Days Gone By In Staunton

 

January 26, 2022



Thursday, October 27, 1966 -- ADMIRAL LUKER GIVEN LEGION OF MERIT MEDAL -- Rear Admiral George R. Luker, Commandant of the Third Naval District, received the second highest military medal normally awarded in peacetime on October 17. The Legion of Merit was awarded to Adm. Luker for "exceptionally meritorious service from April 28, 1964, to June 30, 1966, as Chief Military Advisory Assistance Group Japan."

Director General of the Japanese Defense Agency Eikich Kambayashiyama and his wife attended the presentation ceremony. Vice Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., Commander Eastern Sea Frontier and Vice Chairman of the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee, presented the award to Adm. Luker.

A citation from Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze accompanied the Legion of Merit and commends Adm. Luker: "Rear Admiral Luker was responsible for the planning and implementing of programs designed to assist the Japanese Self Defense Force to increase its self-efficiency and state of readiness while simultaneously reducing the operating costs of the Military Assistance Program.

"His personal dedication and initiative were responsible in large measure for the successful completion of these important programs and projects."

Rear Admiral Luker was born in Staunton on June 15, 1908, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Luker. He attended the Staunton schools and the University of Illinois prior to his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from which he graduated on June 1932 and was commissioned an ensign.

Following his commission he served aboard the USS Colorado. In 1936 he went to NAS Pensacola, Fla., for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in February 1937, reporting to the USS Ranger after.

Other assignments have included duty on or at: USS Wright; NAAS Saufley Field at Pensacola; CO Hdqtrs, Sqdn. 11 on ASW duty during WWII; CO Carrier Air Group 86 attached to the USS Wasp; Public Relations work in the office of SecNav; Executive Officer NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.

In 1948 he became Operations Officer of the USS Kersarge and in 1949 served at the U.S. Naval Air School. He then served as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Fleet Air, Japan. Next he took command of the USS Onslow and then of the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tenn.

In 1957 he assumed command of the USS Lake Champaign and in 1958 was assigned Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Fleet Air at Jacksonville. In 1959 he took over as Commanding Officer of NAS at Oceans, Va. He then served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of the North American Air Defense Command of Carrier Division 17 which was redesignated Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3 in 1964. He left this command to take the post with the Military Advisory Group in Japan.

Decoration and service medals awarded Luker are the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.

FIRST PLACE FLOAT -- The junior class entry in the homecoming parade was judged as first place. The float depicted an elephant, with ears flopping, drinking champagne and the connotation "Ears to Victory."

ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE TO BE HELD MONDAY EVENING -- The annual Halloween Parade and celebration, sponsored by the Staunton Lions Club will be held Monday evening with the arrangements similar to those of the past years.

All school children are asked to assemble in their respective rooms in the various schools at 6:30 o'clock in costume. The judges will view the costumes and award the prizes, four in each room, two for the neatest and two for the most comical.

After the judging the children will assemble at the following places to participate in the parade: St. Michael's school youngsters on Main street at the Huntman Furniture Store; Zion Lutheran children on South Laurel street east of Sherman's Department Store and the public school pupils will be transported by bus to North Laurel street west of the Huntman Furniture Store.

The parade is scheduled to start at 7:30 o'clock with the following lineup: The V.F.W. color guard, the Staunton Municipal Band, the Grade School Band, fire department truck, city officials and the school children. Fraternal organizations, as well as adults are urgently invited to participate, in costume, if possible. Prizes are also offered for the best adult maskers. The line of march will be westward along Main street to the City Park.

Treats for the kindergarten children will be distributed Friday afternoon at the school. The treats for the children participating in the parade will be awarded in the park.

The event is sponsored by the Staunton Lions Club as a community service, in the hope that it will minimize some of the destructive pranks which have in the past occurred during the Halloween season.

STATE DISAPPROVES OF CITY REFUSE DISPOSAL GROUNDS -- From State of Illinois, Department of Public Health, report of recent inspection of refuse disposal site. Advised by State Department that site is not being operated and maintained in a satisfactory manner, with recommendations of changes as soon as possible. The city council agreed to comply with the recommendations where and however possible.

NOTICE -- No Halloween "trick or treat" or pranks will be tolerated on or before the 29th, 30th and 31st days of October and after 10:00 o'clock on those nights. Anyone caught doing so will be prosecuted under section 579 of Article IV in Chapter 27–Malicious Mischief–of the City Code - Staunton Police Dept

DAMAGE AT BEACH STAND BY VANDALS -- The refreshment stand at Lake Staunton was damaged by vandals during the past week end according to Ed Frerichs, the lake policeman who reported to the police Monday morning that a hole had been torn in the roof of the building, and two doors had been broken. Inasmuch as the place had been closed after the swimming season, nothing of value was kept in the stand. The act is therefore considered pure maliciousness.

 

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