Ron Romanowicz, Author at Pennsylvania Military College

Thomas Anderson ’42 (Heroism During WWII and Korea)

When “B” Company Commander Thomas Anderson graduated from PMC in 1942, he was considered to be a no nonsense Cadet and a “True Leader.” He had a commanding voice, a squared-away military appearance and was an expert at handling those Cadets around him. During his four years, he was awarded the Dunlap Memorial Rifle Trophy and the Oliver Revolver Medal for his marksmanship. His amiable manner also kept him busy with several social pursuits, including the 3rd Class (Sophomore) and 2nd Class (Junior) Dance Committees and the Sabre and Sash (Yearbook).

Anderson was assigned to the 26th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed “The Blue Spaders”, 1st Infantry Division. He focused on preparing for the amphibious invasion of North Africa. First Lieutenant Anderson and his unit landed on the beaches west of Oran, in northwest Africa. The inexperienced American troops encountered stubborn enemy resistance. Anderson’s unit came under constant and effective machine-gun and small-arms fire. Anderson was awarded The Silver Star Medal for his leadership and bravery in leading his men to the successful completion of their mission.

Moving inland, the 1st Infantry Division took up defensive positions in the Kasserine Pass, a wide gap in the Atlas Mountains. Elements of Rommel’s Afrika Korps launched a counter-attack against the 1st Infantry in order to regain control of Tunisia. During the German assault, Anderson led a machine gun squad in the destruction of a well-concealed sniper nest. For his outstanding leadership and tactical skill, Anderson was awarded The Oak Leaf Cluster to The Silver Star Medal (Second Award).

On D-Day, the 26th Regiment landed on Omaha Beach. After landing on “Fox Green Beach,” Anderson, now a Captain and the Commanding Officer of A Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, was ordered to take the high ground west and southwest of the Port-en-Bessin, to include Mount Cauvin. Although little is recorded about this engagement, Anderson was awarded The 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to The Silver Star Medal (Third Award).

During the Korean War, in late May 1951, the 7th Infantry Regiment launched a counter-attack to a Chinese advancement. The goal was to capture key hills and passes near Soksa-ri, Korea, and push the enemy back. During the siege, the 3rd Battalion became critically short of water, rations, and ammunition. Anderson responded to the regimental commander’s request for supplies. Despite being under constant small arms fire from the Chinese and avoiding jagged mountaintops, he piloted an unarmed aircraft four times. Each time he accurately dropped the supplies the 3rd Battalion urgently needed. By the end of May, the enemy offensive had been crushed. Anderson was The 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster to The Silver Star Medal (Fourth Award) for his “Unwavering Gallantry.”

Few men are awarded multiples of The Silver Star Medal, the Nation’s Third-Highest Combat Award (Decoration) for Gallantry. Anderson was one of them.

Filed Under: Legends, Notable Cadets

Honorary First Captain: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Throughout its history, PMC was host to many of the nation’s leaders. A long line of men, including General John J. Pershing, General Douglas MacArthur, Cecil B. DeMille, John Philip Sousa and Bob Hope, reviewed the Corps of Cadets. Among these many notables were several Presidents of the United States, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Eisenhower’s visit to PMC in the spring of 1963 is considered to be a landmark event. The former President was greeted upon his arrival by a PMC Honor Guard, President Moll, and the Commandant of Cadets, Major General William Biddle, who had served under Eisenhower in World War II. After lunch, Brigade Commander Jack Geoghegan ‘63 escorted Eisenhower to the parade field. After a 21-gun salute Eisenhower inspected the Corps of Cadets. Afterwards, Geoghegan presented Eisenhower with a sabre making Eisenhower the first Honorary First Captain in the 151-year history of PMC. The sabre is the traditional symbol that linked the Corps of Cadets of the Past and Present. After Geoghegan’s presentation, Eisenhower made brief remarks to the crowd. “I assure you,” said Eisenhower, a 1915 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, “I did not attain the rank of First Captain at West Point.”

After a short reception following the activities of the afternoon, Eisenhower drove off with an aide to Gettysburg. As a courtesy, each year, General Biddle informed Eisenhower of the achievements of the Cadet Brigade Commanders.

Note: The sabre presented to Eisenhower can be found in the Eisenhower Library In Abilene, KS.

Filed Under: Legacy of PMC, Legends, Notable Cadets

William Tumbelston ’37 (Silver Star)

The Tumbelston family had a long association with PMC. Dr. Robert T. Tumbelston, ’07 was a graduate and the President of the Alumni Association. His two sons followed in his footsteps and attended PMC. William “Blackie” Tumbelston started as a rook in the Prep School and rose to be Cadet Captain of B Company in his First Class (Senior) year. His classmates considered him to be one of the most accomplished members of the Class of 1937 and for his “fearless determination” and leadership abilities also admired him. After graduation, he joined a Marine reserve battalion in Philadelphia.

Tumbelston was the Executive Officer of the 1st Battalion of the 27th Marines when they landed on Iwo Jima. He assumed command when Lieutenant Colonel Justin Duryea was wounded while taking Hill 326A. After making a thorough Leader’s Reconnaissance of the forward positions of the battalion, Tumbelston launched an attack on the heavily defended Japanese position that had halted the battalion’s advance. Leading from the front, as he was taught at PMC, he was wounded. The bullet struck him in the left arm, but after receiving treatment and refusing evacuation, he returned to the front. After the battle, Tumbelston was evacuated. In the five days he commanded the battalion, the forward attacks destroyed Japanese opposition. For his actions he was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

The battle to secure Iwo Jima witnessed the toughest combat of World War II. The courage and heroism of the Marines, however, inspired a war-weary nation and helped to propel it to final victory.

The battalion staff of 1/27. L-R: Unknown, Unknown, Capt Thomas R. Shepard, Bn-3, LTC John A. Butler, CO, MAJ William R. Tumbelston, XO, Unknown, 1LT James T. Rain, Bn-2 Photo courtesy John A. Butler, Jr.

Filed Under: Legends, Notable Cadets

Encampment

In many ways, Theodore Hyatt modeled Pennsylvania Military Academy after the United States Military Academy, West Point, system of education. With the passing of leadership to Charles Hyatt in 1888, few changes were made in this philosophy. In 1893, Colonel Charles Hyatt introduced the spring encampment for all PMC cadets that was modeled after the USMA “Summer Encampment,” which had begun in 1819. The first PMC spring encampment was held in a field adjoining the parade ground called Camp Crawford. The camp was named after Civil War Major General Samuel W. Crawford, subsequent President of the Board of Trustees, who passed away in 1892.

During the encampment, the Cadets lived in tents and gained practical experience. Under the direction of the Professor of Military Science, mornings were devoted to military problems and marksmanship. The afternoons were spent playing sports or other forms of recreation. Evenings were usually spent around a campfire, where a variety of activities kept everyone entertained.

With the passage of the National Defense Act in 1916, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps was created. In the summer of 1918, ROTC held its first six-week summer camp at Plattsburg, NY, and PMC Cadets were in attendance. For the next half-century, these camps became a part of a cadet’s experience at PMC. In more recent years, the encampment was held at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Annville, PA, (now named Fort Indiantown Gap).

Filed Under: Cadet Life, Legends

James Spurrier ’40, Emery Hickman ’40, William Dudley ’42 (From the Polo Field to the Battlefield)

The 1939-1940 polo season was, perhaps, one of the greatest for polo at PMC. Under the guidance of Coach Carl Schaubel, ’30, considered at the time to be the best polo coach in the country, the team of Jim Spurrier ‘40, Emery Hickman ‘40 and “Bud” Maloney ‘41 excelled. Jim Spurrier was the sparkplug of the team. Bud Maloney formed the spearhead on attack, and Emory Hickman constantly retrieved the ball, feeding it to Spurrier and Maloney. Following the completion of a successful regular season, the PMC team once again played in the Intercollegiate Polo Tournament. They beat Harvard and West Point, but were defeated by Princeton in the Championship game. After graduation, these men, along with William Dudley ’42, a sophomore and another member of the polo team, were again teamed together in the 1st Cavalry Division. Three of these polo players distinguished themselves in action and earned Silver Star Medals for their leadership and heroism.

After months of “island hopping” through the Japanese held island chain known as “the Admiralties”, the 1st Cavalry Division invaded the Philippine Island of Leyte in October 1944. On November 30th, B Troop, under the command of CPT James R. Spurrier, was ordered to open the only available supply route by attacking a strongly entrenched force. To accomplish this, Spurrier was forced to cut his own trail through a densely wooded jungle over rugged mountain terrain. As darkness fell, there was the added danger of his troops becoming lost. Spurrier demonstrated initiative and courage leading his men to a point from which an attack could be made at first light. During the night, he gathered reinforcements to his command with men returning from the hospital and others carrying rations. As the sun rose the next day, Spurrier launched a coordinated attack. After 12 hours of hand-to-hand combat led by Spurrier, the supply route was reopened and an estimated 218 Japanese troops had been killed.

In January 1945, Luzon was invaded and General MacArthur issued the order “Go to Manila!” to liberate prisoners held by the Japanese and take the Malacañan Palace, the White House of the Philippines. Detached from the famous “flying column” and ordered to seize and hold the Palace, F Troop, commanded by CPT Emery M. Hickman, began the race towards Manila. To reach the objective, the squadron swept through the maze of unfamiliar streets and quickly overran the Japanese that were preparing to destroy the Palace. Hickey then organized the defense of the compound so well that when the Japanese tried to re-enter the grounds during the night they were stopped while taking many casualties. The next day, the Japanese began a murderous artillery bombardment of the Palace from across the Pasig River. Without regard for his personal safety Hickman courageously directed the fire of F Troop ordnance, observed the effects of the fire, and saw that all casualties received care.

As the 8th Cavalry Regiment began its push southward of Manila, Japanese resistance blocked its progress. Troop E, commanded by CPT William Dudley, was given the assignment to clear the area, starting with Gilmore Street. On Gilmore, a determined and tenacious Japanese force, consisting of machine guns and sniper fire, defended the area. Dudley was continually in the lead and exposed to the withering enemy fire. Throughout the daylong battle, Dudley remained in the forefront of the Troop reassuring his men and exploiting every gain before the enemy could reorganize. His leadership, personal courage, and heroism were directly responsible for the success of his and the regiment’s mission.

Filed Under: Legends, Notable Cadets

Wilfred F. Farrell ’39 (Prisoner of War in Nazi Germany)

Wilfred F. Farrell

Wilfred “Casey” Farrell was a member of the basketball team and a determined student while attending PMPS (1932-35). He graduated from PMC in 1939. Best known for his unselfishness, leadership, and carefree outlook, he was a standout during his seven years as a resident of Old Main. After graduation, Farrell entered the Army and was assigned to the 26th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Blue Spaders. The 26th was a part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the First Infantry Division.

In 1942, the 26th Infantry led America’s first amphibious assault in North Africa near Oran in Algeria. In January 1943, Harold Boyle, a renowned war correspondent traveling with the Army, wrote that, in a pre-dawn assault, the Americans charged up a slippery slope of 1,000 feet with fixed bayonets and seized the heights. Farrell led his unit, a heavy weapons company, in advance of this attack. In February, in an effort to locate machine gun nests that had kept his unit pinned down on a hillside, he and another officer voluntarily went beyond their own lines. Many Americans, including Farrell, were subsequently cut off and taken prisoner when the Germans launched a counter attack. For his gallantry in action during the battle, Farrell was awarded the Silver Star Medal, which was presented, to his father at Fort DuPont.

According to Farrell, he was first taken to Tunis and then to a camp in Naples, Italy. Two weeks later, Farrell was moved to a camp in Austria. After three months in Austrian camp, he was shipped to Oflag (Offizierslager) 64, a prisoner of war camp for American officers in Poland. The camp was built around a Polish boys’ school in Szubin to detain the 150 officers captured in the North Africa Campaign. As the war continued, the size of the camp rose to 1,471 men. The “Kriegies” (short for Kriegsgefangenen: prisoners of war) made the best of their situation by organizing sports events, musical and theatrical performances and escape plans. Farrell wrote to his parents that he was studying French and German as well as reading some good books. In January 1945, the Russians liberated the camp and Farrell was returned to the United States. It was reported in the PMC News (June, 1945) that Farrell felt the Polish people “treated us wonderfully” and were of great assistance once the prisoners were liberated.

Filed Under: Legends, Notable Cadets

Evans Kayser ’65 (Gallantry in Vietnam)

Evans Kayser entered PMC because of the recommendation of Norman Goldberg who, together, would be in the Class of 1965. In Kayser’s view, it “was one of the best decisions” he ever made. As a member of HQ Company (the Band) and a trombone player, he participated in the Boardwalk Bowl in Atlantic City and the PMC 1st Place Award-Winning National Marching Band Competition at the New York World’s Fair. His Army aviation career began when he participated in the ROTC Flight program where he learned to fly at the Wilmington, DE, airport. After graduation, he attended Rotary Wing Flight School (training for helicopter pilots) before deploying to Vietnam. In Vietnam, Kayser served as Pilot with Delta Troop, 3/5 Armored Cavalry. D Troop acted as a separate unit as a Quick Reaction Force, to work in tandem with infantry brigades on major assaults and other missions.

Late in the afternoon of June 19, 1967, two UH-1C helicopter gunships, piloted by 1st Lt. Kayser and Capt. Paul Osterlin, responded to an urgent call to support units of the 2nd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division that had been ambushed by the Viet Cong. As they approached the battle, radio communication with the Brigade was difficult due to the casualties, ground fire, and chaos. The two helicopters immediately engaged the enemy firing all of their weapons systems (two mini-guns and two 7 round 2.75 rocket pods plus two M-60 machine guns). After several firing passes, an emergency UHF radio call from the Brigade declared a tactical emergency and requested additional fire support from any weapons-capable aircraft. The combined response from helicopter gunships and Air Force tactical aircraft was remarkable. Kayser’s helicopter only left the battle to refuel and rearm at the airstrip at Tan An (a few minutes away) and return to the firefight. As the battle continued, Kayser continued to effectively fire on the enemy as well as escorting medical evacuation helicopters in and out of the area. Despite sustaining damage to his aircraft, Kayser continued to support the ground troops until daybreak on June 20.

Capt Sam Slaughter, commander of the fire team, wrote: … this was one of the most complicated and difficult combat operations I have ever supported while under fire. Although it took 44 years and the help of Congressman Tim Scott of South Carolina, Evans Kayser was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 2011.

Watch Congressman Tim Scott Present Evans Kayser with the Silver Star click here

Filed Under: Legends, Notable Cadets

African-American Cadets and the PMC Bond of Brothers

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the “separate but equal” doctrine that formed the basis for state-sanctioned discrimination. In the turbulent decade and-a-half that followed the decision of the Supreme Court, civil rights activists used nonviolent protest and civil disobedience to bring about change in country. Many of the protestors risked – and sometimes lost – their lives.

Louis F. Horner 62

PMC was not insulated from these changes and, in 1956, the first African-American Cadets, Keith Bodden and Charles Lowrie enrolled. A year later, Theof Pendarvis was a talented and quick football player and soon became known as “Bullet Bob.” Unfortunately Pendarvis suffered a serious injury in a car accident and attended PMC for only one year. After he visited the PMC campus and found that the college took a personal interest in him, Keith Bodden ’60, enrolled. Louis Horner, a talented student and Class President at his local high school, spent a year at Peekskill Military Academy, NY, in preparation for an appointment to West Point. However, rather than attending West Point, Horner came to PMC in 1958.

The single common experience these men shared was their feelings of friendship with their classmates. While the country struggled with the issue of segregation, the bond formed at PMC held these men together through many difficult situations. Horner describes such of occasion in his soon-to-be published book:

Along with his class, Louis attended ROTC Summer Camp in 1962 at Fort Meade, MD, before the First Class (Senior) year. “Fourteen of us went to a movie in Baltimore. I was the only African-American and I was told I would have to sit in the balcony. All my friends – over the ticket seller’s objections – bought tickets for the balcony too. You should have seen it – all the blacks looking at the whites,” he said, in his branded soft-spoken manner. We came to PMC as boys and left as men and Brothers

Filed Under: Cadet Life, Legends

Rules and Regulations

Theodore Hyatt modeled PMC after West Point. Colonel Charles Hyatt often called PMC the “West Point of the Keystone State.” Besides adopting West Point’s curriculum and uniform, wherever possible, the rules and regulations of West Point were also adopted. This made the published Regulation Book, supplemented by General and Special Orders, the single most important book and influence on a PMC Cadet. When Frank Hyatt became President and Commandant of Cadets in 1930, a series of changes in the regulations were started that greatly altered the life of a Cadet. Yet, much remained the same. In later years, the PMC Regulation Book was configured as a bright red, three-ring binder that was required to be displayed in every Cadet room at each Saturday Morning Inspection.

The Cadet that violated the major rules of PMC, such as alcohol, stealing, and dishonesty, was still subject to dismissal. Cadets who failed to “measure up to” and maintain the standards of the Corps were given written Delinquency Reports or “DR’s”. Cadets might be reported for improper attitude, conduct unbecoming a cadet, slovenly appearance, or a disorderly room. The Cadet Company Commander, based on the seriousness of the report, would assign demerits. As in 1925, Cadets were allowed a weekly demerit allowance, but were “awarded” Punishment Tours for demerits in excess of the weekly allowance. These walking tours were not less than one hour and were served on Saturday and Sunday afternoons on the blacktop behind Old Main and directly below the Commandant’s Office.

As important as the regulation book was, the adjutant of PMC was responsible for discipline and the operation of the college. In 1917, Edward “Dutch” Brautigam ’07 was appointed Adjutant and Professor of Mathematics and Military Science. He served in these posts until 1930. He is best remembered as one of the most respected adjutants in the history of the College. During his tenure, the discipline and operation of PMC differed little from the time he was a Cadet. Between 1956 and 1962, CPT Giulio “Dee” DiSerafino ’52 served as adjutant and later Assistant Commandant of the Corps. He followed in Brautigam’s footsteps and maintained the standards of the Corps. CPT DiSerafino also became an inspiration to many and was well respected by those who knew him.

Filed Under: Cadet Life, Legends

Thomas Merendino ’41 (Heroism During D-Day)

Thomas Merendino ‘41, often called Tommy, was known as an athlete, scholar and gentleman at PMC. He was a versatile athlete and played football, basketball, and baseball. Yet, it was his smile and good humor that his classmates remembered.

The D-Day mission of the 16th Infantry Regiment was to land on Omaha Beach, the most heavily fortified of the five beaches, reduce the beach defenses, and secure the Beach two hours before dark. As the regiment’s landing craft approached the Beach, they came under intense fire. As the assault wave slowly built up a firing line, Company B, led by Captain Merendino, landed ten minutes after the first assault wave. The scene was described as chaotic and disorganized. As landing craft dropped their ramps, men were killed and wounded as they attempted to get out of the boats. Others were hit as they struggled through the surf or tried to run across the sand weighted down with waterlogged equipment.

Merendino disembarked from the landing craft in the initial assault wave and, with complete disregard for his own safety, organized the men who were struggling in the water and led them through the intense enemy fire to the shore. Upon reaching the shore, he refused to take cover and again organized an assault group for further advance. Fully exposed to the sweeping fire from enemy pillboxes and machine gun nests and a constant target for the snipers on the hill, he personally led the charge up the slope and overran a German stronghold.

General Eisenhower visited the First Division on July 2nd and pinned awards for heroism on twenty five First Division heroes, including Merendino, who received The Distinguished Service Cross Medal. This was not his first act of valor. During the Oren offensive in Algeria, the (then) Lieutenant Merendino directed the fire of a105 mm self-propelled howitzer on an enemy stronghold. When this failed, he ordered the howitzer to ram the German stronghold. He then dismounted the vehicle and charged the German stronghold and captured 20 Germans. This act of bravery earned him The Silver Star Medal.

Filed Under: Legends, Notable Cadets