Quilts Of Valor
Recipients

DOS – Currently active US Army

Tosha Boyles is serving her country as a veteran still on Active Duty with the United States Army and is assigned to the Army Medical Corps. Tosha is currently assigned as an Environmental Science/Engineering Officer at Fort Liberty (formerly known as Fort Bragg). In that position she attempts to identify and evaluate potential health risks and develop a course of action to control or prevent disease, illness, and injury. Tosha also supervises the scientific research for environmental health and industrial hygiene, assesses weapons, equipment, clothing, and material systems, and develops policies, programs, and operations to ensure the health and safety of Soldiers and staff.  Tosha has served in the 101st Airborne Division (Fort Liberty), and at hospitals at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; South Korea(for two tours); and at Fort Meade, Maryland.

DOS – Conflict Era – 1971-1975 Vietnam 1987-2003

Michael Foley served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1975, including a tour in Vietnam. He also served in the Tennessee Air National Guard from 1987 to 2003.

While on active duty, Mike served at bases in North Dakota, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines while giving support to military flight crews. During his service with the Tennessee Air National Guard, he served as an Air Cargo Specialist on military aircraft.

Mike retired as a Tech Sergeant after 20 years of service.

In recognition of his exemplary service, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with a silver hourglass (representing 20 years of service), and the Tennessee National Guard War Service Ribbon.

DOS – Conflict Era – 1967-1971 Vietnam

Dean Gregory served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971. As a member of the Army Security Agency, he had tours of duty at Long Bien and Bien Hoa in Vietnam and then assigned to West Berlin, Germany.  

In recognition of his service, Dean received the following awards: the Army Good Conduct Medal; the Army of Occupation Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal; and, the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was also awarded the Sharpshooter Badge for the M-16 rifle and the Expert Badge for the M-14 rifle.”

DOS – Conflict Era – 1970 – 1971 Vietnam 1975 – 1995

John Herko served his country in the U.S. Army as an enlisted member from 1968 to 1971. After a break in service to attend West Virginia University and obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting, John received a Regular Army commission and subsequently served from 1975 to 1995.

During his enlisted service, John spent seven months in Germany as a military pay clerk before being levied for Vietnam. Once there, he was assigned to the 126th Finance Section (“where errors are least in the Far East”) for 16 months, from January 1970 to May 1971.

During his 20 years as a commissioned Finance Corps officer, John served a 15-month Field Artillery detail at Ft. Sill, OK. First attending the Field Artillery Basic Course, John was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery (155-millimeter self-propelled howitzers) as a Battalion Ammunition Officer, Battalion Motor Officer, and Battery Commander. After that, he was assigned as the Nuclear Surety Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery (8-inch self-propelled howitzers, which possessed a tactical nuclear capability). 

His Field Artillery branch detail ended, but while remaining at Ft. Sill, John served as the Deputy Protocol Officer and Custodian of Commanche House (the Post VIP Guest Quarters). He then went to Giessen, Germany, and served as the Chief, Military Pay and then the Deputy Finance Officer in the 3d Armored Division; then to Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN, as the Army Banking Officer in the U.S. Army Finance & Accounting Center; then to Camp Casey, South Korea, as the Automation Management Officer in the 2nd Infantry Division; then back to Ft. Benjamin Harrison as the Project Officer for automating ROTC Cadet pay, Health Professions pay, and a Soldier Data Tag; then to Ft. Leavenworth, KS as a Resource Management instructor for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; then, to Schofield Barracks, HI as the Comptroller for the 25th Infantry Division (Light); then, as his last assignment, to Ft. Shafter, Hawaii, as the Chief, Command, Control, and Computer Communications Branch in the U.S. Army Pacific Command.

His awards and decorations for both enlisted and officer service include the Legion of Merit; the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal (four awards); the U.S. Army Commendation Medal (three awards); the U.S. Army Achievement Medal (two awards); the Vietnam Service Medal (three campaign stars); the U.S. Army Overseas Ribbon (Germany, Vietnam, South Korea); and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In recognition of his service in the Field Artillery (1975-1976) and his support of the Field Artillery Group, 25th Infantry Division (1991-1994), John was recognized and received “The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara” and was initiated into the brotherhood of Stone hurlers, Archers, Catapultiers, Rocketeers and Gunners. 

Upon John’s retirement in 1995, and by order of the Secretary of the Army, he was granted and assigned the distinction as a “Distinguished Member of the Finance Regiment.”

DOS – Conflict Era – 1981-2011        Operation Iraqi Freedom

Robert Hibbett served in the Tennessee Army National Guard as a reserve officer for thirty years.  He honorably retired on June 30, 2011, with the rank of Colonel, pay grade O-6.  During that time Robert served in the Armor and Military Intelligence branches. He also served as Commander of the 130th Rear Area Operations Center while in Iraq and the Deputy Forward Operating Base Commander of Camp Bucca, Iraq. Robert was on active duty from May 2007 until March 2008. At the time of his retirement, Robert was the J2/Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, for Joint Force Headquarters, Tennessee National Guard.

Raised and living in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Robert graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a B.S. in Business Administration and received my J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1985. He was in private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee for three years. In 1989, Robert was appointed Assistant District Attorney General for the Fifteenth Judicial District of Tennessee. In 2009, he was named Deputy District Attorney General (Criminal Division). He was appointed Commissioner of Claims (Judge) for the Middle Grand Division effective July 1, 2011, by Governor Bill Haslam.

Robert is the former president of the Fifteenth Judicial District Bar Association and a former member of the Board of Governors for the Tennessee Bar Association. He is also a member of The American Legion Tyler Cates Post 281 in Mt. Juliet and the Wilson County Fellowship of Christian Athletes Advisory Board.

DOS – Conflict Era – 1975-1979 Germany, CONUS

Rubin Horton served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1975 to 1979. He performed his duties as a telephone equipment installer specialist, which included the installation and maintenance of telephone subsets, key telephone systems, key switch systems and associated equipment.  

While serving at Ramstein Air Force Base, near Kaiserslautern, Germany, he acted as team leader in installing and maintaining telephone systems for Air Force facilities (including a low-security correctional facility) and surrounding Army installations and activities. The strategic nature of Ramstein Air Force Base often required Rubin to install and maintain a “hot line” for very high-level arrivals and visitors, requiring classified security and communications. On his next assignment, to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, Rubin continued with his responsibilities related to telephone installation and maintenance.

In recognition of his exemplary performance, Rubin received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and lapel pin.

DOS – Conflict Era – 1977-1997 Persian/OIF/Gulf War/DS/DS (ODS)

Steve Iles served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, from 1977 to 1997. During this time, his assignments included Eglin AFB, FL; Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea; George AFB, CA; Suwon, (a Korean Air Force Base); and at Air Force bases in England, LA; and Little Rock, AR.

Throughout Steve’s career, his occupational specialties and duties ensured mission accomplishment serving as an aircraft armament technician; an aircraft propulsion specialist; an aircraft maintenance superintendent; and a squadron budget and resource management advisor.

Steve’s performance earned him many recognitions and awards, including two awards of the Air Force Commendation Medal; two awards of the Air Force Achievement Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Korea Defense Service Medal. He also earned an Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; two awards of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; and two awards of the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon.

DOS – Conflict Era –1963-1969 Vietnam

 Don Moody served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam from 1963 to 1969 as a Construction Mechanic, specializing in the maintenance and repair of the Navy’s heavy construction equipment. His expertise included working on diesel and gasoline engines, transmissions, and other vital systems essential to the operation of the machinery. Beyond his Vietnam service, Don was stationed at various locations around the globe, including Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean, Port Hueneme (‘Wy-nee’mee’) in California, and Morocco.

While stationed at Port Hueneme (‘Wy-nee’ mee’), located approximately 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, Don organized a significant event in Hollywood for 750 Seabees, dedicated members of the Naval Construction Battalions. The gathering was held to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy Seabees, who were established in 1942. True to their motto, ‘We Build, We Fight,’ the Seabees have proudly embraced their dual role as skilled builders and combat-ready personnel.

 Don concluded his naval service with the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class (E-5). In acknowledgment of his dedication and exemplary performance, he earned several honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

DOS – Conflict Era – 1982-1998                Gulf War/SD/DS (ODS)

DOS – Conflict Era – 1953-1954         Korean War

This Quilt of Valor is presented to John Ewing Ogle, a Korean War veteran, for his service to our country as a member of the United States Army between 1953 and 1961. John was inducted into the U.S. Army at Ft. Meade, Maryland in early 1953, followed by basic training and combat medic training at Camp Pickett, Virginia.  After training, he received orders to Korea in 1953 shortly before peace talks began. At that time, the Army assigned him to the 8194th Army Supply Unit in Pusan for the remainder of his tour.

After Korea, John was released from Active Duty and assigned to the Army Reserve on standby duty until reenlisting on June 5, 1958.  He brushed up on his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, as well as training on the Geneva Convention, Code of Conduct, and chemical, biological and radiological warfare. After that, he went to Fort Benjamin Harrison (Indianapolis, Indiana) for two months schooling in Army Postal Operations, followed by assignments to Poitier and Saumur, France to operate a Military Post Office.

Returning to the United States in 1959, he reported to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and the 305th Army Postal Unit. John was honorably discharged on May 15, 1961, after 9 years, 11 months, and 17 days service.  John, we thank you for your service to America.”

DOS – Conflict Era – 1952 – 1982  Korea & Vietnam

Arnie, Jr., comes from a long family tradition of military service. His great-grandfather served in the Confederacy in the Civil War. His grandfather served under General Pershing during the Mexican Expedition from 1916-1917. His father, Arnie, Sr., served in WWII and the Korean War. Both Senior and Junior Arnie’s served at the same time in the 2d Infantry Division during the Korean War.

Arnie, Jr., our Quilt of Valor recipient, fought in Korea as a rifleman, participating in two very intense and brutal battles at Old Baldy (Hill 266) from June of 1952 to March of 1953, followed by the Battles of Pork Chop Hill (Hill 255) in April and July 1953. During the battle for Pork Chop Hill, Arnie, Jr. suffered a bayonet wound to his midsection, quickly ending up in a hospital…next to his father, who was having eye surgery. Arnie, Sr. promptly notified the Army that his son, who was only 16, lied on his enlistment papers. The Army subsequently nullified Arnie Jr.’s enlistment as fraudulent, stripped him of all rank, awards, and medals, and shipped him home. Unfortunately, 95% of Arnie Jr.’s records were mistakenly placed in his father’s personnel file. Attempts to resolve the mix-up had to be abandoned following the drastic fire in 1973 of the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO, which resulted  in 16 to 18 million records destroyed.

In 1954, Ernie turned 18 and decided, with his brother, to enlist in the Navy. Following basic naval training in Bainbridge, Maryland; aviation training in submarine detection, and Parachute Jump School, Arnie received orders to report for duty on the USS Antietam. The aircraft carrier was named after the 1862 Battle of Antietam (referred to by the South as the Battle of Sharpsburg). During that battle, Arnie’s great-grandfather, James Hill Painter, a Confederate soldier, fought with the 4th Virginia Infantry

  Arnie later joined the crew of a Grumman S2F aircraft, the Navy’s first anti-submarine warfare plane designed for this specific purpose. During a mission over the South China Sea, his plane was forced to make an emergency water landing near the island of Formosa (modern-day Taiwan). Thankfully, he was rescued after enduring eight hours at sea.

 Arnie was honored for his Navy service with several prestigious awards, including the Naval Air Crewmen Combat Badge, the China Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

 In 1958, Ernie enlisted again in the Army and began his third military journey with basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He continued on with the Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and over the next 11 years, Ernie held assignments in Korea, Germany, and Italy. Between 1961 and 1967, Ernie completed four tours in Vietnam, where he played a crucial role in training the Vietnamese on field artillery operations. Throughout his career, he traveled the equivalent of two trips around the world. Unfortunately, in 1969, he received a Compassionate Discharge following a tragic automobile accident that left his wife seriously injured.

After four years in the Army Reserve, Arnie resumed active duty in 1973 as an Army recruiter, stationed at Fort Sheridan and serving the Chicagoland area. It was during this time that he met his second wife, Diane, who worked at the Bridgeview, Illinois Recruiting Office. Together, Arnie and Diane successfully blended their families and welcomed two children of their own. In 2018 Ernie participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. At that time, they had built a remarkable legacy of eight children, 36 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

 “On November 30, 1982, Arnie retired from the Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class         (E-7). Soon after, he embarked on a new career with the U.S. Postal Service, dedicating 28 years as a skilled diesel mechanic. Beyond his professional achievements, Arnie was deeply involved in veteran organizations, lending his support and leadership to fellow veterans. His enthusiasm for history and craftsmanship led him to embrace a unique hobby as a ‘muzzleloading musket’ enthusiast, earning numerous ribbons in competitive events.

In addition to the Navy honors previously mentioned, Arnie was recognized with numerous service and achievement awards during his Army career, including the prestigious Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, awarded by the Republic of Vietnam.

DOS – Conflict Era – 1941-1944            World War II

William Pardue was a gunner aboard various Merchant Marine transport ships during WWII.  He engaged in combat against aircraft that intended to bomb the ships he was assigned to protect.  He had told the story of shooting down enemy aircraft. He was also blown off a ship when it was torpedoed and was recovered from the ocean, in an unconscious state.  He was forced to find his own way home from the port where he was docked when the war was over and told the Merchant Marine ship’s captain, he’d do anything the captain needed if he would give him a ride to San Francisco.

DOS – Conflict Era – Vietnam

Bob Ramsey served his country in the U.S. Army for 6 years, from 1969 to 1975. During this time, his assignments included Ft. Jackson, SC; Ft. Belvoir, VA; Republic of Vietnam, and Ft. Campbell, KY. 

Bob’s occupational specialties and duties ensured mission accomplishment in several critical areas.  He served with the 101st Airborne Division, on Camp Eagle, in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.  Bob was a precise power engineer (working on power generation); an electrician; and making sure the gas and diesel generators always worked.  And, he performed duties as a motor pool clerk dealing with vehicles, equipment, and inventory. After returning to the States, Bob accepted an assignment to Ft. Campbell’s Special Services organization and daily gave guitar lessons to the family members of soldiers.

Bob’s performance earned him many recognitions and awards, including a Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal; the Army Good Conduct Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal (with two campaign stars); and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (with the1960 device).

DOS – Conflict Era – 2012-2016         Operation Enduring Freedom

Katie Sarazine served her country in the U.S. Navy from 2012 to 2016, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Third Class (E-4).  While assigned to Norfolk, VA, she performed her duties as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. 

Katie also successfully achieved Air Warfare qualification on three aircraft:  The C2A Greyhound (which transported cargo between ship and shore); and the E2C and E2D Hawkeyes (which were all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft.

The Quilt of Valor Foundation, the Music City Quilt Guild and its Quilt of Valor Group Leader, Robert St. John, would like to honor Katie Sarazine for her service to the United States of America with this Quilt of Valor.” 

DOS – Conflict Era – Vietnam

Delmar Smith served his country in the United States Navy from February 1967 to November 1970. He began his military service at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, just north of Chicago, Illinois. After his Recruit Training, Delmar stayed there to attend the Basic Electricity and Electronics course and the Radarman Seaman Apprentice course. Nine months after his enlistment, Delmar received his initial permanent duty assignment aboard the USS Force, an Aggressive Class ocean-going minesweeper. After about three months of cruising between Hawaii and Virginia Beach, during which Delmar completed an Advanced Air Search Operation Course, the USS Boston, with Delmar and Wayne, deployed to Vietnam. Delmar was the ship’s Radar Navigator. Also, both brothers served as gun target plotters, which involved plotting the ship’s position, determining bearing and range to gun targets and imputing data to the fire control center. In fact, Delmar and Wayne, his brother, relieved each other every six hours while on the firing line of Vietnam, directing every firing mission assigned to the USS Boston. 

DOS – Conflict Era – Vietnam

Wayne Smith served his country in the United States Navy from December 1967 to October 1971. Like all Navy recruits, he began his military service at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center for his Seaman and Radarman training. In early 1968, Wayne received orders to report aboard the USS Boston (CA-69), a guided missile cruiser, and served his first Vietnam tour.  In December 1968 Wayne completed the Combat Information Center Plotting Procedures class in Newport, Rhode Island. A few months later, the Navy transferred his brother, Delmar, to the USS Boston.  They served together on the USS Boston for Wayne’s second Vietnam tour.

DOS – Conflict Era – 1991-1995               Gulf War/SD/DS /Operation Spartan Shield

Shawn Taylor served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps between 1991 and 1995, achieving the rank of Sergeant, (E-5). His MOS was Manual Morse Intercept Operator with a secondary MOS of Light Armored Vehicle Crewman.

For six months, Shawn worked at Field Station Kunia, about 30 miles northwest of Honolulu, HI, on the island of Oahu. While there he conducted Signals Intelligence to the National Security Agency.  Shawn was also assigned to the 1st Radio Battalion, where he commanded a 14-ton, 2-million-dollar, Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System (MEWSS) (a variant of a Light Armored Vehicle with a crew of 4).

During his enlistment Shawn deployed with the 13th  Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the USS Essex LHD-2 (which is a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship with a Landing Helicopter Dock, possessing the capability to operate helicopters and has a well deck that allows boats, amphibious vehicles and landing craft to dock within the ship).

During his deployment Shawn went to the Persian Gulf, going ashore to  Kuwait, Dubai and Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.  While in Kuwait Shawn conducted training with American and allied units by providing signals intelligence and electronic warfare against Iraqi troops in support of Operation Continued Freedom.

In February of 1995 the 13th MEU went to the coast of Somalia. The United Nations had determined that they could no longer sustain humanitarian efforts there. The U.N. troops that were currently stationed there came under fire regularly and were unable to just pack up and leave. Marines from the MEU went ashore and set up a perimeter defense which allowed the Pakistani and Italian troops to leave during the night.  Shawn was chosen as one of the five Marines from the Radio Battalion Unit to go ashore and monitor Somali communications and direction finding to provide real time intelligence to the

combat troops manning the berms. Once the Marines were ready to leave, they made a tactical withdrawal by slowly collapsing the perimeter until they could board LCACs (that is, Landing Craft, Air Cushioned) and make their way back to the ships. All this while under sporadic enemy fire.

During his enlistment Shawn received the Navy Achievement Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Expert Rifle Badge and the Expert Pistol Badge.

DOS – 1968-2006                                    Conflict Era – Vietnam 1969-1970

United States Army Major, Retired, Infantry Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Helicopter pilot, Company Commander, Battalion Commander.

DOS – Conflict Era – Vietnam

James Wermes served his country in the U.S. Air Force (including activated Air Force National Guard/Reserve) for 1961 to 1975.  He served on active duty, including a tour in Vietnam, between 1961 and 1967.

DOS – Conflict Era – 1983-2003         Persian Gulf/Operation Enduring Freedom