The SAR MAGAZINE is the official quarterly publication of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution published quarterly.
Issue link: http://sar.epubxp.com/i/311328
SPRING 2014 29 quiet spot, and he said, "Just let go." He said it was the only time he ever lost near-total control of such raw, anguished emotions. Walter was recognized for his deeds not just on D-Day itself but for multiple actions over the next few days. Walter remained a humble hero and never spoke of his exploits selfishly. He always acknowledged that he was not alone during that time, and that Roland was his personal hero as he watched over Walter throughout the Sicily and North Africa campaigns. He said he never understood why he survived the war, as so many around him died. In reflect- ing, he said, "I guess God had other plans for me, so here I am." Walter attended three meetings with the Orange County Chapter over the last few years. He also was our first Purple Heart veteran to be recognized with the SAR Wounded Warrior Coin in April 2010, having earned three Purple Hearts after D-Day. Dan Henry, the veterans affairs chairman, visited Walter at the Long Beach VA Hospital just three Saturdays before his passing and pre- sented him a get-well card signed by many of our chapter members. PPP Capt. Charlie Plumb Prisoner of War and Wounded Warrior In October 2013, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Charlie Plumb spoke to the CASSAR Orange County Chapter on "Keeping Faith in Your Country in Trying Times." Plumb has lived what he believes to be the American Dream. As a farm kid from Kansas, he fantasized about air- planes. The U.S. Navy afforded him the opportunity to live that dream. After graduating from the Naval Academy, Plumb completed Navy Flight Training and reported to Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, where he flew the first adversarial flights in the development of what would be called the Navy Fighter Weapons School, now known as "Top Gun." Plumb later flew 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam and made more than 100 carrier landings. On his 75th mission, just five days before the end of his tour, Plumb was shot down over Hanoi, taken prisoner and tor- tured, and spent the next 2,103 days as a prisoner of war. Following his repatriation, Plumb continued his Navy fly- ing career in Reserve squadrons. He retired from the Navy after 28 years of service. His decorations include the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, POW Medal, Air Medals, Combat Action, Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign and Service Medal. CONNECTICUT SOCIETY The Connecticut SAR Color Guard, right, marched in the New London St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 16. From left, CTSSAR President Stephen Shaw, John Keeney, Dave Packard and Tyler Smith. FLORIDA SOCIETY Clearwater Chapter The Clearwater Chapter presented Eagle Scout Joseph Lawrence Chiavaroli, son of Randolph Chiavaroli and Lesliann Richardson of New Port Richey, with an Eagle Scout Certificate of Recog nition for outstanding leadership and citizenship. SAR Compatriot Art Hays presented the certificate at Joey's Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on Jan. 11 at the Beacon Community Church in New Port Richey. Joey has been involved in Scouting since 2005. He trans- ferred to Boy Scout Troop 79 in 2008. Born with spina bifida and overcoming many obstacles, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout by completing all ranks and earning 29 merit badges. His Eagle Scout service project involved planning and constructing, with organized volunteers, a new snack bar for the Beacon Community Church Youth Group. Madewell Decorated veteran Charlie Plumb, left SPRING_14_sar28-39.indd 29 5/7/14 5:24 PM