~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
At a public ceremony last Thursday morning, a photo of Churdan native, the late Edward English, was added to the wall in the Greene County courthouse which is designated as Remembering Our Fallen Heroes. About 30 people attended the brief ceremony as the photograph of English and his service history were mounted on the wall next to other Greene County war heroes.
Mike Bierl, Greene County veterans affairs officer, planned the event and conducted the program. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Father John Gerald, Bierl explained the Heroes Wall and how selections have been made.
County attorney Thomas Laehn read the resolution passed by the board of supervisors which established the Heroes Wall.
Duane Mosher of Churdan, representing the Churdan American Legion Post No. 198 which is named for English, presented the biography of Edward English.
Edward English was declared dead on Jan. 11, 1946, at the age of 23 years. A motor machinist’s mate assigned to the USS Scorpion, English was confirmed missing in action since Feb. 22, 1944.
Edward was the only child of Mr and Mrs Harry English of Churdan. He was born May 28, 1920, in New York City, but arrived in Churdan with his parents when he was only a few weeks old. He graduated from high school in 1938.
English joined the Navy upon graduation. His first assignment was on a destroyer, the USS Porter, which went down only 10 days to two weeks after he left it. He then attended submarine school at New London, CT, and was assigned to the submarine USS Scorpion.
On Jan. 3, 1944, the Scorpion left Midway Island to patrol waters in the Western Pacific where she was likely to encounter the enemy. Scorpion failed to return as scheduled and was assumed to be the victim of a Japanese mine. She was declared lost on March 6, 1944.
The parents of English received a letter of commendation for their son. Part of it read, “As motor machinist’s mate first class of the USS Scorpion, Edward Joseph English’s performance of duty materially contributed to the success of this vessel against the enemy. The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet forwards this commendation in recognition of his splendid performance of duty, which is in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.”
He left home for the last time on Armistice Day in 1942 to report to the sub base. The last letter which his parents received from him was written on Christmas Day.
On Dec. 6, 1967, the Churdan Post was renamed the Edward English American Legion Post No. 198.
“This placard and photo were provided by Post No. 198 of Churdan,” explained Bierl. “May a grateful nation never cease to honor his memory.”
Special mention was made of the POW/MIA table by Bierl and John Lonergan.
The haunting sound of Taps was performed by Peg Semke and Wayne Lautner with the melody echoing throughout the courthouse.
The POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony
“As you entered the foyer this morning you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst.
“They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them “Brothers”. They are unable to be with us this morning and so we remember them.
- This Table set for one is small — Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors . . . Remember!
- The Tablecloth is white — Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms . . . Remember!
- The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return . . . Remember!
- The Yellow Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the yellow ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing . . . Remember!
- The Candle is lit — Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit . . . Remember!
- A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate . . . Remember!
- There is Salt upon the bread plate — Symbolic of the families’ tears as they wait . . . Remember!
- The Glass is inverted — They cannot toast with us this night . . . Remember!
- The Chair — The chair is empty. They are not here . . . Remember!
“All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you . . . Remember!
“Until the day they come home . . . Remember!”
