I received word last week of the passing of former 36th Engineer, Joe Medina. Joe went through the European Campaign with my Dad, Francis "Combat " Stephens. I first heard from Joe in early 2007 and we had many great conversations over the years and I really feel honored to call Joe my friend.
Chris Stephens, twobisquit"
Here is a write up Joe Medina Jr. prepared for a proclamation he is to receive from the city of Los Angeles.
Joe G. Medina was born on April 6, 1925 in Los Angeles, California. He died at his home in Monterey Park on September 18th, 2014. He is survived by his wife Stella, his children Joe, Vivian, Martha and Susie and 7 grandchildren.
Joe lived in the Los Angeles area his entire life. As a Depression Era child he learned the importance of hard work, perseverance and family. These early life lessons formed the core of his being and would become the values by which he would live the rest of his life.
In 1943 Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served until the end of WWII when he was honorably discharged. As part of the “Rugged” 36th Engineer Combat Regiment, Joe participated in the North Africa Campaign, Battle of Sicily, as well as conflicts in Anzio, Southern France and Germany. He received various commendations and citations for his service including the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Italy and France. While only serving 2 years in the U.S Army, these years would ultimately have a profound and life changing impact on his life particularly in his later years.
On June 20th, 1948 Joe married Stella Reza and the two remained married for 66 years until his passing. Joe held various jobs but will always be known to his family as a master cabinet maker and craftsman. In his long and successful woodworking career he rose to the level of plant superintendent at some of the Los Angeles’ premier wood crafting businesses. Many of his projects were featured in movies and television.
While Joe had many interests he only had one passion…his family. Every decision he made, every penny he saved, every life lesson he taught were all rooted on preserving and enhancing the integrity and strength of the family unit. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. As the patriarch of the family he was also a mentor, a confidant, a friend and a role model. He led by example. Even while he was battling numerous medical ailments, it was never about him but always about the family. He clearly was at his best when he was surrounded by all his grandchildren.
Joe was not a classically educated man. You will never find a street named for him. He can never claim to have invented a disease busting vaccine or providing a philanthropic gift that helps end world hunger. But Joe, like thousands of other hard working Angelino men and women of his era that suffered though poverty, discrimination and war, was able to instill values of hard work, perseverance and family to his children and grandchildren. He never asked for thanks nor ever considered himself a victim. He was a survivor and he was our hero.
Jerry H Warren was my father. He served in the Corps of Engineers, US Army from approximately January 1945 to August 1945 when he was shipped out to serve in Okinawa. He was born in 1923.
I am trying to find out which unit he was assigned to. I remember that his uniform jacket had the 3rd Infantry Brigade's patch sewn on one shoulder. I remember him saying that his ship was 3 days out from Okinawa when the first atomic bomb was dropped.
Here's to Charlie Kassebohm, 36th Combat Engineer WWII, dear friend, compassionate and loving soul and Mr "purple jacket". You will be missed my dear friend, but never, never forgotten. You had such a gentle heart and warm and wonderful smile. It was great to be able to call you friend. God rest your soul.
Love forever, Marion
In first pic, Charlie in on left with Tom and Bob Nokes (both have also passed away)
