Staff report
gogle@wbcowqel.com
The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame will welcome six new members on Nov. 11 at its annual induction ceremonies. This year’s ceremonies will be held at Bucyrus High School beginning at 7 p.m. Those to be inducted this year include World War II veterans Roger Cady, Boyd Long, Robert Flohr, Calvin Musselman, and Steve Huml, and Vietnam veteran David Spence. Tim Espich of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services will be the keynote speaker and George Ondick will be the master of ceremonies.
Roger E. Cady
World War II
Roger Cady, born on January 19, 1921, was raised in the Children’s home in Worthington, OH. He enlisted in the United States Army on July 10, 1942.
He served at Camp Millard in Bucyrus, OH. From Camp Millard he went to Camp Ellis, IL. In January 1946, he was sent to the 87th Field Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. Cady was Honorably Discharged on Jan 19, 1946.
Cady was married to Rosaline Vaughn and they had 8 children: Roger Harry, John, Edward, Mike, Darryl, Robin, Julia, and Todd. Cady and his family lived in Bucyrus for 20 years. He worked at several local companies such as Ohio Crane, Huber Warco, Swan Rubber, Bud Hall Heating and Plumbing, Smooth Kool Dairy and was also a semi truck driver.
Later Cady answered an ad in the newspaper for a job as a machinist with the government. Once he found out he was awarded the job, they moved to Albuquerque, NM. He later was transferred to San Francisco, CA to work on the Naval Base. He finished his career at Hunter’s Point, VA. The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is honored to induct Roger E. Cady today.
Robert Lee Flohr
World War II
Robert Lee Flohr was born March 16, 1923 in Inwood, Indiana to David & Olive Flohr. He attended school and graduated from Roann High School in Roann, Indiana. After graduation, Robert, along with his family, moved to Crestline, OH in 1941. Robert began working for the Pennsylvania Railroad where he inspected freight and passenger cars and did general repairing of freight cars. He worked two and a half years prior to being drafted into the Army Air Force during World War 2.
Robert was inducted on February 3, 1944. He completed 8 weeks of basic training and went to Aerial Gunner School in Las Vegas, Nevada from March to July of 1944. He served with the 414th Bomb Squadron, 97th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force in Italy with missions over Germany and Austria. Sgt. Flohr was on a mission as tail gunner December 27, 1944 when he badly injured his legs. Sgt. Flohr received the EAME Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, American Theater Ribbon, and World War 2 Victory Ribbon. He was honorably discharged from Crile Hospital on May 17, 1946
After being honorably discharged from the Army Air Force, he continued his employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was President of Local #2027 of the Transportation Workers Union for 10 years. He was appointed Assistant Director Railroad Division Transport Workers Union AFL-CIO 1969-1983, with his home office in New York City, but his home remained in Crestline, OH. He retired in 1983.
Robert Flohr’s mission in life was for the betterment of Crestline and to serve the public. He served on Crestline City Council from 1954-1962, serving as President of Council from 1962-1966. He was elected Crestline City Mayor from 1966-1969.
He was an active member of the community and county. He served as President of the Crestline United Appeal Board from 1964-1966. He was an active member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and the only Crestline holder of the Grand Decorator of Chivalry in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a life member of VFW Post 2920, life member of the American, Arcana Lodge # 272 Blue Masons and a 32nd degree Mason. He was founder and President of Crawford County AFL/CIO. He was active in the Democratic Party and was Crawford County Chairman for John Glenn US Senate Campaign in 1964. In 1689, Robert and his wife Martha were Grand Marshals of the Crestline Harvest Festival Parade. He was also an active member of the United Methodist Church in Crestline, OH. Robert was married to Martha Spayde Bailey on September 1, 1951. They have 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Robert Lee Flohr passed away April 29, 1998. The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is proud to induct Robert Lee Flohr into the Class of 2013 of the Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame.
Steve Huml
World War II
Steve Huml was born on April 7, 1921 in Crestline, OH. He was a lifetime resident, and attended Crestline schools graduating from Crestline High School in 1940. Soon after graduating Steve went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was a car inspector for 43 years until his retirement (from ConRail) on June 22, 1983. Steve also helped reconstruct the Lincoln Highway from Crestline to Mansfield in the early 1950’s.
Steve was a US Army veteran serving in the European Theater. He was inducted into the US Army on July 10, 1942 at Fort Hayes Columbus, Ohio and was sent to Camp Forest, Tennessee for Infantry training. His active service began on July 24, 1942. He was assigned to the Third US Army led by General George S. Patton, the 80th Division, and Company L 319th Infantry. He saw action in northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and central Europe. He was wounded in 2 of these major battles, Battle of the Bulge in France on December 1944 and Luxembourg on January7, 1945. His awards include: 2 Purple hearts, one with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, A Command Stripe, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge. Steve was with the Third Army when they liberated the Buchenwald Concentration camp near Weimar Germany. Steve received an honorable discharge October 1, 1945.
When Steve returned home, he renewed old memberships which were an important part of his life. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crestline, OH. He was a member of the Arcana Lodge #272 F. &AM, Crestline, Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Chapter 88, and Order of the Eastern Star, Harmony Chapter #43 Crestline. Steve had lifetime memberships in VFW Post 2920 and American Legion Post 488 both of Crestline. Steve enjoyed bowling; fishing and he coached a pony league baseball team.
Steve died on April 23, 2006 at age 85, leaving behind his wife Vera (now deceased) and 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is honored to induct Steve Huml into the class of 2013 Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame.
Boyd Long
World War II
Boyd E. Long was born in Bowling Green, Ohio June 29, 1929. After graduating High School Boyd enlisted in the US Navy. Boyd served in many Commands and on many ships during his 22+ years in the Navy, including the Battleship USS New Jersey and the Submarine USS Billfish, retiring in 1970.
After retiring from the US Navy Boyd worked for the Bucyrus City Schools for 22 years. Boyd was the announcer for the high school football games and track meets, he retired in 1992. Boyd is a Life Member a two term Commander of Colonel Crawford Post 181 American Legion, two years Post 181 Chaplain, Voituer 150 40-8 15 years as Chef Degar, Chemoit 5th District two years, correspondent two years, Chaplain 5th District two years, Chaplain VFW Post 1083 two years and a Fleet Reserve member for 50 years. Boyd was 21 year master of ceremonies for Memorial Day Program, Veterans Memorial Society president 10 years. Hidden Lakes Campground board of directors six years and president two years. Boyd was the Y’s men’s club president one year, senior advisor six years and on the board of directors four years.
Boyd was on the Bratwurst festival board of directors twenty years, treasurer one year, Grand Marshall of parade, presented first Bratwurst to festival queen forty years ago, President of Babe Ruth league six years. Boyd has countless hours of volunteer work to the Bucyrus School system and area veteran’s organizations. The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is proud to induct Boyd E. Long into the Hall of Fame.
Calvin Musselman
World War II
Calvin Byron Musselman, born on November 5, 1924 has been a life long resident of Galion, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Army on July 15, 1943.
Musselman served in the Pacific Theater during World War II with his twin brother Blair. He served with the Co E. 35th Inf Reg 25th Division.
After serving in the Army, Musselman returned to Galion to begin his life as a self trained motor mechanic. He owned and operated the SOHIO gas station in Galion for 39 years.
He is a Life Member of the Galion Elks and American Legion Post 243. He was a member of the Galion Alumni Band for over 30 years and also participated with the American Legion Band from 1948 – 1969. In 1960, the American Legion Band was named the State Champion Band.
Mussleman was very active in posting U.S. Flags on veteran’s grave sites. He also served for many years as Sergeant of Arms for Military Funeral Detail. He was involved in the planning of Veteran Ceremonies within the community of Galion and Crawford County. It is with great honor the Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is proud to induct Calvin B. Musselman.
David K. Spence
Vietnam
David K. Spence, born on July 11, 1947, he moved to Bucyrus at the age of 8. He attended Bucyrus High School. He enlisted in the United States Army on July 19, 1964.
Spence attended the 24th Infantry Division Non Commissioned Officer Training Academy in Munich, Germany in 1966. He graduated as Distinguished Honor Graduate, received the AUSA Leadership Award and won the commandant’s inspection & presentation competition. This was the 1st time in the school’s history anyone received all of the honor awards.
He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his 1st tour, he was injured three times earning him the Purple Heart Medal.
Through the course of Spence’s 21 years of service, he received several decorations and medals to include the Bronze Star Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. He received his 1st Bronze Star following an action March 12, 1968. He was serving as a scout squad leader with Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment.
After retiring from the Army in 1988, he worked for AM General of Indiana as an instructor and field representative for Humvee Training. He traveled all over the world instructing military members on the latest techniques available to their Humvees.
Spence has returned to the Bucyrus community and is a Life Member of the VFW. He is a very caring man and always willing to help his family and friends with anything they need. The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is proud to induct David K. Spence.