Ethan Agnoli
CTM2 (Cryptologic Technician Maintenance 2nd Class)
USN, 2012-2016
Global War on Terrorism
Western Pacific/Persian Gulf 2013
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Eustis High School, 2011
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon (Sharpshooter)
Flag Letter of Commendation (x2)
James L. Angelos
19P
Army, 1/19/1950 - 1/18/1993
Korea, Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Camp Zama, Japan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal, Reservist - Call to Active Duty
Dennis Apsey
63H20 - Auto Mechanic
Army, 12/3/1970 - 9/4/1972
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
John Arnn
Major, Special Forces
Army, 1940s- 1966
Vietnam (Mekong Delta)
Lake County Connection:
Friends
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Major Arnn supported civic actions such as bridge building to isolated villages. Major Arnn was killed in action during an ambush in the chaudoc province.
Rodney Ashby
Radio Intercept Analyst
Army, 1968-1970
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
SFC Michael C. Aten
Army
July 1986 - July 2012
Iraq
Connection to Lake County
Born & Raised in Lake County
Medals/Honors/Additional Information
Bronze Star Medal Army Commendation Medal with V Device Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal (3) Army Achievement Medal (10) Meritorious Unit Commendation Army Good Conduct Medal (8) National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Armed Forces Service Medal Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3) Army Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon (4) Expert Infantryman Badge Parachutist Badge Air Assault Badge
Joe B. Austin
First Gunner's Mate, USS Pastores
Marines 1930, Navy WWII (start to end)
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Leighton L. Baker
Infantry Unit Commander
Army, 6/23/1942 - 5/19/1946
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Lived in Lake County from June 1959 until 1996. Owner of a business in Lake County. He was elected in 1962 to the Florida House of Representatives. He was a member of many service clubs.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Medal with 2 Bronze Stars for Northern France, Rhineland Campaigns American Theater Medal, Victory Medal, Purple Heart
Steuart L. Baker
Army, Army National Guard,
4/19/1967 - 4/19/1991
Lake County Connection:
Born and raised in Lake County, attended school, and has owned a business in the area.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Panama (Canal Zone)
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Retired after twenty-four years of service.
Wayne Bariteau
Warehouse Supply Officer
Air Force, 10/1/1954 - 9/30/1962
Korea
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident, he and his wife of 63 years call Lake County home
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Korea, Iceland
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good conduct and National Defense medals
Jordan T. Barker
Master at Arms
USNR, 2019 - Current
Persian Gulf Crisis
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Saudi Arabia
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Service Medal
Theodore R. Bauer
Boatswain's Mate, Top Deck
Navy, 3/26/1945 - 8/30/1946
Philippine Liberation
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Philippines
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Victory Ribbon, American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon
Charles M. Baxter
Radio Operator/Engineman
River Assault Squadron 13
Navy, 8/17/66-5/26/72
Vietnam MeKong Delta
Lake County Connection:
Resident and Poll Worker
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V
Joaquin Becerra
USMC - Active Duty
USAF - Reservist
1957-1963
Homestead Air Force Base & Donaldson Air Force Base
Lake County Connection:
Family
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Joaquin Becerra enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1957. He served faithfully in the Marines at Opalocka Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida before being transferred to Homestead Air Force Base. Additionally, he served as an Active Reservist in the United States Air Force. After actively serving for approximately 2 years, his wing was activated and transferred to Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, South Carolina. He spent a total of 6 years in the United States Armed Forces. He received an honorable discharge from the military. He was born in September of 1937 and passed away in May of 2018.
Ret. Colonel Merrell Beebe
Army
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident (Mt. Dora), with his wife of 50 years and is active in Kiwanis Club, model airplanes, church, and his family.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Retired as a Colonel in the Army, serving active duty for 20 years, engaged in conflict in Vietnam.
Scott Beitel
Aviation Survival Technician (Collateral), Helicopter Rescue Swimmer
Coast Guard, 10/16/1995 - 09/30/2016
Global War on Terrorism
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Commendation Medal, Sharp Shooter, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Hurricane Rescue
Mildred 'Polly' Mili Bernard
Naval Secretary
Navy, 1943 - 1946
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Naval Secretary to 7 Officers at Banana River Naval Air Station (Patrick Airforce Base).
William E. Bessette
Heavy Vehicle Operator
Army, 1966-1968
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
GCMDL, MKM M-14, MKM M-16, VSM, VCM, 2O/S BARS
Deborah Bishop-Karney
Air Force, 5/29/1991-01/28/1998
Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Provide Comfort
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Afghanistan, Turkey
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, South-West Asia Service Medal.
William A. Blankenberg
Army, 03/30/1944 - 09/27/1945
Invasion of France, Battle of the Bulge
Lake County Connection:
Has been a resident for 77 years. Helped build American Legion Post 35 and was Commander of the Post. Helped build the VFW Post 8087 and is a Life Member.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Bronze Star, American Campaign, Declaration From France, Member 40+.
Robert Blubaugh
Disbursing Clerk
Navy, 9/9/1959 - 9/8/1965
Cuban Missile Crisis
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Panama (Canal Zone)
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct - Cuban Missile Crisis
Theodis J. Bob
Air Defense Officer (Captain)
Army, 1978 - 1990
Lake County Connection:
Graduate of Eustis High School, Former Elected Official (1992). Teacher for Lake County Schools-3 years; Teacher and Assistant Principal at Alee Academy-approximately 5 years. He has served as Head Pastor, Pastor and Assistant Pastor at various churches throughout the community. He also served in the Lake County area in the social work field. He has been very involved in The Boys Ranch, Kid Central, Lifestream, and KCI.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Presidential Unit Citation
Henry Borg
Medical Service Corps Officer (1st LT)
Army 11/9/1957 - 11/7/1959
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Expert Rifleman
Joseph T. Bosbous
Aviation Machinist Mate
Coast Guard, 3/14/1988-12/20/1995
Gulf War
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Steve Bray
0352, 0321
Marines, 1985 - 1991
Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Resident of Eustis and current Firefighter.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Okinawa, Japan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Naval Achievement, Southwest Asia Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Comcat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment, Rifle Expert, Pistol Sharpshooter, Good Conduct Medal
Roger J. Bricault
Hospital Corpsman
Navy, 8/1956, 02/1991 - 8/1959, 02/1993
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Beruit
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal, served as an enlisted from 1956 - 1959, returned as an Officer from February 1991 - 1993
Stephan Buford
Sgt. Fitness Instructor
USMC/Marine Corps, 12/28/2008 - 10/01/2012
Afghanistan/Iraq
Lake County Connection:
Lives and works in Lake County
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iraq, Afghanistan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Trained and coached Marines in maintaining the fitness standards and goals set by the Marine Corps and the individual Marine.
John Burdick
73C20 (Finance Specialist)
Army, 11/07/67-11/06/69
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Joan Burke
Communication Yeomen Petty Officer 3rd Class
Navy, 12/30/1965 - 12/30/1968
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Member of American Legion Post 347. Currently serving as Honor Guard Commander for the post.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Medal and Cold War Recognition Ribbon
Nathan Burkowitz
WWII
Army Air Corps, 01/1942 - 07/1942
KIA: Plane shot down
Lake County Connection:
Family Ties
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Africa
Xavier Byrne
Mr. Byrne served in the Army Special Forces for 14 years in Vietnam. He has family in Lake County and was nominated to our Wall of Honor by his wife.
Edward Calero, Sr.
Coast Guard, 1946 - 1954
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Cuba, Bahamas
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Coast Guard Service Medal
William E. Campbell
Load Master, Warehouse Supervisor
Air Force Reserve (4 years)
West Virginia Air National Guard (3 years)
1958-1965
Lake County Connection:
Retired Fire Captain
Thomas V. Cane
SSG, 11B30 11B40, and 11H30
Army, 02/18/57 - 03/18/60, 10 years with PA National Guard
Lake County Connection:
Resident since 2004
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
France (2 years)
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Rifle expert, Pistol expert, TOW operator expert, M1 Carbine Expert NCO Achievement Medal, ARCAM,ASR/NCOPD,(3) General Stewart Medal, MGWhite Medal
James 'Pete' Donald Cannon
Cook
Army, 5/13/1953 - 5/30/1961
Lake County Connection:
He was born in Winter Garden and lived in Groveland with his family. He worked at Continental Can Company in Winter Garden, until his death in 1966.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct, National Defense, Army of Occupation (Germany)
Joe Carlisle
0311 Infantry
Marines, 7/31/1980 - 7/31/1984
Beirut, Invasion of Grenada
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
3 tours in Beirut, Invasion of Grenada to rescue college students
Jackie L. Carroll
Platoon Sgt - Special Operations
Army, 06/04/1973 - 09/01/1993
Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Gulf War, Somalia
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Somalia, Korea, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
Ronald D. Chappo
0352, 6600, 6622, 6618, 0311
USMC, 02/23/1969 - 09/16/1980
Vietnam, Panama, Malaysia, Honduras, Libya
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam, Japan, South America, Europe, Africa
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense, Vietnam Campaign with 4 stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Citation, Humanitarian Medal, Cross of Gallantry, Good Conduct Medal with 2 stars
Jerry Cobb
Sergeant, Aircraft Mechanic
USMC, 1968-1972
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Graduate of Eustis High School
Business Owner in Eustis
Jimmy D. Collins, Jr.
Missile Operative
Army, 1989-1993
Desert Storm, Gulf War
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany, Saudi Arabia
Robert P. Comotto
TEC 5
Army, 08/10/1942
World War II
William Harley Cook Jr.
ARMY, Transportation
1/29/1978 - 1980
Connection to Lake County
his sister-visitor
Medals/Honors/Additional Information
Sharp Shooter - Grenade Expert
Clay Cornwell
Boiler Technician
Navy, 11/21/1974 - 11/21/1978
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Guam
John C Daderko
0311 Rifleman
Marine Corps, 1/21/1968 - 1/21/1972
Vietnam War
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam, Mediterranean, Asia, Philippines
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal
Russell C. Darst
Sonar Technician - Submarine
Navy, 01/05/1998 - 07/04/2003
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Gulf War
Lake County Connection:
Resident. Career advisor at Lake Tech and election worker
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
South America
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with service star), Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Daniel Dehn
Boiler Technician
Navy, 8/8/1988 - 8/7/1994
Lake County Connection:
Born and raised in Lake County and current resident.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal
Luis Delannoy
Mortuary Affairs Specialist
Army, 07 OCT 2009 - 08 OCT 2017
Afghanistan, GWOT
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Afghanistan, Kuwait, Germany, Puerto Rico
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Nation Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
Joseph DePergola
Navy, 1968-1972
USS Wainwright DLG 28
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam - Tonkin Gulf
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Shellback, Golden Dragon, Around the World Cruise 70-71
R. Carl DePoy
Radioman, Navy
3/8/1960 - 6/18/1985
Cuban Missile Crisis Blockade
Lake County Connection:
Emergency Management volunteer communications amateur radio K8BBT
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense, Armed Forces Reserve, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service, Navy Expeditionary
Jay B. DesJardins, Jr.
Political-Military Affairs Officer, Operations Staff Officer, Weather Officer
Air Force, 6/22/1988 - Present
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany, Belgium, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and various other temporary duty locations
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (4), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (2), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Recognition Award, National Defense Service Medal (2), Iraq Campaign Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal (2), Global War on ...
Frank N. Diem
Tank Operator, Army
3/17/1946 - 1/17/1948
Korean War
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Korea
Louis John Dole-III
Military Police
Marines, 10/1/1985 - 11/1/1989
Desert Shield
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident, serves as Poll Deputy at Minneola City Hall
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Okinawa, Japan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct, Overseas Deployment, Honorable Discharge, Expert in Pistol and M16 Rifle
Garry Domnisse
LCDR
Coast Guard, 10/1/1961 - 4/1/1996
Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Gulf War
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident, lead mentor for the Veteran's Treatment Court, Lake County 5th District
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
30 years Active Duty, Served as Officer In Charge of Opening Ceremonies at three balls / dinners for two different US Presidents, DOT's Sectary Award for Outstanding Achievement, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, DOT Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Unit Commendation, Bicentennial Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal
William Donahue
Aircraft Maintenance Officer/ Flight Engineer
Navy, 09/54-09/83
Korea, Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
South American, Spain, Italy, Iceland, Bermuda, Sicily
Hugh E. Douthit
Tank Driver M1-19k, 2nd Armored under George Patton Jr. (son of famous WWII General Patton)
Army, 7/1/1974 - 7/1/1980
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident and business owner
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Sharpshooter Qualification Badge
Eula C. Dozier
US Air Force, Admin Specialist- Data Processing, Machine Operator
Jan 1, 1962 – Mar 30, 1970
Connection to Lake County
Resident
Michael Dyrland
0311-Infantry, 0341, Squad Leader, Sgt. E-5
Marines, 8/1/1964 - 10/11/1967
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Purple Heart, Good Conduct medal, National Defense medal, Vietnam Service medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit citation, Vietnam Presidential Unit citation, Combat Action ribbon, Expert Rifle and Pistol medals
Chris Edwards
Security Forces
Air Force, 1995 - Present
Afghanistan
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Korea, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, numerous missions in Europe and Pacific Region
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Instructor of the Year - Federal Law Enforcement Academy; numerous awards for deployed operational service
Robert J. Elliott
Ship's Welder
Navy, 6/15/1955 - 3/1/1965
Vietnam, Cuban Missile Crisis Blockade
Lake County Connection:
Lived in Cassia (Eustis) from 1985 until his death in 2004.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal (Second Award)
LTC John L. Fahs, Jr.
U S Army, Ordnance
1946 - 1970
Korea
France, Germany
Connection to Lake County
Born in Leesburg
Medals/Honors/Additional Information
NDSM * AOM (JAP) * KSM * UNSM * CTB * 2 O/S BARS * WWII VM * NDSMw/10LC
Jim Farley
U.S.Air Force, Security Forces
September 1955 - September 1975
Viet Nam
Connection to Lake County
FL
Medals/Honors/Additional Information
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Steven W. Farley
Signalman First Class, USS Barnstable County (LST-1197)
Navy, 1980-1986
Lake County Connection:
Family
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Multiple
Robert J. Farrell
Cook and Infantry
Army, 9/18/1967 - 9/18/1970
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam, Germany
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star Attachment, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, Marksman Badge.
Jack Frost
QM3/CTR2
Navy, 8/2/1983 - 1/31/1994
Cold War / Desert Shield / Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Currently a Lake County Corporal with the Lake County Sheriff's Office for over 20 years.
Ronald S. Gaffney
12B2S: Combat Engineer (Special Forces Qual), Green Beret, Paratrooper
Army, 10/1/1961 - 2/19/1965
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Graduated from Groveland High School in 1961. President of the Beta Club, on yearbook staff, in Key Club, on football and baseball teams, in Letter Club, FFA and a delegate to Boy's State. The Dog Park in Groveland has been named in his honor as well as a portion of Highway 50.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
While serving his 3rd tour of duty in Vietnam, Ronald was killed in action on 2/19/1965 at the age of 21 while rescuing two wounded soldiers in the Phu Yen Province of South Vietnam. Bronze Star/Valor in Combat (2), Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, and Air Medals.
Gary Stephen Garner
Nuclear Mechanic
Navy, 12/11/2013 - 5/30/2017
Lake County Connection:
Gary was born in Lee County Florida, but we moved to Lake County since he was 5 years old. Gary completed all of his academics with Lake County from Pre-K to High School.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Gary is currently going to college full time in South Carolina and working on his Mechanical Engineer degree while at the same time working for BOSH.
Anthony Garrett
Truck Driver
USMC, 09/1976 - 12/1984
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Claude Allen Gnann
Jet Refueler
Navy, 1969-1973
Vietnam War
Lake County Connection:
Resident/ Sheriff's Deputy
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal
Charles K. Goen
MCPO Air Traffic Controller: FAA Certified Tower Operator, Facility Rated Approach Controller (AC-6901), DTDS Operator (AC-0317)
Navy, 2/1/1966 - 6/30/1987
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident. Served on staff of the Lake County Board of County Commissioner for 10 years.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Navy Unit Citation (CV-60), Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service, Good Conduct (5), National Defense, Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, and Sea Service Deployment
George H. Goff
MOS 3HO71, 8A100
Air Force, 7/8/1981 - 6/14/2010
Global War on Terrorism, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Teacher at Leesburg High School.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iraq, Afghanistan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Devise with 6 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 7 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with 1 service star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service with 3 oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 hourglass device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with 1 service star, and Air ...
Michael Gonzalez
Chief Boatswains Mate BMC, US Coast Guard, 1985-2013
Iraqi Campaign
Served in Bahrain, 5th US Naval Fleet
Lake County Connection: Resident
Medals, Honors, & Additional Information: Global War on Terror Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Two National Defense Service Medals, Six Coast Guard Achievement Medals, Eight Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, Expert Rifle, Expert Pistol
Nelson Gonzalez
311A (CID Special Agent)
Army, 6/1/1980 - 6/1/2017
Operation Enduring Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Resident of Clermont, Lake County since November 2008. A Life Time Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), who joined the William A Suggs Memorial VFW POST 5277 in Clermont, Florida in February 2015. Currently serving as the VFW Post 5277 Junior Vice-Commander.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
South Korea (1983-84); Afghanistan (2013-14)
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (x4), Army Achievement Medal (x2), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (x2), Armed Forces Reserve ...
Reverend Margaret Green-Witt
Stenographer/Secretary Tech 3rd Class - Army Tech Sgt
WAC (Army), 1943-1945
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Resident (100th Birthday February 2020)
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Australia (General MacArthur’s Headquarters, Brisbane), Philippines, Guam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal, Southwest Pacific Service Medal
Barbara A. Greenberger
PFC Clerk
Marines, 5/20/1957 - 2/22/1959
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Service Ribbon
Robert E. Greenberger
OFC Ordnance
Army Ordnance Corp, 9/17/1950 - 9/16/1953
Korean War
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Korean Service Ribbons, Conduct Ribbon
Larry Preston Greenwell, Sr.
U.S. Navy, HTFN
1973-1975
Lake County Connection:
Born in Lake County
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Medal
Matthew Joseph Griffin
3531 - Motor Vehicle Operator
Marines, 5/6/2003 - 1/9/2008
2-Time OIF Veteran / Operation Iraqi Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Teacher at Umatilla High School
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Kuwait, Iraq, Japan, Korea
Peyton C. Grinnell
Infantry
Marines, 12/15/1986 - 5/15/1991
Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Lake County native, Elected Official
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Republic of Panama, Middle East
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Distinguished service in the Republic of Panama during Operation Just Cause
R. Charles Guenther
Army, Military Police and Battallion Parts Control
1966-1968
Germany
Connection to Lake County
Resident
Wade S. Gurian
Infantry
Army, 1984 - 1984
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Service Medal
Brandon C. Halaychik
USMC:0352
FLARNG: 11H
USMC/Florida Army National Guard 1993-2002
Global War on Terrorism
Lake County Connection:
Resident and Business Owner
Hayden K. Hale
Army Air Corp, 10/23/1943 - 9/19/1946
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Resident for 35 years.
Thomas Lester Haley-III
Hull Maintenance (Welder), Master at Arms
Navy, 4/22/1987 - 12/7/2004
Desert Storm, Desert Shield
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medals (5), National Defense Medals (2) Sharp Shooter and Pistol Medals, Reserve Sea Service, Battle Efficiency awards (3)
Coy Lee Hall, Jr.
Vietnam War
Army, 02/19/1969 - 07/05/1973
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Scott Hampton
71L, Unit HHC 1st Bde 3AD
Army, 9/1988 - 6/1997
Desert Shield, Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Germany
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal
John Hanson
63T
Army, 11/9/1986 - 11/11/1989
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Aschaffenburg, Germany
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Army Commendation Medal Army Achievement Medal
Paul J. Hartman
67151
Air Force, 6/11/1964 - 2/8/1968
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Thailand
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Donald D. Hassler
Security Communication Operator
Air Force, 8/16/1954 - 5/21/1959
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Lybia and Scottland
Ronald E. Hausermann
MP/Signal
Army, 1/1/1960 - 1/1/1962
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Guinn Hayes
SKCS (Store Keeper Senior Chief)
Navy, 9/1987 - 9/2007
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Cuba, Italy
Alan Hays
Dental Technician (DTI) E-6
Coast Guard, 1/28/1967 - 12/24/1970
Lake County Connection:
Resident since 1976, Dentist, and Elected Official.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Marksman, Good Conduct
Dixon D. Hays
Army Air Corp, 11/1/1943 - 4/1/1946
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Albert Hendricks
76PG2 - Computerized Stock Control/Supply
Army, 1/22/1968 - 1/21/1971
Vietnam
Connection to Lake County: Resident
Medals, Honors, and additional information:
VSM, VCM w/60 DEV, 20S Bars
Joey Hohman
Aviation Environmental/Egress Technician, Petty Officer 2nd Class EMS
Navy, 1977 - 1981
Lake County Connection:
Lifelong Lake County resident, Eustis High School graduate, Lake County business owner.
Robert "Bob" Hohman
Paratrooper. Served in the 101st Airborne Division - "The Screaming Eagles."
Army, 1952 - 1954
Lake County Connection:
Lifelong Lake County resident, lived in Leesburg, Eustis, also worked in Umatilla.
Fred Holmes
Military Police, Recruiting
6/5/1957-08/13/1969
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Honor Guard
Becky Hoover (Eash)
ABE3
Navy, 11/2001 - 05/2005
Iraqi Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Eustis High School Graduate
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal
Raymond Hosmer
Infantry, Machinist
USMC, 07/23/1947 - 06/14/1971
Korea, Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Law Enforcement Officer
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Guam, China, Japan, Saipan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal w/5 stars, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, China Service Medal
Charles Ayers Huckins, Jr.
Navy, 6/1/1942 - 7/15/1944
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
John W. Hudson
CWO3, 3353-MM Nuclear Machinist/7432 Nuclear Repair Officer
USN, 8/11/1955-11/3/1976
Cold War
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Guam, Scotland
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal 3rd Award, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Qualified in Submarines (SS). April, 1955. SS/SSN/SSBN
Thomas "Duke" Jackson
Communication Cable Maintenance, Installation and Repair
Air Force, 1/11/1988 - 1/11/1992
Lake County Connection:
Raised in Lake County.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal
David H. Jenkins
84620 Photo Lab Technician
Army, 4/26/1968 - 11/11/1970
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident during the winter months, life member of American Legion Post #347
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Benny R. Justice
13 Field Artillery
Army, 6/2/1976 - 2/1/1997
Panama
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany, Korea, Panama, Honduras
Everett A. Kelly
100th Veteran added to the Wall of Honor
Hospital Corpsman/PhM3c
Navy, 9/9/1944 - 4/15/1946
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Served in the Florida House of Representatives for 22 years and was the CEO of the Thomas Langley Medical Center. He raised his family in Lake County. He belonged to many service organizations in Lake County and the Convocation Center at Lake Sumter Community College was named after him.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
American Victory Medal - WWII
Joan M. Kennedy
90250 - Med Services Specialist, A/IC, E-4
Air Force, 2/26/1963 - 2/24/1967
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal
Walter Wesley Kessler
Navy Corpsman
Navy, 1/1/1942 - 10/24/1944
Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Pacific Operations
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Africa, Sicily, Italy
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Purple Heart, Letter of Commendation, killed in action at Gulf of Leyte Philippines by Japanese torpedo attack aboard LST-695 October 1944.
Reta Kietzman
CTT3
Cryptologic Technician
Technical Petty Officer 3rd Class
Navy, 10/19/1980 - 07/15/1982
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Japan
Gregory K. Kilby
Personnel Specialist
Air Force, 5/24/1966 - 2/24/1970
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Thaddeus King
3rd Cav - Artillery
Army, 1965-1978
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Family
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam, Germany, France
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Purple Heart
Frank E. Kipp
Demolition Specialist #533
Army, 11/29/1943 - 3/23/1946
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Property owner for 43 years.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
France, Germany, Belgium
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Victory Ribbon, Bronze Star (2), Good Conduct, Overseas Bars, Purple Heart, European Ribbon Medals
Michael P. Kohl
12Z5M Combat Engineer, CSM USA (Ret)
Army, 11/26/1969 - 1/13/1995
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Cakmakli, Turkey
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (OLC), Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Hour Glass Device), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.
Charles E. Konsler
P51 Fighter Pilot
Air Force, 1942 - 1969
WWII, Korean Conflict
Lake County Connection:
Has lived in Lake County since 1945, had steel fabricating plant in Clermont. Helped build the Citrus Tower and other buildings in the area.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
England
Joseph Laferriere
Gunner's Mate
Navy, 12/7/1941 - 1945
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Family in Lake County
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
South Pacific
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Several campaigns awards. National Defense medals, Purple Heart (presented after 60 years)
Gary Lanzendorf
CWO3, 948D (Electronic Missile Systems Technician)
FL Army National Guard, 03/21/1989-12/31/2018
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Florida Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Ronald Laratta
Ordnance / E5 Gunner's Mate
Navy Special Warfare, 1/6/1966 - 1/6/1970
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
All Mediterranean Countries, Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Silver Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expert Rifleman Medal, Vietnam Campaign (2 stars), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnamese Civic Action Commendation 1st Class, Navy Combat Action, Presidential Unit Citations (x2), Meritorious Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Sea Deployment Ribbon, Special Warfare Boat Command, SWCC Badge
Neil S. Lubasky
CW4 / 920A / 153BD / 95B / 88M / 71L
Army, 10/12/1973 - 2/1/2011
Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany, Saudi Arabia
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars), Humanitarian Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd Award), Ku-lib-Medal (Saudi) (Kuwait), Senior Aviator Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Expert Weapons Qualification ...
Richard Lundgren
623.10 Diesel Engine Repair
Army, 03/55-02/58
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Ribbon
Clarinda Mackey
Communications/Radioman
Navy, 12/19/1984 - 1/6/1987
Lake County Connection:
Born in Lake County and graduated from Eustis High School.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
E3 Seaman/Drill Team
Mark T. Martin
SSGT
B-52 Crew Chief
Air Force, 09/22/1976 - 09/23/1982
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Guam, Philippines
Rudolph Marusiak
Machinist's Mate
Navy, 12/5/1950 - 10/4/1954
Korea
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Korea, Sea of Japan, Japan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, France, Cuba, Haiti
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Korean Service Medal, United Nations Korea Medal, National Defense Service Medal
Nayla McCarty
1COX2
Air Force, 1/26/2000 - 1/26/2004
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Yokota AB, Japan & Travis AFB
Clarence W. McCauslin
Company E
290 Infantry
75th Division
Army, 1944-1945
WWII (Battle of the Bulge)
Lake County Connection:
Resident
First Building Inspector for Lake County
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany, Belgium
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Robert A. McGinty
RA ARTY
Army, 11/10/1948 - 5/21/1952
Korea
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Okinawa, Japan, Korea
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Army Good Conduct Meal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal (Korea), Korean War Service Medal (with 3 bronze battle stars), Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Robert W. Miller
Aviation Electrician, Anti-Submarine Warfare Equipment Operator in P2 Light Patrol Bomber and S2E/G
Navy, 10/1/1956 - 7/1/1976
Cuban Crisis, Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iceland, South America (all except 2 countries)
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medals (x3), National Defense, Cuban Expedition Medal
Martha Monroe
71L Administrative
Army, 08/03/81-08/31/2001
Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia
Timothy J. Montgomery
Boatswain's Mate
Navy, 1972 - 1976
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Combat Medal (x2), Service Medal
Isaac C. Moon, Jr.
0193/8412 – Administrative Chief/Career Recruiter
Marines, 2/1/1971 - 3/1/1991
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Roy J. Moore
11B20 Light Weapons Infantryman
Army, 6/1/1967 - 10/18/1974
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Moved to Lake County from Ohio in 1962 and has been a resident in Mt. Dora since.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Bronze Star, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge
Les Morgenstein
Military Police
Army, 09/1968 - 06/1970
Vietnam Era
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Germany
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Criminal Investigations Division Accident Investigator, Expert Rifle Medal
Michael D. Mosley
Medical Specialist
Army, 8/12/1970 - 8/12/1972
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Sharp Shooter
William F. Mulroy
Photographer
Army, 1942-1948
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Family
James Thomas Myatt
Pilot
Air Force
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
James Neilson
PI Photo Intelligence
Air Force, 1969 - 1978
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Resident and has served as a Poll Deputy for the Elections Office.
Dan Nichols
SSG Combat Medic
Army, 7/15/2009 - Present
Lake County Connection:
Mount Dora High School (Class of 2007), Lake-Sumter Community College (Class of 2007), Married in Paisley (April 12, 2015)
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (x3), Good Conduct Medal (x2), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (x2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon
Robert O'Steen
6969 Huey Crew Chief
Marines, 1970 - 1978
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lived in Lake County since 2001
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal
David Oliver
Medical Service Corps
Army National Guard, 1999 - 2009
Afghanistan
Lake County Connection:
Raised in Eustis and Mount Dora, Mount Dora High School graduate.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Afghanistan
James "Jim" Oliver
Medic
Army, 1951 - 1959
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident from 1962-1983, former Mayor of Eustis, Administrator at Harry-Anna Children's Hospital, Umatilla.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Panama
Keith Oliver
Public Affairs
Marines, 8/10/1972 - 6/1/2004
Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Eustis High School class of 1971, moved home to Lake County upon retirement from the military and federal service.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Lebanon, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Qatar
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
U.S. Naval Academy Faculty, Mustang Officer
Ken Oliver
Security Police
Air Force, 1979 - 1984
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident and business owner, raised in Eustis, Eustis High School Graduate
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
England
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Honor Graduate, Security Police School
Michael Oliver
Infantry
Army National Guard, 1998 - 2005
Iraq War
Lake County Connection:
Raised in Eustis and Mount Dora, Eustis High School Graduate, former Eustis High School Teacher and Coach.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Kuwait, Iraq
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Combat Infantryman Badge
Seford Olsen
98C30, Radio Traffic Analyst, 11COO Inf PLT Lär, 45COO Staff Analyst
Army, 11/30/1969 - 11/30/1999
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Phu Bai, RVN
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
LOM, MSM BSM, ARCom
Robert W. Otten
FTM (fire control, missile)
Navy, 9/2/1962 - 10/3/1968
Cuban Crisis, Vietnam-era Cold War activities in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Tyrrhenian Seas
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident, Former East Lake County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors officer
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Italy, Greece, Spain, Germany, Turkey, France, Lebanon, Cyprus, Cuba, Saint Croix
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct, Vietnam Campaign
Gene Packwood
Combat Artist
Marines, 6/1948 - 6/1952
Korean War
Lake County Connection:
Life member, North Lake Detachment, Marine Corp League and Life member of VFW Post 8087
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Japan, South Korea
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Korean PUC, Korean Peace Medal (Medal of Freedom)
Vicki Paul (Estridge)
ABHC (AW), Aviation Boatswains Mate, Aircraft Handler (Chief Petty Officer)
Navy, 6/26/1980 - 6/16/1993
Desert Storm, Desert Shield
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Cuba, Bermuda
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
EAWS, Good Conduct(3), Navy Achievement, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal (4), Coast Guard Special Operations Service, Aircraft Firefighting & Salvage Specialist, Instructor
Mike Pearson
Mr. Pearson was in the Marines from 1970-1976. He was a rifleman and served in Cambodia and Vietnam. He has family in Lake County and was nominated to our Wall of Honor by his sister.
Dennis A. Peoples
Communication Electronics Repair Parts Specialist
Army, 9/23/1966 - 6/26/1969
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Relocated from Baltimore to Clermont in April of 2012, and moved to Tavares in March of 2016. Mr. Peoples is a small business owner in Tavares and active in community service.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
NDSM, VSM, VCM, 3 O/S Bars, MKM (M-14)
Robert P. Perozynski
912 Senior Construction Draftman SP-5 (E-5)
Army, 8/6/1960 - 8/7/1966
Lake County Connection:
Poll Deputy / Inspector
Bob Peters
Field Maintenance Squadron
Air Force, 4/10/1967 - 4/9/1971
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident and host of a local TV show.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Thailand
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Medal
Craig W. Petrick
Army, Dec 29, 1987 - Nov 30, 2018
FA57, 19A, 95B
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Japan, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO-ISAF Ribbon, Presidential ...
Donald Paul Pettinger
Helicopter Mechanic - Assigned to the 24th Infantry - Alaska – Active Duty. Active Reserve 2 years, Reserve Headquarters 24 months, O’Hare Field, Chicago
Army, 6/28/1961 - 6/28/1967
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Walter H. Pleva
Flight Engineer, KC-130
USMC, 1946-1967
WWII, Korea, Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Surviving spouse, Madeleine, lived her last 5 years in Lake County.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Korean Campaign Medal-3 stars, Korean Service Medal (4 stars), WWII Victory Medal, Meritorious Mast National Defense Service Medal (2d award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; United Nations Medal (x2, Korea), multiple Certificates of Good Conduct, Vietnam Campaign Medal. Presidential Unit Citation from President of the United States to Marine Fighter Squadron 214 "for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea" during August 3 - 6, 1950, September 8 - 14, 1950, October 12 to November 26, 1950, and December 15, 1950 to August 1, 1951. 1952-1953 Territory of Hawaii, 1957 Far East Japan ...
Penelope A. Price
7lL40, 00E40
Army, 9/20/1966 - 2/28/1973
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Husband born and raised in Altoona, currently resides in Altoona, retired from the Lake County Health Department
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Long Binh, Vietnam; West Berlin, Germany
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
M-16 Badge, Bronze Star (Vietnam), Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Army Occupational Medal (Berlin)
Robert Ragin
Aviation/Transportation 82nd Airborne
Army, Active 7/28/1965 - 7/29/67, Reserve 67-71
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal
Eric Ramirez
Sgt., 670th Military Police Company
Navy, Army National Guard, 1991, 2000 - 1995, 2004
Lake County Connection:
Grew up in Mt. Dora.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iraq
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Eric was killed in action on 2/12/2004 when he was on patrol near Bagdad and his unit was ambushed and came under attack of gunfire, rocket propelled grenades and explosives. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, California Memorial Medal, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), 49th Military Police Battalion/670thMilitary Police Company, Transition of Iraq, California Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Expeditionary) (Service), Army NCO Professional ...
Douglas P. Rapone
9901 Submarine Nuclear FBM & Fast Attack
Navy, 9/19/1962 - 8/19/1969
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Resident / Volunteer at the Lake County Sheriff's Office
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam, Japan, Korea
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Submarine Dolphins Medal
Helena Roberts
Recruiter, Retention
Army, 7/27/1977 - 10/5/1987
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Paola Robles
42A Human Resources Specialist
Army, 7/7/2008 - 9/28/2013
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn
Lake County Connection:
City of Tavares Human Resources Department
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Tallil Iraq 2009 / Mozul Iraq 2011
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Iraq Campaign Medal w/ 2 campaign stars, Army Achievement Medal (3), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon
John Rodgers
Navy, 8/1/1951 - 8/1/1955
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Korea, Japan, and China
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Presidential Unit Citation, WWII Occupation Medal, and China Service Medal
Dixie Royal, Jr.
Assistant Base Commander and Supply Officer
Air Force, 6/8/1953 - 5/14/1981
Lake County Connection:
Born in Lake County. Worked for Golden Gem Growers for 43 years and served as Vice President of the company. Served on State Farm Bureau Citrus Advisory Committee for 20 years. Past president of Lake County Farm Bureau. 55 year Mason - Past Master Umatilla Lodge #65. Taught Sunday school for 21 years and served on the Baptist State Board of Missions. Also served on the Vo-Tech Advisory Committee.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Air Force Commendation Medal
Tom Sage
Sonarman
Navy, 6/1956 - 4/1962
Lake County Connection:
Has lived in Lake County for the past sixteen years
Donald Nick Sansone
64550 Inventory Management Specialist
Air Force, 11/16/1961 - 11/15/1965
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
SAEMR (Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon), AFLSA (Air Force Longevity Service Award), AFGCM (Air Force Good Conduct Medal), SO, G-79/64 1001st Air Base Wing, Airman of the Month for September, 1963 (Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D. C.)
Charles A. Santoro, Jr.
MOS0351
Marines, 3/30/1942 - 5/10/1945
WWII, Battle of Iwo Jima
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iwo Jima
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Deceased April 1, 2012
Carl Frederick Schnaufer Jr.
Aircraft Mechanic
Marines, 12/7/1956 - 12/15/1959
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident, member of Amvets Post 1992
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal, Expert Marksmanship Badge, Airborne Badge
Jacob Schnaufer
19D - Cavalry Scout
Army, 7/2/2012 - 7/6/2016
Global War on Terror
Lake County Connection:
Grew up in Lake County. Graduate of Eustis High School.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Korea
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Army Achievement Medal one OLC, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Overseas Ribbon
Tad Andrew Schnaufer
Avionics
Marines, 4/4/1984 - 4/4/1988
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iwakuni and Okinawa, Japan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon
Tad Andrew Schnaufer-II
11A - Infantry Officer
Army National Guard, 5/8/2007 - Present
Global War on Terror, Operation Freedom Sentinel
Lake County Connection:
Grew up in Lake County. Graduate of Eustis High School. Resides in Minneola.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Horn of Africa, Djibouti, Kenya, Germany, Denmark, Barbados
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal one OLC, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency (Gold), German Parachutist Badge, French Parachutist Badge, and the Italian Parachutist Badge. Currently serving as an ...
Vernon Merrill Schrock
Cook
Army, 05/18/45 - 12/14/45
World War II
Lake County Connection:
Resident 1964-1996
Michael Scott
Fire Controlman
Navy, WWII 1944 - 1946 - Korea 1950-1954
Lake County Connection:
Retired from Princeton University after 36 years and is now living in Leesburg, FL with his bride..
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Joined the Navy at age 17 during WWII. Station on the USS Midway CV41 during WWII. Received an Honorable discharge in 1945. Married his high school sweetheart in 1947 and they were blessed with a daughter two years later. In August of 1950 re-entered the Navy and was stationed on the USS Damato DD871 which was stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and in South Korea. Released to inactive duty in Dec.1951, and received an Honorable Discharge in Jan.1954
Donald L. Shearer
68150, Stat Specialist
Air Force, 04/06/1954-02/06/1958
Korean War
Lake County Connection:
Retired Vo-Tech Instructor
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Japan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal
Willie Shivers
Machinery Repairman
Navy, Late 1940's - Early 1950's
Lake County Connection:
Mt. Dora High School Class of 1947
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Guam
Jeff Shoobridge
MM3 Machinists Mate
Navy, 12/16/1986 - 7/23/1990
Lake County Connection:
Elected Official and Lake County resident.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Oman, Persian Gulf
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service, Meritorious Unit
Jacob Sikkema
Specialist
Army 07/08/2019 - Current
Lake County Connection:
From Leesburg
Mount Dora Christian, 2011
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Currently stationed at Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center. Monterey, CA.
Robert T. Simken
Personnelman Second Class (EAWS) - Petty Officer Second Class - E5
Navy, 8/1/1984 - 5/1/1997
Operation Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal and 2 stars, Navy Achievement Medal and 1 star, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Pistol Marksmanship Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS Wings)
Casey Lee Smith
6432 Avionics
Marines, 2/1/2001 - 2/1/2010
Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Japan, Afghanistan, Iraq
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Rifle Expert Badge
Duane "Mike" Smith
CAPT, Maritime Safety and Security
Coast Guard, 6/30/1980 - 7/1/2005
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident and Elected Official
Vincent Adam Sotomayor
12B
Army, 6/23/2003 - 12/1/2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iraq
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Arcom with Valor
Robert A. Spear
Boiler Technician
Navy, 11/30/1967 - 10/31/1969
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Mediterranean Sea
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Good Conduct Medal
Genova T. Spencer
35F Military Intelligence Analyst
Army, 6/12/1988-3/30/1998
Panama, Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Panama, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Mexico, and Nicaragua
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Silver Star, Bronze Star with V Device, MSM, ARCOM (12), AAM (15), Good Conduct (3), NCO (2) SWASM, KLM, ASR, JSR-Jump Master with Bronze Star in Wings
George Starner
AGE Ground Equipment Repair Specialist - Crew Chief
Air Force, 3/1/1967 - 9/10/1970
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Vietnam Ribbon Medal, Presidential Citation, Honorable Service Defense Ribbon
Bill Stomp
281.1 Microwave Radio Repair
Army, 5/8/1958 - 3/16/1961
Cold War
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
France, Germany
Earlie L. Story
Aviation Radioman
Navy, 6/1/1942 - 4/18/1944
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Lived in Bay Lake Community, southwest of Groveland. Graduated from Groveland High School in 1941.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
In June of 1942, Earlie joined the Navy. He was sent to training school in Auburn, Alabama, and then to Memphis, Tennessee, to become an aviation radioman. Attached to Torpedo Squadron 301, 20 year old radio operator Story died when a fighter plane he was in went down during a Navy training exercise off the cost of New England. The date was April 18, 1944.
Albert L. Stricklen
1542 Rifle Platoon Leader, Infantry, 1st Lieutenant, 1st Platoon, A-Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division
Army, 10/9/1964 - 12/5/1967
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Panama Canal Zone, Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Service Medal, Expert Badge with Rifle, Bronze Star, Purple Heart (2 Awards) Combat Infantryman's Badge, 2 Overseas Bars, Vietnamese Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Jungle Warfare Expert
Vernon Theriault
721--723
Army, 6/29/1959 - 6/28/1965
Berlin Crisis
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Korea, France
Clifford A. Thomas
91B, 68W, Field Medical Specialist, Health Care Specialist
Ret. 1SG
Army, 12/12/1976 - 07/07/2015
Lake County Connection:
Resident
Foreign Countries stationed/served:
Germany, Panama, Iraq, Afghanistan
Wars/Conflicts:
Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom
Medals/Honors:
Bronze Star, Army Commendation (2), Army Achievement (3), Special Service (3), Iraq War, Afghanistan War
Jess Thomas
Sgt., 11B40: Infantryman, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 4th Division
Army, 4/6/1967 - 2/9/1968
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Grew up in Mascotte where his father was mayor for many years. Graduated from Groveland High School.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Killed in action on 02/09/1968 when his unit came under heavy fire. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Presidential Military Merit Medal. The Mascotte Civic Center and a portion of Highway 50 is named in his honor.
Orlando D. Thomas
88N, 69B, 53J, 88M, 54C
Army, 4/9/1982 - 5/1/2005
Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iraq, Kuwait, Germany
Melvin Carl Thompson
Aviation
Navy, 6/17/1953 - 2/6/1968
Korean War, Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Thailand
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, killed in action
Stuart Thompson
0311 Infantry
Marines, National Guard, 1969, 1983 - 1972, 1987
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident and serves as a volunteer for Eustis High School football and basketball teams, as well as on campus during school hours.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam
Gordon J. Thumudo
Fire Control Radar
Navy, 2/16/1960 - 2/15/1963
Cold War
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Cuba, Mediterranean
Eric Tidwell
CDR, F-14 & FA-18 Naval Flight Officer - 1320
Navy, 12/15/1995 - 12/31/2004
Kosovo Conflict, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Iraq, Afghanistan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Meritorious Service Medal Defense Meritorious Medal (2) Air Medal (7), with Combat V Navy Commendation Medal (3), with Combat V Kosovo Campaign Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3) Iraq Campaign Medal
Anthony Vernickas
Rifleman, 82nd Airborne Division Parachute
Army, 4/13/1943 - 1/4/1946
Ardennes Rhineland Central Europe
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Metal, Purple Heart and One Cluster Victory Metal
Carl Q. Wagner, Jr.
MP
Marines, 1963 - 1993
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Has family in Lake County.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam, Japan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Purple Heart
Ronald Wallace
Machinist Mate
Navy 1952-1954, Korean War
Thadeus Parker DE 369
Lake County Connection:
Resident
George W. Wanberg
Marines, 1966 - 1968
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Veteran's Program Administrator for Cornerstone Hospice. Member of the Florida Veteran's Hall of Fame
Anthony L. Ward
Tactical Airlift Liaison Airman (TALA)
Air Force, 1969 - 1973
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Born in Lake County and graduated from Bates Avenue High School in Eustis.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Pleiku, Vietnam
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
B" Company 5 Special Forces Group. Supplied border camps and made sure the runways were safe. There were more than 15 camps to check daily- always on a chopper to some camp.
Carlton M. Ward
Communications Chief
Army, 1972 - 1975
Lake County Connection:
Born in Lake County and graduated from Eustis High School.
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Wildflecken, Germany
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
154th Eng. Battalion C. Company
Wil Warner
Senior Chief Petty Officer- GMCS- Gunner’s Mate, Senior Chief
Navy, 5/1/1973 - 12/31/1995
Vietnam; Operation Desert Storm
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident and Community Volunteer
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam, Rota, Spain, Kenitra, Morocco
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Silver Star presented by President Ronald Reagan for gallantry in action in response to saving lives on the U.S.S. Stark, May 17, 1987; Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year 1983.
Wallace Watson
EN3
Navy, 4/28/1967 - 10/1/1971
Vietnam War
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident, former business owner
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Vietnam, Mediterranean Group, Caribbean Group/Navy
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, ET 1968 Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, USN Commendation Medal, C.A. Honor Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, 50th Anniversary of Vietnam Commendation Medal
Jack White
AVCM, Aircraft Electronics
Navy, 11/23/1943 - 7/7/1967
World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Frank R. Wilhelm
Navy, 1969 - 1973
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Richard D. Wilhelm
2nd Class Fire Controlman- USS Evans DD522
Navy, 1941 - 1945
WWII
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
Japan, Philippines
David C. Wiltrout
35N Signals Intelligence Analyst
Army, 8/7/2012 - 5/12/2016
Afghanistan Campaign
Lake County Connection:
East Ridge High School Class of 2010
Foreign Countries stationed or served:
South Korea, Afghanistan
Medals, Honors, and any additional information:
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal
Iain F. Woolnough
Pilot, Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing
Army, 12/10/1964 - 12/9/1967
Vietnam
Lake County Connection:
Lake County resident
William Worthington
Mr. Worthington served in the Army from June of 1974 to December of 1995. He was a mechanic and served in Vietnam, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. He is a resident of Lake County and was nominated to our Wall of Honor by his wife.
Edward H. Zellman, Sr.
Toxic Gas Handler 786
Army, 6/20/1942 - 11/12/1945
WWII / Battles and Campaigns in Normandy, Rhineland, and Central Europe
Lake County Connection:
Moved with his parents at the age of five from Carnegie, PA to Umatilla, FL in 1919. He graduated from Umatilla High School, attended University of Florida studying agriculture and forestry. His family in 1919 worked in the citrus industry starting in one of Umatilla's packing houses, later planting the family citrus groves where Edward made it his livelihood. He later became a beekeeper for several years, and was a member of the Golden Gem Coop. Edward was an assistant scoutmaster of Umatilla Boy Scout Troop 45 (02/23/1934), a Master Mason of Umatilla Lodge #65, a member of the American Legion, and VFW. Edward was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Umatilla ...