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All citations begin with "(Full name) has been selected by the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation for membership in the Oklahoma Military Hall of Honor".
JANUARY 2024
Kevin Roll
Colonel Roll served our nation as a fighter pilot and commander of fighter units as well as a host of senior Air & Space staff positions. Colonel Roll was selected for flight school and the honor to become part of the highly competitive fighter aircraft community. He was the Distinguished Graduate for his Undergrad Pilot Training, Outstanding Graduate for both the F-4 Upgrade and F-16 Upgrade Training courses and was further honored by selection to and graduation from the USAF Fighter Weapons Instructor Course. He is a Command Pilot with more than 3800 hours in fighter aircraft as well as many hours in other aircraft to include the MIG-15. He is a graduate of Tulsa Memorial High School and U.S. Air Force Academy. Inducted January 2, 2024
Hopper Smith
BG Smith graduated from Tulsa Memorial High School and Oklahoma State University where he earned his Army commission. He served a distinguished career in the OKARNG, becoming one of the few OKARNG General Officers and serving as the Assistant Adjutant General. During his service, he commanded at the company, battalion and brigade level. Notable assignments included service as an Advisor in Afghanistan, ands the OKARNG Chief of Staff, BG Smith is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College His numerous awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster. BG Smith served as a citizen soldier the Oklahoma Legislature from 1996 -2003.
FEBRUARY 2024
David Scott Wilson
Lieutenant Colonel David Scott Wilson is a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy who flew the F-15 Eagle and F-4 Phantom aircraft, and served as an Airborne Commander aboard the E-3 AWACS over northern Iraq and SE Turkey. Upon military retirement, LtCol Wilson has supported a host of causes serving veterans, youth, and families. He is active in the Military Order of World Wars, Air Force Association, Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, Young Eagles Program, and other groups. He is a financial services professional, musician, teacher, and coach. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and Joint Meritorious Unit award. LtCol Wilson personifies the Spirit of a Warrior, Heart of a Patriot. Inducted February 8, 2024
MARCH 2024
Theodore Goldenberg
Corporal Theodore Goldenberg was born in Germany in 1914 and immigrated to the United States in 1933. He was a drafted into the Army and naturalized on the same day in 1942. He trained at the Military Intelligence Training Center at Camp Ritchie, MD. The “Ritchie Boys” were an elite group of 20,000 soldiers who provided nearly 60 percent of the credible intelligence gathered in Europe to defeat the Nazis. In 2022, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum presented the Ritchie Boys with the Elie Wiesel Award for patriotism and service. In April 2023, CPL Goldenberg was individually honored by the Council on Holocaust Education of Jewish Federation of Tulsa.
Joseph S. Kantor
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Kantor was born in Tulsa in 1916, the son of Jewish Russian immigrants. Kantor enlisted 1941 and served with the 63rd Infantry Division through 1946. He trained at the Military Intelligence Training Center at Camp Ritchie, MD. The “Ritchie Boys” were an elite group of 20,000 soldiers who provided nearly 60 percent of the credible intelligence gathered in Europe to defeat the Nazis.. In 2022, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum presented the Ritchie Boys with the Elie Wiesel Award for patriotism and service. In April 2023, LTC Kantor was individually honored by the Council on Holocaust Education of Jewish Federation of Tulsa.
Jack Katz
Mr. Jack Katz was born in Germany in 1909, enlisted in the U.S. Army for World War II and trained at the Military Intelligence Training Center at Camp Ritchie, MD. The “Ritchie Boys” were an elite group of 20,000 soldiers who provided nearly 60 percent of the credible intelligence gathered in Europe to defeat the Nazis. After WWII, he returned to Stillwater and was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion. In 2022, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum presented the Ritchie Boys with the Elie Wiesel Award for their patriotism and service. In April 2023 Mr. Katz was individually honored by the Council for Holocaust Education of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa.
Walter Katz
Mr. Walter Katz trained as a POW interrogator. at the Military Intelligence Training Center at Camp Ritchie, MD. The “Ritchie Boys” were an elite group of 20,000 soldiers who provided nearly 60 percent of the credible intelligence gathered in Europe to defeat the Nazis. Walter served in France, Belgium and Germany. In post-war Germany he interviewed, vetted and arrested civilian officials who had been Nazis. In 2022, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum presented the Ritchie Boys with the Elie Wiesel Award for their patriotism and service. In April 2023 he was honored by the Council for Holocaust Education of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa. He is buried in Israel.
Kenneth Renberg
First Lieutenant Kenneth Renberg was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard that was mobilized for WWII. He trained at the Military Intelligence Training Center at Camp Ritchie, MD. The “Ritchie Boys” were an elite group of 20,000 soldiers who provided nearly 60 percent of the credible intelligence gathered in Europe to defeat the Nazis. LT Renberg participated in the D-Day Invasion and was later awarded a Purple Heart. In 2022, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum presented the Ritchie Boys with the Elie Wiesel Award for their patriotism and service. LT Renberg was honored by the Council for Holocaust Education of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa in April 2023.
Phillip Sureck
Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Sureck enlisted in 1943, and trained at the Military Intelligence Training Center at Camp Ritchie, MD. The “Ritchie Boys” provided nearly 60 percent of the credible intelligence gathered in Europe to defeat the Nazis. He participated in the D-Day Invasion, served with the First Infantry Division and was awarded the Bronze Star. He had post-war responsibilities vetting Nazi officers. In 2022, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum presented the Ritchie Boys with the Elie Wiesel Award for their patriotism and service. In April 2023 LTC Sureck was honored by the Council for Holocaust Education of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa.
Ritchie Boys
Six Oklahoma Jewish Ritchie Boys trained in espionage and intelligence operations at the Military Intelligence Training Center at Camp Ritchie, MD. The “Ritchie Boys” were 20,000 soldiers, (2,000 were Jewish German speakers) who provided nearly 60 percent of the credible intelligence gathered in Europe to defeat the Nazis. They performed a variety of duties including being POW interrogators. These six men were: Joseph Kantor, Walter Katz, Jack Katz, Theodore Goldenberg, Kenneth Renberg and Phillip Sureck. They were recognized in 2022 by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum with the Elie Wiesel Award for patriotism and service. Each was recognized in April 2023 by Tulsa’s Council for Holocaust Education in a menora lighting ceremony.
APRIL 2024
Ben Miller
Joseph “Ben” Miller (PFC) was a 19 year old soldier assigned to the 307th Airborne Medical Company and flew with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He was in the first wave to land in Normandy behind the Pathfinders at Utah Beach on June 6, 1944. While Allied forces pushed the Nazis back into Germany, Miller carried no weapons. He was a medic. His job was to move the injured away from fields of battle to staging areas, often a mile from the front lines. He served at Ste-Mère-Eglise; at the bridge in Nijmegen in Nazi-occupied Holland; and in the Battle of the Bulge. At Wöbbelin concentration camp, he helped free prisoners near the city of Ludwigslust in Germany as the Nazis surrendered. Each year, he travels with fellow veterans to visit the battlefields around Normandy. Inducted April 3, 2024.
Robert Cox
COL Robert S. Cox graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1965 as an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned an Artillery Second Lieutenant. He was trained as a Field Artilleryman and completed Airborne and Ranger schools. He graduated from Army flight training and was rated to fly both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. He flew as a reconnaissance pilot during two separate tours in Vietnam. During his 27-year career, he commanded two field artillery batteries, two aviation platoons and served in numerous staff positions. Much of his career was dedicated to teaching and training, including a master’s degree program at the Army Command and General Staff College. In his final active-duty assignment, he was the National Director of Training & Education for the nationwide network of over 2,000 Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Programs (ROTC and JROTC). Inducted April 23, 2024.
Michael Thompson
MG Michael C. Thompson served as a Major General in the United States Army National Guard and was the 21st Adjutant General of Oklahoma from 2017 to 2021. He previously served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security in the Governor’s Cabinet and was responsible for directing all state public safety, law enforcement and corrections agencies. In 2012, Thompson was named a Council of State Governments’ Henry Toll Fellow honoree. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Air Assault Badge, Combat Action Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge. MG Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Langston University, and a Master of Science from Oklahoma State University. Inducted April 23, 2024.
Charles Schwabe
LTC Charles Leroy Schwabe graduated from OSU in 1965 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, first as an advisor to Vietnamese military units and then as an infantry company commander in the 82nd Airborne Division. During a break in his active duty, he earned a law degree and was a business law professor at the OSU College of Business. He returned to Army active duty as a Judge Advocate officer. Following retirement from the Army in 1988, he served in various legal and judicial capacities including as US Magistrate for Altus Air Force Base. His awards include the Air Medal with V Device, three Bronze Star Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. His autobiography, Fading Away: An Aging Vietnam Infantry Veteran’s Remembrances, was published in 2014. Inducted April 23, 2024.
Ross Hall
COL Ross W. Hall was known in the early 1930s Oklahoma A&M College football team as “Plowboy Hall” because he was famous for “plowing” through the opposing team’s defensive line as a running back. He was commissioned through Army ROTC as an Infantry Second Lieutenant. As with most reserve officers commissioned between the two World Wars, he was assigned to an Army Reserve Division, completing correspondence courses until he was called to active duty in 1940, first in the 2nd Infantry Division and then as a Captain organizing the newly formed 95th Infantry Division. After two years of intensive training, he arrived in France with his Division following the D-Day invasion and became part of Patton’s 3rd Army. In November of 1944, he commanded a battalion of the 377th Infantry Regiment during the liberation of Metz, France, attacking a portion of the German occupied Maginot Line. After the war he joined the 95th Division as part of the Organized Reserves, serving through various positions to include Assistant Division Commander. In civilian life, he worked for OSU’s Agriculture Extension Department until his retirement. His awards include the Silver Star and the World War II Victory Medal. Inducted April 23, 2024.
MAY 2024
James Wilhite
Colonel James W. Wilhite served a combined 37 years in the active Army and Reserves. He served as an enlisted soldier for 12 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his enlisted service he earned Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Education Administration and was twice selected as the 95th Division Drill Sergeant of the Year. He received a direct commission as a First Lieutenant, later serving as a Liaison Officer for West Point. While teaching at Northeastern State (OK) University, he was selected to build the National Military Academy of Afghanistan based upon the West Point model. COL Wilhite authored a book about the experience, earned a Bronze Star for his achievement, received the Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor as well as the Centurian Medal from Northeastern State University. Several countries have used his book as a model to create their own academies. In 2012, he co-founded the Veterans Film Festival in Branson, Missouri. The Festival has shared documentary films with over 10,000 attendees. In retirement, he is active with the Military Order of World Wars, the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, the 95th Division Legacy Association, and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade. Inducted May 18, 2024.
Lloyd G. Neblett
Colonel Lloyd George Neblett was born in Texarkana, AR March 17, 1919. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940. Before going operational, Germany declared war on the United States and he returned to the US and joined the Army Air Corps. In August 1943 he became Executive Officer 301st Troop Carrier Squadron and prepared for deployment to Europe. In April 1944 Lloyd was promoted to Captain and given command of the squadron which he commanded throughout the war. In addition to their direct combat missions the squadron dropping paratroopers and towing gliders to Normandy, Holland, Bastogne and Rhine crossing. Captain Neblett was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the French Croix De Guerre. In July 1945 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was honorably discharged on January 10, 1946. He remained active in the USAAF Reserves until his retirement as Colonel on March 17, 1977. Inducted Memorial Day 2024.
Harold Congdon
Shipfitter Third Class (Welder) Harold Congdon was born in Covington, Oklahoma on February 15, 1927. He enlisted in the United States Navy on his 18th birthday, was assigned to the 1st Special Seabees and deployed overseas into the WWII Pacific Theater. Harold was stationed on Saipan until August 1945 and then assigned to the initial occupation forces in Japan. He received an honorable discharge on March 24, 1946 and joined the US Naval Reserve. Harold then graduated from Marshall (OK) High School and moved to Enid to operate his own welding service. He retired to the Terlton area in 1982 and became active in the veterans community. He was a member of Mannford’s VFW Post 4771 and served with the 5th District Rifle Squad Honor Guard performing 1,652 military funeral services for veterans. Harold was a member of the Keystone Crossroads Historical Society and played Taps at its annual Veteran’s Appreciation event until his death on December 14, 2023. Inducted Memorial Day 2024.
Walter Young
Captain Walter Roland (Waddy) Young was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1916. He played college football at University of Oklahoma and was recognized as the first Sooner All American in 1938. He led the Sooners to their first ever bowl game (1939 Orange Bowl), and was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers professional football team in 1939. Two years later he voluntarily left the Dodgers to join the Army Air Corps and trained in Tulsa at Spartan, graduating as a pilot in August 1941. Flying B-24 Liberator Atlantic anti-submarine patrols, he completed the 25-mission tour before re-signing to the Pacific, flying B-29s. When returning from a January 9, 1945 mission bombing the Nakajima Aircraft Engine Factory, his airplane was last seen descending to provide cover for another being attacked by the numerous enemy aircraft. His airplane and crew were never found He was listed as missing in action and officially killed in action in January 1945. Young was inducted posthumously into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and received the Robert Kalsu Freedom Award from the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. The University of Oklahoma Air Force ROTC Arnold Air Society squadron and Silver Wings chapter is named in honor of Waddy Young. Captain Young was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and four Air Medals. Inducted Memorial Day 2024.
Alva (Gene) Gordon
Corporal Alva Eugene Gordon was born in Bixby, OK on January 29, 1926, and moved to Mannford in 1939. At age seventeen, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served as a rifleman in the WWII Pacific Theater. As a Corporal Gordon’s units secured Tinan and Saipan Islands as bases for the B-29 air assults on Japan that ended WWII Paciic war. He then served in the Japan Occupation Forces in Nagasaki prior to his honorable discharge in April, 1946. Gene lived the remainder of his life in Mannford and gave a great deal to this community. He served on the School Board, helped to build the Mannford VFW 4771 and Mannford Museum as well as the Mannford Area Veterans Monument. He worked tirelessly on the Board of Directors for the Oak Hill Cemetery, was the Commander of the American Legion Post, was a member of District 5 Rifle Squad, a Lifetime Member of the Keystone Crossroads Historical Society. Gene Gordon was recognized as the 1999 Mannford Area Citizen of the Year. Gene passed away on October 28th 2019. Inducted Memorial Day 2024.
Howard Byrom
Howard James Byrom was born on March 22, 1916 in Blackburn, OK. He was one of seven brothers who entered military service. Howard grew up in rural Pawnee County working on farmland until the Depression and Dust Bowl made it impossible to support a family. In March 1942 he enlisted in the US Army at Fort Sill, OK and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant while assigned to the 357th Infantry Regiment of the 90th Infrantry Division. The division deployed to England to begin preparations for the Normancy Invasion. The 90th Division landed on Normandy beaches on June 8, 1944 and set off towards their objective in the vicinity of Loutres. The following day the unit advanced in order to expand the beachhead but the hedgerows, snipers and fanatical resistance made it hard going, where closing a 200-yard gap took a day. On June 13th 1944 while attacking towards Gourbesville, Howard was killed in action. He was originally interred at Sainte Mère Eglise, France and now permanently rests in the Blackburn (OK) cemetery.Inducted Memorial Day 2024.
John Hughes
LT John Edwin (Jack) Hughes was born in Checotah, McIntosh County, before moving to moving to Mannford, OK. He was a member of the Muskogee Creek Nation. In 1941 Jack went to work for the War Department in Alabama at Brockley Field, Mobile, AL. It was from here that he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in February 1942. Following his pilot training he was deployed to England in January 1944 and joined the 359th Fighter Group’s 369th Fighter Squadron based at East Wretham. Jack flew P-51 Mustangs in support of bombing operations acting as escort and protection for aircraft bombing oil refineries and factories in cities such as Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Berlin. On June 6, 1944 he supported the D-Day landings by strafing bridges, locomotives and rail lines in France. He failed to return from a mission on September 12, 1944 and was listed as MIA. His destroyed plane was later discovered near Gross-Lueben, Germany.
Herchel Palmer
LT Herchel E. Palmer was born in Owasso, OK on July 30, 1923. His family moved to moved to Keystone and then Mannford because of his father’s oil field work. He graduated Mannford High School Class of 1941 and enrolled at Oklahoma A&M before joining the Army Air Corps on November 2, 1942. He began pilot training, receiving his wings at Yuma Arizona in September 1943. On April 8, 1944 he deployed overseas to England joining the 585th Bombardment Squadron operating B-26 Marauders. Initially based at RAF Boreham, the squadron moved to RAF Holmsley to better support the Normandy invasion. Their missions were aimed at the destruction of infrastructure and targets included German V-weapons, airdromes, marshalling yards, gun emplacements and and bridges. On D-day he bombed the enemy behind Utah Beach. On December2, 1944 while on a mission to bomb the steel works at Saarlautern, Germany, his aircraft was seen to crash near Guise, France killing all onboard.
JUNE 2024
JULY 2024
AUGUST 2024
SEPTEMBER 2024
OCTOBER 2024
NOVEMBER 2024
DECEMBER 2024
2024 MARKS OUR SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF HONORING VETERANS
Copyright © 2024 Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation,a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
Postal address is OKMHF, PO Box 30658, Edmond, OK 73003. General email is info@okmhf.org
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