A Tribute to World War II Veterans of Our Congregation

"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." - Romans 13:7

On this Memorial Day weekend, this article is a salute to the brave men of our congregation and community who fought in World War II. The following four veterans are active members at the Pleasant View Church of Christ:

Brady Bogle - Brother Brady served as a gunner in the Navy on an aircraft carrier named Bunker Hill, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean. He recalled that American planes were returning one morning after their bombing of Tokyo and other islands. Unfortunately, 300 Japanese kamikaze planes followed them to their ships and killed 400 Americans. Although all of Brother Brady's friends around him were killed, he escaped without a scratch.

Leburn Pelham - Brother Pelham was in the Army 4th Infantry Division, and landed on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944. He was wounded in July, and spent 2 1/2 months in the hospital. Other action in which Brother Pelham was involved included: St. Lo, the Battle of Hurtger Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. His infantry division was the first into Paris, first through the Siegfried line, and the first infantry division into Germany. They helped to save the city of Luxembourg and relieved the "lost battalion 30th Infantry Division at Mortain." Brother PeIham was wounded three times, hospitalized twice, and served for 3 1/2 years.

Mayne Mooneyham - Brother Mayne served in the Army in the Anti-Aircraft Division. His division landed in North Africa, and fought in Algeria, Tunis, and Bizerte, which resulted in the capture of many Germans. He saw action in Corsica, was involved in the invasion of Southern France, and fought on the Rhine River into Germany. Although the war is difficult for Brother Mayne to discuss, he served for almost four years and was awarded five Bronze Stars and two Silver Stars for his service.

Mayne Youngblood - Brother Mayne served in the Army as a tank commander. His first action was in the deadly Normandy invasion of France, where he managed to survive despite losing his tank. He also had two other tanks "shot out from under him." As Brother Mayne recalls, the German tanks and guns were much better and therefore the Americans had to "outsmart" the Germans. Brother Mayne also saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and all over Europe. He was involved in the invasion of Germany and then fought in Czechoslovakia, where the Germans finally surrendered. Brother Mayne stated that during the war he gained a great deal of experience and had many close calls, but he would not want to experience war again. He served for almost four years.

Today these men are members of the Lord's Army, the greatest army ever known, which cannot be defeated as long as we look to the Lord and obey His commands. We must all continue to fight to obtain that final victory, which is a home in Heaven.

The following veterans are (or were) associated with our community or Pleasant View congregation:

Thomas Arledge

Floyd Bogle

Medford Bogle

Paul Bogle

Thomas ("N") Davis

Robert ("Snooks") Gann

Charlie Gilley

Burt Parker

Hershel Parton

Earl Phillips

Bratten Powell

Sam Powell

Junior Smith

Loy Smith

Ozzle Smith

Ray White Thomas

Shelah Ray Thomas

Brown Wimberly

Bud Witty

Estell Witty

Alvin Wood

"If ever a war needed to be fought, World War II was such a war" - anonymous veteran

These men were a part of the greatest man-made military ever assembled. They not only helped to win this war, but they also saved our nation and our world from tyranny. President Roosevelt said, "This generation of Americans has a

rendezvous with destiny." Through the efforts of these brave men, this destiny was certainly fulfilled. The sacrifices and accomplishments of these men must never be forgotten. We would not enjoy the opportunities and freedoms that we have today without their valiant efforts. The greatest of these freedoms is to worship our Lord in the way in which He has commanded, without fear or persecution of man. May we use this Memorial Day to reflect upon the efforts of these courageous men and honor their memory!

- Humbly submitted by Jerry Powell

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