Remembering Our Heroes This Memorial Day: Stories of Service from Union County

This Memorial Day, as we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we remember the stories of service and sacrifice from Union County.

Corporal Gerald “Bud” Shepler: A Korean War Paratrooper’s Sacrifice

We recall the story of Union County’s own Corporal Gerald Ivan “Bud” Shepler, a young paratrooper whose fate remained unknown for decades after his service in the Korean War.

Born on May 13, 1930, to Merle and Ruby Davis Shepler, Gerald grew up in Union County, attending local schools. Even from a young age, his interests hinted at his future path. A book of his drawings from the fifth grade is filled with sketches of army jeeps, airplanes, and military equipment, showcasing an early fascination with the armed forces.

Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 4, 1948. Two years later, on August 4, 1950, while on leave, he married Marjorie Smalley. Their time together was tragically short.

Corporal Shepler, at the age of 20, served as a paratrooper with U.S. Army Company K, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. His courage was evident on November 29, 1950, near Hajoyang-ri, North Korea. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Corporal Shepler was the lead scout on a reconnaissance patrol when his unit was ambushed by enemy forces. During the intense battle that ensued, an enemy mortar round reportedly exploded within ten yards of him. Following the engagement, Corporal Shepler could not be accounted for, and the U.S. Army declared him missing in action.

For his dedicated service and profound sacrifice, Corporal Shepler was posthumously awarded several military decorations. His family received the Purple Heart in his honor. His other commendations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Arrowhead device and three bronze stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Parachutist Badge with one bronze star. Though his passing was officially noted on March 2, 2017, by Legacy Remembers, Corporal Gerald “Bud” Shepler’s story of bravery and sacrifice endures.

Honoring Union County’s World War II Fallen

In addition to Corporal Shepler’s Korean War service, we also solemnly remember the Union County soldiers who gave their lives during World War II. Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice were:

• Lowell N. Beard (PFC KIA)
• Borradaile B. L. (S SGT FOD)
• John E. Collier (PVT DNB)
• Jack N. Comer (S SGT DNB)
• Paul C. Dixon (1 LT DOW)
• Carl E. Drem (PFC KIA)
• Roy C. Gibson (PFC KIA)
• Richard J. Greggerson (2 LT KIA)
• Robert T. Huston (PFC KIA)
• Robert E. Lilly Jr. (S SGT DOW)
• Robert O. Potter (TEC5 DNB)
• James E. Puccini (PVT DOW)
• Charles E. Robbins (PFC DNB)
• Josephiaus F. Stanton (PFC DNB)
• Donald C. Stevens (PFC KIA)

(KIA: Killed in Action; FOD: Finding of Death; DNB: Died Non-Battle; DOW: Died of Wounds)

This list serves as a somber reminder of the widespread impact of the war and the many local families who mourned the loss of their loved ones.

Further Research

The stories of these individuals, and many others who served, are part of our county’s rich history. For those interested in learning more about these service members or conducting their own research into family or local military history, genealogy websites can be invaluable resources.

This Memorial Day, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of all these individuals. Their memory serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the valor of those who defend it.