32 Commercial St. Suite 2, Honesdale, PA 18431
Major Anna D'Zurko
Major Anna D'Zurko was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 19, 1919. She was the daughter of Michael and Anna Hospador D'Zurko. Her parents died suddenly of influenza within a few weeks of each other when she was eleven years old. She and most of her siblings were brought from Pittsburgh to St. Tikon's Orphanage in South Canaan Township. Anna continued her education in the South Canaan schools and the Waymart schools. She graduated from Hahnemann School of Nursing, Scranton, Pennsylvania, and joined the U. S. Army in August 1942. Anna D'Zurko then served as a Medical Surgical Nurse in the Army Nurse Corps for over 25 years, achieving the rank of Major and serving in the Pacific, Asian, and European theaters. During her Army years, her commendations included: APCM (Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal), WWII Victory Medal Service during WWII, PLA (Philippine Liberation Award) Landing in October 1944, PIR (Philippine Independence Ribbon), KSM (Service in Korea in the early 1950s), UNSM (United Nations Service Medal), NDSM (National Defense Service Medal) in Korea and Vietnam, SO/S Bar (Duty for 2 ½ years in a combat area). Upon retiring in 1967, Anna settled in Waymart and also lived in Hop Bottom, PA. Anna Dzurko died on May 24, 2004, at the age of 84.
Banner Location
West Park St near Wayne Memorial Hospital
Daniel John Eldred
Dan served in the United States Marine Corps from 1975 to 1979 as a Lance Corporal. He earned medals and awards as a Rifle and Pistol Sharpshooter in – fleet Marine Force. Dan held a job in the Intelligence Office. As a child, Dan lived in Wayne County graduated from Honesdale High School, and stayed in the county until he entered the service. He was on 2 6-month cruises – a North Atlantic Cruise and a Mediterranean cruise. He liked the North Atlantic cruise best as that is where he met a girl in Liverpool, England. Dan was discharged in January 1979. He had great plans for his future after the service but a fatal car accident changed his plans and he passed away on July 21, 1979.
Banner Location
Corner of 12th & Church St.
Donald K. Evans
Donald K. Evans A veteran of the U.S. Army. Don or Donny as he was called served in WW II with the 264th Infantry, 66th Division. He was stationed in Northern France, Rhineland. As a Rifleman 745, he attained the rank of Private. The main focus of the 66th Infantry Division was to contain and eliminate the remaining pockets of German Soldiers in Northern France. Don earned and was awarded the Army Occupation Medal, the WW II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Don had the honor of being a member of General Wesley Clark's Honor Guard. After his discharge from the Army, being a lifelong resident of Wayne County, he returned here where he was a Dairy Farmer. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 114.
Banner Location
West Park St near Wayne Memorial Hospital.
George David Evans
A veteran of the U.S. Army. George served during WW I and attained the rank of Private. As a member of Battalion "F" 320th Field Artillery George was in France and saw action in the Marbache sector, St. Mihiel Offensive which was the first large offensive launched mainly by the United States Army. He also participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive which was one of the largest of the American Expeditionary Forces and was said to be one of the attacks that brought WW I to an end. As a lifelong resident of Wayne County, he returned here after his military service. George worked as a farmer and also an Engineman at Fairview.
Banner Location
West Park St near Wayne Memorial Hospital.
Wayne Fernicola
Wayne prefers to be known by "Fern". Fern served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. During that time he received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He currently is enjoying life in rural Wayne County living in the Duck Harbor area. Thank you for your service.
Banner Location
Willow Avenue near Smokin’ Joes
Francis H. Firmstone
Corporal "Frannie" Firmstone served in the United States Army from January 1943 to December 1944 during WWII. Frannie was stationed in Asiatic-Pacific-New Caledonia. He provided the services of Truck Driver-345 to the troops. Upon his return, he became a partner in the Firmstone Oil Company and Service Station in Honesdale. Thank you for your services on and off American soil.
Banner Location
North Main between 15th and 16th St
John Fives
A veteran of the U.S. Navy. Jack, as he was called, served during the Vietnam era. He was stationed stateside on the east coast and in Spain. Jack was a Boatswain Mate and attained the rank of IC-1 (E 6). He was born in Wayne County and currently resides here.
Banner Location
North Main between 14th and 15th St
John W Fives Sr
John Fives served in the United States Army during WWII as a Sergeant from 1935 to 1945. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Meyer, Virginia, Fort Oglethorpe, Germany and in Poland. His job was a Tank Commander. After the war, he was a bartender and owned his tavern.
Banner Location
North Main between 14th and 15th St
Dean John Fowler
Dean is currently on active duty with the United States Navy. as a Dental Tech. Enlisting January 2007 for service. Dean currently holds the rank of E-6/HMI. He has received a Commendation Medal and The Navy & Marine Corps. Achievement Medal. He has been stationed at Great Lakes, IL., San Diego, CA, and Washington, DC. His most rewarding experience was going on a Pacific Partnership in 2016 and giving free medical/dental care to undeveloped countries. Born and raised in Wayne County...making us proud to call you a Hometown Hero.
Banner Loction
Corner of Park St and North Main St
Milo R. Gardner
"Bob" or "Doc" enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduation from Western Wayne High School. Born and raised in Wayne County. Bob is the grandson of Commander Robert D. Holbert, USN who served during WWII and Navy Reservist. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC during peacetime (1974-1977), Lance Corporal Gardner was assigned as a Mechanic and Clerical. Clerk, He also was a sharpshooter for his unit. After his service in the Marine Corp., he returned to Waymart and attended Johnson College for a short time. He went on to work at SCI Waymart and was the Supervisor of the Power House until retirement.
Banner Location
West Park St near Wayne Memorial Hospital
Robert L. Helferich, Sr.
Tech Sgt. Robert L. Helferich, Sr., Honesdale, served with the 340th Bomb Group, 486th Bomb Squadron. He was drafted into the Army from Honesdale in the spring of 1942 and assigned to the Army Air Force. He served two tours of duty in the European Theater of Operation as a Turret Gunner on a B-25 Mitchell Bomber. The first consisted of 50 missions and the second tour consisted of 58 missions for a total of 108 combat missions over enemy territory. In part, these missions consisted of pursuing Rommel through Africa; participating in the Anzio Beach Head; Invasion of Southern France and Italy; and the bombing of railroads and vital enemy supply lines cutting off the advance of enemy troops and vital materials. In Austria, bombing missions took his squadron through the Po Valley and eventually through the Brenner Pass. He was one of Gen. Mark Clark's handpicked veterans (one from each branch of the service) selected to fly from Paris to Chicago to attend a celebration honoring the General. In the fall of 1945, T/Sgt. Helferich was discharged on points from Fort Dix. His commendations include the Air Medal with two Silver Clusters and One Oak Leaf Cluster; the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Silver Star; Good Conduct Medal; Middle East Combat Ribbon; and European Combat Ribbon.
Banner Location
Baer’s Sport Center on Rt. 6 East of Honesdale
Christopher M. Hemkes
Attended Honesdale High School from 2004 and graduated in 2008. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Christopher has attained the rank of Master Sergeant with the Military Police. He has been awarded several medals, NDSM, OR, MM, NUMC, JMUA, NM, ISAF, AFSM, NCRM, SSD, NMAM, MCGCM, GWOTM, and ACM. His duty stations include Camp Lejune, N.C., Camp Pendelton, California, Parker, Colorado, Afghanistan, Iwakuni, Japan, and WPAFB, Ohio. Christopher is still serving in the Marine Corps at Camp Lejune and is currently the Operations Chief.
Banner Location
Church St between 7th and 8th St
Cory G. Hemkes
Cory served in the United States Army from August 1984 to September 2004, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). While in the Army he served as Military Police Operations Sergeant. Stationed at Fort Dix NJ, Fort Stewart GA, Bad Kreuznach Germany, Fort Devens MA, Fort Monmouth NJ, The Pentagon- Washington, DC, Johnston Atoll, Baumholder Germany, Wiesbaden Germany. During his service in the Army, he was awarded multiple medals and awards: MSM, ARCOM, JSA, AAM, GCM, NDSM, NCOPDR, ASR, OSR, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF BADGE, GWOTSM. Cory has great memories of at tending a Charlie Daniels Concert in Wiesbaden, Germany following the 9/11 attack. Upon honorable discharge/retiring from active duty, Cory decided to return to his roots. After retiring from active duty he was employed at B&B Dodge, Rusty Palmers, and currently can be found working at Stephens Pharmacy.
Banner Location
Church St between 7th and 8th St
Robert Hessling
Robert Hessling was well known to Wayne County residents as a Funeral Director and owner of Hessling Funeral Home in Honesdale. Robert also is a local veteran who served in the United States Army as a T-4 rank during WWII. He was stationed in Central Europe (Rhineland) and was tasked as a foreman with the construction of bridges. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal for his valet services. Many thanks for your service from the citizens of Wayne County for our freedom.
Banner Location
Willow Avenue by Schwarz Buick
Joseph L. Hessling
"Jo-Jo" Hessling, a lifelong resident of Wayne County joined the US Army Nov. 1952. Serving in the Korean-Europe Conflict. Obtaining the rank of CPL (T) during his time of service. Jo-Jo was assigned to the 52nd ENGR Parts Depot/ENGR Court Equip Storage Spec. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Jo-Jo was honorably discharged and returned to Honesdale to continue his work as Funeral Director at Hessling Funeral Home.
Banner Location
Willow Avenue by Schwarz Buick
Kristin Pretty-Hofer
OS 2nd Class Pretty-Hofer served in the United States Navy during Desert Storm (1988-1996). Kristin was stationed in San Diego, CA as an Operations Specialist. Kristin was among the first group of women to be stationed on the USS John Young. She also served on the USS Acadia. As an operations Specialist, this position had just been opened to women in 1988. Kristin is currently a Dental Hygienist and Associate Professor at Suny Broome, NY.
Banner Location
Church St. by the Dime Bank
Robert D. Holbert
A veteran of the US Navy and Naval Reserves. Bob was a Navy Pilot and Flight Instructor during WWII. He attained the rank of Commander. His duty stations were multiple Naval Flight Bases across the United States. Bob received multiple accommodations during his service. A lifelong resident of Wayne County he returned home after his military service. He owned Honesdale/Holbert Airport and Pennsylvania Savings and Loan Company in Honesdale. As a pilot, Bob flew many dignitaries and entertainers to various bases for the USO. He flew multiple movie stars and the Fred Warring Orchestra. Also, of interest is that Bob once made an emergency landing of a seaplane in the Arizona desert and after the repairs were made, he was able to take off again and continue his mission.
Banner Location
West Park St across from West St
Mervin Iloff
Merv is a local boy raised on Hillside Ave. Honesdale. He joined the United States Army during WWII after graduating from Honesdale High School. Mervin was a Private 1st class Seckenheim School Center Overhead Unit (Inf). He was assigned to the Military Occupation Specialty of Projectionist Motion Picture 137 and Rifle MI SS 177. During his service, he was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal and WWII Victory Medal. Merv was honorably discharged from Fort Dix, NJ in November 1946 returning to family and friends in Honesdale. Banner Location:
Banner Loction
Church St and 6th near VanGorder’s Furniture
HEROES JUSTICE-KELLAM
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