Two Scottish Rite Centenarians Receive Tompkins Award

Brother Harvey S. Sutton, another treasure of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, was conferred the Tompkins Award on January 13, 2023. Brother Sutton is 105 years young and a member of the Valley of Albany.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Normandy during World War II, having attained the rank of Captain by the time of his discharge. Dr. Sutton served as an oral surgeon during the war and continued his career in oral surgery in New York until his retirement.

Ill. Bro. John R. Patterson Jr., 33°, presented Brother Sutton with the Tompkins Medal at his home in Guilderland, NY, alongside Valley of Albany Commander-inChief Benjamin Garry, 32°. The Brothers had a wonderful visit with Brother Sutton and his wife, Helene. They were in good spirits and thankful for the recognition.

“His service to his community and his country made him the perfect choice for this award,” said Ill. Bro. Patterson.

Supreme Council was pleased to present Brother Richard H. Hamilton, 32°, with the Daniel D. Tompkins Award for his service to Freemasonry and his devotion to country. Brother Hamilton is 100 years young and is a member of the Valley of Southern Vermont.

During World War II, Hamilton served as a technical sergeant stationed in England with the 8th Army Air Force’s 91st Bomb Group as radio operator/mechanic/gunner aboard the B-17 Flying Fortress, “Destiny’s Child.” On July 20, 1944, during his ninth mission flying over Leipzig, Germany, Hamilton and his fellow crewmen were attacked by German fighters and captured. He was taken to Stalag Luft IV in Gross Tychow, Pomerania (now a part of Poland) and held as a prisoner of war for 10 months. After a 77-day forced march, he was liberated by two Russian soldiers. For his service in World War II, Brother Hamilton was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Air Medal.

A presentation luncheon was held at Brattleboro Lodge on January 21 hosted by members of the lodge and the Scottish Rite Valley of Southern Vermont. Among those attending were Brother Richard Hamilton and his family, veterans representing the American Legion and VFW, as well as Masons from around the district.

Special presentations of appreciation for their service to the nation were given to the dozen veterans who attended in support of Brother Hamilton. Illustrious William Basso II, 33°, MSA, Active Member for Vermont presided over the special presentation and said Brother Hamilton was sharp as a tack and had some great stories to share.

Supreme Council thanks all of these brave Brothers for their service.