Memorial Day - Honoring & Remembering

 “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.” –Sgt. Maj. Bill Paxton

Decoration Day was officially proclaimed in May of 1868 to honor the soldiers who died in the American Civil War. On the first Decoration Day 5,000 people gathered to decorate the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate Soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today we know Decoration Day as Memorial Day. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a National Holiday. As you enjoy your time with family and friends - please take a moment to honor the members of our family who died in service to our country:

American Civil War

Private Andrew Haggerty served in the Civil War. He died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. At this time we are unsure if Private Andrew Haggerty is the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly or is from a different Haggerty Family. To learn more about Andrew Haggerty view Private Andrew J. Haggerty - Civil War, Pennsylvania Infantry, 148th Regiment, Company I.

John Loll, my 4h great uncle, was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. He arrived in the United States on 07 Oct 1852 at the Port of New York when he was 9 years old with his family. At the age of 18 he would serve in the Union Army. In February of 1862 he would be wounded in battle and would die as a casualty of war on June 10, 1862 in a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Private John McDonald, my 4th great uncle and brother of James McDonald, also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on February 25, 1864 at approximately age 28 with Company F, 63rd Regiment.  He was transferred to Company H, the 105th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died October 16, 1864 in Beverly, New Jersey. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grave marker references Company H, 105 PA. Inf. To view his  his grave marker visit this link. To learn more about John McDonald view The Mystery of Pvt John McDonald - Civil War Solider.

World War II

Second Lieutenant Raymond Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. On February 20, 1943, at age 21, Raymond enlisted with the Air Corps in Miami Beach, Florida. Raymond was trained as a B-29 pilot and assigned to the 43rd Bomber Squadron and the 29th Bomber Group designated 'Very Heavy'. On April 14, 1945 Raymond's plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo. Raymond was recorded as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Raymond was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. He is also honored in the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. To learn more about Raymond Loll view Raymond C. Loll - B29 Bomber Pilot.

Private First Class Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr., my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. In addition to being remembered at the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii he also has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. He now has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery,  thanks to his sister Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose is featured in the blog post A Letter from Tarawa.

The gravemarker for Ambrose in Arlington National Cemetery

Staff Sergeant Christopher D. O'Neill, my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in 1919. He was the son of Owen James O'Neill and Nellie Boyles. Christopher was was a member of the 579th Bomber Squadron, 392nd Bomber Group, Heavy. He served as s a Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Engineer on the B-24 aircraft. He died on November 6, 1943 in a German Hospital in Middelburg, the Netherland after suffering injuries from jumping out his aircraft the day before. He was buried in the Ardennes American War Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. To view his  his grave marker visit this link.

References:

1. Memorial Day - http://www.usmemorialday.org/&nbsp

The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania - William Kelly & Mary Ann McDonald

This is the third post in the Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania series. The series features family stories and photographs submitted to The Clarion County Historical Society for a family history book that unfortunately was never published. 

Mary Ann McDonald, daughter of Irish immigrants David McDonald and Bridget Dunn, was born 1834 in Farmington Township. The History of Clarion County Pennsylvania records David McDonald in the list of early settlers of Farmington Township. 

The 1850 United States Federal Census recorded Mary Ann living with her parents and seven siblings in Farmington Township. Her father David was recorded as a farmer. The birth location of her parents and older brother James was recorded as Ireland. The local school teacher, John Toomy, was also recorded living in the household. 

Mary Ann McDonald married William Kelly who was born about 1830 in Ireland. The date of their marriage is unknown – but they were likely married prior to the birth of their first child in 1854. The 1860 United States Federal Census includes two references to Mary Ann. The first reference is her father’s household in Farmington Township. 

Family of David McDonald and Bridget Dunn

recorded in the 1860 United States Federal Census

The second reference to Mary Ann McDonald is in the household of her husband William Kelly. William is recorded living in neighboring Washington Township. The household included William, Mary Ann and children David M. Agnes C., James and Andrew. 

Family of William Kelly and Mary Ann McDonald
recorded in the 1860 United States Federal Census

The following children are recorded from the marriage: 

1. David M., son, born 1854. Death unknown. 
2. Agnes C., daughter, born November 1875. Death unknown. 
3. James, son, born Jan 1857. Marriage to Mary Ann Haggerty. Death unknown. 
4. Andrew, son, born 1860. Death unknown. 
5. Joseph, son, birth unknown. Death unknown. 

On July 1, 1863 William Kelly was recorded in the U.S. Civil War draft records. He was recorded as 33 years old, married and working as a laborer.

Both Mary Ann McDonald and William Kelly were most likely deceased prior to 1870 as they were not enumerated in the 1870 United States Federal Census. The majority of the Kelly children were living with their McDonald relatives in the summer of 1870 when the United States Federal Census was recorded. Agnes was living in the household of her uncle, Michael McDonald. James was living in the household of his aunt Bridget McDonald married to Thomas C. Haggerty. Joseph Kelly was living with his grandparents David McDonald and Bridget Dunn. 

The Last Will and Testament for Mary Ann’s father David McDonald was recorded February 16, 1871. May Ann was not included in the will but there are references to the Kelly children: “to my grandchild now David [Dan] Kelly James Kelly Agnes Kelly Joseph Kelly and Andrew Kelly each to fifty cents” 

The 1880 United States Federal Census records Andrew and Joseph Kelly living in the household of their uncle James McDonald. 

The 1888 Civil War Pension files indicated that David M. Kelly was a minor dependent to his uncle Andrew McDonald.

Mary Ann McDonald McDonald and William Kelly’s death and burial location are currently unknown.

Mary Ann McDonald and William Kelly are my 4th great aunt and uncle. Mary Ann is the sister of Michael McDonald my 3rd great grandfather. Michael is the father of Robert Alphonsus McDonald my 2nd great grandfather. Robert is the father of my great grandfather Loraine McDonald. Loraine McDonald is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Author: Michelle M. Murosky

References:

1. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for David McDonald. Line 42. 

2. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 1-10. 

3. U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records Source Citation: The National Archives in Washington, DC; Washington, DC, USA; Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registration Records (Provost Marshal General's Bureau; Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865); Record Group: 110; Collection Name: Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865 (Civil War Union Draft Records); NAI: 4213514; Archive Volume Number: 2 of 4 

4. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 144; Image: 148; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for David McDonald. Lines 10-19. 

5. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Washington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 681; Image: 687; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for William Kelly. Lines 1-6. 

6. 1870 United States Federal Census Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 441B; Image: 204; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for David McDonald. Lines 22-28. 

7. 1870 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 441A; Image: 203; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for Michael McDonald. Lines 22-29. [Note recorded as Michael McDowell] 

8. 1870 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 440B; Image: 202; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for T C Hagerty. Lines 35-40. 

9. 1880 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Family History Film: 1255117; Page: 154A; Enumeration District: 069; Image: 0313. Record for James McDonald. Lines 14-21. 

10. A. J. Davis, History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, N. Y.: D. Mason & Co., 1887), Clarion County Historical Society, Chapter 35 History of Farmington Township. Chapter LIII History of Farmington Township Page 515 

11. Pennsylvania, Last Will & Testament of David McDonald. February 16, 1871 

12. National Archives and Records Administration. U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000. Original data: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. T288, 546 rolls. Record for Andrew McDonald, Roll number T288_299.

The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania - David McDonald & Bridget Dunn

In 2015 the Clarion County Historical Society announced the intentions of publishing The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the historical society. Families were encouraged to submit family stories and photographs to the historical society to be included in the book. Unfortunately The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania was never published.

A series of 13 stories and 8 photographs were prepared for the Clarion County Historical Society to publish in the The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania. These stories will be published in new research series The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

David McDonald & Bridget Dunn

David McDonald was one of the earliest residents of Farmington Township. David was born about 1803 in or around Dublin, Ireland. David McDonald married Bridget Dunn on May 7, 1825 at the village of Dunbyrn, County Kildare, Ireland. Their oldest recorded child, Richard, was baptized January 29, 1826. A second son, James M., was baptized August 6, 1827. Both baptisms were recorded in the Allen Parish records and indicate that family were residents of Grange. 

Sometime after the birth of James the family left Ireland for the Americas. The History of Clarion County Pennsylvania references that David McDonald was living in Farmington Township around 1833. After settling David and Bridget lived the remainder of their lives in Farmington Township. 

The following children are recorded from the marriage: 

1. Richard, son, born January 1826 Kildare, Ireland. Death unknown. 
2. James M., soon, born August 1827 Kildare, Ireland. Marriage to Bridget Moran. Death 1892.
3. Mary Ann, daughter, born about 1834. Marriage to William Kelly. Death unknown. 
4. John, son, born about 1836. Death October 16, 1864. 
5. Michael, son, born May 10, 1839. Marriage to Anna Haggerty. Death October 8, 1823. 
6. Andrew, son, born 1840. Marriage to Anna Sharrow. Death March 9, 1833. 
7. Bridget, daughter, born 1842. Marriage to Thomas C. Haggerty. Death July 15, 1889. 
8. David F., son, born 1844. Marriage to Hannah E. McCloskey. Death unknown. 
9. Peter, son, born March 3, 1847. First marriage to Mary Ann McAvoy. Second marriage to Emma Cecelia Nye. Death June 7, 1935. 

David was known as a farmer, logger and river pilot. There are multiple references to him in the True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1. As told by Victor M. Bake: 

"We have some old timers here who used to raft on the Clarion and Allegheny rivers. There are George Hazlett who used to work for Croasman Brothers, Horace Greely Sigworth, A. B. Sarver and Harry Horton. We also have here David McDonald and Mr. Hutton who used to run 90 foot platform rafts on the Susquehanna River. I don't believe that any of the 90 foot platform rafts ever came out of the Clarion." 

As told by his son Peter: 

“My experience as a raftman up to the time of this story, which was in December of 1862, was of the traditional style handed down by my father, David McDonald, who had helped Davis Munn run several rafts down the Clarion to Lower Hillville. There he sold them to Jacob Hill, who had a boat scaffold and furnished 100 foot boats for the Pittsburgh coal companies. These boats were dropped into the water without the aid of lines. My father and Mr. Munn used grapevines for cable to anchor the rafts. David Munn ran his first raft around 1840. He had purchased 150 acres on Troutman Run near the Clarion. He and his wife lived and died on this piece of ground, and their tombstones are standing to this day. They should have a monument. As I pass their lonesome resting place it brings back memories of the earlier days of the lumbering and rafting business and along with these memories of the many hardships the early pioneers had to endure.” 

David and Bridget are recorded in the 1840 United States Federal Census in Farmington Township, Venango, Pennsylvania. 

The 1850 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included Bridget and children James, Mary Ann, John, Michael, Andrew, Bridget, David and Peter. David was recorded as a farmer. David, Bridget and James are recorded as born in Ireland. The local school teacher, John Toomy, was also recorded living in the household. The farm was valued at $1,100. 

The 1860 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included Bridget and children James, Mary Ann, John, Michael, Andrew, Bridget, David and Peter. David was recorded as a farmer. The farm was valued at $2,000 and David’s personal estate was valued at $640. 

Family of David McDonald and Bridget Dunn

recorded in the 1860 United States Federal Census

The 1870 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included his wife Bridget and their sons Andrew, Peter and David F. Daughter in law Hannah, wife of David F., and grandson Joseph Kelly were also living in the household. David was recorded as a farmer and his sons as farm hands. The farm was valued at $3,000 and David’s personal estate was valued at $300. 

The last will and testament of David McDonald was recorded August 28, 1871. Following David's death Bridget lived with her son David. Bridget was included in the household of David McDonald when the 1880 United States Federal Census was recorded in Farmington Township. 

Bridget died prior to 1900 as she was not enumerated in the 1900 United States Federal Census. The burial location for David and Bridget is unknown.

David McDonald and Brigid Dunn are my 4th great grandparents. They are the parents of Michael McDonald my 3rd great grandfather. Michael is the father of Robert Alphonsus McDonald my 2nd great grandfather. Robert is the father of my great grandfather Loraine McDonald. Loraine McDonald is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Author: Michelle M. Murosky

References:

1. Ireland, Civil Registration Marriages Index, 1845-1958, McDonald, David. David McDonald to Brit (Bridget) Dunn on 7 May 1825 at village of Dunbyrn, witnesses Michael and Margaret Dunn. 

2. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912, McDonal, Richard Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Richard McDonal, parents Davy and Biddy, sponsors John Kene(sic) and Nel McDonald, residence (of parents) Grange Baptism: 29 January 1826. 

3. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912, McDonald, James Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. August 6, 1827: James McDonald, parents David and Biddy, sponsors William & Nelly Dunn, residence (of parents) Grange. 

4. A. J. Davis, History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, N. Y.:  D. Mason & Co., 1887), Clarion County Historical Society, Chapter 35 History of Farmington Township. Chapter LIII History of Farmington Township Page 515 

5. 1840 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1840; Census Place: Farmington, Venango, Pennsylvania; Roll: 497; Page: 32; Image: 68; Family History Library Film: 0020559. Record for David Mcdonald. 

6. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for David McDonald. Line 42. 

7. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 1-10. 

8. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 144; Image: 148; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for David McDonald. Lines 10-19. 

9. Pennsylvania State Archives. Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866 Indexes. McDonald, John, F – 63 I, 2-511 

10. Pennsylvania State Archives. Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866 Indexes. McDonnell, John – H-105 I, Muster Roll 

11. Ancestry.com. U.S., Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, compiled 1861–1865. ARC ID: 656639. Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780's–1917. Record Group 94. National Archives at Washington, D.C. Record for Jno McDonald. 

12. Find A Grave. Pvt John McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 27625754. 

13. 1870 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 441B; Image: 204; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for David McDonald. Lines 22-28. 

14. 1880 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Family History Film: 1255117; Page: 153D; Enumeration District: 069; Image: 0312. Record for David McDonald. Lines 24-32 

15. George P. Sheffer, True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1: (Clarion, Pa.: The Clarion Republican Newspaper Co, 1933), An Old Timer's Early Thrills on the River, by Peter McDonald of Vowinckel, Pa., Page 42-44 

16. George P. Sheffer, True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1: (Clarion, Pa.: The Clarion Republican Newspaper Co, 1933), Adventures in Boating and Rafting on the Clarion and Allegheny Rivers, by Victor M. Baker, Masonic Homes, Elizabethtown, Pa., Page 136-137

Memorial Day - Honoring & Remembering

"There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country." – Nick Lampson

Decoration Day was officially proclaimed in May of 1868 to honor the soldiers who died in the American Civil War. On the first Decoration Day 5,000 people gathered to decorate the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate Soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today we know Decoration Day as Memorial Day. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a National Holiday. As you enjoy your time with family and friends - please take a moment to honor the members of our family who died in service to our country:

American Civil War

A Private Andrew Haggerty served in the Civil War. He died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. At this time we are unsure if Private Andrew Haggerty is the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly or is from a different Haggerty Family. To learn more about Andrew Haggerty view Private Andrew J. Haggerty - Civil War, Pennsylvania Infantry, 148th Regiment, Company I.

John Loll, my 4h great uncle, was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. He arrived in the United States on 07 Oct 1852 at the Port of New York when he was 9 years old with his family. At the age of 18 he would serve in the Union Army. In February of 1862 he would be wounded in battle and would die as a casualty of war on June 10, 1862 in a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Private John McDonald, my 4th great uncle and brother of James McDonald, also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on February 25, 1864 at approximately age 28 with Company F, 63rd Regiment.  He was transferred to Company H, the 105th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died October 16, 1864 in Beverly, New Jersey. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grave marker references Company H, 105 PA. Inf. To view his  his grave marker visit this link. To learn more about John McDonald view The Mystery of Pvt John McDonald - Civil War Solider.

World War II

Second Lieutenant Raymond Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. On February 20, 1943, at age 21, Raymond enlisted with the Air Corps in Miami Beach, Florida. Raymond was trained as a B-29 pilot and assigned to the 43rd Bomber Squadron and the 29th Bomber Group designated 'Very Heavy'. On April 14, 1945 Raymond's plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo. Raymond was recorded as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Raymond was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. He is also honored in the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. To learn more about Raymond Loll view Raymond C. Loll - B29 Bomber Pilot.

Private First Class Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr., my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. In addition to being remembered at the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii he also has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. He now has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery,  thanks to his sister Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose is featured in the blog post A Letter from Tarawa.

The gravemarker for Ambrose in Arlington National Cemetery

Staff Sergeant Christopher D. O'Neill, my 1st cousin 3x removed, was born in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in 1919. He was the son of Owen James O'Neill and Nellie Boyles. Christopher was was a member of the 579th Bomber Squadron, 392nd Bomber Group, Heavy. He served as s a Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Engineer on the B-24 aircraft. He died on November 6, 1943 in a German Hospital in Middelburg, the Netherland after suffering injuries from jumping out his aircraft the day before. He was buried in the Ardennes American War Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. To view his  his grave marker visit this link.

References:

1. Memorial Day - http://www.usmemorialday.org/&nbsp

Remembering Our Veterans - In valor there is hope

America’s Veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world. -John Doolittle 

Today we remember and honor our Military Veterans. Thank you to those who served. May we never forget their sacrifices and their service.

The Military Service list is a work in progress that is updated as family history research progresses. If family members are missing please let me know and they will be incorporated. 

Unknown Military Service

Antoine Loll was born November 17, 1798 in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. He is said to have served in the Served in the German calvary or the French Army for seven years. Antoine Loll is featured in the blog post Antonine Loll: German Cavalryman

War of the Sixth Coalition

Hermann Selker is said to have a soldier, serving under Napoleon Bonaparte in the Prussian Army during the retreat from Moscow, Russia in 1812.

American Civil War

Andrew Haggerty was the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly. He was born in 1839 and he may have served in the Civil War. Historical records show that an Andrew Haggerty died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. It is currently unknown if the Andrew Haggerty that died at Gettysburg is the son of Roberty Haggerty and Rebecca Easly.

John Lauer, the husband of Francisca Loll. Francisca was the sister of John Loll above and the daughter of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. John was born 15 May 1841 in Baveria, Germany the son of George Lauer and Ursula Bendorfer. John is said to arrived with his parents to the United States in 1846. John would have been around 20 at the start of the war. A Proud People A Proud Heritage, compiled by the compiled by the History Committee of St. Joseph Parish, Lucinda, Pa. indicates that John was taken as a prisoner of war on April 25, 1864. He later re-joined his regiment on December 16, 1864.

John Loll was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. He arrived in the United States on 07 Oct 1852 at the Port of New York when he was 9 years old with his family. At the age of 18 he would serve in the Union Army. In February of 1862 he would be wounded in battle and would die as a casualty of war on June 10, 1862 in a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Joseph Loll served between 1861 and 1863 Company F, 63rd Regiment. 

James McDonald fought in the Civil War. In August 1,1861 he was enlisted in Company F, 63rd regiment at approximately age 33.  James was in a Confederate Prison camp from May 31 to September 13, 1862. He was promoted to corporal May, 1863; discharged August 28, 1863, for wounds received at Chancellorsville, Va., May 31, 1862. He was shot in the right arm. His grave marker at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Crown, Clarion County, Pennsylvania  indicates his rank of Corporal.  James would have been about 32 at the time of the civil war. James is estimated to be born around 1829 in Ireland, the son of David McDonald and Bridget, my 4th great grandparents.

John McDonald, brother of James McDonald, also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on February 25, 1864 at approximately age 28 with Company F, 63rd Regiment.  He was transferred to Company H, the 105th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died October 16, 1864 in Beverly, New Jersey. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grave marker references Company H, 105 PA. Inf. To view his grave marker visit this link.

Andrew McDonald, brother of James and John also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on March 14, 1862 at approximately age 22 for three years. Andrew was in a Confederate Prison camp from May 31 to September 13, 1862 with his brother James. He was then transferred to Company G., Second U.S. Calvary, on November 5, 1862 were he served as a sergeant.

To view the original post highlighting the service of Civil War veterans visit the Civil War Veterans. 

Spanish American War

Leopold M. Loll was born 18 Nov 1875. He was the son of Joseph Loll, my 3rd great grand uncle, and Helen Eisenman. According to William Loll, who wrote the Loll Family History books, Leopold served in the Spanish American War.  Leopold died in 1918 at the age of 42.

World War I

Gabriel Augustine Haggerty born 1891 and served in WWI.

Vincent Charles Lynam born July 6, 1888 in Fryburg, Clarion, Pennsylvania served in WWI.

Robert Edwin McDonald was born in Clarion Clarion County Pennsylvania Feb 1, 1899 the third child born to Robert Alphonsus McDonald Winifred Agnes O'Neill.

Joseph Murosky, Sr. was born July 4, 1900 in Forest City, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski.  He served in the United States Army as a Private First Class (PFC).  He enlisted on May 2, 1917 at age 16 and was discharged on October 2, 1919 at age 19.

To view the original post highlighting the service of  WWI veterans visit the post In Memory of WWI Veterans. 

World War II

There are numerous World War II veterans in the family.

Daniel L. Bukowski was born September 19, 1921. He served as a Sargent in the Army from October 24, 1942 through December 17, 1945. He was recognized in World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945 for his service. He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Daniel L. Bukowski

Joseph R. Bukowski was born July 4, 1906 in Erie, Pennsylvania.  He served in the Army between June 15, 1943 and June 24, 1944 as a Private in the Army.

Norbert Bukowski was born July 13, 1920 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Coast Guard from June 17, 1942 through November 7, 1945.

Norbert Bukowski with his daughter Judy

Raymond H. Bukowski was born February 28, 1920 in Erie, Pennsylvania   He served in the US Navy.

Raymond H. Bukowski

John E. Chanis, Jr. was born February 12, 1916 in Forest City, Pennsylvania He served in WWII - PFC between July 27, 1944 and September 1945.

Anthony Aloysius Fromknecht was born January 23, 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph J. Fromknecht and Mary Loesch. Anthony enlisted in the United States Army on February 21, 1941 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He served as a 1st Lieutenant. He was discharged from service on December 22, 1945.

Anthony Aloysius Fromknecht

Raymond Loll was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. On February 20, 1943, at age 21, Raymond enlisted with the Air Corps in Miami Beach, Florida. Raymond was trained as a B-29 pilot and assigned to the 43rd Bomber Squadron and the 29th Bomber Group designated 'Very Heavy'. On April 14, 1945 Raymond's plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo. Raymond was recorded as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Raymond was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. He is also honored in the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Memorial Wall, Honolulu, HI 

Barbara Lynam was born June 24, 1912 in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She served in the PFC WAC WWII.

Barbara Lynam

Robert Aloysius Haggerty was born July 24, 1927. He served as a SSGT in the US Marine Corps in WWII. 

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr. was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. In addition to being remembered at the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii he also has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. He now has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery,  thanks to his sister Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose is featured in the blog post A Letter from Tarawa

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr.

The gravemarker for Ambrose in Arlington National Cemetery

James Aloysius McDonald was born 02 Jan 1912 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Robert Alphonsus McDonald, my 2nd great grandfather and Winifred Agnes O'Neill, my 2nd great grandmother. James served in the US Army. He enlisted in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on 17 July 1942. He was discharged from service 1 November 1945. James died 18 June 1982 at age 70.   

James Aloysius McDonald

Back: Loraine Anthony McDonald, Frances Philomena Selker, Winifred Agnes O'Neill, James Aloysius McDonald. Front: Robert Alphonsus McDonald holding May Helen Murosky

Edward V. Murosky was born 03 Mar 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., my great grandfather and Helen Tillie Bukowski, my great grand mother. Edward was stationed along the Alaskan Highway in WWII. Edward died on 11 Dec 1996, at age 71, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Edward V. Murosky

Harry A. Murosky was born 21 Mar 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., my great grandfather and Helen Tillie Bukowski, my great grand mother. Harry died on 29 Mar 2002, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Harry A. Murosky

William Murosky was born July 11, 1902 in Forest City, Pennsylvania. He served in the Army, WWII Air Corps from August 12, 1942 through January 1943. 

William Murosky

Benjamin Ragan Norris was born December 30, 1916. He served as a waist gunner on a B17. Four days after his wedding to Barbara Lynam he was shipped abroad. His plane the War Eagle crash landed on May 28, 1944 90 miles east of Treves, Germany after engine trouble. All of the crew were taken prisoners by the Germans. except for Benjamin and the other waist gunner Daniel Dunbar. They walked 300 miles to Allied France. They were picked up by the French Resistance and fought with them until the area was liberated by the US 4th armored division. At that point Benjamin was sent back to the United States were he served an instructor for future recruits.

Benjamin Ragan Norris

Christopher D. O'Neill was born in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in 1919. He was the son of Owen James O'Neill and Nellie Boyles. Christopher was was a member of the 579th Bomber Squadron, 392nd Bomber Group, Heavy. He served as s a Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Engineer on the B-24 aircraft. He died on November 6, 1943 in a German Hospital in Middelburg, the Netherland after suffering injuries from jumping out his aircraft the day before. He was buried in the Ardennes American War Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. To view his  his grave marker visit this link.

Edward Charles Selker, Jr. was born 26 January 1926. He is the son of Edward C. Selker Sr. and Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl. Edward enlisted with the United States Navy on 12 April 1944. He was discharged on 18 June 1946.

Edward Charles Selker, Jr.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. was born 21 July 1918. He as the the son of Leopold George Selker, Sr. and Katherine V. Hartle. Leopold enlisted with the United States Army on 3 January 1944. He was discharged on 31 January 1945.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. 

Philip Franz Selker was born 25 Apr 1907 in Montabaur, Westerwald,  Germany. He was the son of Karl Friedrich Selker, my 2nd great grand uncle. His mother has been listed as Margarita Wolf, but on a personal visit to him in 2001 he indicated that Margarita Wolf was not his mother and that his father had re-married after her death. Philip arrived in the United States in 1929, he came to avoid the growing military establishment in Germany. During World War II, Philip served in the Infantry in the United States Army.  He landed at Omaha Beach on the second day of the invasion of Europe.  He saw Action in France, Belgium, and Germany.  He was injured during the Bulge. He later participated in the war in the Pacific.

I had the opportunity to meet Philip in 2001 in Chicago to learn more about my German Heritage. When my husband and I got off the Metra train in Morton Grove, Philip said that he knew who we were because my face had the look of the German family. We had a wonderful visit with Philip, his wife and his daughter.  Philip was in his early 90's when we met him and he was full of life and energy. Philip died on 24 Sep 2006 at age 99 in Glenview, Illinois. Philip is featured in the blog post Philip Selker - Battle of Normandy Veteran

Robert V. Pietrzak was born October 25, 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Navy.

Robert V. Pietrzak, Leona Pietrzak and Stanley Pietrzak

Edward W. Zelazny was born September 11, 1915 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny and Catherine M. Bukowski. He served as a Navy Corpsman from 1944 to 1945. He served as a medic in the Philippines.

Edward W. Zelazny

Korean War 

John Bukowski, Jr. was born April 23, 1932 in Erie PA. He served in the Army as a Corporal from December 2, 1952 to November 6, 1954.

Vietnam War

There are several Vietnam veterans in the family, some are still living and are not listed below to protect their privacy.

James Arthur Murosky was born 08 Oct 1942 in Erie, Erie, County Pennsylvania, the son of Arthur Murosky, my grandfather, and Mary Eugenia McDonald, my grandmother. James served in Vietnam. He died 23 Nov 1993 at the age of 51, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

James Arthur Murosky

Thomas S. Hazlett was born 02 Mar 1942 in Brookfield, Noble County, Ohio. He was the son of Leland M. Hazlett and Hazel Jones. Thomas served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

To view additional photographs visit the The Military Collection  at the family photo website. This digital gallery features over 50 photographs of family members who served in the military. Many of the photographs are from the WWII era. The photographs range from portraits with family members to photos taken where the men were stationed and sent home to loved ones. Many of the photos are from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection.

Veterans Day - Honoring Those Who Served

Today we remember and honor our Military Veterans. Thank you to those who served.

To view photographs of of military veterans visit the The Military Collection  at the family photo website. This digital gallery features over 50 photographs of family members who served in the military. Many of the photographs are from the WWII era. The photographs range from portraits with family members to photos taken where the men were stationed and sent home to loved ones. Many of the photos are from the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection.

The Military Service list is a work in progress that is updated as family history research progresses. If family members are missing please let me know and they will be incorporated. 

Unknown Military Service

Antoine Loll was born November 17, 1798 in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. He is said to have served in the Served in the German calvary or the French Army for seven years. Antoine Loll is featured in the blog post Antonine Loll: German Cavalryman

War of the Sixth Coalition

Hermann Selker is said to have a soldier, serving under Napoleon Bonaparte in the Prussian Army during the retreat from Moscow, Russia in 1812.

American Civil War

Andrew Haggerty was the son of Robert Haggerty and Rebecca Easly. He was born in 1839 and he may have served in the Civil War. Historical records show that an Andrew Haggerty died at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. It is currently unknown if the Andrew Haggerty that died at Gettysburg is the son of Roberty Haggerty and Rebecca Easly.

John Lauer, the husband of Francisca Loll. Francisca was the sister of John Loll above and the daughter of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. John was born 15 May 1841 in Baveria, Germany the son of George Lauer and Ursula Bendorfer. John is said to arrived with his parents to the United States in 1846. John would have been around 20 at the start of the war. A Proud People A Proud Heritage, compiled by the compiled by the History Committee of St. Joseph Parish, Lucinda, Pa. indicates that John was taken as a prisoner of war on April 25, 1864. He later re-joined his regiment on December 16, 1864.

John Loll was born in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France on 08 Oct 1843. He is the son of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl, my 4th great grandparents. He arrived in the United States on 07 Oct 1852 at the Port of New York when he was 9 years old with his family. At the age of 18 he would serve in the Union Army. In February of 1862 he would be wounded in battle and would die as a casualty of war on June 10, 1862 in a hospital in Washington, D.C.

Joseph Loll served between 1861 and 1863 Company F, 63rd Regiment. 

James McDonald fought in the Civil War. In August 1,1861 he was enlisted in Company F, 63rd regiment at approximately age 33.  James was in a Confederate Prison camp from May 31 to September 13, 1862. He was promoted to corporal May, 1863; discharged August 28, 1863, for wounds received at Chancellorsville, Va., May 31, 1862. He was shot in the right arm. His grave marker at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Crown, Clarion County, Pennsylvania  indicates his rank of Corporal.  James would have been about 32 at the time of the civil war. James is estimated to be born around 1829 in Ireland, the son of David McDonald and Bridget, my 4th great grandparents.

John McDonald, brother of James McDonald, also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on February 25, 1864 at approximately age 28 with Company F, 63rd Regiment.  He was transferred to Company H, the 105th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He died October 16, 1864 in Beverly, New Jersey. He is buried in Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. His grave marker references Company H, 105 PA. Inf. To view his grave marker visit this link.

Andrew McDonald, brother of James and John also served in the civil war. He enlisted as a private on March 14, 1862 at approximately age 22 for three years. Andrew was in a Confederate Prison camp from May 31 to September 13, 1862 with his brother James. He was then transferred to Company G., Second U.S. Calvary, on November 5, 1862 were he served as a sergeant.

To view the original post highlighting the service of Civil War veterans visit the Civil War Veterans. 

Spanish American War

Leopold M. Loll was born 18 Nov 1875. He was the son of Joseph Loll, my 3rd great grand uncle, and Helen Eisenman. According to William Loll, who wrote the Loll Family History books, Leopold served in the Spanish American War.  Leopold died in 1918 at the age of 42.

World War I

Gabriel Augustine Haggerty born 1891 and served in WWI.

Vincent Charles Lynam born July 6, 1888 in Fryburg, Clarion, Pennsylvania served in WWI.

Robert Edwin McDonald was born in Clarion Clarion County Pennsylvania Feb 1, 1899 the third child born to Robert Alphonsus McDonald Winifred Agnes O'Neill.

Joseph Murosky, Sr. was born July 4, 1900 in Forest City, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski.  He served in the United States Army as a Private First Class (PFC).  He enlisted on May 2, 1917 at age 16 and was discharged on October 2, 1919 at age 19.

To view the original post highlighting the service of  WWI veterans visit the post In Memory of WWI Veterans. 

World War II

There are numerous World War II veterans in the family.

Daniel L. Bukowski was born September 19, 1921. He served as a Sargent in the Army from October 24, 1942 through December 17, 1945. He was recognized in World War II Young American Patriots, 1941-1945 for his service. He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Daniel L. Bukowski

Joseph R. Bukowski was born July 4, 1906 in Erie, Pennsylvania.  He served in the Army between June 15, 1943 and June 24, 1944 as a Private in the Army.

Norbert Bukowski was born July 13, 1920 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Coast Guard from June 17, 1942 through November 7, 1945.

Norbert Bukowski with his daughter Judy

Raymond H. Bukowski was born February 28, 1920 in Erie, Pennsylvania   He served in the US Navy.

Raymond H. Bukowski

John E. Chanis, Jr. was born February 12, 1916 in Forest City, Pennsylvania He served in WWII - PFC between July 27, 1944 and September 1945.

Anthony Aloysius Fromknecht was born January 23, 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph J. Fromknecht and Mary Loesch. Anthony enlisted in the United States Army on February 21, 1941 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He served as a 1st Lieutenant. He was discharged from service on December 22, 1945.

Anthony Aloysius Fromknecht

Raymond Loll was born in 1922 the son of Francis G. Loll, my 2nd cousin 3x removed, and Elizabeth Hartle. On February 20, 1943, at age 21, Raymond enlisted with the Air Corps in Miami Beach, Florida. Raymond was trained as a B-29 pilot and assigned to the 43rd Bomber Squadron and the 29th Bomber Group designated 'Very Heavy'. On April 14, 1945 Raymond's plane was lost and the crew perished on a Mission to Tokyo. Raymond was recorded as Missing in Action or Buried at Sea. Raymond was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. He is also honored in the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Memorial Wall, Honolulu, HI 

Barbara Lynam was born June 24, 1912 in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She served in the PFC WAC WWII.

Barbara Lynam

Robert Aloysius Haggerty was born July 24, 1927. He served as a SSGT in the US Marine Corps in WWII. 

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr. was born 02 Oct 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great grand uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great grand aunt. Ambrose Aloysius was also the brother of Virginia McDonald Geary and is a double cousin to me as we are related by the McDonald and O'Neill lines. Ambrose volunteered for military service and joined the Marine Corps. He was killed by enemy fire in Tarawa in November of 1943, at age 24, upon landing on the beach. He earned a Purple Heart for his service. In addition to being remembered at the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii he also has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. He now has a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery,  thanks to his sister Virginia McDonald Geary. Ambrose is featured in the blog post A Letter from Tarawa

Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Jr.

The gravemarker for Ambrose in Arlington National Cemetery

James Aloysius McDonald was born 02 Jan 1912 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Robert Alphonsus McDonald, my 2nd great grandfather and Winifred Agnes O'Neill, my 2nd great grandmother. James served in the US Army. He enlisted in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on 17 July 1942. He was discharged from service 1 November 1945. James died 18 June 1982 at age 70.   

James Aloysius McDonald

Back: Loraine Anthony McDonald, Frances Philomena Selker, Winifred Agnes O'Neill, James Aloysius McDonald. Front: Robert Alphonsus McDonald holding May Helen Murosky

Edward V. Murosky was born 03 Mar 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., my great grandfather and Helen Tillie Bukowski, my great grand mother. Edward was stationed along the Alaskan Highway in WWII. Edward died on 11 Dec 1996, at age 71, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Edward V. Murosky

Harry A. Murosky was born 21 Mar 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Harry Murosky Jr., my great grandfather and Helen Tillie Bukowski, my great grand mother. Harry died on 29 Mar 2002, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Harry A. Murosky

William Murosky was born July 11, 1902 in Forest City, Pennsylvania. He served in the Army, WWII Air Corps from August 12, 1942 through January 1943. 

William Murosky

Benjamin Ragan Norris was born December 30, 1916. He served as a waist gunner on a B17. Four days after his wedding to Barbara Lynam he was shipped abroad. His plane the War Eagle crash landed on May 28, 1944 90 miles east of Treves, Germany after engine trouble. All of the crew were taken prisoners by the Germans. except for Benjamin and the other waist gunner Daniel Dunbar. They walked 300 miles to Allied France. They were picked up by the French Resistance and fought with them until the area was liberated by the US 4th armored division. At that point Benjamin was sent back to the United States were he served an instructor for future recruits.

Benjamin Ragan Norris

Christopher D. O'Neill was born in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania in 1919. He was the son of Owen James O'Neill and Nellie Boyles. Christopher was was a member of the 579th Bomber Squadron, 392nd Bomber Group, Heavy. He served as s a Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Engineer on the B-24 aircraft. He died on November 6, 1943 in a German Hospital in Middelburg, the Netherland after suffering injuries from jumping out his aircraft the day before. He was buried in the Ardennes American War Cemetery in Belgium. He was awarded a Purple Heart and an Air Medal for his service. To view his  his grave marker visit this link.

Edward Charles Selker, Jr. was born 26 January 1926. He is the son of Edward C. Selker Sr. and Eva Theresa Margaret Zacherl. Edward enlisted with the United States Navy on 12 April 1944. He was discharged on 18 June 1946.

Edward Charles Selker, Jr.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. was born 21 July 1918. He as the the son of Leopold George Selker, Sr. and Katherine V. Hartle. Leopold enlisted with the United States Army on 3 January 1944. He was discharged on 31 January 1945.

Leopold George Selker, Jr. 

Philip Franz Selker was born 25 Apr 1907 in Montabaur, Westerwald,  Germany. He was the son of Karl Friedrich Selker, my 2nd great grand uncle. His mother has been listed as Margarita Wolf, but on a personal visit to him in 2001 he indicated that Margarita Wolf was not his mother and that his father had re-married after her death. Philip arrived in the United States in 1929, he came to avoid the growing military establishment in Germany. During World War II, Philip served in the Infantry in the United States Army.  He landed at Omaha Beach on the second day of the invasion of Europe.  He saw Action in France, Belgium, and Germany.  He was injured during the Bulge. He later participated in the war in the Pacific.

I had the opportunity to meet Philip in 2001 in Chicago to learn more about my German Heritage. When my husband and I got off the Metra train in Morton Grove, Philip said that he knew who we were because my face had the look of the German family. We had a wonderful visit with Philip, his wife and his daughter.  Philip was in his early 90's when we met him and he was full of life and energy. Philip died on 24 Sep 2006 at age 99 in Glenview, Illinois. Philip is featured in the blog post Philip Selker - Battle of Normandy Veteran

Robert V. Pietrzak was born October 25, 1925 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Navy.

Robert V. Pietrzak, Leona Pietrzak and Stanley Pietrzak

Edward W. Zelazny was born September 11, 1915 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Joseph Stanislaus Zelazny and Catherine M. Bukowski. He served as a Navy Corpsman from 1944 to 1945. He served as a medic in the Philippines.

Edward W. Zelazny

Korean War 

John Bukowski, Jr. was born April 23, 1932 in Erie PA. He served in the Army as a Corporal from December 2, 1952 to November 6, 1954.

Vietnam War

There are several Vietnam veterans in the family, some are still living and are not listed below to protect their privacy.

James Arthur Murosky was born 08 Oct 1942 in Erie, Erie, County Pennsylvania, the son of Arthur Murosky, my grandfather, and Mary Eugenia McDonald, my grandmother. James served in Vietnam. He died 23 Nov 1993 at the age of 51, in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

James Arthur Murosky

Thomas S. Hazlett was born 02 Mar 1942 in Brookfield, Noble County, Ohio. He was the son of Leland M. Hazlett and Hazel Jones. Thomas served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.