Shipley veteran project winds to a close
Info still needed on specific names

By Rhonda Dedyne

Now that Old Glory is waving at the Clinton County Veterans Memorial – and Veterans Day 2006 will be observed at the site that remains under construction – Gordon Shipley is more anxious than ever to complete his list of all veterans who have lost their lives in all wars of the United States.

"Those names will be inscribed on the granite tablets at the new memorial – obviously, we want to be as accurate as possible in honoring everyone who should be included," the Clinton County native and Vietnam veteran said of the project that he began several years ago. "There is space available for additional names, but they may not be listed in the proper place respective to the war that they served in."

Anyone with information on the veterans listed below should contact Shipley as soon as possible.

"We really need to get this project completed – now," he said.

Persons with information should call Shipley at (989) 224-4792, send mail information to: Gordon Shipley, 5975 W. Blue Water Highway, St. Johns, Michigan 48879-9506.

The Independent will also forward information to Shipley; send email to mail@sjindy.com.

Civil War

Francis M. Humastum, Bengal. Died Oct. 30, 1862. Buried: Bray Cemetery

Whipple A. Thornton, Bengal. Died Oct. 27, 1865. Buried: Bray Cemetery

World War I

Frank Hudson, Died 1921?, former St. Johns resident; wounded at Chateau Thierry.

World War II

Robert O. Bond, PFC. Attended East Ward School; captured in Correigidor. Mother was Mrs. Edger Bond of St. Johns.

Gilbert Carrasco, PFC. Died: Dee 25, 1945 in Germany

Dyle Cole, Born June 17, 1918 in DeWitt. Died Nov. 18, 1941 in Dayton, Ohio. He was flying various routes with transports for the government.

Kenneth Crawford Jr., Lieut. Born Dec. 27, 1919 in Ovid. Died Dec. 21, 1942 in Africa.

Leon D. Grubb. Listed on Wacousta Honor Roll as dying in World War II.

Neil Hatherill, Pvt. Died June 3, 1942 in Philippines. Lived in Bath; attended James Couzens Agricultural School.

Clayton VanAmburgh, Sgt. Died Dec. 31, 1942 in New Guinea. Lived in and near St. Johns. Father was George VanAmburgh; nephew of Mrs. Alice Roberts; brother Clifford VanAmburgh.