, laughing.
She adds that Raymond stayed in close contact with one of his crew members who lived in Virginia Beach and owned a World War II museum. Her dad gave him his uniform, where it was displayed in the museum for many years. The owner of the museum has since passed and the museum closed. After her father’s passing from a lengthy illness in 2008, Susan was determined to retrieve the uniform. However, after many unsuccessful attempts she has been unable to locate it and assumes it was put up for auction.
After the war, Raymond owned and operated Ray’s Tire Service in Fredericktown. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carmichaels, the United Methodist Men’s Group and a member of the USS Chester Association. Being a part of the Navy, marrying the love of his life and being a father was a true blessing. “My mother and father were also an active part of their grandchildren’s lives and played a special role in my daughter, Michelle’s, childhood,” says Susan. “They were truly extraordinary people who are missed dearly.” Raymond L. Rankin was a remarkable man who lived life to its fullest. We are honored to include his story in the GreeneScene and would like to thank his daughter, Susan, for sharing his story with us. We salute you, Raymond.
The Rigby Family
Serving their country has become a family affair for John. M. Rigby and his descendants. Each feneration has continued to serve in various branches of the military.
John M. Rigby served as a Marine in World War II. Two of his sons , Edward Lee Rigby and Bernard L Rigby also served in the military. Edward joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. Bernard also became a Marine and spent time in Vietnam.
Edward’s son, Robert Rigby, joined the Marines and served from 1995 to 1999. Another grandson of John Rigby, J.D. Nace joined the Army and has been stationed in Germany, Kansas, and Texas. John’s granddaughters, Michelle and Kimberly, have also had military careers.
Michelle Genovese graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 1989. She enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1990 to 1994. She was stationed in Norfolk, VA and served aboard the USS Shenandoah AD-44 as a Radioman 3rd Class.
Michelle’s sister, Kimberly Rigby Keller, also graduated Waynesburg Central High School in 1989. She enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp and served from 1992 to 1996. She graduated basic training from Parris Island, SC and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC.
Kimberly’s husband, Lester Keller was also a member of the Marines and served from 1991 to 1996. He was stationed in Iwa-Kuni, Japan and later Camp Lejeune. He then joined the U.S. Army Reserve from 2000 to 2006 and was with the 630th Transportation Company out of Washington, PA. During that time, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2003 to March 2005.
The Keller’s son and great-grandson to John Rigby, Jerry, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005 and served until 2013. He graduated at Parris Island, SC and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. He did three tours in Afghanistan.
The GreeneScene joins with Esther in celebrating her family’s dedication to service. Thank you all and we salute you!
Robert Rankin
Enlisting in the Armed Forces takes great courage and strength, knowing that above all else, service before self. Our brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors risk their lives every day to serve and protect our freedom. When the ultimate sacrifice is paid no words can heed comfort to the families in mourning. Susan Frye of Carmichaels shares an emotional story of her brother, Robert R. Rankin, who served in the United States Army.
Robert attended the ROTC program at West Virginia University and enlisted in the Army as an officer, holding the position of a Second Lieutenant. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam. On December 6, 1973 while on a training mission navigating a plane called the Mohawk, the plane’s engine blew up in midair and was headed directly towards a church filled with children. Robert was able to divert the plane and crashed nearby, saving many young lives.
Robert’s family was notified that he was missing in action. “Shortly after the crash, the dreadful knock on our door from a military officer came, notifying us that Robert’s remains had been found,” says Susan. “His draped casket arrived back in the United States the day before Christmas.”
Robert was only 25 years old and left behind a four-year-old daughter and a wife. His family was presented with the flag from his casket and the Purple Heart Medal was awarded for his ultimate sacrifice. A statue stands near the crash site in honor of Robert in remembrance of all the lives he saved on that tragic day.
We salute Robert Rankin, and thank him for his selfless sacrifice and bravery.
David O. Blue
Staff Sergeant David O. Blue enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1952. He completed his basic training at Sampson Air Force base in Seneca, NY. He was initally stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH, and later was stationed in Korea, Japan, and Nebraska.
He was a flight engineer with more than 1200 hours flying time. In Korea, he was assigned to the 90th Bomb Squad from 1954-1955. He received the Korean Serving Medal Air Crew Member Badge, Good Conduct Medal, United Nation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
He was discharged in 1957. When he returned home, he attended California University, earning a degree in Education. He taught school at Central Greene School District for 34 years and retired in 1988.
David also had two brothers and one sister that were in the armed forces. His brother, Bob, was in the Navy during World War II, brother Jim was in Korea and his sister, Sheila, was in Vietnam. GreeneScene Community Magazine joins Staff Sergeant Blue’s family in saluting his determination and dedication during his military service. Thank you for helping to preserve our freedoms and our way of life. We salute you and appreciate you.
Clarence E. Burghy Sr.
Staff Sergeant Clarence E. Burghy Sr. served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1958. During his service, Clarence fought in the Korean War. He was badly injured, with his face and hair burnt from a flamethrower. He was hospitalized for several months and then returned to service. He also had his fingers and feet frozen and received shrapnel in his leg while serving. Clarence was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for being injured in combat.
Clarence always said he was glad he was able to serve his country. Clarence passed on October 5, 2013. He was married to Shirley Burghy. He had ten children by previous wives and three stepchildren with Shirley.
GreeneScene Community Magazine is proud to join with the family of Staff Sergeant Clarence Burghy Sr to thank him for his service and dedication to preserving the rights of Americans and other people around the world. We appreciate and thank you!
Carl Hoy Jr.
Carl Hoy Jr. served in World War II during the conflict with Japan. He was inducted into the US Army when he reached eighteen years old, during his senior year at Waynesburg High School. He received his GED after being discharged from the Army.
T. Sgt. Hoy was a member of Company C, Army Construction Engineers. He was stationed in the Philippine Islands during much of his Army tenure. At he end of the war, he was transferred to Japan, where he helped build airfields for US planes. He remembers the Japanese people being friendly and glad to have the Americans rebuild their country.
Carl resides in Waynesburg. He will observe his ninety-fifth birthday in February 2020.
GreeneScene Community Magazine would like to join Carl’s family in thanking him for his service and dedication to preserving the freedoms of Americans and those across the world. We salute you, T. Sgt. Carl Hoy Jr. and we thank you for your service.
Herschel Mathews Sr.
Herschel F. Mathews, Sr. was born in Taylortown at his family’s farm February 1, 1934 to Harry and Leona Mathews. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Herschel stayed lifelong friends with Jim Bowers, his company commander in Korea.
Herschel married the love of his life Marlene (Fox) Mathews on Christmas Day in 1956. He worked in the coal mines for 15 years, and then established his own seeding and reclamation business, known as Mathews Farms, in 1964. He spent his entire life on the farm, raising Black Angus cattle and farming the land. Anytime you saw him, he was probably on a John Deere.
Hershel was also an avid hunter who enjoyed many hunting trips with his son and friends. He loved entertaining family and friends in his game room, but his biggest passion in life was his farm.
Herschel passed away on September 24, 2019. He was interred at Fairview Cemetery in Dilliner, with full military honors by the Point Marion Veterans Posts. His flag draped coffin proceeded to the cemetery in a style that Herschel would have loved, traveling on a flatbed truck under the large metal arms of farm machinery, and past the farm he so dearly loved.
GreeneScene Community Magazine joins with Herschel’s family to honor him for his dedication to serving his country and the American people. We thank you, Herschel Mathews, and salute you for your service.
Jack Bradmon
Jack Bradmon was a tender-hearted warrior. He took great pride in defending his country and he is remembered by his family for both his kindness and his strength.
He joined the Army at age nineteen and served for the next eight years. It was a surprise to his family when he came home one day and announced that he was joining. His training took him to Missouri. He obtained the rank of Staff Sargent. He later traveled to Germany and served in Southeast Asia, Kuwait and a peacetime Gulf.
“Warriorship is so tender, without skin, without tissue, naked and raw. It is soft and gentle,” according to the article “Awakening the True Heart of Bravery”. This seems a perfect description of Jack Bradmon. A relative of his fondly remembers him as a little boy. They went together to see a movie and Jack was devastated when he thought that the good guy was about to die. That loving little child had already seen the need to protect the good in the world. The heart of the warrior may have come to life that day.
Jack’s mother, Sara Bradmon, said he was a “good model soldier.” He was honored multiple ways throughout his years of service. He received many awards, including an Outstanding Service Award and an Overseas Service Award. In a truly unique honor, Jack was featured on an army recruitment poster.
Jack was immensely proud of his time in the Army. He was honored to serve his country and to be a soldier. Having found yet another way to help others; Jack was in charge of a branch of the Toys for Tots program while enrolled.
When Jack came home from the Army, he went on to study and graduate from Waynesburg University under the GI Bill. He was studying for his Doctorate of Psychology at California University when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
The Army continued to be an important part of Jack’s life; the Veterans Administration was able to help with his health issues. The Veterans Association helped with remodeling expenses to make his home more accessible and they also helped him with acquiring a wheel chair.
Sara Bradmon mentioned that some of Jack’s best qualities were his “great memory,” how ornery he could be and his positivity.
Jack passed away on Christmas Day in 2008 due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis; he was only 48 years old. He is remembered for his fighting spirit, his positivity, his intellect and his kind heart.
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself,” said writer Joseph Campbell. Jack Bradmon was a hero to his family and his country. Above all, Sara would want Jack to know “his mother was so proud of him.”
GreeneScene Community Magazine would like to join Jack’s family in thanking him for his service and dedication to preserving the freedoms of Americans and those across the world. Thank you for your service.
Rodman W. Stewart
Ruff Creek native Rodman Stewart is pictured here at Camp New Amsterdam in the Netherlands, receiving a ride with Colonel Bell (call sign “Taco”) in an F-15 Fighter for receiving “Maintainer of the Year” award at Soesterberg AFB in 1992. Tech Sgt. Stewart was stationed at Camp New Amsterdam in the Netherlands and was deployed in Incirlik Air Base in Turkey during the first Gulf War in 1991. He was an aircraft mechanic serving the plane used in missions launched from Incirlik AFB. Your service and dedication will never be forgotten. Thank you.
Mark Clipper
When first meeting Mark Clipper, you would never guess that he is 96 years old; he appears much younger. He is such a polite, kind, and a very pleasant man that you’d also never guess that he was once a “rough and tumble” soldier “who thought he could win the war by himself.” That is how his wife, Genevieve describes him. And she should know – they’ve been married for almost 77 years.
While attending Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Mark was told that the army needed officers, so he volunteered. His date of voluntary induction was in January 1943, and he entered into active service in February 1943. Prior to his induction, Mark married Genevieve on December 26, 1942. They were still newlyweds when he shipped out to Europe. The last thing he remembers seeing is the Statue of Liberty.
Mark has many tales to tell, although they are just now starting to come to the surface. His son, Kerry, says that his father blocked out the war, and that he didn’t hear about it much while growing up. “He didn’t talk about it,” Kerry shares. “Only recently has he started telling us things.” Unfortunately, Mark has been diagnosed with dementia, but he remembers his service during World War II very well… even down to knowing his Army serial number.
One such tale occurred shortly after arriving in France (at this time he was Sergeant Clipper). He was in his tent writing to Genevieve when another soldier challenged him to a boxing match. Not only is boxing his favorite sport, but he had been trained in boxing at Georgetown University. Sgt. Clipper laid down his pen, and, without speaking a word, easily defeated his challenger. He then went back to finish his letter. Years later, after the war, he received an invitation to that very same soldier’s wedding.
Mark served in the 102nd Infantry under Montgomery in the German Campaign of the European Theater. “He was in the thick of it,” states Kerry. “He saw lots of action.” They would travel from town to town in Germany, “taking” towns, such as Aachen, as they went. Mark was injured in one such battle when he was hit with shrapnel from a hand grenade. Pieces went into his hand, which are still there today, and another piece went through his canteen and into his side. He hadn’t realized he was injured until his lieutenant tagged him to be taken to the aid station. Mark removed the tag and kept fighting. He switched to a carbine from an M1 which was easier for him to handle with his injury. He continued to fight until his lieutenant forced him to go to the aid station.
While on the mend at the hospital in Belgium, a bomb accidentally hit the hospital. Mark escaped the incident without a single scratch. He helped others who were injured. He was then picked up to be transported to another facility. The Jeep he was riding in was hit by a bomb. This time Mark was seriously injured. He woke up two weeks later at a hospital in England. During his time in England, he chose to pass on a knife he had acquired to the only man who was returning to the war. He was then transferred to Wakeman Hospital Center at Camp Atterbury in Indiana where he spent 5 1/2 months recovering from a skull fracture.
Mark spoke of other things that happened during his time with the overseas. Sometimes he would go a couple of days without eating if their rations were cheese. “I don’t like cheese,” he says with a smile.
Wintertime in Germany was very cold. According to Mr. Clipper, temperatures would fall down below 0 degrees, and they would encounter German soldiers who were frozen solid. During the night, one of his duties was to set up concertinas (coiled barbed or razor wire) and lay mines between the Allies and German lines.
Mark also remembers losing a couple of good friends. “One died in my arms,” he says. “His name was Eugene, and he was from Indiana.”
After returning home on the ship Queen Elizabeth, Mark traveled to Indiana to offer his condolences to his friend’s family.
Mark Clipper received a Purple Heart, Good Conduct ribbon, European Theater ribbon, a Battle Star for the German Campaign, and an Expert Infantryman badge. He was honorably discharged on May 31, 1945.
Mark and Genevieve Clipper had six children (the oldest passed away a few years ago). His first job after leaving the army was serving as a tax collector. Later on, he began a career in interior decorating and furniture selling. The couple used to love to go dancing, but now they spend their time entertaining their grandchildren, enjoying the company of their two dogs, and loving life in their home near Carmichaels.
Joseph J. Zetti
Joseph J. Zetti, age 96, son of Domenick and Mary Zetti, is originally from Clarksville (Pitt Gas). He graduated from Jefferson High School. He served in WWII as a medic on the battlefields of Italy.
In 1944, Joseph was captured and became a prisoner of war in Germany for 15 months. Joseph is, and always has been, extremely proud to have served his country and has received commendation medals such as the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Medical Combat Badge, POW Medal and the Presidential Citation Ribbon.
Joe is still active and currently living in Akron, OH. He attends monthly veterans meetings and can be seen riding in may parades, proudly waving the U.S. flag.
Joe still keeps up on Greene County news and would love to hear from any Greene County residents. GreeneScene Community Magazine joins with Joe’s family to honor him for his dedication to serving his country and the American people. We thank you and salute you for your service.
Wallace Mays Sr.
Wallace H. Mays of Point Marion enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He spent two years in the Philippines during the war. Wallace celebrated his 99th birthday on September 27, 2019.
GreeneScene Community Magazine is pleased to join Brenda Sapp in honoring her father Wallace H. Mays Sr. Thank you for service in protecting the freedoms of the United States. We salute you.
Area Observances for Veterans
Jefferson – American Legion Ceremony on Nov. 12 – The Filer-Sadlek Post 954, Jefferson will hold a program in the Stanley Fowler auditorium at the Jefferson-Morgan Jr. Sr. High School beginning at approximately 11:00am on Monday, November 12. The Jefferson-Morgan High School band will perform. Featured Speaker is James McGrath, a Veteran of the United States Navy (1990-1993), and currently serves as an Officer in the United States Coast Guard Reserves. Following the program, a Post Everlasting Ceremony will be performed, memorializing the three members of Post 954 who have passed away since November 11, 2018.
Waynesburg – Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 9 – A Veterans Day Parade will be held on November 9, 2019 in Waynesburg, PA. The community is invited to come out to thank our veterans past and present who have sacrificed their lives for our great nation. The Parade Marshalls are Veterans of World War II. All Veterans in the County of Greene will be recognized for their service & dedication. The parade will start at 10:45am. The parade will proceed down High Street to the Greene County Courthouse, where a program will be presented with Master of Ceremony and guest speaker to be announced. James L. Farrell Post 330 American Legion along with the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793 and Carmichaels VFW Post 3491 and Greene County Honor Guard will serve as Honor Guards. Immediately following the program, a ceremony will be held at the VFW on East Lincoln Street, for all veterans and the public.
Carmichaels – American Legion Program on Nov. 8 – Post 400 in Carmichaels will hold an educational program on November 8, 2019 at 9:30am the Carmichaels Area High School Auditorium. The American Legion Post 400 and Post 400 Band, along with the Carmichaels High School Band and students will participate. This special educational program will feature participation from the students and will include the presentation of the MIA and POW Table, along with the folding of the American Flag and the meaning of the flag’s 13 folds.
Carmichaels – American Legion breakfast on Nov. 10 – Rep. Pam Snyder will be hosting a Veterans Breakfast at the Carmichaels American Legion from 11am – 1pm.
Carmichaels – American Legion ceremony on Nov. 11 – Carmichaels American Legion Post 400 will have a 21 Gun Salute with the Post 400 Honor Guard at their post at 11am.
Rogersville – Veterans Service Nov. 10 – The Rogersville United Methodist Church, located at 102 Church Street in Rogersville, will hold a special service for Veterans Day. This program, which will serve as the Sunday morning worship service presented by Pastor Cynthia Deter, will feature a message by Don Martin. Also, during this service there will be a Presentation of the Quilt of Valor. All veterans are invited to attend and will be recognized for their service, with a luncheon to follow.
Graysville – Harveys-Aleppo Grange Veterans Program on Nov. 12 – Harveys-Aleppo Grange Hall in Graysville, PA will be hosting a Veterans’ Appreciation Evening to honor veterans of all of the U.S. Armed Forces on November 12, beginning at 7pm. All veterans in attendance (whose names have been submitted by Oct. 31) will be presented with a certificate; with respect, honor & gratitude to all. Representive Pam Snyder and other dignitaries will be present. All veterans from all branches, war time or peace time, are encouraged to attend, and advance notice is appreciated, though not necessary. Veterans names and contact information should be provided to Mary Jane Kent 476 W. Roy Furman Hwy., Wind Ridge, PA 15380 or kentmaryjane@yahoo.com.
Carmichaels – VFW Veterans PROGRAM on Nov. 12 – Carmichaels VFW Post 3491 will present a program for the students of Trinity High School in the high school auditorium. The program will feature folding of the American Flag and the meaning of the flag’s 13 folds.
BobTown – VFW Veterans Ceremony on Nov. 10 – Bobtown Veterans Day Program will be held at Bobtown Honor Roll at 4pm. The program will feature guest speaker Mike Belding. The Greene County Honor Guard will take part in the ceremony. There is a dinner to follow.
Waynesburg Central Elementary Veterans Program on Nov. 5 – The children of WCES will honor all veterans at a special program held at the high school auditorium, at 9am on Nov. 5. The many veterans who attend this special program each year are treated to a wide array of patriotic activities conducted by the elementary students, including the Pledge of Allegiance, class presentations, numerous patriotic sing- alongs, the folding of the American flag and more. All veterans are encouraged to attend and the public is welcome.
West Greene Elementary Veterans Program on Nov. 6 – The West Greene Elementary School Veterans Day Program will be held on November 6 at 9 am in the West Greene High School auditorium. There will be a reception at 8:30 am to welcome the veterans and their guests. The Honorable H. Terry Grimes, retired Greene County Judge, will be the guest speaker. The program will include a video tribute to our veterans, and performances by the students of the West Greene School District.
Bobtown Elementary Veterans Program – Bobtown Elementary will hold a Veteran’s Day Breakfast for friends and family of its students. This will be the 4th year for the event. Each year, several teachers volunteer to make the event a success and each year, more veterans participate.