Three generations of the Malec family, dating back to the Spanish-American War, and a member of the Krute family who served under Gen. George Patton. (Suze Krute)
HARTFORD-TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day from 1919 to 1954, is observed each year on Nov. 11, and celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. A number of Patch readers in Hartford and Tolland counties have shared brief stories and photos of their beloved veterans.
Anyone wishing to add their favorite veteran to this column may do so by emailing tim.jensen@patch.com. Include the veteran's name, hometown, branch of service, rank, era served and a photo.
Lt. Adam Tallarita - Enfield - Navy pilot flying an F-18 stationed at China Lake in California.Guy Smith - on the USS Wasp aircraft carrier for four years in late 1950s and early 1960s. Passed away at Soldier’s Home in Holyoke, Mass.Harry Putney - U.S. Army 1944-1946 during World War II, served in the Battle of the Bulge. Daughter Gigi says, "This is his 75th anniversary from bring discharged from the Army. At 95, he doesn't remember a lot, but says he remembers it like it was yesterday."Ben Pitz - South Windsor - Bravo Co. 102 Infantry CT Army National Guard Operation Enduring Freedom. Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan.Gregg Oberlander - U.S. Navy 3rd class petty officer on board the USS Sumper for four years as a ship cook and A gang. Robert Mercer - Vernon - U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.Suze Krute of Enfield sent us her great-grandfather, Rudolph Malec Sr., Spanish-American War with Teddy Roosevelt; grandfather Rudolph Malec, World War I; father Joseph W. Malec, World War II; uncle Robert A. Malec, killed in World War II; and father-in-law Richard J. Krute Sr., served under Gen. George Patton in World War II. Robert Majewski Jr. - Enfield - retired Air Force MSgt. / E-7, served from 1981 to 2014.Bob Lockwood - Somers, grew up in Unionville - U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnance crewman, served four years with Patrol Squadron One at Whidbey Island, WA, then deployed to the Far East with the U.S. Seventh Fleet for six months during the Vietnam era.John Liro - Enfield - Paratrooper 82 then 101st Army at Battle of the Bulge in World War II.Walter Limberger - Ellington - SSgt. Army Air Corps - B17 tail gunner in World War II. He passed away in 2018 at 93.Steven Kantor - U.S. Marines - daughter Arlene Crowley said, "Dad had three older brothers, all of whom were in the military and Dad wanted to do the same. He told me of so many places he went to fight for our country. Dad was proud to have served; he was in so many parades in our town. For many years he would march along with everyone else, as he got older he made his way to riding in a car in the parades. He was an an amazing dad and a wonderful grandfather."SSgt. Wayne C. Jensen - grew up in Manchester, lived 40 years in Enfield - U.S. Air Force, Korean War.Raymond Hollister - U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was a Morse code operator, discharged honorably with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Francis Henry - U.S. Army, World War II, pictured at Normandy. Daughter Carole Henry of Bolton said, "He fought in several campaigns and he apparently never accepted any of his medals. At his death, we were given nine bronze stars."Bob Gargano - Vernon - corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, 1954. Angelina Gange - Southington - 102 years young - served in the WAVES from 1943-1945. Originally from the Bronx, she was stationed in Seattle and Alameda, CA. where she achieved the rank of Pharmacist's Mate 2, training Navy pilots in the proper use of their oxygen. Robert Eppinger - grew up in New Jersey, lives in Marlborough - U.S. Navy E-6 Petty Officer, late 1950s into 1960s. Michael Egan - South Windsor - U.S. Army E-5, Vietnam 1966-1967.Spec 5 Laurie Dunlop - Manchester - U.S. Army 1979-1985.Major Allen Diamond - Tolland - U.S. Army - currently overseas in Africa on his third deployment.SSgt Melissa Cyr - West Hartford - U.S. Air Force (current).William J. Cosgrove - Rockville - Army Air Forces during World War II, flew 34 combat missions over Europe as a radio operator/gunner on a B-17. Daughter Ann said, "Dad was born, raised and lived a long, happy life in Rockville, his favorite place on earth."Wayne E. Camp II - Marines - fought in Panama war.SSgt. Robert H. Brown Jr. - Coventry - U.S. Air Force Combat Control Team, 1965-1969. 2 tours in Vietnam. MSgt (Retired) David Bedner, U.S. Air Force, Operation Desert Storm era. AB Derek Bedner, current CT Air National Guard. From Southington.C/MSgt William A. Baker - U.S. Air Force, World War II and Korea. Enlisted May 14, 1939. Retired May 14, 1980.
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David N. Baker - lived in Wood-Ridge, NJ, buried in Garden Street Cemetery in Farmington. Vietnam veteran who won the Silver Star for bravery.Michael Albert Sr. - Vernon - U.S. Air Force, senior airman, 2006-2012. Was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas as a crew chief specializing in Hercules C-130. Don't miss local and statewide news from all across Connecticut. Register for free Patch alerts and daily newsletters.
