“Give Honor to Whom Honor is Due”: Marion Always Answers A Sacred Calling: Remembering Marion’s Own This Memorial Day
When Duty Calls, Marion Always Answers
On this solemn Memorial Day, as the echoes of Taps drift across hallowed grounds and flags ripple at half-staff, we at Marion Watch join our community, and indeed our nation, in a profound act of remembrance. It is a day set apart, a day to pause from the rush of life and reflect upon the immeasurable cost of freedom – a cost paid in the lives of brave men and women who answered the call to serve, who stood in the breach for us, and who, in the ultimate sacrifice, laid down their lives. As the scriptures tell us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).1 Today, we honor that greater love.
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, emerged from the ashes of the Civil War, a time when a wounded nation sought to honor its fallen.2 What began with somber ceremonies and the decoration of graves by grieving families and communities, particularly in the South, grew into a national day of remembrance.2 By 1890, it was a recognized holiday in all Union states, and the world wars would expand its scope to honor all American military personnel who died in service to our country.2 It is a day imbued with solemn meaning, a time for visiting cemeteries and memorials, for quiet reflection, and for participating in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., pausing to honor those who gave their all.2
The Tapestry of Sacrifice: U.S. War Deaths Through History
The history of the United States is interwoven with threads of conflict, each demanding a heavy toll. From the nascent days of the American Revolution to the protracted engagements of the modern era, generations of Americans have stepped forward to defend the ideals upon which this nation was founded. The cost has been staggering, a testament to the valor and sacrifice that has preserved our liberties.
The American Revolution (1775-1783), which birthed our nation, saw 4,435 battle deaths.4 The War of 1812 (1812-1815) followed, claiming another 2,260 in battle.4 The Indian Wars, spanning much of the 19th century (approx. 1817-1898), resulted in an estimated 1,000 battle deaths.4 The Mexican War (1846-1848) saw 1,733 battle deaths, but a far greater number, 11,550, perished from other causes in theater, a grim reminder of the harsh conditions of warfare in that era.4
The Civil War (1861-1865) remains the costliest conflict in American history in terms of American lives lost. Union forces suffered 140,414 battle deaths and an additional 224,097 other deaths in theater.5 Confederate forces are estimated to have lost 74,524 in battle and 59,297 to other in-theater causes, though these figures do not include the tens of thousands who died in Union prisons.4
As America stepped onto the world stage, so too did the scale of its sacrifices. The Spanish-American War (1898-1902) resulted in 385 battle deaths.4 World War I (1917-1918), the “War to End All Wars,” saw 53,402 American battle deaths and another 63,114 deaths from other causes.4 Just a generation later, World War II (1941-1945) engulfed the globe, and American battle deaths soared to 291,557, with 113,842 other deaths in service.4
The post-WWII era brought new challenges and continued sacrifices. The Korean War (1950-1953) led to 33,739 American battle deaths.4 The Vietnam War (1964-1975), a conflict that deeply marked a generation, saw 47,434 battle deaths and 10,786 other in-theater deaths.4 More recently, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-1991) resulted in 148 battle deaths.4 The Global War on Terror, encompassing conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, has continued to exact a heavy price, a price still being calculated and mourned.5
The Price of Freedom: A National Accounting
To fully comprehend the magnitude of these sacrifices, we present a summary of American losses across major conflicts. These numbers, while stark, represent individual lives, each with a story, a family, and dreams unfulfilled.
| War or Conflict | Battle Deaths | Other Deaths (In Theater or Service) | Total Deaths (Approx.) |
| American Revolution (1775-1783) | 4,435 | — | 4,435 |
| War of 1812 (1812-1815) | 2,260 | — | 2,260 |
| Indian Wars (approx. 1817-1898) | 1,000 (est.) | — | 1,000 (est.) |
| Mexican War (1846-1848) | 1,733 | 11,550 | 13,283 |
| Civil War (1861-1865) (Union) | 140,414 | 224,097 | 364,511 |
| Civil War (1861-1865) (Confederate) | 74,524 (est.) | 59,297 (est.) | 133,821 (est.) |
| Spanish-American War (1898-1902) | 385 | 2,061 | 2,446 |
| World War I (1917-1918) | 53,402 | 63,114 | 116,516 |
| World War II (1941-1945) | 291,557 | 113,842 | 405,399 |
| Korean War (1950-1953) | 33,739 | 2,835 (in theater) + 17,672 (non-theater) | 54,246 |
| Vietnam War (1964-1975) | 47,434 | 10,786 (in theater) + 32,000 (non-theater) | 90,220 |
| Desert Shield/Storm (1990-1991) | 148 | 235 (in theater) + 1,565 (non-theater) | 1,948 |
| Global War on Terror (2001-Present) | See Note | See Note | See Note |
Note: Statistics for the Global War on Terror are extensive and continually updated. The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs provide ongoing casualty reports. For instance, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) resulted in 2,349 total deaths, and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) saw 4,418 total deaths as of earlier reporting periods.5 These numbers reflect the ongoing commitment and sacrifice of our armed forces.
“Give Honor to Whom Honor is Due”: Marion’s Own Sacrifices
As we reflect on these national figures, the call to “Give to everyone what you owe them… if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7) 1 resonates deeply within our own community. Here in Marion, the abstract numbers of war dead take on familiar names, the faces of our neighbors, friends, and family members. The cause of freedom is not an abstract concept for us; it is a legacy paid for by those who walked our streets, attended our schools, and worshipped in our churches.
The team here at Marion Watch is not untouched by this sacrifice. Many among us have family members—fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters—who have served, and some who have given their last full measure of devotion for this cause. Their memories are a sacred trust, a poignant reminder that freedom is indeed not free. This shared experience of loss and pride binds us to our community and strengthens our resolve to ensure their stories are never forgotten.
Marion County has a rich history of honoring its veterans. The Marion County World War II Veterans Memorial, located in Marion Cemetery, stands as one of the largest of its kind in the country outside of Washington D.C..6 Its granite walls are inscribed with the names of nearly 6,000 service members from Marion County who served in World War II, with stars marking those who died in service.6 This, and other memorials throughout our county, including the World War One Honor Roll in the Marion County Court House and the dedicated sections in Marion Veterans Memorial Park, are tangible testaments to our community’s enduring gratitude.8
The effort to compile and preserve the names of our fallen is an ongoing labor of love, undertaken by historical societies, veterans’ groups, and dedicated individuals. The Marion County Historical Society and the “Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans” website (marionveterans.home.blog) are invaluable resources in this sacred duty.10
Roll of Honor: Marion County’s Fallen Heroes
We now turn our hearts to remember, by name, the sons and daughters of Marion County who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The availability and specificity of these lists vary by conflict, reflecting the challenges of historical record-keeping and the ongoing work of local historians.
World War I (1917-1918)
(The following Marion County service members gave their lives in World War I. This list is compiled from local commemoration efforts, including the “Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans” project. 12)
- Landon Ashbrook
- Sam Anges
- Ralph M. Baker
- Robert L. Barone
- Charles F. Billings
- Dyer J. Bird 13
- George L. Bolinger
- Errett M. Bower
- Claude N. Boxwell
- Leonard H. Bradshaw
- James M. Byram
- Henry (Harry) V. Chambers
- Frank I. Clifton
- George H. Cooper
- William J. Currin
- James W. Dall
- Wayne D. Davis
- Harley S. Dodds
- Albert H. Dutt
- John H. Dwyer
- Harold S. Eymon
- Clifford B. Fetty
- Carey M. Field
- Avery V. Francis
- Alfred R. Freeman
- Robert H. Frye
- John W. Gary
- Lawrence E. Harris
- Leonard A. Hart
- Elda C. Hershey
- Hoyt M. Hollanshed
- Jefferson F. Howe
- George E. Hudson *
- Arthur R. Keeran
- Thomas M. Kellogg
- Herbert A. Kiefer
- Ray J. Kimbel
- Charles L. Landon *
- Maynard M. Lippincott
- Francis N. Long
- Harry S. Lute
- Edward J. Lynch
- George F. McGinnis
- Charles A. McKinstry
- Mary I. “Molly” McMahon
- Don D. McNay
- William J. Miller
- Fleet Mitchell
- Pearl E. Morris *
- Verne I. Mounts
- Welcome E. Neidhart
- Charles C. Olin
- Clarence R. Phillipi
- Pietro Pisacreta
- Roy R. Price
- Howard W. Riley
- Tony L. Robinson
- Mathias B. Roush *
- Perry F. Ruick
- Charles W. Rymer
- Robert C. Sagers
- Howard W. Shaffstall
- Carl S. Shepherd
- Floyd E. Shirk *
- Charles W. Shuster
- John E. Shuster, Jr.
- Charles Simpkins
- Zennas H. Smith
- Howard F. Spires
- Ory J. Struthers
- William M. Thompson
- Fred D. Thornberg
- N. Faye Tilton
- Frederick S. Titus
- John Uhl
- Earl D. Werts
- Forest J. Williamson
- Jeremiah R. Wood
- Harlan C. Wise (Those marked with an asterisk () also served in the Border Campaign while members of D Company, Fourth Ohio, ONG. 12)*
World War II (1941-1945)
(The Marion County World War II Veterans Memorial bears the names of nearly 6,000 who served, with stars indicating those who died.6 The National Archives also maintains the “World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing Army and Army Air Forces Personnel from Ohio,” with Marion County casualties listed on page 56; however, access to this specific digitized page was unavailable for this article.14 The following extensive list is from the “Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans” project, representing individuals identified through local research as having died in service. 11)
- Joe M. Nishimoto – Medal of Honor
- Wilbert J. Alexander
- William H. Andrews
- Gaitano R. Arcuri
- William O. Armstrong
- Joseph W. Artis
- Glen W. Ashworth
- Francis E. Ault
- Robert L. Baker
- Harold E. Bardon
- Harold R. Baughn
- George E. Berridge
- Milton Birnbaum
- Curtis Borror, Jr.
- Charles W. Bowers
- Vernon E. Brammer
- John H. Bristley
- Russell P. Britton
- Ernest F. Brown
- Robert J. Brown
- Walter R. Brush
- Donald F. Buckley
- Carl N. Burdette
- Frank Cafagno
- Raymond F. Carlyle
- Ostel W. Carter
- Perry B. Cartwright
- Earl K. Castner
- George H Chapman
- Anthony J. Chontos
- James A. Clement
- Lewis A. Cochrun
- Ralph E. Coffey
- Clifford E. Conrad
- Edwin E. Cowgill
- Frederick L. Cramer
- Everett L. Cranston
- Carl E. Danner, Jr.
- Ralph D. Davis
- Floyd Detwiler
- Harold E. Dickinson
- James L. Duffey
- Cyril W. Dunn
- (Brothers) John J. Dunn
- Homer R. Dutt
- Paul J. Ebert
- Wayne F. Eibling
- Robert C. Everthart
- George R. Eyre
- Robert L. Ferguson
- Raymond L. Ferriman
- Forest D. Flockencier
- Richard E. Fogle
- Stanley L. Foulke
- Audley L. Fox
- Carlos S. Frazier
- Joseph P. Galati
- Elmer W. Garrison
- Robert E. Goodrich
- Elvis Lowe Greer
- Richard A. Griffith
- Joseph E. Gunder
- Gerald E. Hamilton
- Arthur E. A. Harruff
- Alfred A. Hart
- Richard G. Hawkins
- Chancy M. Hayes
- Charles J. Hayes
- Donald E. Hickock
- Jack E. Holt
- Marion L. Holycross
- Paul G. Hough
- John S. Houghton
- Ernest P. Howard
- Ira C. Howard
- Robert Hull
- I. D. Hunter
- Richard F. Issler
- Howard C. Jacoby
- Robert E. Jenner
- Elwin C. Jones
- Harry G. Kern
- Floyd F. Kinsler
- Clarence G. Koch
- Willis Kuba
- Eugene F. Kyle
- Edwin J. Leatherman
- Howard G. Lee
- Lowell E. F. Leffler
- (Brothers) Richard A. Leffler
- Harold R. Lessig
- Clifford E. Long
- Theodore W. Long
- William J. Maniaci
- Alfred A. Mann
- (Brothers) Howard Q. Mann
- Frank R. Mann, Jr.
- Gerald R. Marine
- Donald J. Maskill
- Edwin P. Mason
- Robert F. McCarty
- Bernard L. McCombs
- Charles J. McDaniel, Jr.
- James B. McDonald
- William J. McEldowney
- Marion E. McGinnis
- Robert G. Merchant
- Ernest C. Messenger
- Carl E. Metz
- Frank E. Middaugh
- Thomas W. Middlemiss
- Maurice J. Miley
- James W. Mitchell
- Raymond Moler
- Raymond C. Moll
- Herbert E. Montgomery
- Robert E. Murphy
- Ronald D. Musgrave
- Howard L. Neal
- (Brothers) Stanley R. Neal
- Jacob R. Northrup
- William E. Norton
- Clarence C. Otto
- Reuben G. Patrick
- Ory S. Patten
- George F. Pennington
- Ray M. Pinney, Jr.
- Beecher E. Porter
- Jess A. Quigley
- Paul E. Riley
- Joseph E. Robinson
- Earl K. Rodman
- Clarence A. Roseberry
- John P. Roszman
- Robert L. Ruckman
- John F. Ruhl
- Howard L. Russell
- Donald V. Ruth
- Walter L. Ruzzo
- Charles S. Scheitler
- Jack V. Scranton
- Richard W. Shields
- Malen C. Shirk
- Wilbur W. Short
- James W. Smith
- Lester E. Smith
- Robert L. Smith
- Edward E. Snyder
- John G. Snyder
- Robert L. Snyder
- Charles W. Speece
- John S. Stock
- Charles S. Stoneman
- Charles E. Sweeney
- Busby W. Sweney
- (Brothers) Kenneth F. Sweney, Jr.
- Lester O. Tanner
- Oren J. Tennery
- Leroy O. Thomas
- James G. Tillman
- Paul J. Tron
- John A. Truitt
- Wilfred M. Ulery
- Richard W. Veley
- John L. Vousden
- John H. Wells
- Lee E. Welsh
- Joseph W. Werley
- James R. West
- Charles W. Williams, Jr.
- William Wilson, Jr.
- Oliver S. Wiseman
- Perry W. Wolfe
- William H. Zieg
- Reese M. Wormell, Jr.
- Charles W. Zwolle
Korean War (1950-1953)
(The following Marion County servicemen gave their lives in the Korean War. Their stories, particularly that of Pfc. Karl Lee Dye, remind us of the enduring search for every service member. 9)
- Pfc. Karl Lee Dye, U.S. Army. Missing in Action July 16, 1950, near Taejon, South Korea. Remains identified December 3, 2018. His return after so many decades brought a measure of closure, underscoring the nation’s vow to leave no one behind.
- Pfc. Gerald Romain Plotner, U.S. Army, 24th Infantry Division. Captured July 11, 1950, near Chochiwon, South Korea. Died as a Prisoner of War at Hanjang-ni, North Korea, on March 6, 1951. His remains have not been recovered.
- Pfc. Paul Earl Terry, U.S. Army, 24th Infantry Division. Killed in Action July 14, 1950, along the Kum River, South Korea.
Vietnam War (1964-1975)
(The following service members from Marion, Ohio, were killed in action or died in service during the Vietnam War. Their names are inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and are remembered here with honor. This list is primarily sourced from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s Wall of Faces and The Virtual Wall. 16)
- SGT Charles Joel Behm Jr.
- SP4 David Austin Butcher
- LCPL James Caudill
- CPT Stephen John Chaney
- SP4 Martin Dean Childress
- SP4 Timothy Elden Dye
- PFC Jeffrey Scott Forry
- CPL Larry Lee Gaskins
- SGT David Stanley Harris
- CPO Robert Eugene Hickman
- LCPL Robert Eugene Neal
- CAPT Bruce August Nystrom
- PFC David Wayne Pierce
- CAPT David Johnston Price
- SP4 Dennis R Richards
- SP4 Ervin Bradley Roberts
- PFC Allan Henry Schulz
- SSGT Perry Vernando Shroyer
- SP4 Richard L Sparks
- CPL Michael Bruce Spicer 17
- PFC Kenneth David Thompson
- PFC Dennis Eugene Warne
- PFC Rick Alan Wilcox
- SP4 Larry Lee Woolum
Persian Gulf War (Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 1990-1991)
(While 19 Ohioans lost their lives in Gulf War-related incidents 18, specific records available for this article do not identify casualties directly from Marion County. However, Marion remembers Sgt. Donald C. Moore-Danielson. Though not a Marion native, Sgt. Danielson was serving with the Marion-based 79th Quartermaster Company (U.S. Army Reserves) when he was killed in an accident in Saudi Arabia on December 29, 1990. He is honored by his Marion comrades and his service with a local unit is gratefully acknowledged. 12)
Global War on Terror (Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, 2001-Present)
(Many Ohioans have served with valor and distinction in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other fronts in the Global War on Terror. Statewide memorials like the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.20 However, a review of readily available public records and local commemorative lists for Marion County did not identify specific service members from Marion County killed in action in these ongoing conflicts for this article.20 The task of compiling comprehensive local rolls of honor for recent conflicts is often an evolving one, and we honor all who served and sacrificed from our state and nation.)
Living Testaments: Faith, Remembrance, and the Path Forward
The names etched on stone memorials and spoken in hushed reverence today are more than just historical records. They are living testaments to courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering love for country and for one another. The memory of the righteous, as Proverbs 10:7 tells us, is a blessing.1 On this Memorial Day, we bless their memory, and in doing so, we reaffirm the values for which they stood.
The pain of loss is immense, a void that can never truly be filled. Yet, in our sorrow, faith offers a beacon of hope. For those who sleep in death, we are reminded by the Apostle Paul, “We do not want you to be uninformed… so that you will not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).1 This hope, rooted in the promise of resurrection and eternal life, offers comfort to grieving hearts. Jesus Himself declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25-26).1
This Memorial Day, let us not only mourn but also celebrate the legacy of these heroes. Let their sacrifices inspire us to live lives worthy of the freedom they secured—lives of service, compassion, and commitment to the common good. Let us teach our children their stories, visit the memorials that stand in their honor, and actively participate in the civic life they protected.
As we look to the future, we carry their memory in our hearts. We pray for peace, for a world where such sacrifices are no longer demanded. And we hold fast to the promise of a time when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).1
May the memory of Marion’s fallen heroes, and all who have given their lives for our nation, be an eternal blessing. May their sacrifice continue to inspire us, and may their souls rest in eternal peace, held in the loving embrace of the God of all comfort. Amen.
Works Cited:
- 17 Bible Verses for Memorial Day to Honor and Remember the Fallen, https://get.tithe.ly/blog/17-bible-verses-for-memorial-day
- Memorial Day – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day
- whyy.org, https://whyy.org/articles/what-is-memorial-day/#:~:text=It’s%20a%20day%20of%20reflection,for%20a%20moment%20of%20silence.
- America’s Wars – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – VA.gov, https://department.va.gov/americas-wars/
- American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and …, https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL32492
- World War II Memorial – Marion Convention and Visitors Bureau, https://www.visitmarionohio.com/marion-attractions/world-war-ii-memorial/
- Marion County World War II Veterans Memorial · Ohio Outdoor …, https://www.sculpturecenter.org/oosi/items/show/1850
- World War One Honor Roll – Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans, https://marionveterans.home.blog/marion-county-veterans-memorials/world-war-one-honor-roll/
- Three Marion Youths Lost in Korea in 6 Days in July of 1950 …, https://marionveterans.home.blog/2019/03/07/three-marion-men-lost-in-korea-in-six-days-in-july-of-1950/
- Marion County Historical Society | Official Website for Marion County …, https://www.marionhistory.com/
- World War Two – Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans, https://marionveterans.home.blog/rolls-of-honor/world-war-two/
- Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans – Recognizing Veterans of Marion …, https://marionveterans.home.blog/
- Dyer J Bird (1900-1918) – Find a Grave Memorial, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/198734060/dyer-j-bird
- WWII Army Casualties: Ohio | National Archives, https://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww2/army-casualties/ohio.html
- U. S. Military Fatal Casualties of the Korean Conflict from Marion County, https://iagenweb.org/marion/otherRecords/militaryRecords/KoreanCasualties.php
- Vietnam War casualties from Ohio – VirtualWall.org, https://www.virtualwall.org/istate/istatoh.htm
- Cpl. Michael Bruce Spicer Vietnam Casualty – Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans, https://marionveterans.home.blog/2019/07/20/cpl-michael-b-spicer-vietnam-casualty/
- PERSIAN GULF WAR | Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, https://case.edu/ech/articles/p/persian-gulf-war
- Marion, Ohio – Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans, https://marionveterans.home.blog/tag/marion-ohio/
- Fallen Heroes » Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial, https://ohiofallenheroes.org/fallen-heroes/
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