Notable Cadets

Thomas R. Childers, Jr.
Class of 1969
Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, First Marine Division, FMF Pacific

Bronze Star w/Valor for valorous actions and meritorious service in combat as a platoon leader and rifle company commander while conducting numerous night ambushes and other direct engagements with the enemy. In each of these actions, Lt. Childers exhibited courage under fire, composure, resourcefulness and disregard for his own safety to protect the lives of his Marines and accomplish the mission. Frequently, he retrieved wounded Marines from hot kill zones, pursued retreating enemy personnel, and motivated leadership by moving under fire to various positions to solidified and coordinate action essential to mission’s accomplishment.

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William Stern had failed several attempts at boarding schools. While his parents were traveling Europe, they happened to meet a Cadet from Pennsylvania Military College. Impressed by the young man’s poise and manners, the Sterns decided that PMC was the place for Bill to receive discipline and an education. Bill Stern flourished at PMC; he played basketball, football, and polo, used his extensive skills on the saxophone to help start a jazz group, led the college orchestra, and was appointed Captain Adjutant. Bill’s page in the Sabre and Sash, however, pointed to his future. “Is every body happy? This is Bill Stern speaking from the Bowl of Roses way out here in Lieperville.” Bill is a Graham McNamee, Ted Lewis, and a Frank Carideo all rolled up into one little bundle of vitality.”

“For twenty years, Stern was a fixture in broadcasting, rising to become one of the most famous, successful, and recognizable announcers of his time. He hosted several shows, including Spotlight on Sports, Remember This Date, and the very popular Sports Newsreel, a prime-time radio show featuring sports stories, news, and interviews. Sports Newsreel was heard on NBC from October 1937 to September 1953, when it moved to ABC, ending in June 1956. He was the recipient of over 30 awards from various radio, movie, and television publications for broadcasting. These included: the Billboard poll 1948-1949, the Radio Mirror poll 1949, the Scripps Newspaper Award Contest for five consecutive years, the Hearst newspaper award for four consecutive years, and the Radio Daily poll for ten years. In addition, Motion Picture Daily’s annual radio poll announced Bill Stern as the ‘Best Sports Announcer’ in 1951 for the 13th consecutive year. Stern retired from broadcasting in 1956 after collapsing at a football game.”

“Bill Stern never forgot Pennsylvania Military College. He returned in 1944 to deliver a eulogy for the PMC cadets lost during World War II, addressed a PMC sports banquet in 1955 and narrated the film ‘The PMC Story’ in 1957. Bill Stern paid his highest tribute to the college in a letter to the PMC Alumni Bulletin in which he wrote, ‘Whatever I did, you can credit to PMC. I came there a young punk, and left a man. PMC taught me much, mainly that in this life you get what you put into it.’ “

On November 19, 1971, Bill Stern died of a heart attack at the age of 64. He was inducted into the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame in March 1974 and the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame in 1984.

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When “B” Company Commander Thomas Anderson graduated from PMC in 1942, he was considered to be a no nonsense Cadet and a “True Leader.” He had a commanding voice, a squared-away military appearance and was an expert at handling those Cadets around him. During his four years, he was awarded the Dunlap Memorial Rifle Trophy and the Oliver Revolver Medal for his marksmanship. His amiable manner also kept him busy with several social pursuits, including the 3rd Class (Sophomore) and 2nd Class (Junior) Dance Committees and the Sabre and Sash (Yearbook).

Anderson was assigned to the 26th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed “The Blue Spaders”, 1st Infantry Division. He focused on preparing for the amphibious invasion of North Africa. First Lieutenant Anderson and his unit landed on the beaches west of Oran, in northwest Africa. The inexperienced American troops encountered stubborn enemy resistance. Anderson’s unit came under constant and effective machine-gun and small-arms fire. Anderson was awarded The Silver Star Medal for his leadership and bravery in leading his men to the successful completion of their mission.

Moving inland, the 1st Infantry Division took up defensive positions in the Kasserine Pass, a wide gap in the Atlas Mountains. Elements of Rommel’s Afrika Korps launched a counter-attack against the 1st Infantry in order to regain control of Tunisia. During the German assault, Anderson led a machine gun squad in the destruction of a well-concealed sniper nest. For his outstanding leadership and tactical skill, Anderson was awarded The Oak Leaf Cluster to The Silver Star Medal (Second Award).

On D-Day, the 26th Regiment landed on Omaha Beach. After landing on “Fox Green Beach,” Anderson, now a Captain and the Commanding Officer of A Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, was ordered to take the high ground west and southwest of the Port-en-Bessin, to include Mount Cauvin. Although little is recorded about this engagement, Anderson was awarded The 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to The Silver Star Medal (Third Award).

During the Korean War, in late May 1951, the 7th Infantry Regiment launched a counter-attack to a Chinese advancement. The goal was to capture key hills and passes near Soksa-ri, Korea, and push the enemy back. During the siege, the 3rd Battalion became critically short of water, rations, and ammunition. Anderson responded to the regimental commander’s request for supplies. Despite being under constant small arms fire from the Chinese and avoiding jagged mountaintops, he piloted an unarmed aircraft four times. Each time he accurately dropped the supplies the 3rd Battalion urgently needed. By the end of May, the enemy offensive had been crushed. Anderson was The 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster to The Silver Star Medal (Fourth Award) for his “Unwavering Gallantry.”

Few men are awarded multiples of The Silver Star Medal, the Nation’s Third-Highest Combat Award (Decoration) for Gallantry. Anderson was one of them.

Silver Star for gallantry in action while leading his force against an enemy force which subjected his force to constant machine-gun and small-arms fire before being overtaken.
 

Silver Star (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) for gallantry in action while serving in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations.

Silver Star (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)  for gallantry in action while serving in the European Theater of Operations.

Aviation Section, 7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Eighth Army, USAFFE
Silver Star (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)  for his gallantry while engaged in a struggle to seize a strategic mountain pass near Sangori, Korea, became critically short of water, rations, and ammunition.

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The Tumbelston family had a long association with PMC. Dr. Robert T. Tumbelston, ’07 was a graduate and the President of the Alumni Association. His two sons followed in his footsteps and attended PMC. William “Blackie” Tumbelston started as a rook in the Prep School and rose to be Cadet Captain of B Company in his First Class (Senior) year. His classmates considered him to be one of the most accomplished members of the Class of 1937 and for his “fearless determination” and leadership abilities also admired him. After graduation, he joined a Marine reserve battalion in Philadelphia.

Tumbelston was the Executive Officer of the 1st Battalion of the 27th Marines when they landed on Iwo Jima. He assumed command when Lieutenant Colonel Justin Duryea was wounded while taking Hill 326A. After making a thorough Leader’s Reconnaissance of the forward positions of the battalion, Tumbelston launched an attack on the heavily defended Japanese position that had halted the battalion’s advance. Leading from the front, as he was taught at PMC, he was wounded. The bullet struck him in the left arm, but after receiving treatment and refusing evacuation, he returned to the front. After the battle, Tumbelston was evacuated. In the five days he commanded the battalion, the forward attacks destroyed Japanese opposition. For his actions he was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

The battle to secure Iwo Jima witnessed the toughest combat of World War II. The courage and heroism of the Marines, however, inspired a war-weary nation and helped to propel it to final victory.

Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity  in action against Japanese forces on Iwo Jima.

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Douglas Haywood
Class of 1969
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR)

While serving as an aero-rifle platoon leader with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) during a reconnaissance mission in enemy-controlled territory, 1LT Haywood distinguished himself by valorous actions and decisive leadership. Upon making contact with an enemy force, small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire resulted in several of his soldiers sustaining wounds. 1LT Haywood led their recovery and later orchestrated their evacuation. He then deployed his platoon in pursuit of the fleeing enemy, eventually reestablishing contact and inflicting losses on the enemy. The enemy broke contact and fled. 1LT Haywood’s heroic leadership and coolness under fire reflected great credit on himself and the 11th ACR.

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James L. Hogg
Class of 1969
F Troop, 4th US Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade

Air Medal w/Valor

For heroism in aerial flight against an entrenched enemy force preventing the rescue of a downed American pilot. 1LT Hogg distinguished himself while serving as an aero-rifle platoon leader in enemy controlled territory in the border area of Northern South Vietnam. Assembling a volunteer group from his platoon, and commanding a two aircraft force, 1LT Hogg quickly located the downed pilot a mere 50 meters from a manned enemy bunker line. He directed his aircraft to lay down suppressive fire while the second aircraft boarded the wounded pilot. Enemy fire was heavy and despite the danger, 1LT Hogg maintained the suppressive fire at great risk to his aircraft until the rescue aircraft was completely clear of the area.

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John C. Everson
Class of 1967
1st Battalion, 11th Infantry, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), USARV

Bronze Star w/Valor for valorous actions. While commanding B Company, 1-11th Infantry during contact with an North Vietnamese force inside the DMZ, LT Everson’s unit sustained numerous casualties. After having evacuated the wounded, 1st Platoon discovered that its point man was unaccounted for and presumed KIA. In order to determine the young rifleman’s status and recover him, LT Everson moved 300 meters outside the company perimeter through the enemy automatic weapons kill zone to locate him. Though he located the body, it was too close to the enemy bunkers to recover it that night. The next morning the body was recovered during the morning’s sweep of the position.

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John H. Calior
Class of 1967
3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division, USARV

Bronze Star w/Valor for heroism

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Joseph C. Gross
Class of 1968
176th Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, Americal Division USARV

Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander during the extraction under fire of a long range reconnaissance team. Despite the hazardous conditions of terrain and enemy fire, 1LT Gross maneuvered the aircraft into a stable and stationary position at tree top level to enable the team to be pulled through the canopy onto the aircraft. This was accomplished at significant personal risk and resulted in the team’s safe return to friendly control without any loss of life.

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Michael R. Sullivan
Class of 1967
2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, USARV

Silver Star for heroic action while on a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam. When his company came under attack from an enemy of unknown size, 1st Lt Sullivan acted swiftly. Despite heavy enemy fire he placed his men in strategic fighting positions. Sullivan was wounded as he positioned his men and directed suppressive fire on the enemy, allowing for his unit to withdraw and regroup. Being wounded a second time, he was forced to accept medical help and evacuation.

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Phillip Gray
Class of 1967
Company A, 2nd Battalion, 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, USAREUR

Soldier’s Medal for heroism and leadership, while serving as a tank company commander in West Germany. While participating in tank gunnery qualification, a tank exploded near an ammunition point. Captain Gray immediately ordered the tank to be re-located away from that location and surrounding vehicles. Completely disregarding his own safety, Captain Gray climbed into the smoke-filled burning vehicle and removed ten rounds of HE ammunition and other sensitive equipment. He then directed the further movement of the tank to a remote location further eliminating danger to both personnel and material. Captain Gray’s courageous actions, decisive leadership, and humanitarian concern for his soldiers reflected great credit on himself.

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Richard L. Clark
Class of 1968
1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), USARV

Army Commendation Medal w/V for heroism when his platoon was attacked by a well-equipped and determined company of North Vietnamese regulars. Lt. Clark directed retaliatory fire to each member of his platoon and then, under heavy fire, attempted to recover the body of a mortally wounded armored personnel driver. His courageous efforts kept casualties low and were a significant contribution to the defeat of the enemy.

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Wilfred “Casey” Farrell was a member of the basketball team and a determined student while attending PMPS (1932-35). He graduated from PMC in 1939. Best known for his unselfishness, leadership, and carefree outlook, he was a standout during his seven years as a resident of Old Main. After graduation, Farrell entered the Army and was assigned to the 26th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Blue Spaders. The 26th was a part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the First Infantry Division.

In 1942, the 26th Infantry led America’s first amphibious assault in North Africa near Oran in Algeria. In January 1943, Harold Boyle, a renowned war correspondent traveling with the Army, wrote that, in a pre-dawn assault, the Americans charged up a slippery slope of 1,000 feet with fixed bayonets and seized the heights. Farrell led his unit, a heavy weapons company, in advance of this attack. In February, in an effort to locate machine gun nests that had kept his unit pinned down on a hillside, he and another officer voluntarily went beyond their own lines. Many Americans, including Farrell, were subsequently cut off and taken prisoner when the Germans launched a counter attack. For his gallantry in action during the battle, Farrell was awarded the Silver Star Medal, which was presented, to his father at Fort DuPont.

According to Farrell, he was first taken to Tunis and then to a camp in Naples, Italy. Two weeks later, Farrell was moved to a camp in Austria. After three months in Austrian camp, he was shipped to Oflag (Offizierslager) 64, a prisoner of war camp for American officers in Poland. The camp was built around a Polish boys’ school in Szubin to detain the 150 officers captured in the North Africa Campaign. As the war continued, the size of the camp rose to 1,471 men. The “Kriegies” (short for Kriegsgefangenen: prisoners of war) made the best of their situation by organizing sports events, musical and theatrical performances and escape plans. Farrell wrote to his parents that he was studying French and German as well as reading some good books. In January 1945, the Russians liberated the camp and Farrell was returned to the United States. It was reported in the PMC News (June, 1945) that Farrell felt the Polish people “treated us wonderfully” and were of great assistance once the prisoners were liberated.

Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry when he and First Lieutenant Johnson voluntarily pushed forward under heavy enemy fire beyond his own lines in an attempt to locate a better emplacement for his units machine-guns.

Prisoner of War After being captured during the above-mentioned mission, Captain Farrell was taken to Oflag (Offizierslager) 64, a prisoner of war camp for American officers in Poland.

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William G. Pfeifle
Class of 1966
2nd Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, USARV

Bronze Star w/Valor for heroism in ground combat, during the Tet offensive, when the battalion Tactical Command Post (TACCP) came under enemy mortar and ground attack. As the OIC of the makeshift TACCP, configured in the open on the bed of a MULE, 1LT Pfeifle remained unprotected, as supporting infantrymen dove for cover, and coordinated the actions of the battalion. Without any regard for his own safety, he located the flashes from the enemy mortars and directed counterbattery fire. Then, under a poncho to neutralize light from the radio console, 1LT Pfeifle radioed counterbattery fire to the battalion mortar section, coordinated the evacuation of wounded and maintained battalion-level command and control. He maintained this activity for over an hour under these perilous conditions without any consideration to his own safety and the danger. Upon emerging from the poncho, it was found to be perforated with numerous shrapnel holes. His devotion to duty and personal bravery enabled the unit to successful repel the enemy attack.

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Charles March
Class of 1966
2nd Battalion, 34th Armor, 25th Division USARV

Bronze Star w/Valor for his heroism while leading a battalion task force attempting to reinforce members of the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division under attack at Suoi Tre, Vietnam. After making a slow advance through jungle, 1st Lt. March encountered an enemy force of a large force from the 9h Viet Cong Division overrunning the fire support base he was to reinforce. He immediately deployed his platoon, taking advantage of his mobility and fire support. Throughout the battle, 1st Lt March engaged the Viet Cong at a very close range while exposing himself to hostile fire as he deployed his men and secured the perimeter.

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Edward R. Underwood
Class of 1961
Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, USARV

Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Aero Scout Platoon Leader.

Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty.

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Glenn Dennis
Class of 1966
Headquarters, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, USARV

Bronze Star w/Valor for heroism while serving as the liaison to the Chon Than District headquarters. When the headquarters came under attack by a North Vietnamese Army unit of unknown size, Captain Dennis responded by evading constant mortar and small arms fire in order to reach the unprotected communications center. While rocket-propelled grenades exploded around him, Captain Dennis coordinated supporting fires from other units in the area.

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Gordon M. Hanscom
Class of 1966
446th Transportation Company, 26th General Supply Group, USARV

Bronze Star w/Valor for heroism during an attack by an overwhelming hostile force at Dong Ha. During the initial rocket attack, 1st Lieutenant Hanscom rushed to the impact area to assist in the fight. Despite being exposed to constant shrapnel and enemy fire, he helped with the wounded and assisted the evacuation of the men. He then organized the remainder of the men while the attack continued.

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John Drupa
Class of 1966

4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade (Separate), Task Force Oregon, USARV

Silver Star for gallantry during a night assault against an entrenched and well armed enemy. Pinned down due to intense enemy fire positioned on dominant the terrain, Lt. Drupa, quickly realized the precarious position and heavy casualties suffered by the lead platoon. He promptly positioned his platoon for attack. As his platoon advanced he started to remove the wounded. He then moved from position to position and organized a withdrawal despite the intense enemy fire. During this firefight, he was continuously exposed while he pulled four wounded soldiers to safety and killed two snipers that were trying to prevent the evacuation.

Bronze Star w/Valor for heroism during an intense enemy attack. In support of the lead platoon, which had come under intense small arms fire and grenade attacks, Lt. Drupa flanked the lead platoon and continue the attack. This allowed for the evacuation of wounded soldiers from the lead platoon.

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William J. Ahlum
Class of 1966
184th Ordnance Battalion, 1st Logistics Command, USARV

Bronze Star for heroism during an enemy rocket and mortar attack of an ammunition dump, Ahlum repeatedly risked his own life evacuating his men from the area.

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