PMC Classes of the 1930s

Lieutenant Colonel Herbert R. Amey Jr. ’35 led the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines ashore during the brutal Battle of Tarawa in November 1943. Known for his courage under fire, he urged his men forward despite mortal wounds and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action.

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Major Francis P. Burk earned the Silver Star for gallantry after taking emergency command of Company E during a German counterattack near Normandy. His initiative and bold leadership helped repel the assault as the 4th Infantry Division pushed inland.

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Leading a heavy weapons unit in North Africa, Wilfred “Casey” Farrell ’39 earned the Silver Star before being captured in a German counterattack. He endured multiple POW camps until liberation in 1945, exemplifying courage, leadership, and unwavering resolve.

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Henry T. Feige served with UDT 6 in the Pacific, preparing beaches for amphibious landings. He received the Silver Star for gallantry under sniper, machine-gun, and mortar fire while clearing the way for assault troops during the invasions of Saipan and Guam. UDTs were the forerunners of today’s Navy SEALs.

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As co-pilot of “Old Hickory,” George Kassab helped fight off four attacking Japanese Zeros during a dangerous mission from Australia to the Celebes. Despite severe damage to their B‑24, the crew downed three enemy fighters and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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Athlete, scholar, and cadet leader, Walter F. Layer ’32 built a distinguished career in the Marine Corps, serving in World War II and commanding the 1st Marine Regiment in Korea. After the war, he served in state government and local office. Awarded PMC’s Outstanding Alumnus honor posthumously, he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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After graduating PMC and studying at Harvard, Richard O’Malley ’38 entered Army service in 1940. As commander of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, he led troops ashore on D-Day and through the Normandy campaign. Known as “The Iron Major” for his fearless leadership, he was killed in action in July 1944.

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In 1934, William “Reds” Pollock led PMC to an unbeaten season, earning national praise for his passing, kicking, blocking, and fierce defense. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in school history, Pollock elevated PMC football to national prominence and defined athletic excellence for a generation of cadets.

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Roberts, a lively PMC cadet turned tank destroyer officer, fought fiercely during the Battle of the Bulge. He helped stop German armor near Buissonville and rescued wounded crewmen under fire. Despite multiple injuries, he returned to his unit. For his heroism, he received the British Military Cross.

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A standout polo player and 1930 graduate, Carl “Jimmie” Schaubel remained at PMC as a coach before serving in Europe during World War II as part of General Eisenhower’s staff. After postwar military and business leadership, he returned to PMC as a vice president, bridging athletics, service, and institutional loyalty.

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Bill Stern ’30 rose from a spirited PMC cadet to one of America’s most celebrated sportscasters. Hosting major radio programs for nearly two decades, he became a national voice in sports and later honored PMC throughout his life, crediting the college for shaping his character and success.

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A standout cadet and Marine officer, William “Blackie” Tumbelston ’37 led the 1st Battalion, 27th Marines during the brutal fight for Iwo Jima. Wounded but refusing evacuation, he pressed the attack and broke enemy resistance, earning the Silver Star for extraordinary leadership and courage.

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