Page 27 - Valley Life & Health

THE MORNING CALL SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 27

James D. Christie
U.S. Army

My father, James D. Christie, was a man of valor, dignity, and integrity. He
entered the Army in July of 1942, and was sent to the Antiaircraft Artillery
Officer’s Candidate School. He also completed Radar Officer’s School, and
served in AAA Gun Battalions in North Africa, Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, Italy,
France, and Germany, receiving four battle stars. After the war in Europe, he
was assigned to a 2nd Infantry Division field artillery battalion. He joined the
Pennsylvania National Guard in Allentown. He entered active duty again for
the Korean War. After that, he was a continuing active member of the National
Guard, serving in various positions in the 51st Brigade and the 231th Group. He
completed his 31 years of Army service in August 1973, and was promoted to
Brigadier General. His selfless service, love for his country, and strong patriotism
has been a meaningful example to my family and me of what it means to be an
American. I will always remember how wonderful he looked in his uniform, and
I will be forever grateful that he gave himself for our freedom. I am proud to call
James D. Christie, “Dad”.
Jane Gibson

Pfc. James R. Fallstitch
Marines, Vietnam War
I remember
… being jealous because he inherited the blonde naturally curly hair
… watching scary movies with our cousins on New Year’s Eve until the
wee hours of the morning
… the smiling eyes and clowning sense of humor
… how easy it was for him to make friends
… when he joined the Marines with five of his friends because they
didn’t know what they wanted to do with their lives
… how proud my parents were when they attended his graduation from
Marine boot camp
… the picture I took of him holding his 9-month-old niece, my daughter
… our last conversation and hug on a Sunday afternoon
… the Sunday afternoon two Marines appeared at my parents’ front
door with their sympathy
… my brother Jimmy as a happy-go-lucky 18 year old who will never
grow old in my eyes
Diane Ward

James W. Murdy
U.S. Navy
WWll Pearl Harbor Survivor
Our family shares warm memories of our beloved hero James W. Murdy of
Allentown. James proudly served his country for six years in the U.S. Navy. He
was stationed on 3 ships, beginning on the Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger. He
took courses to become a 1st class electrician‘s mate. Then he was transferred
to what he referred to as “his favorite lady of the sea,” the light cruiser USS
Helena. Jim survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The
Helena remained afloat after suffering damage from two torpedoes and aerial
attacks. He was fortunate to have escaped physical injury. He later served on
a wooden minesweeper, the YMS-53 while on active duty in the South Pacific.
He received various commendations and metals for his service in the Pacific
Theatre. Entering the Navy as an enlisted man, he proudly achieved the rank
of Chief Petty Officer prior to his discharge.
After leaving the Navy, Jim began his 35 year career at the Bethlehem
Steel Corporation while also working part time for Donmoyer Electric. He
later started his own air conditioning/refrigeration and electrical business,
which he pursued well into his late 80s, as he was not one to remain idle. It
was also during this time that he obtained his Master Electrician’s License.
Jim, the patriarch of our family, was always there with unconditional love
and support. He was a wonderful Pop-Pop, a great “Mr. Fix-it” and the best
life coach and role model one could have. Our hero earned his wings and left
us in July of 2018 at the age of 100.
Patricia Cressman