Jesse Roberts came to PMC from Upper Darby High and spent a term in the Pennsylvania Military Prep School. He then transitioned to PMC. He was gregarious, played football, and was part of the Cavalry Squad while at PMC. His keen sense of humor and love of a good practical jokes resulted in his intimate acquaintance with the “Delinquent Guard”, later known as “Walking (penalty) Tours”. After graduation, Roberts worked for the Roberts Filter Manufacturing Company, which his family had started in 1896. Jesse later returned to PMC as the Adjutant in 1941 and continued in that role until he was called to active duty in January 1942. After completing Tank Destroyer School, he was assigned to the 702nd Tank Destroyer Battalion (the “Seven O Deuce”).

The “Seven O Duce” landed on Omaha Beach in mid-June and entered the line in early July. The battalion became part of the 2d Armored Division. In November, Roberts joined the “Seven O Duce” as Platoon Leader, second platoon of Company A.

In response to the German counter attack in the Ardennes, the VII Corps, under the command of Field Marshall Montgomery, was tasked with halting the advance. As the battle intensified, the 2d Armored Division was ordered to seize Buissonville, Belgium, where German tanks had been reported. Company A moved toward Buissonville and attacked the 2d Panzer Division and elements of the 116th Panzer Divisions as they were preparing to move north. After encountering and destroying several German tanks, Roberts positioned his troops on an exposed ridge, where they battled the enemy that were hidden in the woods. During this encounter, the Germans lost two Panther tanks, two 88 mm anti-tank guns, one Self-Propelled 75 mm gun, one armored car, one personnel carrier and eight trucks. In early January 1945, Roberts lead an attack against two German Panther tanks near La Wate, Belgium. During the firefight, a German round struck Roberts’ gun crew, killing two men and wounding Roberts. He extinguished the fire in the vehicle and evacuated three wounded men. Despite refusing medical assistance for burns to his hands and face, he returned to his unit. Later in January he was injured twice and eventually evacuated to a field hospital. It was determined that Roberts had suffered fractured ribs and remained hospitalized. For his actions, Field Marshall Montgomery awarded Roberts The British Military Cross Medal.

Like many families, the Roberts family connection to PMC continued. He was the President of the Alumni Association and later the PMC Parents Association. In addition, both sons of Roberts were members of the Corps of Cadets and graduated from PMC.

At the end of his sophomore year, “Joe” LoPrete transferred to PMC from Fordham University. A Brooklynite, his smile and infectious humor made him many friends. Although he was a star on the track team and the rifle range, his passion for lifting weights in his room and cars were well known. Six days after graduation, LoPrete joined the Marine Corps and was assigned to the 24th Marine Regiment.

Three U.S. marine divisions landed on the island of Iwo Jima in February 1945. The island was of strategic importance to the U.S. and the Japanese were determined to defend it. From an elaborate network of caves, dugouts, tunnels and underground installations the Japanese troops fought to the death.

LoPrete led an Assault and Demolition Platoon. After some initial success, a bunker held up the advance of the 2nd Battalion. As the platoon advanced, two men beside him were killed. He was resolute and led the platoon forward, eventually destroying the bunker. As the battalion advanced, it suffered countless casualties. To help fill a void, LoPrete was given command of a rifle platoon. Shortly thereafter, a pocket of Japanese held up the Battalion again. Their position was well fortified and they were inflicting severe casualties among the Marines. LoPrete realized that a quick advance was necessary to avoid further losses. He led his men forward against the Japanese and annihilated them.

LoPrete was awarded The Silver Star Medal by Brigadier General Franklin Hart, former commander of the 24th Marine Regiment, for his “Leadership, Courage and Devotion to Duty.” It was later reported that one Marine said in response to a question about LoPrete’s leadership that he would go “anywhere he leads me.”

After the war, Major LoPrete served as an instructor at the Marine Training School in Quantico, VA. In 1967, he became the commander of the 3rd Marines. In late 1967, the 3rd Marines conducted Operation Lancaster, designed to protect the western flank of the 9th Marines. The area of operations included Camp Carroll, an important artillery position and the base of operations; the Rockpile, a strategic outcropping that gave the Marines a view of five major valleys; and, Ca Lu an outpost, located along Highway 9, that provided an early warning of enemy infiltration. The following year the 3d Marines were assigned to protect the Quang Tri base from enemy attack.

After serving in the Marine Corps for 31 years, Colonel LoPrete retired in 1973.