Paul Frank Baer
Paul Frank Baer was an American fighter pilot for the United States Air Service in World War I, earning the distinction of being not only America’s first Ace, but also the first United States airman to receive the Distinguished Service Cross. The award citation acknowledges First Lieutenant Baer’s “extraordinary heroism” in attacking, alone “…a group of seven enemy pursuit machines, destroying one which fell near the French lines …” and five days later attacking “…two enemy two-seaters, one of which fell in flames in approximately the same region.” He was later shot down over Flanders, falling 15,000 feet, and taken prisoner by German forces. He was released from captivity at the signing of the armistice. Lieutenant Baer, who first enlisted in the French Army in February 1917, transferred to the American Army in 1918 and participated in the battles of Verdun, Aisne, Cambria, Champaign and Flanders – adding the Oak Leaf cluster to his Distinguished Service Cross by destroying six more enemy aircraft. His service during “the Great War’’ was recognized by the French government when he was decreed a member of the Legion of Honor by the French president and subsequently awarded the Croix de Guerre with seven palms. His aviation career continued after the war, encompassing efforts to support Polish Independence, serving as a Department of Commerce aeronautics inspector and flying commercial aircraft in South America. Lieutenant Baer tragically died in an aircraft accident in Shanghai, China in 1930, and is buried in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Aletha Calloway
When Aletha Calloway entered the US Army right after her high school graduation, she was continuing the legacy of her mom and dad, who both served honorably during the Korean War in the 1950’s. She enlisted as a computer/machine operator, working her way up the ranks in various assignments at Ft Monroe, VA; Stuttgart, Germany; and Defense Communications Agency, Arlington, VA. Eventually the Army selected her for recruiting duty, where she worked as a field recruiter in Baltimore and New York, served as a guidance counselor at various Military Entrance Processing Stations in New York and Arkansas, and was First Sergeant of a recruiting battalion in Syracuse, NY. Upon retirement, First Sergeant Calloway moved to Indianapolis and served as an Army JROTC instructor at Broad Ripple and John Marshall High Schools. She had a tremendously positive influence upon her students there, and a JROTC scholarship was named after her by the Broad Ripple High School Foundation. She became a long standing support of AMVETS, serving for several years as their 3rd vice chair and organizing drives to gather items for homeless and hospitalized veterans at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center. She consistently undertook special projects that improved the lives of those around her, particularly focusing on veterans. Aletha could be seen placing flags at cemeteries, visiting senior living facilities to check on aging veterans, participating in Veterans Day Parades, mentoring and supporting JROTC students, and encouraging the next generation of community leaders. She has continued to lead many activities with the Friendship Baptist Missionary Church, as well as has co-facilitated with her husband their annual program honoring veterans. She also served six years as the secretary for the National Association of Black Veterans, where her work extended to supporting aging veterans and coordinating outreach programs.
Thomas Gantz Cassady
Thomas Gantz Cassady, a native of Owen County, Indiana, embodied the courage and spirit of those Americans who fought World War I and World War II, first as an ambulance driver then a decorated fighter pilot for both France and the American Army Air Force. In World War I he was awarded America’s Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster for “extraordinary heroism” in bringing down multiple German aircraft. From the French government, he received the ‘Knight of the Legion of Honor’ award, the Crois de Guerre with three palms and two gold stars, and six special orders confirming his air combat victories. His mission accomplished, he left military life for civilian pursuits but was recalled to serve his country at the outbreak of World War II. In addition to his military exploits, for which he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Prisoner of War medals, he played a critical, but little-known, role in war-time intelligence and post war strategies to control the Cold War. At the request of the French government, Cassady was recruited by the Secretary of the Navy to support and advise the French Resistance. Commissioned a Naval Lieutenant by President Roosevelt, he became head of the OSS in France. Subsequently betrayed by one of his agents, he was a prisoner of war until his release in 1944, at which the French government requested his return to service and he resumed his intelligence work as Chief of Secret Intelligence for France and Germany. Retired comfortably as an investment advisor, Cassady was once again called to serve his country. Tasked with organizing a foreign information branch to carry out covert political and psychological operations behind the Iron Curtain, Cassady laid the groundwork for Radio Free Europe and the lesser known Winds of Freedom campaigns. Unsung and perhaps forgotten by many, Thomas Gantz Cassady is an American hero.
Donald R. Canaday
Brigadier General Donald R. Canaday, US Army, began his military service in 1954 as a private at Ft Sill, completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a second lieutenant. Assigned to the 101st Airborne Division where he completed parachute school, he then went to Alaska and was later deployed to Vietnam as a senior advisor to a South Vietnamese infantry battalion. While in Vietnam, he was a wanted man as North Vietnamese commanders had offered a bounty for his death. Following his Vietnam service, he became a member of Kiwanis in Fairbanks, Alaska, which became an important part of his life during and after military service. He had assignments in Korea, became a troop commander at Ft Harrison, and was assigned to oversee the program at Camp Atterbury created by Presidential Proclamation granting conditional pardon to those who had evaded selective service during the Vietnam War era. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1988 and completed his military career in1990 as deputy commanding general of the Indiana National Guard Reserve. He received many awards, including the Bronze Star and the Air Medal. Not one to sit still in retirement, General Canaday settled in Indianapolis and became president of the Kiwanis Club of Meridian Hills, moving up the leadership ranks of Kiwanis in Indiana, and eventually joined the leadership staff of the Kiwanis International Foundation. He was instrumental in the organizations’ fundraising in various global partnerships, including raising more than $100 million with UNICEF to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders. He was elected to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees in 2003 and became the organization’s president in 2008. In his global leadership role, he travel the world and spoke to audiences on five continents. He has served as president of the Veterans Day Council, state and region president of the Association of the US Army, and the USO Council. In Indianapolis, he made significant contributions to the city as president of the Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee and President of the Indianapolis 500 Board of Directors.
Paul Michael Cauley
Paul Michael Cauley, also known as Ponytail Paul, volunteered for military service in 1970 with the U.S. Army and served a combat tour with the 101st Airborne Division, 506th Infantry Battalion (Curraches’) in Vietnam. Upon returning home from his Vietnam service, he began a career in construction while volunteering with organizations to recognize wartime and specifically Vietnam veterans. He has put his heart into serving all generations of Veterans and ensures, in every possible way, so that these Veterans receive the honor and recognition they deserve. Ponytail Paul has served as Chairman on numerous local committees including former Mayor Gregory Ballard’s “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” celebration in 2008; the “Forgotten War” recognition for the Korean War veterans in 2008; and the 101st Airborne Division recognition ceremony for Screaming Eagle veterans during the 2017 Indianapolis 500 Race opening ceremonies. In addition to these services for veterans, he served as President of the Indianapolis World War II Roundtable for six years. One of his volunteer services to the veteran community, which has meant so much to so many, is that he is a founding member and on the Board of Directors for the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans program. As part of the program, they were able to recognize and present gifts to over 20,000 Vietnam veterans across all 92 counties in Indiana as part of A Time to Honor: Stories of Service, Duty & Sacrifice project.
Gerald Leonard Clewlow
Gerald Leonard Clewlow, Lieutenant Colonel, is a native of Evansville, Indiana who first entered military service with the Indiana National Guard as a Private in 1964. He completed his college education at the University of Evansville and completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in April 1968. After transferring from the Indiana National Guard to Inactive Reserve in 1992 and subsequent civilian career retirement from Spencer Industries in 2007, the Indiana Governor appointed him to be the Ombudsman for the State to lead the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserved efforts. He hosted Employer Appreciation Days which provided a better understanding of the tasks and accomplishments their employees were achieving during National Guard and Reserve activations. He established the Indiana Military Support Corporation Golf Scramble which has raised over $225,000 to support veteran activities in southern Indiana. He was awarded two Distinguished Service Medals from then Adjutant General, Major General Umbarger. Lieutenant Colonel Clewlow saw the opportunity and became the founding President of the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana in late 2013. He was able to raise the necessary funds within 10 months and planned the first flight in October 2014. Honor Flight of Southern Indiana has planned two flights per year, except during COVID, and has flown 1,221 veterans to Wahington D.C. to visit their memorial monuments. These veterans are comprised of 293 from World War II, 499 from the Korean War, 285 from the Vietnam War, and 34 other conflicts over the past 10 years. Since the Vietnam veterans are most of the current participants, the Welcome Home Parade for this group of veterans is special because most of the Vietnam veterans will die without ever being publicly recognized for their sacrifice and service. Over 3,000 community leaders and supporters show up for every flight’s Welcome Home Parade. The 17th Honor Flight of Southern Indiana took place this past month in October 2024.
Norris Furman Dendy
Lieutenant Colonel Norris Furman Dendy emerged from adversity and tragedy as a child to forge a life of service, highlighted by his distinguished military career and by his commitment to family and community. During his 25-year Army career he was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Air Medal for “exceptionally meritorious service” with the 45th Infantry Regiment in Vietnam; the Bronze Star with the V Device for “continuously exposing himself to intense hostile fire on the battlefield;” and two Purple Hearts. His proven resilience, talent and intellect marked Colonel Dendy as an invaluable asset at the center of America’s military might, the Pentagon, where he was highly sought after by higher officers for his writing skills and intellect. Those attributes also served him well during his tenure as Professor of Military Science and advisor to the college president at Virginia State University — two roles that were key to opening unprecedented opportunities for women in the collegiate Reserve Officers Training Corps at VSU and nationwide. Retiring in 1978 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Colonel Dendy devoted the rest of his life to his career at Indiana Bell where he helped advance technology and mentored young colleagues. Passing away just a few months ago, he left a legacy as a soldier and a civilian exceeded only by his love of family.
Andrew Jacobs
Congressman Andrew Jacobs was a U.S. Marine who fought in the Korean War. Graduating from Indianapolis Shortridge High School in 1949 at the age of 17, his father signed the papers that allowed him to join the US Marine Corps Reserves. Upon completion of training, his Indiana unit, 16th Marine Battalion, was called up for duty in Korea. Later in his book “The 1600 Killers, a Wake-up Call for Congress”, he described the ferociousness of combat in Korea. His company, George Company, would later be credited with blunting the Chinese Spring Offensive of 1952. Upon return from the Korean War, he enrolled in college and received a law degree from Indiana University. By combining his experience and education, he was to become one of Indiana’s most notable Congressmen. During his early years in Congress, he co-authored the 1965 Voting Rights Act and was known for his effort to improve the Social Security Administration and the Medicare program. He was an early opponent and critic of the Vietnam War, and led an all night debate in the House of Representatives against American military involvement in Vietnam. Throughout his 15 term congressional career over three decades, he wrote legislation on health care reform, deficit reduction and term limits. He was best known as a champion of civil rights, where he left an indelible mark on public policy. A humble public servant who refused to accept a pay raise while in Congress, Andy Jacobs thought of his position as “doing the work for the people.” He was well respected on both sides of the political aisle. He had a gift for friendship that transcended political difference. In retirement, he stayed active helping Hoosiers and rallying for peace.
Lester H. Keller
Sergeant Lester H. Keller, a native of Shoals in southern Indiana, served in U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II, earning campaign stars for combat operations in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Luzon. He distinguished himself during a battle along the Bataan peninsula of Luzon by earning the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy. On February 7th, 1945, Sergeant Keller’s heavy weapons squad was engaged by an intense Japanese mortar barrage while they were removing weapons and machine guns from the Company’s weapons carrier vehicle. His commanding officer was immediately wounded and lay helpless in the road near burning ammunition trucks. Sergeant Keller, with complete disregard for his own safety, went to the aid of his superior officer and dragged him to safety while the enemy continued to apply heavy direct fires at him. His commanding officer ultimately succumbed to his wounds after medical evacuation and Sergeant Keller continued to lead his squad through the Luzon battle where he later earned a Purple Heart from shrapnel wounds. His valor in combat that day reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Upon completing Luzon’s combat operations, he prepared his unit for the invasion of Japan until the war’s end. He was honorably discharged in October 1945 and returned home to Indiana to live a peaceful life and raise his family. He was a proud veteran and like so many from the “greatest generation”, he was simply honored that he could serve his country. Lester H. Keller’s exploits from that battle are chronicled in the book Avenging Bataan: The Battle of Zig Zag Pass by author B. David Mann.
Arno C. Land
Platoon Sergeant Major Arno C. Land distinguished himself on 21 May 1966 while serving as Acting platoon leader during a search and destroy mission at the village of Long Phouc, Republic of Vietnam. After Platoon Sergeant Land had maneuvered his platoon into the center of a Viet Cong defensive position, it received intense hostile fire and numerous insurgent claymore mines were deployed. With complete disregard for his safety, Platoon Sergeant Land exposed himself to the Viet Cong fire to ensure his platoon seized the objective. At one point when the Viet Cong gained fire superiority, Platoon Sergeant Land ran forward to the aid of a wounded comrade and carried him to safety. During the ensuing battle, he personally coordinated with the platoon on his flank. On numerous occasions, he exposed himself to the hostile fire to ensure that his unit was successfully progressing. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, he inspired his men and the men of adjacent units to ultimate victory over the well-armed and determined Viet Cong force. His extraordinary heroism against a hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. For his actions Platoon Sergeant Land was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest award for valor.
Ralph Richards
US Navy Corpsman and Fleet Marines Combat Corpsman Ralph Richards, has distinguished himself in his service to others in both his military and civilian life. While serving in Vietnam, he was frequently involved in medical care during jungle warfare operations. In April 1968, Corpsman Richards and other Marines were attacked by enemy mortars. With quick thinking and actions, Richards jumped out of his foxhole and ran to treat the Marines. While treating a severely wounded patient, he was also severely wounded with shrapnel, but continued treating his patient. He was cited with the Purple Heart Medal for his extraordinary heroism that day, saving his patient’s life and for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. After his discharge from the US Navy, Mr. Richards worked in a variety of positions and became involved in many volunteer organizations, especially those helping veterans. Most notable is his involvement as co-chair of the Indiana Alzheimer-Dementia Advisory Board, as well as a member of the Indiana Alzheimer-Dementia Research Center Veterans Subcommittee where he has presented over 500 programs to educate veterans, meeting them at veteran events, churches, and community organizations. Because so many veterans are being diagnosed with dementia related diseases, Mr. Richards’ goal is to survey as many veterans as possible, get the word out all over Indiana, and to help with eradicating Alzheimer and Dementia diseases. Working with the Indiana University School of Medicine in his role as co-chair of the advisory board, he has been a key contributor to the IU increase in Alzheimer’s researching funding from $9.2M in 2014 to $59.4M in 2024. His extensive community work has led to two publications on how to accelerate diversity in Alzheimer’s disease research participation. For his tremendous efforts, Mr. Richards was recognized with the Golden Hoosier Award and the Indianapolis Business Journal Health Care Heroes Award.
Maurice E. Shearer
Major Maurice E. Shearer, a native of Indianapolis and graduate of Shortridge High School, distinguished himself for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Force, for action in Bois-de-Belleau, France on 25 June 1918. Major Shearer displayed conspicuous courage, going forward at the head of his command during the attack. Personally going along the front line after the objective had been reached, Major Shearer encouraged his men and directed the repulse of an enemy counter-attack. During the encounter his battalion took over 200 prisoners and 19 machine guns. For his actions, Major Shearer was awarded the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Service Cross, both being the nation’s second highest award for valor. For his superb courage and great influence over his men in leading them during the attack, he was also awarded the French War Cross, the Croix de Guerre with Bronze Palm. Major Shearer was promoted to Brigadier General in 1944, after serving a lifetime of service in the military. He died in 1953 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Philip Max Spreuer
Lieutenant Philip Max Spreuer was a B-24 bomber pilot during WWII. During a combat mission over Vienna, Austria, his plane was shot down and he and his fellow co-pilot attempted to steady the plane so the rest of the crew could get out. By the time he was ready to jump, the plane was low and his parachute didn’t have time to fully deploy. As a result, he landed hard on his feet and ankles and was taken prisoner by Nazi soldiers. He was forced to walk from Austria to a POW Camp in Moosburg, Germany where he remained for 69 days until he was liberated by the 14th Armored Division and 99th Infantry. He was awarded the POW Medal, and after the intervention of Congressman Stutzman’s staff, in 2011 he was finally awarded the Purple Heart. Mr. Spreuer could have returned to his home to LaGrange County, Indiana after the war a hero and simply lived out his life quietly. Instead he returned to work in his father’s factory in LaGrange, and eventually took it over where it prospered for 70 years. Mr. Spreuer became active in his community and continued serving in so many ways. He flew hundreds of people to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, flew or paid the way for hundreds of children to be seen at Shriner’s Hospital in Chicago, donated funds for medical equipment at Mayo Clinic, purchased a building that would be donated as a “Safe Haven” for women and children subject to domestic violence, and served on the Hospital Board. He was a Shriner, a Mason, a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was a native of LaGrange County and lived there his entire life, with the exception of his military service. He sought to make life better for individuals and families in his community and never sought recognition for his self. He was awarded the Distinguished Hoosier Award by Governor Frank O’Bannon, one of the highest awards given to a citizen in the State of Indiana. Mr. Spreuer was just a man who saw a need and would attempt to fill it, whatever that need may be.
James M. Thompson
Lieutenant Colonel James M. Thompson entered the United States Air Force in 1957 and served a distinguished military career until his retirement in 1980. He is the author of sixteen books, two of which cover parts of his Vietnam service. After his retirement, he began forty years of service to Carmel Indiana and the State of Indiana through a multitude of organizations. He joined the Carmel Lion’s Club over 40 years ago, where he raised funds to support the charity, conducted eye screenings of hundreds of preschool and elementary students in central Indiana, and served as the president of the club, before serving as the Lions Club District governor. He has been recognized at many levels for his service to others, and he takes the Lions’ motto of “ We Serve” to heart. Jim was also a member of the Indiana Corporation for Science and Technology advisory board on vocational education, and he helped establish the Indiana Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Alliance, serving as its president for several years. He was the driving force behind the IMSTEA Super Mileage Challenge where high school students in Indiana built special one-man cars around a a single cylinder engine to compete to achieve the highest miles per gallon. As a result of his efforts, over 9500 students participated in the event with many students going on to earn technical degrees. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash for initiating this project. Always involved in community projects and endeavors, Jim has remained active in the Carmel United Methodist Church, was previously Marshall of the Carmel Fourth of July parade, has supported a scout troop, is a member and past president of The Service Club of Indiana, and is active in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Purdue University.
Michael R. Tomes
Private First Class Michael R. Tomes, U.S Army, 66th Military Police Company, 93rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade for heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam distinguished himself while serving as a machine gunner of an armored gun Jeep performing convoy escort don Highway QL-19. As the truck convoy proceeded through the An Khe Pass, it was ambushed by enemy elements. Private Tomes and the crew responded immediately to the attack and drove their gun Jeep into the ambush kill zone to provide cover fire for the trapped vehicles and their drivers. Enemy fire directed against the gun Jeep was so intense that three tires were immediately shot out and the windshield was shattered. Private Tomes nevertheless remained with his vehicle and delivered continuous machine gunn fire against the ambushers. The effective return fire he brought against the enemy enabled other military police to maneuver into the kill zone and retrieve wounded convoy drivers. Private First Class Tome’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. For his actions Private First Class Tomes was awarded the Bronze Star with a “V” Device for heroism.