Page 25 - Valley Life & Health

THE MORNING CALL SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 25

Clifford Earle Johnstone
U.S. Navy, Pacific Campaign
Korea, Vietnam
Clifford Earle Johnstone, dad, joined the Navy at 17 years old. Hired out as a
farm hand at the mere age of 11, he couldn’t attend school on a regular basis.
The Navy offered him the opportunity to serve his country, earn a living, and
escape the rigors of a Vermont hard scrabble life. He wore the uniform with
pride, instilling that same into his 4 kids. Dad, loved being a sailor, most of the
time. Like many a veteran, he seldom spoke of the times he fought in war,
knowing civilians couldn’t understand the unfathomable brutality. Only once I
heard him speak of the horrors of war and the sorrow of walking watch among
the bodies of his buddies stacked 10 high on deck as the captain charted a course
home to bring those remains to their devastated families. Military life had its ups
and downs, but suited my father to a “T.” He served 26 years in the Navy; saw
war in the Pacific Campaign, Korea and Nam. Through life, the military bearing
and love of country exuded from dad. He is at rest among his comrades
at Ft. Indian Gap Cemetery. May we always remember their sacrifice.
Anne Jenkins

Donald F. Hartzell, Sr.
U.S. Army Air Corps
World War ll, (10/27/23-12/3/2001)
Bethlehem, PA
Donald F. Hartzell, Sr., of Bethlehem, served in the US Army Air Corps during
WW II from 1943 to 1945. He flew 50 missions as a waist gunner in the 15th Air
Force, 459th Bomb Group, 723 Squadron on a B-24 bomber stationed in Italy.
He flew missions over Italy, Germany and took part in the raids against Ploesti,
Romania oil fields. Donald attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and after returning to
the U.S., continued to train air crew.
Donald was married to Helen Hujcs Hartzell 57 years and the father of Mary
Ellen Paulus and Donald F. Hartzell, Jr. He was the son of Paul T. and Mabel Hartzell
and brother to Richard.

Barry Paulus

Donald F. Hartzell, Jr.
U.S. Navy
Vietnam (6/23/48-2/26/70)
Bethlehem, PA
Donald F. Hartzell, Jr., of Bethlehem, enlisted in the Navy in 1967 after graduating
from Liberty High School in 1966. After basic training, he shipped to Philadelphia
to work on the refitting of the battleship USS New Jersey. After the refitting was
complete, the New Jersey was sent to Vietnam with Donald serving as GMG3.
Upon return to the US in 1969, Donald volunteered for the Task Force 116, River
Division 553. He began his second tour in Vietnam January 27, 1970 and was KIA
on February 26, 1970 while serving on river boat patrol in Kien Giang province.
Donald was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Donald was the son of WW II veteran Donald F. Hartzell, Sr., and Helen M.
Hujcs Hartzell. He was brother to Mary Ellen.
Barry Paulus