I get Google alerts when they discover a post regarding WWII combat engineers. Google sent this my way, and I thought it would be nice to remember this gentleman and his service to our country. Rest in peace sir.
Thomas F. Hiestand
Hiestand, Thomas F. , 93, of Chesterfield, VA, formerly of Campbellsville, KY, died on April 1, 2012.
He was born September 7, 1918 in Taylor County, KY. He was the last surviving child of the late beloved Dr. C.V. and Mattie Hogan Hiestand. He attended the University of Kentucky and was retired from Seattle Quilt Manufacturing Company where he was national sales manager for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Campbellsville, and a valued Board Member of the Hiestand House Museum.
Tom was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He ended his four years service in WWII as Sergeant Major, Combat Engineer Unit, 24th Infantry Division. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked and witnessed General MacArthur’s landing to liberate the Philippines. He was decorated with the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon w/4 Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/ 2 Bronze Stars, and the Good Conduct Ribbon. During the Korean War, he was recalled to Ft. Lewis, WA where he instructed soldiers in advanced combat skills.
He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, the former Mary Jo Collins Allhouse, of Chesterfield, VA, his daughter Janet Hiestand (Leslie) Gurgel, of Mountlake Terrace, WA, two grandchildren Kristen Smith (Cory) Morkert of Port Orchard, WA, and Matthew Smith of Kirkland, WA, two great grandchildren, twins Colin and Reese Morkert, nieces, Jonna Mendez, Knoxville, MD, Holly Twitchell, Richardson, TX, Heidi Valbusa, Prince Frederick, MD, Janet Mair, Fayston, VT, Jane Berg, Omaha Nebraska, nephew Josh Hord, Lake City, FL, step children, Jo Carol (Robert, deceased) Parkin, Chesterfield, VA, Sam (Linda) Allhouse, Mt. Airy, MD, Julie (Rick) Kinkade, Dallas, TX. Step grandchildren, Lori (Phil) Collins, Richmond, VA, Rob Parkin, Richmond, VA, and Adam (Jodie) Parkin, Erie, PA, Ryan Allhouse and Keeley (Nate) Carl of Maryland, step great-grandchildren: Michael Parker, Jordan Collins, Corey Collins, Caleb Collins and Emmie Parkin.
Preceding him in death was his first wife, Catherine Evelyn Gault, a daughter, Ann Hiestand Smith, and sisters and brothers, Nydia Phillips, Val Hiestand, Fannie Munson, Regina O’Brien, Clemmie Lair, Johnie Fogarty, Blanche Hord, Billie Nunn, Grace Poynter, Richard Hiestand, and baby Harry.
His memorial service will be held at 11 AM on April 9, 2012, at Webber Memorial Baptist Church, North Chesterfield, VA. Burial with military honors will follow in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hiestand House Museum, 1075 Campbellsville Bypass, Campbellsville, KY 42718. Online registry book is available at Morrissett.com.
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"