| 69 | 2 | Jul, 2013 | VAADE, VERNON C. | 592/FA | Unk. | Reported by his brother, Victor Vaade, who served in the Pacific Theater to Herb Sheaner (422/G), via Jacquelyn Coy | |
| ADD | VADEN, HENRY IRVIN | 424 INF | 3/21/2015 | Vaden, Henry Irvin June 18, 1922 - March 21, 2015 ESSEX - On March 21, Henry Irvin Vaden, 92, went to be with our Lord. He was born to Clarence Thomas Vaden and Vivian Wilbourne Vaden on June 18, 1922, in South Boston, Va. He married Ruth Rather Vaden on September 4, 1945. They were married for 56 years until her death in 2001. He served in the US Army in the 424th Regiment, 106th Infantry Division during WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star in the Battle of the Bulge. He began working at General Motors on the assembly line in 1947 and retired in 1979. He was ordained as a deacon at Mars Hill Baptist Church in Essex and often led the congregational singing. Henry is survived by his daughters Angela McDowell, Bonnie Amell and her husband Denny Amell and Ramona Cooper Black; grandchildren Aimee McGee, Tim McDowell, Jeremy Amell, Alicia Cooper, Chris Cooper and Aaron Black; great-grandchildren Madison McDowell and Andrea Belgrave. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister Frances Vaden Compton. Visitation was held on March 25 at the Bruzdzinski Funeral Home P. A. of Essex, where funeral services were held on March 26. Interment Parkwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, send a donation to the Phillips girls who visited Dad for the past three months and brought him so much happiness with their songs and gifts. Make checks payable to Liberty Phillips, P.O Box 70079, San Antonio, TX 78270. | https://eastcountytimes.obitsusa.com/listings/2802 | ||
| 62 | 3 | Jun, 2006 | VALENSTEIN, EARLE L. | 81ST ENG/B | 4/8/2006 | 5737 Bar Neck Road, Cambridge MD 48104 Colonel Valenstein and his 81st Engineers- were always active association members. attending many of our reunions. Notification of Colonel Valenstein's death was by his son Associate member Major John Valenstein (USRet) | |
| 56 | 1 | Oct, 1999 | VALOVCIN, MICHAEL J. | 422/AT | 11/5/1990 | ||
| 47 | 3 | Apr., 1991 | VALOVCIN, MICHAEL J. | 422/AT | 11/5/1991 | 20 Spinning Wheel Rd, Trumbull, CT 06611 Michael passed away on November 5, 1991 at St. Vincent Medical Center. Pauline, his wife notified the editor that Michael and she had attended a small POW Reunion at Rene Pigeons home". in Warwick, RI. Present at that gathering were M/M Howard A lexand er from Arizona; M / James Mevitt from Maine; M/ M Louis Torant i no from Massachusetts, M /M William Hosy from Cape Code; M/M Anthony Signe from Torrington; Walter Pawluk from Meriden. The last 106th Reunion Michael and Pauline attended was in Roanoke, which they both enjoyed. He is survived by two sons, Major Paul Vakivcin USAF Colonel:10 Springs; Lt. James Valovcin USN, Alexandria, VA; a daughter Susan Reynolds of Lauguna Miguel, CA; a sister Mildred Jacko, one grandeughter Sarah Vaovcin, several nieces and nephews. | |
| 63 | 4 | Nov, 2007 | VAN ASSEN, LOUIS G. | 423/B | 12/9/2007 | 122940 Wallis Run Rd, Trout Run, PA 17771 Listed in the Nov/Dec EX-POW magazine. | |
| 69 | 2 | Jul, 2013 | VAN DE BOGART, HERMAN | 424/A | 9/22/2012 | On July 15, 2013 a memorial service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery (Washington State) where he will be interred. Pictured, he is wearing a Medal of Appreciation from the People of Belgium. The medal was presented to veterans of the Battle of the Bulge at an Ambassadors Ball in Scottsdale, Arizona on October 29, 1994. Reported by Helen Van de Bogart, via Jacquelyn Coy | |
| 8 | 3 | Jan, 1952 | VAN EDGETTE, DELBERT | 424/H | 7/1/1951 | 02 005 568, (1st Lt/424th), last known address: Co. K. 32nd Inf., APO 7, Unit 3, c/o Postmaster, San Francisco, California, has been reported killed in Korea sometime in July by C. W. Malmquist, 1st Lt. AGC, Ass' t. Adj. Gen., AG Sec., GHQ, FEC, APO 500, San Francisco. Through endless efforts of locating any next-of-kin, the editorial office is still unable to furnish further particulars pertaining to Captain Edgette's death. May he rest in the Peace of God. | |
| 74 | 3 | Nov, 2018 | VAN MOORLEHEM, ARTHUR LEON | 423/D | 7/26/2018 | Arthur Leon Van Moorlehem was born of April 27, 1922 in Huron, SD to Octaaf and Marie Van Moorlehem, the third youngest of 13 children. He attended school at Alpena, SD and Minneota, graduating from Minneota High School. On December 11, 1941, he was united in marriage to Lucille Lantgen in Waterville, SD. Art enlisted and served in the US Army in WWII. He fought in central Europe and participated in the Battle of the Bulge, where he and several soldiers from his unit were taken prisoner of war and were taken captive in Germany for several months. Art was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Badge and Bronze Star. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Chicago. In 1949, the couple moved to Huron, SD and from there to Arlington, SD, where they farmed and raised four boys and a girl. In 2006 they moved to Marshall. For the last year, Art has been living at the Good Samaritan Society in Arlington, MN. Art enjoyed reading and following the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 42, and the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. He is survived by his sons, Dennis, Edward, Brian, and daughter Jean, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Reported by his grandson, Aaron Van Moorlehem | |
| 67 | 1 | Apr, 2011 | VAN MOORLEHEM, LUCILLE | WIFE | 10/18/2010 | Reported by her husband Arthur Van Moorlehem (423/B) | |
| 73 | 2 | Jul, 2017 | VAN NUIS, EDGAR LYLE | 422/CANNON | 7/5/2017 | WWII Purple Heart recipient, executive consultant and Lionel train aficionado with enduring loyalty to alma mater Virginia Tech, Edgar Lyle Van Nuis, 94, passed away on July 5, 2017. Ed was born in New Brunswick, N.J., on Jan. 30, 1923, to parents, Percy Lyle Van Nuis and Clara Weigel Van Nuis. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1941. Ed was a cadet at Virginia Tech when his education was interrupted while he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of Cannon Company, 422nd Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division. He served from 1943 to 1945, including the European Theater of Operations in Belgium and Germany, where he was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, European Campaign Medal with two battle stars and a Victory Medal. His service is documented in The Library of Congress, American Folklife Center, Veterans History Project, which can be viewed online. Ed graduated from Virginia Tech in 1947 with a B.S. in industrial engineering and in 1949 with a B.S. in metallurgical engineering. Throughout his life, Ed was a proud Virginia Tech alumnus and Hokie sports supporter. Ed married Jane LeCato Van Nuis on June 18, 1949, and they remained happily married for 67 years, raising three loving children together. They spent all of their married life in various towns in New Jersey. Ed started out his career working for Bristol Myers, but he spent most of his career as CEO of The Van Nuis Company, an executive outplacement consulting service. Ed was a Lionel train collector and spent much of his spare time building and running a large layout that he and his youngest son built in his basement. He loved boating and sailing, particularly when spending summers in Owls Head, Maine, with his wife and family. Ed had a soft spot for all animals, including the many dogs and cats the family adopted over the years. He was a member of the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick. Ed was also a member of The Holland Society of New York and proud of his Dutch heritage. Ed was predeceased by his wife, Jane, who passed on July 9, 2016. He is survived by his sister, Clara Louise Kumler; his daughter, Martha P. Van Nuis (Jack Fugett), sons, Peter L. Van Nuis and Cary W. Van Nuis (Judi DeMarco); three grandchildren, Jeremy Van Nuis, Kate Fugett (Matt LaBarbiera) and John Fugett, and his great-grandson Remy LaBarbiera. Ed was buried with his family in the Elmwood Cemetery in New Brunswick, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations to the (alz.org) would be appreciated as Ed suffered with dementia and would greatly appreciate anything you could do to help alleviate this illness. Reported by Jim West | |
| 71 | 2 | Jul, 2015 | VAN PELT, ROBERT C. | 423/D | 3/21/2015 | Golden Lion Robert Van Pelt was drafted right from high school in 1942 and served until 1945. He was discharged right before being sent overseas due to a leg injury which occurred when he was age 15. He was always so proud of the two years he spent with the 106th Infantry Division. He kept the 106th Division Key emblem on his key chain to the end. Reported by Mary P. Van Pelt | |
| 67 | 2 | Aug, 2011 | VANCE, GEORGE T. | 422/AT | 11/18/2010 | I wanted your membership to know that my uncle, George T. Vance, passed away peacefully at his home in Pleasant Hills, PA, at the age of 87. He served in the 106th Infantry Division and was captured in The Battle of the Bulge. My uncle was a life member of the 106th Infantry Division Association and the EX-POWs. He received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, WW II Victory Ribbon, American Theater Service Ribbon, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon for his service to his country. He and his beloved wife, Norma, who passed away in December 2009, attended many of your 106th Infantry Division Reunions. Submitted by his niece, Yvonne Vance Chichin, via Harry Martin | |
| 69 | 2 | Jul, 2013 | VANCLEAVE, NORRIS E. | 424/K | 1/13/2013 | See “The Story My Dad Never Wrote: His Experiences Serving with the 106th Infantry in the Battle of the Bulge” in this issue of The CUB for more on Mr. VanCleave. Reported by his children, Barry and Benita VanCleave | |
| 61 | 2 | Mar, 2005 | VANDERHEYDEN, DONALD P. | 591/HQ | 12/2/2004 | 7802 Mallard Road SW, Huntsville, AL 35802 Retired Army Major Donald "Van" Vander Heyden, of Huntsville died at the age of 80. He grew up in Belle Plain, Iowa with seven brothers and sisters before enlisting at age 18. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. He survived the Battle of the Bulge in WWII with the 106th Infantry Division and fought in the Korean War with the 24th Infantry Division. After retiring as a Major he served an additional 17 years in the civil service at Redstone Arsenal in missile intelligence. Van loved to fish and could be found at the lake every weekend. He was active in bowling and was a members of the Huntsville Bowling Association of Fame. He was active in local Post 237 of the American Legion and an active member in Parkway Fleming Hills Civic Association where he served as a past president. Van is survived by his wife Alene -of 57 years, his son, Paul D. Vander Heyden and his wife Ginger; two grandchildren, Brian Vanderlieyden and Kate Bates and her husband Andy: and four siblings, Rosalin Fowler, Ruth Ferris, Evelyn Loman and Ralph Vander Heyden and his wife Toni. | |
| 59 | 3 | Apr, 2003 | VARHOLA, STEVE G. | 424/D | 3/25/2003 | 6650 Royal Palm Blvd #311 C, Margate, FL 33068 reported by Marion Ray 424/D. Survived by widow Irene. Steve was retired from White Motor Company, Cleveland, Ohio | |
| 67 | 1 | Apr, 2011 | VASQUEZ, GEORGE M. | UNKNOWN | Unk. | Reported by Harry Martin | |
| 56 | 1 | Oct, 1999 | VASTINE, FREDERICK | 423/UNIT? | 5/11/1996 | ||
| 52 | 4 | Jul., 1996 | VASTINE, FREDERICK, D.D.S. | 423D (UNIT UNKNOWN) | 5/11/1996 | 50 Philadelphia Dr., Wernersville, PA 19565 Frederick had just joined the Association 13 April, 1996. Mary, his wife, wrote that Frederick died 11 May, 1996. | |
| 79 | 1 | Mar, 2023 | VAUGHN, JOSEPH H. | 591/FABN | 11/23/2001 | Joseph H. Vaughn, 77 of Huntley, Illinois, former longtime resident of Carpentersville, Dundee and Hampshire died Friday, November 23, 2001 at the Provena-St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin. He was born in Benton, WI on June 29, 1924, the son of Joseph F. and Mary L. Vaughn. Joe was a 1941 graduate of Benton High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served from March 1943 through December 1945. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and received four Bronze Battle Stars and a World War II Victory Medal. He was a former employee of the City of Chicago, having worked for the Forestry Department. He was a former 20-year employee of Davey Tree, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria Vaughn (who passed away in 2010). They married on February 25, 1946. He was survived by five children, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as two brothers. He was predeceased in death by his parents, a sister and a brother. Reported by his daughter, Roxanne Vendegna | |
| 59 | 1 | Oct, 2002 | VAUGHN, RAY R. | 423/CN | 9/15/2002 | 620 Bell Hill Road, Cobden, IL 62920, Annette Lee. his wife, reported his death, Ray and Annette and their daughter Jenifer, were with our group that returned to the battle area in September 1995, We enjoyed them so much, Ray was a gunner in the Cannon Company, His health failed him over the years but he kept his spirit and kept in touch with all of us. | |
| 62 | 3 | Jun, 2006 | VAUGHN, RONALD E. | 422/C | 5/31/2004 | 75 South Broadway Avenue #115, Somers Point 08244 A daughter called to notify us to stop sending CUB. | |
| 70 | 1 | Mar, 2014 | VAUGHT, JEANNE E. | WIFE | 3/13/2010 | Jeanne Vaught was born on March 25, 1925. As reported in death-record.com, via Jackie Coy Correction In the Vol. 68., No. 3 (Sept.-Dec. 2012) issue of The CUB, Captain William J. Hynes (81st ENG/B) name was misspelled as Hines. The correction was submitted by his daughter Frances Hynes. | |
| 64 | 2 | Jun, 2008 | VAUGHT, WILLIAM 'BILL' S. | 424/ANTI-TANK | 11/22/2007 | Reported by daughter Mary Louise Vaught. | |
| 64 | 1 | Mar, 2008 | VAUGHT, WILLIAM S. | 424/AT | 11/22/2007 | 4502 Dumac Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37416 [The obit below was added at a later date and not published in The CUB] William S. “Bill” Vaught died Thursday, November 22, 2007 at the Alvin C. York Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tn., with his wife at his side. Bill was a member of Chamblee Heights Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon for nearly 50 years. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Bill served in World War II in the 106th Infantry Division and the 424th Infantry Regiment, Anti-Tank Company. A POW, he was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank L. Vaught; mother, Bernice Dugger; brother, Frank L. Vaught, Jr.; and a sister, Patty Ottinger. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Jeanne Vaught; four daughters, Margaret Lee, Dianne Bean, Mary Lou Vaught and Billie King; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. with Rev. Paul West officiating. Interment and military honors will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Scott Lee, Larry Henry, Jr., Brent Morgan, John Dove, Ray Ainscough, and Gary Ainscough will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. The family extends deep appreciation to the Alvin C. York Medical Center and Dr. Ishrat Ansari for their care of Bill since his admission to the facility on June 24, 2007. Please share your thoughts and memories at Mem.com Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist; 5401 Highway 153. | https://www.chattanoogan.com/2007/11/22/117501/Vaught-William-S.-Bill.aspx |
| 56 | 4 | Jul., 2000 | VELASQUEZ, ARMANDO | 424/K | 5/29/2000 | 8300 Wyoming NE #2114, Albuquerque, New Mexico I have no official notice other than a phone call. Armando was a prime mover in the Mini-Reunions in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Last year he developed a brain tumor which led to his death. To the best of my knowledge he is survived by Margaret, his wife. The veterans of the New Mexico area will miss him dearly. | |
| 65 | 1 | Apr, 2009 | VENEGONI, VINCENT J. | 423/M | 9/24/2008 | 4633 Tower Grove Pl., St. Louis, MO 63110-343 | |
| 63 | 3 | Aug, 2007 | VERMONT, ERNEST B. | 422/E | 12/12/2006 | 527 Park Avenue, Quarryville. PA 1 7566 Ernest was also a member of the AXPOW organization and a member of the Albert J. Bland Maryland North Chapter. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Margaret Vermont, 3 sons. 1 daughter. 1 sister. 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. | |
| 61 | 1 | Dec, 2004 | VEZINA, JOHN H. | 423/M | 2/1/2000 | 4001 Glacier Hills Drive, Unit 312, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 No other details known. | |
| 57 | 4 | Jul, 2001 | VILLWOCK, RUSSELL H. | 106 SIGNAL | 6/15/2001 | 8560 W Foster Ave #510, Norridge, IL 60706-2772 Russell joined the Association 1 July 1947, served several terms on the Association Board. Was Chaplain for the year 1978-1979; President for the fiscal year 1981-1982 and was on the current board, with his term to expire in 2001. He was hosted and/or participated in four annual reunions in the Chicago area. In 1959 at Chicago with Larry Walden and Charles Robasse; in 1979, at Chicago, with Bill Lucsay and Jim Henning; in 1989, at Schaumburg, with Bill Lucsay and in 1999 again at Schaumburg. Note that the year for the four reunions end in "9" Russell was also the recipient of the Order of the Golden Lion, Commander's Class during the 1987 Reunion at Mobile, Alabama. Jackie, his wife received the Order of the Golden Lion, Companion Class for her support during those four reunions held on the years ending in "9." Russell's obituary reads, "Russell Villwock, age 82, WWII vet, beloved husband Okckie A., nee Gintalas; loving father of Terry (Karen); loving grandfather of tte (Peter) Landesman and Wayne (Sandy); Great-grandfather of Sarah and ; dear brother of George (Evelyn); fond uncle of many. Past-President, 106. Infantry Division Association, Past Commander of Park Ridge, IL V.F.W. Post #3579, Past 4. District Commander, Past Department of Illinois Community Activities Director, Volunteer Boy Scout Leader for over 40 years. Boy Scout District Commissioner of Lakeview for 14 years, Past Commander of Post #473 American legion, Life Memt - of N.A.C.C.C.A' Chapter #77 and member of the "Cooties." | |
| 67 | 2 | Aug, 2011 | VITALI, ALFRED L. | 424/B | 7/5/2011 | I"m writing to notify you that my father passed away. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2011 and had been cared for by his children and a local hospice program since early May. He died peacefully in his sleep at home. My father was extremely proud of his military service, and it was a joy for him to reconnect with his buddies from the 106th. A link to the death notice in the Philadelphia Inquirer is at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/philly/obituary.aspx?page= lifestory&pid=152398097 Submitted by his daughter Tina Vitali, via John Schaffner | |
| ADD | VODEHNAL, PAUL P. | 424 INF | 7/19/2006 | Paul P. Vodehnal, 95, of Grand Island died Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at the Grand Island Veterans Home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Resurrection Catholic Church, with the Rev. Mike McDermott officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Island Cemetery. will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island, with a rosary at 7. Mr. Vodehnal was born June 24, 1911, at Ord to John S. and Frances M. (Ptacnik) Vodehnal. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Vodehnal. Survivors of the immediate family include a son and daughter-in-law, Vernon C. and Louise Vodehnal of Grand Island; two brothers, Lloyd Vodehnal and Martin Vodehnal, both of Grand Island; and two sisters, Valasta White of Connecticut and Lorraine Levitt of York. Additional survivors include four grandchildren, Marsha and Eric Edquist of Arvada, Colo., Mike and Julie Vodehnal of Olathe, Kan.; and two great-grandchildren, Brett and Luke of Olathe. He grew up in Valley County and received his education at District 52 Valley County. He entered the United States Army on Feb. 19, 1941, serving during World War II. He served with the 424th Infantry in the European African Middle Eastern Theatre and received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Service Ribbon. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 6, 1945. He was united in marriage to Wilma A. Kluge on Feb. 10, 1947, at Smith Center, Kan. The couple resided in the Grand Island area, where he was employed at the Peterson & Briggs Truckline as a driver. He retired from Briggs Trucking in 1975. Mrs. Vodehnal preceded him in death on Feb. 26, 2000. He was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church, VFW, Eagles, American Legion Club and the Grand Island Teamsters. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, August Vodehnal and Otto Vodehnal; and four sisters, Olga Kneelend, Elizabeth Volf, Martha Lowell and Stacia Clark. | https://theindependent.com/obituaries/paul-vodehnal/article_fefeacc2-6a8c-5b1d-a6c5-c52393fd7550.html | ||
| 64 | 3 | Dec, 2008 | VOGEL, JAMES F. | 423/D | 3/15/2008 | 1403 Plantation Circle, # 109 Plant City, FL 33566-1504 | |
| 66 | 3 | Aug, 2010 | VOGLESONG, DONALD LEE | 422/F | 7/29/2010 | (Corporal) Donald L. Voglesong, age 85, passed away in Brevard, North Carolina from complications due to a stroke. He is survived by his wife Twighla Voglesong, two sons, David and Daniel, one grandson Travis, one great-grandson Brayden and his youngest brother Dr. Arnold Voglesong, Retired Major, US Air Force. Donald Voglesong will be buried in Brevard, NC with full military honors. Reported by Daniel Voglesong (son) Taken during a visit at the home of Daniel Voglesong (son) in Breitenbrunn, Bavaria | |
| 62 | 2 | Mar, 2006 | VON SCHWEDLER, FRANK | 106 QM | 11/6/2005 | 905 Center Street. Des Plaines. IL 60016 Elaine Von Schwedler, his wife wrote, -After a two year battle and many months in a nursing home, he passed away November 26, 2005. Please send me a copy of the Cub that includes his name." Elaine remains as a Life Auxiliary | |
| 62 | 2 | Mar, 2006 | VONACHEN, DONALD F. | 424/B | 10/6/2005 | 803 West Chalon Place. Peoria. Illinois 61614-1831 Reported by his wife Patricia Vonachen, who also wrote, he enjoyed his association with the 106th all these years. He was 80 years - September 17, 2005." | |
| 72 | 1 | Mar, 2016 | VONDERHORST, ERIC J. | 423 INF | 2/15/2015 | Called to Serve by Avery Nicolosi (his great-granddaughter, age 17) “A hero is someone that puts the lives of others before themselves; who chooses to serve, rather than be served. When our country joined the fight against tyranny in World War II, one such hero was Eric John Vonderhorst. When his country called, Eric begged his parents to sign the paperwork although he was only 17. He was willingly part of the fight to liberate Europe from the threat of Nazism. During the month of August 1944, in the Ardennes forest of Belgium, Eric found himself behind enemy lines as an advanced army reconnaissance scout. In addition to thread bare uniforms in the bitter cold weather, he also had the misfortune of losing his eyeglasses. This young native of Oak Ridge, New Jersey, described hearing the screams of his comrades in arms dying in the fox holes around him. Eric was wounded by shrapnel from a German mortar shell and unable to walk. He was Missing in Action and was ultimately captured by the German Army and was held as a Prisoner of War. In Stalag 11B Fallingbostel, Prussia, he and his fellow prisoners endured many hardships. Freezing temperatures, no heat, meager food supplies and harsh treatment by their captors were just a few of their trials. Eric was fortunate enough to be a prisoner at the same time as the surgeon for the former king of Luxembourg, who operated on his wounds. Despite the surgeon"s efforts, Eric would carry the shrapnel in his leg and would walk with a limp for the rest of his life. On one occasion, in an effort to keep warm, he and another prisoner removed wooden shingles from the back of their barracks. They had built a small fire to fight off the cold. Brought before the commandant of the camp, they were headed for the firing squad. The commandant paused and stated in English with a heavy German accent, “Vonderhorst, you weren"t raised like this; you wouldn"t treat your home this way.” Eric"s German last name had saved his life and that of his fellow prisoner. Stalag 11B was liberated by the British Royal Air Force and Eric, along with the other prisoners, was able to return home. There was an irony to Eric"s ordeal, that while he was missing and presumed dead, his older brother, Richard Vonderhorst, had suffered the same fate. Richard had been captured during heavy fighting in France. The brothers were reunited with each other, their parents and all of their younger siblings after the war had ended. This would be more than enough heroism in one lifetime for most Americans, but Eric Vonderhorst was no ordinary American. He worked as a civil engineer for the Department of the Army at Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, NJ for 30 years. Even that was not the end of his service to the country that he loved. This Purple Heart recipient was recognized by the community he was semi-retired in, Chula Vista, California, for flying the highest and largest American flag in the town. Working as an arborist into his late 70s, he then again responded when his country called. He joined the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. He patrolled the United States border with Mexico, working with law enforcement to stem the tide of illegal drug trafficking into the United States. Eric was a proponent of people"s right to come to the United States and pursue the “American Dream.” But as the son of immigrants, he believed it should be done the right way, following the rule of law. When Eric could no longer physically patrol the border, he took on a support role for the other Minute Men and Women in the camp. A widower by this time, these fellow patriots became his family. Eric returned home to Oak Ridge in his late 80s to recuperate from an illness and be surrounded by family and friends. He remained vocal and politically active. He was known to attend and be involved in Veteran"s events, particularly for wounded Veterans. Eric J. Vonderhorst, a hero, an American Patriot, was nearly ninety years old when he reported for duty in heaven. So, you asked how I would define a hero? I would define a hero as anyone who follows the example of my great-grandfather, Eric J. Vonderhorst. He, like all true heroes, put others before himself and was dedicated to service from beginning to end.” Reported by his great-grand daughter, Avery Nicolosi | |
| 61 | 3 | Jun, 2005 | VONDERHORST, FREIDA | LIFE AUXILIARY | 2/22/2005 | 1023 Guatay Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911 Reported by husband Eric J 423/F - Life Member. Eric wrote: "My wife Freida died due to cardiac arrest at home. It was her determination that originally got as involved in the 106th Infantry Division Association, for which I am eternally grateful. Our first reunion was in Sacramento. She really enjoyed the Association. We were happily married for 34 years." |
106th Infantry Division Obituaries (2449 Obits; 263 Unpublished)
Due to the extreme number of obituaries that we have discovered that were never reported to the Asociation, and the fact it would require many CUB's to print them all, we have decided to publish them all electronically.
This will include both those reported, plus the ones we have discovered.
Below are the obituaries known to the Association.
If the obit was published in a CUB, the columns 'Vol', No', Mth/Yr' will indicate the issue of the CUB. 'Add' means not published in a CUB.
If you have a missing obit, or know the website of a missing obit, please send us an email.
Last Revision 11/11/2025 [Revised periodically]
Last Name: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
| Vol. | No. | Mth/Yr | Name | Unit | DOD | Obit | Url |
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