Blue Devils Class of '58

There are many ways to serve one's country. Some in our class chose to answer our country's call to military duty and in many cases, put their lives on the line for the rest of us. Our veteran classmates were participants in America's fight to win the Cold War. They presented America's offense in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and other military actions

since then in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Taiwan, Europe, South and Central America and the Middle East. And, they were part of the 'space race' which America ultimately and utterly won. America went on to win the Cold War by defeating communism and pulverizing its walls. This section features our classmates, those veterans and patriots who dedicated time from their lives, whether a single enlistment or an entire career to answer the 'Call to Duty'.

To our Veterans, your Great Class rises to salute you!

Background music: "GREAT BALLS OF FIRE" BY JERRY LEE LEWIS IN 1958,

(Click on photo to view service bio and other photos.)

Plainville High School
Plainville, Connecticut
Blue Devils Class of 1958
presents its
United States
Armed Forces Veterans

	Allan Anderson, US Army National Guard
	Robert Bocwinski, US Army National Guard
	Edward "Butch" Bradley, US Air Force *1957 - 1961*
	Bruce D. Bradshaw, US Navy *1958 - 1962*
	Joseph Dell'Aquila, US Army *1959 - 1962; Sergeant*
	John Dieli, US Army *1961 - 1963; Sergeant*
	Ronald P. Distin, US Navy *1958 - 1962*
	James D. Grant, US Navy *1958 - 1969*
	John S. Haddock, US Navy *1958 - 1962*
	David W. Hiltpold, US Navy *1958 - 1962*
	James R. Kenure, US Army
	Joseph D. Kratka, US Navy *1958 - 1961; Radioman 2nd Class*
	Roland "Punch" Lasher, US Air Force *1958 - 1966, Staff Sergeant*
	Frederick Marcantonio, US Army
	Ralph J. Minella, Jr, US Air National Guard
	Ralph A. Noel, US Navy *1958 - 1962; Petty Officer 2nd Class*
	Michael Perrotti, US Army
	Boyde T. Ripley, US Navy *1958 - 1962*
	J. Ralph T. Theriault, US Air Force *1959 - 1971, Technical Sergeant* *1971 - 1981 Captain*
	Charles Venturi, US Army *1966 - 1969*
	Robert Whelan, US Army *1962 - 1982, Lieutenant Colonel*
	Charles Wickstrom, US Army *1958 - 1961*
	Robert Zdunczyk, US Army National Guard

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense..."

"I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist."

"If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy."

"If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way."

"When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am bound to give only name, rank, service number and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause."

"I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsibile for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America."

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