32 Commercial St. Suite 3 PO Box 186, Honesdale, PA 18431
burton w. foster
Army Staff Sergeant "Burt" Foster saw service in WWII and the Korean Conflict. Burt grew up on a dairy farm in Hollisterville. A graduate of Lake Ariel Consolidated School, he joined the Army at age 17, after his mother signed for him to enter the service. He was stationed in the Philippines along with other bases. One of his solemn duties was to accompany deceased soldiers to the United States during his tour of the Philippines. One of his most exciting moments, while stationed in the Philippines, was when he had an encounter with a hissing King Cobra, with its hood extended, located at the foot of his bed. After returning home, he attended Keystone Jr. College and Lehigh University taking advantage of the GI Bill Program, then worked in automobile sales. He built a home at Lake Wanoka and lived there until he died in 1982.
Banner Location
253 Terrace
MARK E. FRITSCH
A veteran of the U.S. Army. Mark was a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He died tragically on March 24th, 1994. Mark succumbed to injuries/burns received in a training accident while preparing for a jump at Pope Air Force Base, NC in what is known as “The Green Ramp Disaster” on March 23, 1994. The accident took the lives of 23 Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division and injured hundreds more. It was the single largest loss of life the Division had sustained since the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. Mark served with distinction and embodied the All-American compilation and standard. He was a Pennsylvania farm boy who wanted nothing more than to be a Paratrooper and to serve his country with pride. Mark loved what he did and was a great soldier, son, brother, and friend. He was taken way too soon and will always be missed, never forgotten, and forever honored.
Banner Location
660 Park St.
gary FULKERSON
Gary is a lifetime resident of Wayne Co. serving during the Vietnam War as an SP4 in the United States Army 125th Signal Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. Gary was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Marksman (rifle). During his service, he was a Radio Relay and Carrier Attendant "just like the phones here in the United States only everything that we did went through the radio: it supported everybody, the infantry, the artillery." It was a very dangerous job because the radio operators carried the equipment which was both heavy and "glaringly obvious". Gary served in Vietnam for 11 months and 26 days then was stationed at Fort Hood, TX for the remainder of his active service before returning to Honesdale. Gary's father (Charles served during WWII).
Banner Location
335 Terrace St
JOHN S. GALLIK JR.
Korean Conflict Veteran serving in the United States Army. Born in Steene, PA on the family farm into a large family, John worked hard helping his parents on the farm before his stint in the army. John was stationed at Fort Sill, OK. working in Air Maintenance. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Upon his Honorable Discharge in June 1954, he returned to Wayne Co. and took employment at S. J. Bailey & Son.
Banner Location
Near Aqua Water Company building on North Main St
wALTER CHARLES GALUSKA
Walter served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp LeJeune. He was honorably discharged and returned home to Glen Cove, NY, where he joined the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. He married Juanita Bradley in 1971 and moved to Bay Shore, NY, transferring to the Bay Shore Post Office. In 1978, the couple had a son, Brad. After surviving a near-fatal car crash that put him in the hospital for 6 months, Walter and his wife and son moved to Dyberry Township, PA. Walter became the bakery manager at Dave's Super Duper, working there for more than 20 years and retiring several years ago due to failing health. "Wally," as he was known to his friends, was an avid HO train buff, filling the entire basement of the family's home with a model train layout. He also served as Lay Leader of the Bethany Methodist Church for many years, where he also sang in the choir, played in the handbell choir, performed in many Spring Shows (including taking part in the infamous Men's Kick Line), helped serve suppers, and cooked chickens for the church's well-known Chicken Barbecues. He loved his church and his Lord, enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends, and loved to make people laugh. He fought serious health problems and pain for years. He passed away on January 6, 2022
Banner Location
Near Dave's Super Duper
DAVID W. GELATT
PFC Gelatt served in WWII as a United States Marine. David's service was located in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre as an Infantry Artillery Support soldier. David had the misfortune as other Marines to contract Yellow Fever while participating in the occupation of China. David was Honorably Discharged in October 1946 and returned to the area workforce, working with the local dairy farmers as an Artificial Inseminator and selling milking equipment, then as a custodian at the Wayne Highlands school.
Banner Location
East Park St. near the YMCA
DONALD IRVIN GILLOW
A veteran of the U.S. Navy. Donald entered the Navy in May of 1945. He was stationed in the Philippines. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Wayne County where he was a lifelong resident. He worked in construction and was a machine operator.
Banner Location
Near Highhouse gas station on Sunrise Avenue
rUPERT "RUPE" GONSAULS
A veteran of the U.S. Army. Rupe was initially in the 109th Division of PA National Guard, and was Federalized into the Army after Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941. His primary duty was to the Military Police (MP). He attained the rank of Sergeant. His stateside duty stations were in Fort Meade, Maryland, and Fort Lewis, Washington. He was deployed to Europe where he was in France, Belgium, Austria, and Germany. Rupe lived his entire life in Honesdale. He worked for Banner Slipper and Katz Underwear Factory.
Banner Location
Between 5th St & 6th St on Church St
CHaRLES S. GOODMAN
A veteran of the U.S. Navy. Charles Sargent Goodman, a lifelong resident of Wayne County and known as “Charlie” to everyone, spent his 18th birthday (1944) sailing through the Panama Canal. He was on his way to Hawaii as a seaman first class aboard the U.S.S. Knox, a Navy transport ship headed to action in the South Pacific. Its first stop was at Saipan to deliver equipment and troops. Over the next year, through the end of WWII, Charlie received four battle stars (Pacific Theater Ribbon) marking his and his ship's involvement in major military actions-first at Saipan, and then at Tinian, Leyte Gulf, and Luzon. At Tinian, the strategy was to send five waves of 20 small boats with four-man crews toward that island to distract and draw fire so the Navy could pinpoint the enemy's location and maneuver into position. Battleships, destroyers, and destroyer escorts followed behind the heroic crew boats-one of them manned by Charlie and his fellow sailors-with a din and smoke and firepower that he recalled for the rest of his life. Charlie survived that battle and the others and was honorably discharged following WWII with the rank of Coxswain. He earned and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 stars, and the Victory Medal. He returned home to Honesdale. He spent 35 years as a long-distance car carrier driver. He loved to travel throughout the country both on the job and for pleasure in his retirement. He was never happier than when he was at home in Wayne County among the scores of people who knew him as their steady friend with the ready, infectious smile. Charlie passed away in November of 2019 at the age of 93.
Banner Location
Corner of 11th St & Church St
G. ROEBLING GRAVEL JR.
A veteran of the U.S. Army. Roeb, as he was called, served in Vietnam. He was stationed at Chu Lai, Vietnam. His job was with Artillery Fire Direction and Control. He attained the rank of Specialist 5th Grade. Roeb earned and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces. He also was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and 2 Overseas Bars. He was an expert with the M-16 and a Sharpshooter with the M-14. Being a long-time resident of Wayne County, he returned here after his military service and worked in construction management.
Banner Location
Between 4th St & 5th St on Church St
MATTHEW ROEBLING GRAVEL
A veteran of the U.S. Army. Matt served during the post-9/11 era. His work is in Transportation and Logistics. He has attained the rank of Captain. Matt has received numerous Army Commendations. He placed first in his class in the Captain's Career Course. His duty stations include Fort Drum, New York, Romania, Afghanistan, and Fort Lewis, Washington. He was born and raised in Wayne County. At the time of this writing, Matt is still serving our county with an anticipated discharge in February of 2022. At that time, he will pursue a career in Logistics.
Banner Location
Between 4th St & 5th St on Church St
JOHN W. "JACK" GUMPPER
A veteran of the U.S. Navy. Jack served in Vietnam and was a mechanic. He attained the rank of MM 2. Jack was stationed in San Diego, California; Bainbridge, Maryland; and Vietnam. He earned and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Gallantry Cross, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. A lifelong resident of Wayne County Jack returned here after his military service. He worked for John Deere and was the mechanic for the fire trucks. He was a member of the Honesdale Fire Department Alert Company and two-time Fire Chief.
Banner Location
Near Alert Fire Company on Willow Avenue
PETER J. HANSEN
A veteran of the U.S. Navy. Peter has done two tours in Kuwait and one tour in Iraq. He works in the field of Intelligence and holds the rank of Commander. Peter attended Honesdale Catholic and graduated from Wayne Highlands. He holds a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering. At this writing, he is currently serving our county on his second tour of Kuwait.
Banner Location
1727 Main St
JAMES A. HELLER
A veteran of the U.S. Army. Jimmy or Smokey as he was sometimes called served during WWII. He was a Demolition Specialist with the Combat Engineers Battalion and attained the rank of Private First Class. He was stationed in France, Belgium, and Germany. More specifically in Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. He earned and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, a Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart Medal. Jimmy was born and raised in Wayne County and returned here after his military service. He was a professional baseball player and worked at Katz Underwear Company.
Banner Location
1721 Main St
CHRISTOPHER M. HEMKES
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Christopher has attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant with the Military Police. He has been awarded several medals. His duty stations include Camp Lejune, NC, Camp Pendleton, California, Parker, Colorado, Afghanistan, Iwakuni, Japan, and Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. Christopher is still serving in the Marine Corps at the base in Ohio and is a Marine Corps recruiter.
Banner Location
Across from A&A Auto on Willow Avenue
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 Waring 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
Across from Wayne Memorial Hospital on Park St
GERALD JOSEPH HUGHES
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Jerry was a Lineman/Rifleman and served in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Corporal. He earned and was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. After his time in the Marine Corps, Jerry was an over-the-road truck driver until his recent retirement in 2020.
Banner Location
Corner of Water St & Sunrise Avenue
EDWARD JUSTICE
"Buzz" as he was known to his friends and family, graduated from Honesdale High School in 1968 and immediately joined the United States Army. He entered the Army Engineer School as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic, serving his country as an SP4 with the 43rd Engineer Unit, and was stationed at Fire Base Blaze in the A Shau Valley, Vietnam. Returning to Wayne Co. after his discharge, he worked for several local excavation companies, was employed as head custodian of the Damascus School along with operating a small welding mechanics business, and also worked for Cochecton Mills. He enjoyed teaching hunter safety with area youth along with volunteer work at his church.
Banner Location
Near Highlights for Children
JAMES H. KELLAM
Spec. E5 James Kellam better known as "Jim" served in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. During his tour of duty, he was a helicopter mechanic responsible for the maintenance and repair of the choppers. He was awarded the honor of Sharpshooter with an Army expert Marksmanship Badge M16 and M14, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and 20/S Bars. Stationed at Fort Eustis, VA, Fort Campbell, KY, and Phan Thiet Vietnam. A native of Wayne Co. he returned home to his dairy farm.
Banner Location
Across from West St on Park St near Wayne Memorial Hospital
HEROES KINZINGER- MARTIN
Click on the button below to continue to view remaining veterans banners and their stories.