32 Commercial St. Suite 3 PO Box 186, Honesdale, PA 18431
howard akers
A veteran of the US Army. Howard served during World War II with the 550th Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Company he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. His job was as a truck driver to supply ordnance. Howard was stationed in England, Normandy (D+6), North France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe while overseas. He also had duty stations state side including Fort Dix, NJ, Mississippi, and Indiantown Gap. Howard earned and was awarded several medals which include the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Bronze Star, American Theater Service Medal, Victory Medal, and the Euro-African Middle Eastern Service Medal. During his time overseas, not only did he supply ordnance, but was chosen to drive many officers throughout Europe. He was chosen for this job because he was a good driver and always used the utmost discretion. A life long resident of Wayne County Howard returned he and was a milk tester and a bus driver.
Banner Location
Rt. 6 East just east of the 4th St. bridge near Green St Designs
John "jack" ambrose
A veteran of the US Air Force. Jack, as he was called, served at the end of the Korean Conflict and during peacetime. During his time in the service he worked designing refueling for airplanes. After his career in the Air Force Jack returned to Wayne County where he was a farmer and a consultant for McDonnell Douglass Aircraft Corps.
Banner Location
Corner of Main and Park St. in front of the Honesdale Fire Museum
steve ambrose
A veteran of the US Army. Steve served during the Korean Conflict with the 3rd Infantry Division and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was stationed in Korea. After his time in the service Steve worked for Sikorsky Aircraft.
Banner Location
Corner of Dyberry Place and Park St.
EM3 joseph a. ballard
A veteran of the US Navy. Joe served during the post-Korea Conflict era. He worked as an electrician and attained the rank of Electrician's Mate First Class. He earned and received an Expert Marksman Medal. Joe also had the nickname of "Papa Bear". Joe enlisted in the Navy in January of 1949. He was eventually assigned to the Aircraft Carrier, Franklin D. Roosevelt. His home port was Norfolk, VA. His fondest memory aboard the Roosevelt was a cruise to the Arctic Circle to test aircraft for starting and maneuvering in severely cold weather. Out on the flight deck they would chop the ice off the propellers of the planes and see if they would start. They started every time. Upon crossing the Arctic Circle they joined what is called the order of Blue Noses! Joe enjoyed seeing the Northern Lights. Joe passed away in August of 2015.
Banner Location
Corner of 8th and Church St.
arnold s. bates
A veteran of the US Army. Arnold or Arn as he was called was drafted at the age of 18 and sent to Germany. Serving in WWII he was a Machine Gunner and attained the rank of Private. Arn earned and was awarded the Bronze Star. After Arn returned home, he worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.” Arnold passed away in 2015.
Banner Location
Rt. 191 South of Honesdale near Clark's Sunrise Market
allan edward batzel
A veteran of the PA National Guard-Air Force-ANGUS. Batzel was his nickname. He served during the Global War on Terror and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. He was stationed with the 271st Combat Comm Sq. out of Indiantown Gap. He worked as an RF Transmission Systems Craftsman and attained the rank of SSGT. Allen earned and was awarded several medals and ribbons which included the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one Service Star and also he also received an Air Force Training Ribbon, PA Commendation Medal and the PA Gen. Thomas J. Stewart Medal AFQT score group 2
Banner Location
On the East side of Church St. at the corner of 11th and Church St. by the Central United Methodist Church.
bernard e. belknap
A veteran of the US Marine Corps. Bernie enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 1943 and saw action in WWII. He was a member of Casual Company, MB. He worked as a truck driver and bulldozer operator and attained the rank of Sergeant. During the war he was stationed in the Central and Southwest Pacific including Saipan, Taiwan, Okinawa, Shima, and the Ryukyu Islands. He earned and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and Rifle Marksman. One bright spot in his time overseas was being able to see Bob Hope at a USO event. After the war Bernie returned to Wayne County and was an operator of the Honesdale Sewer Plant and was Director of Public Works in Honesdale.
Banner Location
1222 North Main St.
carl w. bell
A veteran of the US Air Force attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Carl proudly served during WWII as a Bombardier on a B-24. He saw action in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was stationed in New Guinea, Morotai, and the Philippines. During his time in battle Carl received five Battle Stars and two Air Medals with two Oak Leaf Clusters along with numerous ribbons. At the end of his service, Carl pursued his career as a school gym teacher.
Banner Location
Located on East side of Church St just North of 10th St. by the side entrance of the former Presbyterian church.
michael bodick
A Corporal in the US Army. Michael served in Company M 109th Infantry Regiment 28th Division. He was in WWII and landed in Normandy in 1944. While in the service, he was in charge of the motor pool and maintenance of it. While in France during a black out the jeep he was driving went off a makeshift bridge and flipped into the water landing on top of him. He nearly drowned but was able to hang on to the steering wheel for hours to keep his head above water while the passenger in the jeep went for help. He couldn't beep the horn or make any sounds because the Germans were all around them. He spent the next several months in a body cast from all his injuries. He was born on a family farm in South Canaan and lived all of his adult life in Honesdale. When he first returned home, he was the supervisor at Camp Bryn Mawr for a few years, and then he owned a tavern, the Country Inn, for several years in Indian Orchard. After that, he went into the logging business.
Banner Location
Near entrance to The Dime Bank operations Center on Sunrise Avenue.
james bruck
A veteran of the US Air Force. Jim worked as a Telecommunications Controller and ECM Repairman-Airborne during the Vietnam War from 1964 until 1968. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. His duty stations included Thule AB, Greenland, Westover AFB, Mass. and Anderson AFB Guam. Jim earned and was awarded the Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Outstanding Unit Citation. He related a story where he was working on a B-52 bomber and twelve 250 pound bombs dropped off the wing rack. Luckily, for him and those around him, they did not detonate. While serving Jim got to take in a USO show starring Bob Hope. After his time in the service he worked for AT&T as a Satellite Controller and Loral Space Systems Project Manager. Jim still resides in Honesdale.
Banner Location
607 Church St. next to Church St. Automotive
russell w. burcher
A veteran of the US Army. Russell served in WWII in Europe. He was with the 325th Glider Infantry 82nd Airborne Division. He attained the rank of Technician 4th Grade. He earned and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. After his time in the service Russell returned home to Wayne County and worked as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. He also worked for the United States Postal System as a mailman.
Banner Location
Corner of 18th and Main St near Aqua Water office
james e. burke
A veteran of the US Army. Jim served during the Korean Conflict as a Supply Specialist and attained the rank of Corporal. His duty stations along with Korea were Fort Meade, Maryland where he served with the 3rd Cavalry Honor Guard, Camp McCall, North Carolina, Camp Drum, New York, and Camp Breckenridge, Kentucky. Jim earned and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star and the United States Service Medal. During his time in Korea he did not see any USO shows but Francis Cardinal Spellman, the 6th Archbishop of New York, visited the troops. After returning home Jim worked as an accountant. At this writing Jim still resides in Honesdale.
Banner Location
In front of Northeast Eye Institute on Park St
JAMES BYRNES
A veteran of the US Army. James served stateside during the time of WWII. He was with the Military Police and attained the rank of PFC. After his time in service James worked as an electrician. At this writing he still resides in Wayne County.
Banner Location
Rt. 191 South of Honesdale near Clark's Sunrise Market
CDR THERON B. CALKIN
A veteran of both the US Army and Navy. He attained the rank of Commander. Tom, as he liked to be called, was a career military man having served as an Army Medical Corp. officer during the Korean Conflict as well as a Naval Aviator, flying a helicopter gunship during the Vietnam war. He earned a Bronze Star with Valor, 26 Air Medals, and numerous other awards. He retired with the rank of Commander in 1980. Tom passed away in 2002 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Banner Location
In front of Edward Jones office on Park St near the entrance to Stourbridge Project
ROBERT CHARLES CANIVAN
A veteran of the US Navy. R.C., as some called him, was stationed in New Guinea during WWII and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was the Chief Medical Officer. Among his awards are the WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, and Commendation Ribbon. While he was a passenger traveling in a convoy, he was transferred by breeches buoy to a destroyer and then to another transport to attend to a dangerously wounded man. He then transferred back to the destroyer whereas a result of his skillful operation in closing perforations caused by a bullet, the patient rapidly improved. For his conduct he was commended and was authorized to wear the Commendation Ribbon. Doctor Canivan was born and raised in Honesdale. After finishing college and medical school he returned to Honesdale to practice medicine and care for patients throughout Wayne County. Dr. Canivan passed away in 1972.
Banner Location
West Park St. across from Wayne Memorial Hospital entrance
JAMES CARBONE
A veteran of the US Air Force. James served during the Persian Gulf War as an F15 Eagle Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist. He attained the rank of Senior Airman. His duty stations included Lackland AFB Texas, Lowry AFB Colorado, Kadena AFB Okinawa, Japan, Clark AFB Philippines, Osan AFB South Korea, Langley AFB Virginia, and Nellis AFB Nevada. James earned and received the SASM Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal. While in service he saw a USO show starring Mickey Rooney. After his time in service James became the Project Management Construction Manager for Consolidated Edison/Orange and Rockland Utilities. He was active with the American Legion where he became Commander of Post # 254 Honesdale, American Legion Deputy District Commander, member of VFW Post #531 Honesdale, and Knights of Columbus member Honesdale. He still resides in Wayne County.
Banner Location
In front of B & B Dodge on Rt. 6 East of Honesdale
cdl lawrence g. caruth
A veteran of the US Army Reserves. Larry served during the Vietnam War, the Global War on Terror, Desert Storm, and the Cold War. His area of service was a Dentist and Commander. He attained the rank of Colonel. His awards included Army Reserves Overseas Training Mission and Overseas Training Mission Army. Dr. Caruth was born and raised in Wayne County. He owned the Cherry Ridge Dental Center where he practiced for many years.
Banner Location
1315 Main St
matthew collins
A veteran of the US Army. Matt enlisted in the Army in 2016. As an active participant of the Global War on Terror he was deployed to Kuwait in 2017. He is an Enhanced Patriot Missile Operator and Maintainer. Matt earned and has been awarded two Army Achievement Medals and the Army Accommodation Medal. His rank is Sergeant. He is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and will soon be deployed to Korea. Although still on active duty, at this time, Matt is planning for a career in Sports Medicine after completion of his military service.
Banner Location
Just East of Carley Brook Falls on Rt. 6
wayne county honoring heroes 2022-2023
Applications for the 2022-2023 Banner Program
Regretfully, we have utilized all poles approved for the mounting of the banners. These banners will be in place for two years, at which time the current banners will be given to the sponsors and we will replace them with the next group. Applications for the next group will be available after Jan. 1, 2021. Please stay tuned to our Facebook page or this website for further information. Please email Kim at kimeric1967@yahoo.com or Jeff at jeff@historichonesdale.com for information.
CORDARO-GUNUSKEY
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