Let Freedom Ring

LET

FREEDOM Ring

2014

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June 27, 2014

Rare, but Daeger recognizes fear during World War II

BY JENNIFER DECKER jdecker@kpcmedia.com

KATHRYN BASSETT

Legion dedicates memorial Butler American Legion Post 202 dedicated its veterans monument on the morning of June 7 at the post, 118 N. Broadway.

HAMILTON — Though Al Daeger said it was rare for 19- and 20-year-old soldiers to admit fear during World War II, he was forced to make an exception once.

“How many 19-, 20-year-olds get scared?” he said and explained his concern. “We were going through a mine field and it was pitch black. You couldn’t see your face 5 feet in front of you and I did get scared.”

The Hamilton U.S. Navy veteran overcame the alarm and proceeded to earn Silver and Bronze Star honors for his gallantry.

Daeger, 88, served in the South Pacific 69 years ago, between 1944-46. He was a yeoman — a captain’s secretary — and stenographer aboard the USS Eisele DE See DAEGER page 3

JENNIFER DECKER

Al Daeger, Hamilton, shows a knife he purchased years ago at sea from Filipinos who likely crafted it. Daeger served as a U.S. Navy yeoman during part of World War II.

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On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting forth the move toward freedom from British rule in America.

As always, we as a nation will observe the holiday with a variety of celebrations, from parades to fireworks shows and from cookouts to flotillas on some of our lakes.

As you celebrate the holiday we have put together this special section with an eye toward our veterans, the many men and women who have served the country to make sure the freedoms fought for in 1776 are still part of the nation today.

We have stories about selected veterans from our four-county area, and we hope you enjoy reading about these individuals and the sacrifices they made during World War II. We have also included special links to videos that have been produced by KPC Media Group news personnel that have honored veterans and events revolving around service people.

Of course, we have a listing of events that will be held throughout our area in the coming days to celebrate America.

We hope you enjoy this special section that celebrates what makes Freedom Ring in northeast Indiana. This section may also be accessed at kpcnews.com.

On the cover:

A close up of the eagle on the new memorial at the Butler American Legion Post 202. The monument was dedicated on June 7, 2014.

Photo by Jeff Jones.

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June 27, 2014

Let Freedom Ring

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DAEGER From page 2

34, an escort vessel. To learn his duties, Daeger went to school seven days a week.

Four enemy suicide planes attacked the Eisele, Daeger said. He and his crew succeeded in shooting down two hostile planes and damaged several others.

Somehow, the Eisele and its seamen survived.

“We shot down five Japanese Zeroes — fighter planes that were very fast— and were made from what was like tissue paper,” he said. “Our closest call was their manned torpedo bomber dropped (a bomb) on us. They were getting desperate.”

On the Eisele, Daeger did double duty of sorts. His workday was roughly between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the ship’s office typing ship’s logs and the newspaper. From midnight to 4 a.m. he was on gun watch.

He showed some photos and a few war mementos, including a partially-worn knife he purchased at sea from

Filipinos.

“When we stopped in the Philippines, the natives came out in their boats and they wanted to sell to sailors and I think I gave them $10 for this. I would call it a knife. I never used it, but I think it’s black ebony,” he said.

Daeger said he served in the war to ensure freedom. He remembers that with each playing of “Taps.”

“I think I helped preserve freedom,” he said. “It’s just too bad more people don’t appreciate freedom.”

Daeger’s memories in having served were re-enforced at two other major events.

He toured the World War II Memorial and other historic sites in Washington, D.C. The biggie for him was the Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

“I went on that Honor Flight four years ago. That Honor Flight is the most touching thing I have ever seen,” Daeger said. “It’s so touching I can’t describe it.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Hamilton U.S. Navy veteran Al Daeger paused in his dress whites years ago.

Daeger is a veteran of World War II, having served in the South Pacific as a yeoman.

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June 27, 2014

Ligonier veteran enjoys life at age 95 Howard Lewis fought in World War II; earned several medals

home until well past midnight,” he said from his apartment. “We did it all in one day, and it makes for a long day and a tough trip. I really enjoyed it, but it’s a nuisance when it rains.”

BY BOB BUTTGEN His son, Richard, was Lewis’ companion bbuttgen@kpcmedia.com for the Honor Flight, which has become the LIGONIER —His neighbors at the nation’s way of saying thanks to men and Avalon Village apartments in Ligonier may women who fought to keep the country free know Howard Lewis as that nice, older during World War II. gentleman in 4B who is so helpful.

For a man who is closing in on the century Little do they know they have a decorated mark of his life, Lewis shows no sign of and brave World War II veteran living in their slowing down. His memory is unbelievably little neighborhood. clear as he recalls specific details of the Lewis, at the age of 95, has done more and five-plus years he served in the U.S. Army seen more in his lifetime than probably most from 1940 to 1945. any other resident of Ligonier.

Lewis lost his wife, Ruth, five years ago.

Lewis is a decorated World War II Together they raised their family in Ligonier veteran who earlier this year was treated with two boys and a girl (Richard, Jim and to a whirlwind, one-day Honor Flight to Robin), now grown and with families of their Washington, D.C. He and 30 other members own. of the “Greatest Generation” were treated like “I went into the Army before they royalty as they toured the many attractions in bombed Pearl Harbor,” he recalled. “I was the nation’s capital, including the World War stationed in Texarkana, Arkansas, when the II Memorial.

Japanese hit Pearl Harbor. Before I knew Lewis described the trip as exhausting but what was happening, we were put on a troop very fulfilling. Unfortunately, it rained most train, which actually was old cattle car they of the day.

“We left here at 5 a.m. and didn’t back See VETERAN page 5

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Howard Lewis of Ligonier holds up the shirt he received during his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., earlier this year. At the age of 95, Lewis can still recall the details of his role in the U.S. Army during World War II.

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June 27, 2014

VETERAN From page 4

outfitted for us.”

He recalls arriving in southern California just as the war was ramping up in early 1942.

“We pitched our tents in an orange grove.

The people that owned the property took us into their house, two at a time, to get washed up. After a while, they sent us over to a Lockheed plant to protect it.

“From there, we were sent up to San Francisco, and they handed us wool uniforms and told us we were going to Alaska,” he said. “But at about that time, we were able to break the Japanese code, so they gave us khakis and shipped us off to Honolulu!”

Lewis was assigned to the 27th infantry, and his company was the “Fighting 69th.”

He was made a platoon sergeant in the infantry, and because there was a shortage of officers, his company didn’t have a first lieutenant like most other companies. He was in charge of training his own troops.

“We had a bunch of guys in there from places like New York City who had never seen or held a rifle before,” he said with a grin.

From there, Lewis’ story becomes more dramatic — the stuff war movies are made from. He fought in battles at Makin Island, then moved on to bigger and more famous

battles such as Saipan, Guam and Okinawa.

He never made it back to American soil until the war ended, spending nearly five years in the Pacific Theater.

“I never set foot on Japanese soil, but we were preparing to ship out for Japan when they dropped the big one on them,” he said.

Lewis was wounded on Saipan, sent back to Honolulu to be patched up and then returned to his unit. He took a piece of shrapnel in his eye and has partial loss of hearing from being too close to an exploding bomb. The wounds still give him trouble some 60 years later.

He was awarded the Purple Heart and other medals for his courage.

After the war, Lewis had no trouble finding meaningful and important work. He ran restaurants in Ligonier and Angola for the first five years, then started a career as an inspector with companies such as Bendix of South Bend and Weatherhead (now Dana) in Syracuse. Those companies sought him for his intelligence and organizational skills.

Now, he’s just another neighbor at the Avalon Village apartments in Ligonier, where he and other seniors look out for each other.

“I love it here,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade my life for anything.”

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Let Freedom Ring

LaGrange vet recalls Battle of the Bulge

BY PATRICK REDMOND predmond@kpcmedia.com

LAGRANGE — John “Doc” Pipher is a member of a very exclusive group, and unfortunately, a group that’s growing smaller by the day.

Pipher, 92, a retired LaGrange chiropractor, is a veteran of World War II, and one of only a handful of LaGrange County veterans who served in World War II that are still living.

And as the country recently marked the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Pipher recalled how his war experience affected the rest of his life.

“I think maybe I appreciate life a little bit more,” Pipher said. “That’s a fair statement.”

Like so many other young men of his generation, Pipher’s military career began with a letter from his Uncle Sam, a draft notice. After his induction and See LAGRANGE page 8

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Let Freedom Ring

Red, white, blue abounds in Northeast Indiana

Following are events across northeast Indiana to celebrate Independence Day. Unless noted, events take place on July 4.

Clear Lake:

• The Clear Lake Association fireworks, 10 p.m.

• Boat parade, starting at Clear Lake Yacht Club, 1:30 p.m., July 5.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 178 present the colors at the beginning of the 21st annual Heritage Days Parade in Garrett last year. Avery Morrison and J.W. Custer salute during the singing of the national anthem.

Steuben County Angola

• Music Americana patriotic concert, Steuben Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St., Angola, 7 p.m., July 3.

• Parade, 11 a.m. Theme is “Youth: America’s Future.” Parade runs on South Wayne and Park streets.

• Day-long holiday celebration, Commons Park, carnival rides, games, food vendors, magician, a live animal show, a skydive exhibition, free concerts, 1 p.m.

• Fireworks, dusk.

Hamilton

• Fish fry, Hamilton Fish and Game Club, 5 p.m..

• Tot King and Queen, at the street dance in downtown Hamilton, 8 p.m., with street dance featuring Behind Barres until 11 p.m.

• Flotilla lighted boat parade, millpond, dark.

• July 5, breakfast, Hamilton Fish and Game Club, 7 a.m.; 7:30 a.m.

— 5K run and walk, fire department; 9 a.m. — Church of Christ annual pie sale, fire department; Lions Club chicken barbecue, fire department,

9 a.m.; Pet parade, bike and trike parade, fire department, 10 a.m.; veterans dedication, public beach, 11:45 a.m.; parade, “Celebrating the American Dream, downtown, noon; duck race, public beach, 1 p.m.; fireworks show, Hog Hill, gates open at 6 p.m., show at dark.

• July 6, community church service, Fish Creek Trail, 8 a.m.

Lake James

• Flotilla, staging at 10 a.m., parade at 11 a.m., in front of Potawatomi Inn, July 5.

• Fireworks, first basin, in front of Potawatomi Inn, dusk, July 5.

Noble County Albion

• Fireworks, 302 Cougar Court,

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Angola Fourth of July parade during last year’s celebration.

dusk, July 3.

Kendallville

• Bixler Park, Kendallville, 4 p.m., kids’ games, food and craft vendors, music — west terrace and Jansen Pavilion at the north end of the lake; 7 p.m., Spencer Kane concert near west beach; and fireworks over the lake, 9:30 p.m.

Rome City

• Fireworks, Sylvan Lake dike, dusk, July 5.

LaGrange County Topeka

• Little Miss and Mr. Topeka Pageant, Topeka Elementary, 6:30 p.m., July 3.

• Road Race and Fun Walk, East

Park Pavilion and 3-on-3 basketball tourney, 8 a.m.

• Police K-9 demonstration, miniature pony pull at sale barn arena, 9 a.m.

• Kids games in East Park Playground, pony pull, sale barn arena; garden tractor pull on South Babcock Street, 10 a.m.

• Big Wheel races near East Park Playground; Lions Club pork burger, barbecue chicken cookout; dunk tank featuring local police and fire officials; 11 a.m.

• Children’s puppet show, East Park Pavilion, noon.

• Horse Pull in sale barn arena, 1 p.m.

• Pie-eating contest in East Park parking lot, 3 p.m.

• Parade, 5:30 p.m.

Garrett High School’s Railroader Regiment marches in last year’s Garrett Heritage Days parade through downtown Garrett.

• Buggy races on Main Street, 6:15 p.m.

• LaGrange County Community Band, East Park Pavilion, 6:30 p.m.

• Free concert, East Park Pavilion, the Bulldogs, 8 p.m.

• Fireworks, 10 p.m.

Wolcottville

• Pancake Breakfast 7-11 a.m.

• Volleyball tournament 8 a.m.

• Car Show 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Duck race, 11 a.m.

• Parade, 1 p.m.

• Kids games 3-6 p.m.

• Cornhole tournament 3 p.m.

• The Fords music entertainment 6-8 p.m.

• Teen Dance 8 p.m.

• Fireworks, dusk.

DeKalb Auburn

• Auburn Kiwanis fireworks show, Auburn Auction Park, July 5, 10 p.m.

Garrett

• Garrett Heritage Days Parade and Pet Parade, 6:30 p.m., July 3.

• Todd Herendeen and the Follow that Dream Band in Eastside Park, Elvis Look-Alike Contest during intermission, 7:30 p.m., July 3.

• Pancake breakfast, 7 a.m.

• 10th Annual Cruise-In/Car Show, 8 a.m.

• 5K Run/2-mile walk, 9 a.m.

• Garrett annual swim meet, Feick Park, 10 a.m.

• Chalk walk and judging, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

• Dance shows, Patricia Krus School of Dance, 10 a.m., Cathy Ann Dance Studio, 11 a.m., Eastside Park stage.

• Knights of Columbus chicken barbecue, Eastside Park pavilion, 11:30 a.m.

• Kiddie Tractor Pull, noon.

• Auburn Community Band, Eastside Park stage, noon.

• Talent Show, basketball shoot out, 1 p.m.

• Garrett Eagles Money Scramble, 2 p.m.

• Pie and cookie auction, Eastside Park, 3 p.m.

• Garrett Little/JuniorTeen/Teen pageants, 5 p.m.

• Fireworks, 800 block of East Warfield Street, 10 p.m.

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LAGRANGE From page 5

basic training, Pipher spent the first few years of his Army life bouncing from post to post as part of an anti-aircraft group. Later he was transferred to an ordnance company.

Eventually, Pipher was shipped overseas, and just two months after D-Day, his unit was sent into France, following the trail blazed by D-Day troops into the French countryside.

“We were an ordinance battalion that took care of the Army’s truck, tanks and artillery,” he said. “We were what they called a headquarters company.

We didn’t do the work ourselves. We had platoons under us that did the actual work.”

But all that changed when the Germans launched a surprise offensive late in 1944 that became known as the Battle of the Bulge.

“During the Battle of the Bulge, we lost a lot of people. The Army didn’t have time to bring replacements, so they picked up personnel already in France,” he recalls of his introduction to front line combat. “I was assigned to the 95th Infantry Division.”

That late 1944 German offensive first caught the Allied forces off guard.

United States forces bore the brunt of that attack, incurring the high casualties. It’s a time of his life that Pipher is not always found of recalling.

“No, it was not fun,” Pipher said.

“You don’t remember the bad parts, you do remember the good parts, and I guess that’s good.”

Pipher said that the war changed him.

“Oh, I would say that the war would have to change you to a certain extent,” he explained. “When you get into a boat to go in where they’re shooting at you, it’s bound to change you a bit.”

Pipher said he saw his share of war’s destruction, including death, as he moved across France and into Belgium.

“I think it made you grow up overnight,” he said. “It had to have had an effect on you.”

After the U.S. forces pushed back the German troops, Pipher was sent back in the U.S. to begin training for another large battle, the anticipated invasion of Japan. Thankfully, the war

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Sgt. John Pipher somewhere in France during World War II. Pipher said the countryside was so war-torn it was almost impossible to know where you were even with maps.

ended and the Japan invasion never happened. Pipher was discharged and sent home.

With his G.I. Bill in hand, Pipher put himself through college, became a chiropractor, and in the early 1950s settled in LaGrange to work and raise his family.

“LaGrange was a sleepy, quiet little town back then,” he recalled. “We opened up the office and this is the only place I’ve ever practiced.”

One gift Pipher passed on to his children is the gift of patriotism. For 67 years, Pipher has been a member of the LaGrange American Legion Post, serving the organization in positions of leadership, including at the

national level. Following their father’s example, son Mike is a past Indiana state commander of the Sons of the American Legion. And his youngest son, Bill, is a member of the LaGrange Sons of the American Legion.

“I am very patriotic,” he said. “But I don’t like some of he things that are going on now. I don’t know why we’re going to send more Marines to Baghdad. I don’t understand why China and Russia and those countries can’t send people instead of us, but I know the answer because we’re a more caring country than they are. I don’t have to like it, I guess, but I served my time and I can say what I think.”

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98

Historic teachings Garrett veteran witnessed war’s iconic events

BY SUE CARPENTER scarpenter@kpcmedia.com

GARRETT — Richard “Dick” Capin is widely known as an outstanding math teacher at Garrett High School and winning Railroader athletic coach.

But his three years in the Pacific Theater during World War II put him in the front row as history was made.

In 1944, Capin enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17, and after attending electrical school was shipped by cattle train with other troops to San Francisco. From there, he and other men rode in a luxury boat from California to Hawaii — the unescorted ship sped faster than the Japanese submarines watching for American ships, Capin said.

Capin was assigned to the USS West Virginia, the most severely damaged

sunken battleship to be salvaged and returned to service after being ripped apart by as many as eight Japanese torpedoes during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The refurbished ship was put back into service in September 1944, with most of the war already fought.

Capin and crew defended the Philippine Islands from Japanese naval advances in the Battle of Leyte in the fall of 1944, and they went on to fight in the front lines at the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa in early 1945.

Capin recalled watching U.S. Marines raise the flag on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima from the West Virginia as it traveled close to shore, providing fire support for the invasion, bombarding the island with 16-inch shells and destroying ammunition dumps and anti-aircraft gun positions.

“The enemy was hiding in caves,” Capin said. “The guys on shore were suffering.”

From there, the West Virginia traveled a couple weeks later to Okinawa, See HISTORIC page 10

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HISTORIC From page 9

where it shelled the island in advance of an American assault.

Capin recalled a kamikaze plane landing on the boat in April 1945, but the bomb it carried had broken loose from its shackle and penetrated the second deck.

“It didn’t explode due to a bent firing pin,” he said. Four soldiers were killed and seven injured in the crash.

“We saw photos of their families and children,” Capin said shaking his head.

“We were very lucky.”

The West Virginia continued serving in the South Pacific for a few months, providing support for the Army and Marines at Okinawa and breaking up troop concentrations sheltering the enemy.

In August, the West Virginia steamed toward Tokyo Bay. “We heard the war was over and that the Japanese would be signing (a surrender) any minute,” Capin said. “We were very excited.”

The West Virginia can be seen in the distance photographs depicting the signing of the Instrument of Surrender that ended World War II. It was the only ship present that had been attacked at Pearl Harbor.

Capin said the sailors looked over port side to see the Japanese delegation climb on board the USS Missouri for the signing with the Supreme Allied Commander, Army General Douglas MacArthur, and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Pacific Commander in Chief, among others.

The excitement of the return trip from Hawaii to San Diego heightened as the

SUE CARPENTER SUE CARPENTER

Retired high school teacher Richard “Dick” Capin of Garrett holds a photo of the USS West Virginia on which he served in the Pacific Theater.

Dick Capin in the classroom during his years as a math and physics teacher at Garrett High School.

homeward bound banner flew in the wind, a two-foot white piece of fabric for every enlisted man on board, and a two-foot red piece for every officer.

There were 1,500 troops on the boat, he said.

Capin was on board as the West Virginia made six more trips to Hawaii and back to bring home troops.

Following their discharge from the service, Capin and a buddy hitchhiked from the West Coast to Iowa, then Capin

classroom.

Capin’s recollection of the events is spot-on after nearly 70 years. Capin’s daughter, Nancy Feagler, shared that during a trip to Washington, D.C., he was able to give historical facts about the World War II with such clarity, people around stopped to listen.

In May, Capin had the privilege of taking an Honor Flight to Washington.

Although he retired at age 68, Capin’s love of teaching carries on.

continued to Fort Wayne, where his family owned a Venetian blind business.

He attended Manchester College on the GI Bill with a goal to become an insurance actuary. But his love of coaching and teaching took over, and he began his career as a physical education and math teacher and sports coach in 1954.

Former student Ed Placencia recalled Capin using measurements from the USS West Virginia for math problems in the

A big thank you to all the past, present and future veterans!

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Veteran videos at kpcnews.com

Lynn “Doc” Munger

Elwood DeHority

Dari West

Lynn “Doc” Munger served in the Navy at Pearl Harbor. After the war, he collected Native American artifacts.

Elwood DeHority of Howe served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He recently participated in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Dari West, an Army staff sergeant with the 197th Fires Brigade Charlie Battery, completed his tour in Afghanistan and returned to Auburn to surprise his parents.

Gene Cogan

Ethan Harris

Veterans display

The French government presented Gene Cogan the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal for his service with the 29th Division at Normandy during World War II.

Army Spc. Ethan Harris returned from Afghanistan and dressed as Santa Claus to surprise his mother Kim at Prairie Heights High School.

A photo display at the North Wayne Street McDonald’s in Angola honors those who served in the military.

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Dos and don’ts of fireworks

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

As the mercury rises, the parties and festivities that have come to signify summer excite revelers far and wide. Summer has become the season of pool parties, trips to the beach, barbecues, and, of course, fireworks.

Love it or hate it, warm weather seems to beckon neighbors out of hibernation and incites a desire to set things on fire. When cooking over an open flame doesn’t satisfy that desire, many take to shooting off bottle rockers and whistlers. But fireworks can still be dangerous, and not everyone is equipped or legally allowed to ignite fireworks. Therefore, to avoid potentially dangerous injuries, fines or arrests, it pays to follow these fireworks dos and don’ts.

DO find out if fireworks are legal in your area. If you have to travel over state lines or into another country to purchase fireworks, there is a good chance you are not

allowed to use fireworks in your community. There are many regulations regarding the sale, transport and use of fireworks, so be sure you’re not breaking any laws before buying any fireworks.

DON’T buy fireworks from just anyone. You want to ensure you are purchasing them from a reputable retailer of legal fireworks.

DO check any safety guidelines and warnings on the wrapper of the fireworks before lighting them.

DON’T light fireworks near people, trees, homes, or any combustible materials.

DO keep a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby in the event of a fire. The National Fire Prevention Association notes that the Fourth of July features more reported fires than any other day of the year.

See FIREWORKS page 12

11 12

Let Freedom Ring

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June 27, 2014

FIREWORKS From page 11

DON’T forget that sparklers and firecrackers are no safer than other types of fireworks. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1200 F, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns and is hotter than the temperature it takes to melt glass.

DO leave fireworks to the professionals to avoid injury or fire.

DON’T light more than one firework at a time.

DO wait 15 to 20 minutes after

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lighting a firework to see if it has ignited.

If not, dump the firework in a bucket of water and move on to a fresh firework.

DON’T let small children handle and light fireworks.

DO make every attempt not to store fireworks. If you purchase them, use them all up. However, a cool, out-ofthe-way place may suffice for a day or so.

DON’T have any part of your body over the firework when lighting it. Try to

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use a lit stick or butane lighter to keep as far away as possible.

DO say no to alcoholic beverages when lighting fireworks. Your perception and dexterity can be compromised by alcohol.

DON’T shoot fireworks off in windy conditions. Otherwise, make sure the prevailing wind is blowing away from the audience.

DO wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.

DON’T shoot fireworks off of uneven ground. To ensure stability, always light them on a hard, flat and level surface.

DO use common sense at all times when in the presence of fireworks.

DON’T assume pets and children will enjoy the loud noises. Make accommodations for a quiet respite.

DO make sure spectators keep their distance. They should be 25 to 40 feet away from ground-based items and even further for aerial products.

Fireworks can be beautiful to watch and often signify special moments and celebrations. Safety should always be on the minds of people spending time around fireworks.