December 01, 2019

Three-war veteran and a founding member of the Army Chapter, died Dec. 1, 2019 in South Carolina after a brief illness. (Ironically, John Gray, another three-war veteran and longtime Chapter member, died the same day. His obituary follows.)  Rasula was 97 and lived for years in Clemson, S.C. He had many facets in his long life: an artist, photographer, trombone player, cross-country skier, military historian, and sauna builder. But he was primarily, and most proudly, a soldier and a Finn. Rasula enlisted in the Army in 1942 and retired as a colonel in 1974. His combat service included the Pacific Theater in World War II, the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, and the Vietnam War.

     He was logistic adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon (1963-65) and was the Army's military attache to Finland (1968-71). His many honors and medals include the Order of the White Rose bestowed by the Finnish government, and was foremost in Rasula's heart. As founder and longtime editor of the widely circulated  Changjin Journal (lgrasula@nymas.org), he collected scores of testimonials and perspectives on the Chosin battle. He corresponded with hundreds of veterans and military historians, was featured in several documentary films, accumulated a unique archive, and spoke at military conferences and Army Chapter reunions. He produced the definitive Chosin Chronology and served for a time as editor of the Chapter's newsletter

     Rasula was predeceased by his wife, Lucy Davis Rasula, who he married in Japan where she served as an Army nurse. He is survived by two sons, a brother and a multitude of family members and relatives. A memorial service will be held at a later date, after which Rasula will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery next to his wife. 

HQ/31/7

December 01, 2019

 Three-war veteran and longtime member of the Army Chapter, died December 1, 2019 in North Carolina. He was 92. (His death was coincident to the passing of Col. George Rasula. See above) Gray was a Marine in World War II and served in five campaigns in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he resumed his college education and was commissioned as an Army second lieutenant. Following the outbreak of the Korean War, Gray was an 81mm mortar platoon leader, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was in the Inchon landing and served through the Chosin Reservoir campaign. Subsequently, Gray completed two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He retired after a 30-year military career and made his home in Mt. Ulla, N.C. 

   Gray's awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and the Corps of Engineers Silver de Fleury Medal. Gray authored an autobiography titled Call to Honor. He was active in the Legion of Valor of the USA and many other veterans organizations. He served multiple terms as president of the Army Chapter, The Chosin Few and was made Director Emeritus in 2017.

    He is survived by Sue, his wife of 72 years; 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. After a graveside service with full military honors, Gray was interred December 5 at the Historic Salisbury (N.C.) National Cemetery. 

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March 06, 2018

Orville Henry Kugler, Sr., 86, of Sturgeon Bay, WI passed away, March 6, 2018. He was an ex-POW, and recipient of the Silver Star. He served with the United States Army until his retirement on July 31, 1969 as Sergeant First Class. He was a member of the Chosin Few.

Orville enjoyed spending time at his cabin, deer hunting, gardening, and tinkering in the garage. He liked shooting darts and playing pool. Orville will be remembered for his quick wit, positive attitude, and dedication to our nation's service members. He was a member of the VFW Post #3088 in Sturgeon Bay and held the offices of honor squad leader, secretary, and treasurer.

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December 06, 2017

Charlie F. Pharr -  A/4th Sig/X age 87, passed away on December 6, 2017 in Ogden, Utah.

Charlie was a lifetime member of The Army Chapter of the Chosin Few and had held a position on the Board.  Along with wife, Edith, they were a familiar sight at most reunions.  After serving in Korea, he enlisted in the Air Force, served during the Vietnam War and retired in 1971. Originally from North Carolina, they settled in Layton, Utah. He worked at Hill Air Force Base as a radar technician after his retirement from the Air Force. Charlie was also a life member of DAV, VFW, and Purple Heart. He enjoyed golfing and his family.

A/4th Sig/X

July 28, 2017

Donald H. Gee Sr., longtime Business Manager for The Chosin Few (National) passed away on  July 28, 2017 at age 77. Don was a proud Gunnery Sergeant with the US Marine Corps retiring in 1977, after 20 years of service. Following his retirement, he remained active with the military as the Public Affairs   Officer with the Veterans Administration, Philadelphia.   Don’s step-son, Cory Fisher, has stepped into his position as Business Manager.

Business Manager for The Chosin Few (National)

December 26, 2017

Maurice H. Krug - 58MP/XCORPS age 90, passed away on December 26, 2017 in Hanover, PA.  He was a lifetime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few. Prior to his tour in Korea, his most memorable experience was standing Honor Guard for President Harry S. Truman in 1950. Maurice was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Union Veterans and he was a 32nd Degree Mason. Maurice was retired from P.H. Glatfelter Co., Spring Grove, where he was a member of the Quarter Century Club. He enjoyed antique cars, his pets and animals and his daily meeting of friends at Rosie's Restaurant. Burial was in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hanover with military honors.

58MP/XCORPS

September 27, 2017

Marvin Pearson - Tk/17/7, age 88, of Twin Valley, MN, formerly of Motley, MN passed away September 27, 2017. Services for Marvin will be 11:00AM, Interment was at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls, MN. 

Marvin owned and operated a custom meat processing plant called Marv’s Lockers in Nashua, MN. Later, they moved to Motley where Marv worked for Gold’s Turkey Farm. Marv was a proud lifetime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few and member of the VFW.  He enjoyed deer hunting, going to auctions and flea markets. Marv especially loved spending time on his hunting land- the “80”. Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Betty.

Tk/17/7

September 07, 2017

John J. “Jack” Friend- F/7/3,  89 years of age, he passed away  September 7, 2017, in Hastings, NE.  Burial with military rites was at Parkview Cemetery, Hastings.  Jack served in World War II and the Korean War.

Along with his parents and brothers he started “Friends Motor Supply” in 1943.  This single store grew to seven and with their “Friends Truck Equipment” became the largest NAPA dealer between Omaha and Denver.  He served as Vice President and Director of Omaha Warehouse, Inc. and was the founder and past board member of the Nebraska Automotive Wholesalers.  He served on the Board of Trustees of the National Truck Equipment Association.  He served on the Board of Governors of the Adams County Agricultural Society and Norwest Bank Advisory Board.  He was a lifetime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few, VFW and American Legion.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Annette.

F/7/3

September 05, 2017

John "Jack" H. Downing - A/3AAA/3, age 86, passed away  September 5, 2017 in Ballston Spa, NY. Jack worked for many years at Curtis Lumber Co. in Ballston Spa, retiring as a construction manager. He was a member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few, the Korean War Veterans Association and Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association. He enjoyed woodworking and wood carving and loved spending time with his family.

A/3AAA/3

August 12, 2017

Jack Hecker- A/31FA/7 age 89 of Charlestown, IN passed away on August 12, 2017 at Green Valley Care Center in New Albany, IN. Jack was a lifetime member of  Army Chapter of The Chosin Few. He was also active with the American Legion and VFW.  He enjoyed ginseng and arrowhead hunting, bingo and the outdoors especially his squirrels some of whom he named.  He retired after 38 years of service with the Louisville Cement Company. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie in 2012. Interment was in Silver Creek Cemetery, Charleston, IN.   Expressions of Sympathy in memory of Jack may take the form of donations to the Wounded Warriors Project.

A/31FA/7

July 22, 2017

Milton (Butch) Margan  -K/3/31/7 passed  on July 22, 2017 in Colorado Springs, CO.

Butch served 23 years in the U.S. Army fighting in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. He retired in 1972 as a Sergeant First Class. He worked at Hewlett Packard and Phil Long Ford in Colorado Springs after his army retirement. Butch was a longtime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few and 31st Inf Association. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ursula.

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July 01, 2017

Robert "Bob" W. Jaskowak -B/48FA/7 age 86,  passed away on July 1, 2017 in Mt. Pleasant, WI. Bob served in the United States Army from 1948 until 1968. He fought in the Korean War and retired from the Army after being stationed in Germany, Korea and Addis Ababa, (capital city) Ethiopia, Denver and Durango, Colo., Freeport, and Chicago, Ill., and Camp Atterbury, Ind.

After his army retirement, he was employed at Sears and Turnstyle in Racine, and as an Industrial Sales Representative at Crane & Son in Waukesha.

He was a lifetime member of the Army Chapter of Chosin Few. Along with his wife, Joan, they attended almost all of the Army Chapter reunions. Bob was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, Korean War Veterans Assoc., Berlin U.S. Military Veterans Assoc., 31st Infantry (Dixie) Division, DAV, and the 7th Infantry Division Association.

Bob was laid to rest with full military honors at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.

B/48FA/7

April 07, 2017

Dr. Patrick T. Gannon, Sr. - SPCGrp/X  age 86,passed away at his home in St. Augustine, FL  on April 7, 2017. He was a lifetime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few. 

Dr. Gannon was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars , retiring from the US Air Force with the rank of Major. He joined the Army after high school and was assigned to the GHQ Raiders where he participated in reconnaissance and other special forces activities in Korea. He attended college at the University of Florida, University of Chicago and MIT.  He joined the Air Force as a meteorologist, and was a trusted tropical forecaster. He served in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, performing experimental meteorology. After retiring  from the Air Force, he completed his doctorate at the University of Miami and worked with NOAA in Boulder, CO. His studies included early research on climate warming. He retired from Lyndon State college in Vermont in 1997 where he taught meteorology.

 Internment was at  San Lorenzo Cemetery, St. Augustine, FL.

SPCGrp/X

March 14, 2017

Gordon R. Kennedy - Hq X [AG], age 85, passed away March 14, 2017 in Bryan, TX. Gordon grew up in Limestone, NY and lived in Bryan for the past 39 years. Chief Warrant Officer Kennedy retired from the U.S. Army after 31 years of service. He had served for 22 years overseas with the Army in Japan, Korea, Poland, Hong Kong, Syria, Finland, Vietnam and Jamaica. He was a veteran of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in Korea in 1950. His last duty station was with the Defense Investigative Service as the agent in charge in Bryan. He was also employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 10 years. Gordon was a Lifetime Member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Kennedy. Interment was at Rest-Ever Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors.

Hq X [AG]

February 17, 2017

George Nightingale - L/3/31/7 age 86 of Pueblo, CO  passed away February 17, 2017. He is preceded in death by his wife, Nona, in 2016.  George was a lifetime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few and a familiar face at the reunions. He loved woodworking, and was an avid skier, skiing into his mid 70's. He retired from the Rail Mill at CF & I.  Interment was at  Imperial Memorial Gardens, Pueblo, CO.

L/3/31/7

October 11, 2015

Cecil Dozier - I/3/31/7 age 83 of Goshen, OH passed on October 11, 2015.  Cecil didn't learn about the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few until last 2013.  He attended the 2014 Reunion in Springfield with DD2-14 in hand.  He filled out his membership that day and became the last man to become a Lifetime member.

I/3/31/7

May 12, 2016

James H. Busher- F/2/31/7of Lansingburgh,NY passed away on May 12, 2016, at the Albany Medical Center after a long illness. He was a  Prisoner of War for 3 weeks. Jim was a Lifetime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few.  He served as the Commander of the Northeast New York Chapter of Korean War Veterans Association. While serving in that office, Jim accomplished a very big goal by having Hoosick Street (Route 7) in Troy dedicated as the Rensselaer County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. He was former member of the Pleasantdale Fire Department.  The interment  Gerald BH Solomon National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.

F/2/31/7

June 25, 2016

Charles Edward Gray-121Evac/X age 84 of Williamstown, MA passed on July 25, 2016 at Southwestern VT Medical Center.  He served as an x-ray technician with a MASH Unit during the Korean War. Charles was devoted to his family and enjoyed bowling, swimming and playing golf. He served as a YMCA youth basketball coach. Charles had a lifelong passion for his retail store, the Mahican Moccasin Shop in Pownal, VT which he operated since 1961.  He was a Lifetime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few.  Burial was at Eastlawn Cemetery.

121Evac/X

September 08, 2016

James Alexander Ransone, Jr.-A/1/32/7  age 88, of Powhatan, VT  passed away September 8, 2016.    He was a Lifetime member of the Army Chapter of The Chosin Few.  James was also the past president of the Chosin Few Hunt Club. He retired from Peoples Security Life/Monumental Life Insurance and was the owner of Huguenot Insurance Agency and Chosin Restaurant. Interment Cartersville Cemetery in Virginia.

A/1/32/7

September 02, 2016

 Thomas F. Marker "Tom" - HvM/31/7 age 89 passed on September 2, 2016 in Westville Grove, NJ. He was a Lifetime member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few.  He worked as a custodian at Gloucester County College for many years and enjoyed life which included joking, talking about his combat experiences and canoeing. Interment New St. Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ.

HvM/31/7

April 26, 2016

Robert Earl Ellison-HvM/31/7 age 87, of Poland, IN passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. Robert was a Lifetime member of the Army Chapter of The Chosin Few.  He was a member of the Spencer American Legion, VFW, Past Commander of the Disabled American Veterans in Bloomfield, and the “Chosin Few.” He enjoyed bowling in the Senior Games in Bloomington and riding his motorcycle. He retired from Indianapolis Car and Truck.

HvM/31/7

November 28, 2016

Emerald Wyman Sayler- Hq/1/32/7 age 92 passed  November 28, 2016 at Lodi Memorial Hospital, Lodi, CA after battling a multitude of complications from hip surgery in August.   Emerald was a veteran of WWII and Korea. A proud Lifetime member, he and Geraldine enjoyed traveling the world with other Army Chapter of the Chosin Few members. Emerald was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman.  He also loved to play his guitar or piano and sing to all who would listen. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Men of the Chosin Scholarship fund .

Hq/1/32/7

July 15, 2016

Frank Joseph Kaiser -B/3/31/7 age 83 of Charleston, WV passed away July 15, 2016 at Hubbard House Hospice Care. Frank was a former POW and spent three years in prison camp from 1950 to 1953. Frank  was very active with the Army Chapter of The Chosin Few. He was a Lifetime member and served as Secretary/Treasurer for several years.  Along with his wife, Betty, they were familiar faces at every reunion.   Frank owned an insurance agency in Charleston. He served as a “road runner” for the Shriner’s taking children to hospitals in Cincinnati and Lexington. Frank was an avid animal lover and carried dog bones in his shirt pocket just in case he would find a lost animal who needed a home. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling, WV.

B/31/7

July 28, 2016

Bohumil “Slim” Lewis Tomek- Tk/31/7 passed away on July 28, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 14, 1927 in Shiner, Texas. He was a distinguished army career soldier with a triple combat status, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was a Life Time member of the Army Chapter of the Chosin Few. After his retirement from the military, he joined the team at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Maintenance Department as a supervisor. Throughout his life, Slim was kind, generous and excellent provider for his family. Slim was laid to rest at the Houston National Cemetery.

Tk/31/7

January 27, 2016

Longtime member Alfred H. Johnson, of Prior Lake,MN passed on January 27, 2016.  Al suffered two strokes through the holidays.  He is survived by his wife, Dee. 

Obituary will be posted at later date.

L /3/31/7

December 31, 2015

A familiar face at reunions of the Army Chapter, Rose Ann Westfall, of Gatesville, TX, passed December 31, 2015.  She was the widow of Lifetime Member Pat Westfall, who passed October 5, 2015. 

Read Obituary

Widow of Pat Westfall

November 24, 2015

Known to most of us as Mac, Jean McCrady of Columbus, GA,  passed on November 24, 2015 from a long fight with cancer.  Mac was a Lifetime member who served as Vice-President, Chairman of the Board and was awarded the title of Director Emeritus.  A staple in our Chapter, Mac will be best remembered for his uncanny wit and dress Calvary uniform which he wore to every reunion dinner. 

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B/3/31/7, Director Emeritus

September 12, 2015

John D. Quick, of Greenwood. Arkansas passed September 12, 2015 after a battle with lung cancer.  A Lifetime Member of the Army Chapter, John was a familiar face at the reunions.  A man of few words, John was easily recognized by his sly smile and every present Chosin Few cap.

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