Peekskill, N.Y.


 High School
Memorial Page

 Dedicated to our classmates
who gave their lives
 in defense of our country

 The webmasters will publish anything and everything that you send to us which will reflect on the events leading up to the sacrifice these classmates made, or to any other references and details you can offer.about these heroes.

Let's remember as much about them as we possibly can.

Some will come into our lives

and some will only be here briefly.

Each will move Our Souls

and enable us to see "beyond"

Each will have contributed their wisdom

no matter how brief or long their stay.

But each will "Always"

Leave Imprints in our Hearts

and We will never again be the same.

Contributed by Janet (Finch) Hoffman May, 2000

Details of many of those men and women who were killed in action

during all of the wars may be viewed at: U.S.A. Listing

 JOHN BERTA - WWII

Class of 1941. John had the ambition to become an aeronautical engineer. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Airplane Club and Press Club

 JOHN FISHER-WWII

Class of 1939. John's Yearbook described him as being quiet, witty and with impeccable manners. John was well liked. As President of the Band Club and a member of the Orchestra, music was his outstanding activity.

We will add pictures and details to this entire page

as they become available from YOU.

If you knew any of these young men

and have a personal memory to add,

please contact the webmaster at sumterclub@atlantic.net

 CHARLES NEIDHARDT - WWII

Class of 1942. He was an active member of the Swimming Club for three years. He was described as having a well rounded personality and varied talents.

 GILBERT SINGER USN(R) WW II

Class of 1940.  Bill was a member of the Cheerleaders, Hi-Y, Consumers Union, and the Engineering Club.  His ambition was to become a civil engineer.

I understand that a park has been named the Gilbert Singer Memorial Park but I do not have any details. He was killed in action and held the rank of Ensign

JOHN J. WALSH, Class of 1940 WWII "Shagger" was known for his dancing ability and as a running back on the football team. He was also Hudson River League Champion miler in 1938.

The picture above was taken at Depew Park, prior to one of the track meets. On the left is Robert(Greek) Pappas who was All-County 100 yard dash champion, John (Shagger) Walsh is in the middle. Shagger was All County miler. On the right is Coach George Peterson who fielded many championship track teams in the late 30's and 40's. Bob Pappas was a Bangalore Torpedo man and was severely wounded but survived the war. He passed away in 2003.

Shagger was also a regular on the PHS football squad in 1940

John is pictured here during an All-County track meet. It was always his running plan to be out in front from start to finish.

~~~~

These pictures and this additional information has been received to add to our knowledge of Pvt. First Class John J. Walsh and the actions he participated in.

His nephew John C. Walsh and brother Donald Walsh informed us that John was in the

"Timberwolves" 104th Infantry Division, 415th Infantry Regiment.

On November 3, 1944, John's company was assigned the job of crossing a river in Belgium (probably the Mark), he was in the first wave as a BAR man. German tanks and infantry were waiting for them at the landing. Out of 120 soldiers in the first wave, only 12 survived the attack. John is buried in the Henri-Chapelle cemetary in Belgium

The following details were provided by George Cruger

 Two Posthumous Awards for 1st Lt. Harold H. Cruger

The Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart have been

posthumously awarded to

First Lieutenant Harold H.Cruger, of Peekskill,

who was killed in action inBelgium on January 1, 1945. He was attached to the 347th
Infantry Regiment, 87th Golden Acorn Division

 The Bronze Star medal was accompanied by the following citation:

"For heroic achievement in action against an armed enemy of the UnitedStates near Remagen, Belgium on 1 January 1945. While crossing an open field in an attack upon high ground beyond a wooded area, Lieutenant Cruger's company received direct fire from enemy tanks. Despite this and additional heavy fire from hostile machine guns, Lieutenant Cruger continued to lead his men forward until he was mortally wounded.

Lieutenant Cruger's courageous and aggressive leadership enabled his company to gain itsobjective and is in keeping with the highesttraditionsothe United States Army."

According to news reports of this period, United States troops were then engaged in particularly heavy fighting
with strong enemy forces in the Remagen area of the Ardennes salient.

Lieutenant Cruger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. Cruger, volunteered for Officers Candidates School and was
accepted on June 17, 1942. His training period was spent at Camp Croft, South Carolina, and the infantry
school atFort Benning, Ga. On February 18, 1943, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army of
the United States and stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, as an instructor. He was appointed a First
Lieutenant in April 1944 and assigned to an infantry regiment at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. Shortly afer,
he embarked for overseas duty and his regiment was subseequently attached to theAmerican Third Army
commanded by Lt. General George S. Patton.

Lieutenant Cruger was graduated from Peekskill High School with the Class of 1932. He was captain and
payed end on the1931 high school football team. After graduation from high school, he attended Duke
University and later the American Institute of Banking. He was employed as a teller by the Westchester County
National Bank at the time he entered the Army.

On October 5, 1940, Lieutenant Cruger was married to Miss Rhoda Conklin. A son, Michael Hilliard Cruger,
was born March 13, 1945.

===============

 

Nancy Niles has contributed the following account about Lt. Harold Cruger,

who was a member of the Class of 1932 - Thanks Nancy.

According to an account written by my father, Harold Cruger was killed on
New Year's Day, 1945 near a town called Labaschere, which I assume is in
France. He took a direct hit from a German 88. There was "little left to
bury" my father wrote. He said Harold was a bank teller in Peekskill. My
father wasn't from Peekskill -- he grew up in Cobleskill and Oneonta, so I
assume their friendship formed because they went through basic training and
went overseas together in the 87th Division (Golden Acorn).

 

 Bertram Archer (42)

John Astrab

Russell Beskin

Thomas Boyle

Lester Conklin, Jr.

John Cox

Sheldon Craddock

Harold Cruger

Paul Dietz

George enterlein

Lee Ferris

Steven Forman

Everette E. Goethe

Saul Gerlich

 Other Peekskill Casualties From

World War II

With a Special thanks to

Margaret (McKeon) Conklin, Class of 1958, who copied these names from the Peekskill Monument on Highland Avenue and supplied some of the pictures

~~~~

Morris Gerlich, (30)

Theodore Grouez

Vincent E. Hiland

Loftus J. Hoffman

David J. Kiley

Richard W. Lent

Donald McCrae

Thomas J. McGee

Franklin C. Miller

George A. Miller, Jr.

Charles T. Minor

Alfred J. Rasmus

Edward L. Rehak

Charles J. Roberts

Thomas J. Roe

 John A. Salerno (42)

Anthony Scarmellino

George F. Simon, Jr.

Raymond Smallheiser

Fred P. Smith

Frank Snyder

George W. Squires, Jr.

William Stern

Paul Tepper

James J. Timko

Barnard K. Timm, Jr.

William P. Villetto

Joseph J. Williams

Aaron W. Wyatt, Jr.

We have received word from D. Kuritzky that William Stern, class of 1943 left before he graduated, was killed in action in
WWII. Bill was on the Submarine USS HERRING, the only US sub sunk by a Japanese shore battery. Bill played football and swam the breast stroke on the swimming team. His father and his sister both served in WWII.

 

 Frederick Tuttle
  Killed in the Korean Conflict

 Charles Williams

Simulated rubbings from "The Wall"

For an impressive web page dedicated to the Viet Nam servicemen

who gave their lives, visit "The Wall"

LTC. Robert Irwin

Class of 1956.

Robert was a pilot who was a casualty during the Vietnam War. Died while missing.Thursday, June 29, 1978. He was age 39. Married

He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His name is on the Wall, Panel 02W - Line 107

PFC. John Barden Hudson.

Killed in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Marine Corps. PFC Hudson served our country until April 20th, 1968 in Thua Thien, South Vietnam. He was 19 years old and a member of the Class of 1967. John died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. He was born on April 13, 1949 in Peekskill. John's name is enscribed on panel 51E, line 008 of the Veterans Memorial Wall. He served our country for less than a year.(We do not have a class or other picture of John. If anyone has a picture, a copy belongs here).

 LASTING IMPRESSION

Joyous was his life, so full of promise and hope.
Always aware of his faith in God and patriotism for his country, his
Concern for all he knew showed in his morality.
Kindness for his fellow Americans was the motivator of his young life.
Imagination for what the future may have held for him shall
Evermore stay in the minds and hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Heaven called him home early, and we had no choice but to let him go
Until the time comes again when we will all be reunited.
Death ends human life, but those with faith know there is an eternal life.
Surely we believe wholeheartedly that he is that Divine place.
Over the years his memory has not diminished nor his spirit lessened.
Now all the world will know him through the imprint of his name.

Composed by Betsy (Finch) Rodino,Class of 1969

 

CPL. Bruce Edward Reed, U.S.Army, 25th Infantry Division

"A Good Friend, and a Good Soldier"

as contributed by R. Glenn Stubbs, Jr., Class of 1967

Born April 23, 1948. Corporal Reed was killed on February 28, 1969, at

Hua Nahia, South Viet Nam by small arms fire. His body was recovered.

His name is listed on Panel 31W, Line 096 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

PFC. Frank John Guichaud

Private First Class Frank John Guichaud, a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, PFC Guichaud served our country until May 24, 1967 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 19 years old and was not married. Frank died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered.

Frank was born on December 16, 1947 in Peekskill, N.Y.

PFC Guichaud name is on Panel 20E, Line 095 of the Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

He served his country for one year.

Limited information is available about these additional Peekskill Casualties of the Viet Nam War. The details supplied here may not be completely accurate. If so we offer apologies and would appreciate your making corrections

If you have any further details and/or picture please contact the webmaster sumterclub@atlantic.net

LCPL. Michael John Amato, U.S. Marines

Born January 30, 1947. Probably in the Class of 1965. Lance Corporal Amato was killed on May 13, 1967 at Quana Tri, South Viet Nam. He was killed by small arms fire. He served for 2 years and was 20 years old. His body was recovered

His name is listed on Panel 19E, Line 102 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

Captain Oliver C. Chase, Jr., U.S. Air Force

Born June 23, 1932. Class of 1950. Captain Chase was killed on July 22, 1965. He was a pilot who crashed on land at Binh Dinh, South Viet Nam. He was 33 years old and married. His body was recovered.

His name is listed on Panel 02E, Line 042 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

Classmate George Bishop sent the picture in from Surrey, United Kingdom. The Yearbook describes Oliver as a "Quiet fellow . . . manages to make his presence known . . . easy to get along with". Activities included J.V. Football, Track Team, Rifle Team, Intra-murals.

Lt. Commander Barton Sheldon Creed, U.S. Navy

Born April 3, 1945. Probably the Class of 1963 or perhaps from PMA.

Commander Creed was killed on October 2, 1978. He was a pilot. He was reported missing in Laos.

His body was not recovered.

His name is listed on Panel 04W, Line 043 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

Bart was the son of George and Verna Creed of Peekskill

In memory of Barton Sheldon Creed, please visit Janet (Finch) Hoffman's web page at:

A Tribute to Barton Sheldon Creed

PFC. William Timothy Dorsey, U.S. Army, 9th Infantry Division

Born February 28, 1944. Probably the Class of 1962. At age 26, Private First Class Dorsey was killed on July 3, 1970, at Long An, South Vietnam by an explosive device. He was married. His body was recovered.

His name in listed on Panel 09W, Line115 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

PFC. William Martin Kelly, U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division

Born Jan 10, 1947. Probably the Class of 1965 or perhaps PMA. Private First Class Kelly was killed on June 22, 1966, in South Vietnam by small arms fire. His body was recovered.

His name is listed on Panel 08E, Line 076 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

SP 5. John Thomas Lockhart, U.S. Army

Born March 27, 1950. Specialist Lockhart was killed on March 11, 1971.

He was a helicopter crew member and was killed over Laos. His body was recovered.

His name is listed on Panel 04W, Line 038 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

Contributed by Marty Bischoff - PHS class of 70 . . . I have some further information on John Lockhart. John was a 1969 graduate of Lakeland High School. He lived on Ridge Road off Lafayette Ave. in Peekskill. His next door neighbor was a good friend of mine, Gary Novak who formally lived on Broad Street. John was a great guy and fun loving. As aninsight, on my 16th birthday, Gary, John, and I all skipped school so John could drive me to Beacon to get my learners permit. After all, that's more important than school.

SSG. Chester John Moshier, Jr., U.S. Marines

Born Jan 16, 1934. Staff Sgt. Moshier was killed on July 24, 1968, at Quang Nam, South Viet Nam by an explosive device. His body was recovered. He was a member of the Class of 1953 and served with the U.S. Marines for 14 years.

His name is listed on Panel 50W, Line 001 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

~~~~~~~~~

I was about 5 years older than Chester, so I was a Korean Vet the last time I saw him.

He visited my dads grocery store on So. Division St. and

I recall how proud he was to wear the uniform of the U.S. Marine Force.

He was a great guy and I was proud to call him a friend. Ralph (Buddy) Treadwell

PFC. Douglas Ronald Mowbray, U.S. Marines

Born October 18, 1945. Probably the Class of 1963. Private First Class Mowbray was killed on September 15, 1966 at Quang Tri, South Viet Nam by small arms fire. His body was recovered.

His name is listed on Panel 10E, Line 001 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

SGT. Lawrence Elston Osborne, U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division

Born November 25, 1947. Class of 1965. Sergeant Osborne was killed on April 4, 1968 at Tay Ninh, South Viet Nam by small arms fire. His body was recovered.

His name is listed on Panel 48E, Line 073 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

"Ozzie" was described in his Yearbook as the Mel allen of the 70's. He hoped to become a teacher.In addition to playing JV Basketball and Baseball - he was the Sports Editor of the Yearbook, Mercury, Basketball and Volleyball Intramurals.

SGT. Michael Louis Poggi, U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division

Born August 30, 1948. Possibly the Class of 1966. Sergeant Poggi was killed on March 28, 1969 at Tay Ninh

by small arms fire. His body was recovered

His name is listed on Panel 28W, Line 073 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

We have received word that

Henry Bethea

was a casualty of the Viet Nam war. He was a Pfc in the Army. Henry was born on March 22, 1948.

He was a casualty in Phuoc Long, South Vietmnam on Feb 9, 1969 by a hostile explosive device.

His body was recovered.

His name is listed on Panel 30W, Line 35 of the Veterans Memorial Wall

If anyone viewing this page has the name, class and yearbook picture, or any further details, of any Peekskill High School student who made the ultimate sacrifice in any of the wars, please contact Ron Abbey, Webmaster sumterclub@atlantic.net
 

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