Old astontownship.com
Veterans Page
© 2009 J.Chambers
|
© 2009 J.Chambers |
VETERANS MEMORIAL GARDEN DEDICATION
FLAG DAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 14,2009 SAW THE FORMAL DEDICATION OF THE ASTON TOWNSHIP VETERANS MEMORIAL GARDEN AT FIVE POINTS INTERSECTION. THE OCCASION WAS OBSERVED BY SUN VALLEY ROTC AND VETERANS GROUPS AND INCLUDE THE BLOWING OF TAPS, A 21 GUN SALUTE, AND A BELL TOLL FOR EACH ASTON VETERAN OR EMERGENCY RESPONDER WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR TO SERVE AS ASTON TOWNSHIP VETERANS MEMORIAL GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS. INTERESTED PERSONS CAN CONTACT DICK LEHR FOR MORE INFORMATION.
© 2009 J.Chambers
This is the begining of The Aston Veterans Memorial Garden at 5 points in Village Green.
This view is from Concord Road Looking Toward Pennell Road. The area of stone is the site of the
begining of the parking area.
We Stood For Freedom
We stood for freedom just like you
And loved the flag you cherish too
Our uniforms felt great to wear
You know the feel, and how you care
In step we marched, the cadence way
The same is true with you today
Oh how we tried to do our best
As you do now, from test to test
How young we were and proud to be
Defenders of true liberty
So many thoughts bind soldiers well
The facts may change, not how we jell
Each soldier past, and you now here
Do share what will not disappear
One thought now comes, straight from my heart
For soldiers home, who ve done their part
I m honored to have served with you
May Godly peace, help get you through
And now I ll end with a request
Do ponder this, while home at rest
America, respect our day
Each veteran, helped freedom stay
A Vieteran died today
He was getting old and paunchy, and his health was failing fast, And as he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past. Of the war that he had fought in, of the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes, everyone. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his buddies listened, for they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for 'ol Bob has passed away, and the world's a little poorer, for a Veteran died today. No, he wasn't mourned by many, just his children and his wife, for he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'tho a Veteran died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great. The papers tell of their life stories, from the time that they were young. But the passing of a Veteran goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of this land, Some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow, who in time of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life?
From the Chester Times
This Veteran of Four Wars
Holds Nation's Top Honors
By HARRY MAITLAND
2/1/1949
"Old soldiers never die ..."
The old soldier in this case Is 73-year-old John Francis DeSwan presently of 20 Neeld lane, Green Ridge, holder of both the highly prized Congressional Medal of Honor and the Silver Star, he is easily one of the most colorful heroes ever to live in Delaware County.
He lived through history in the making. Combat fighting in the Spanish-American War; the Philippine Insurrection, and the Mexican Campaign plus service during World War I heads some of his varied activities.
Born, January 13, 1876, in West Philadelphia, DeSwan became a star baseball player and crack member of the cadet corps while attending GirardCollege. For a short time after graduation, he worked in the employ of a tobacco expert-import firm. A yen for more baseball and the adventures of the open road beckoned and he was unable to resist. The 17-year-old youngster was guaranteed plenty of basebaIl by the Army recruiting officer.
As a sergeant five years later, DeSwan received the nation's highest military award for exemplary action during the battle for El Poso Hill, outside of Santiago. His citation from Secretary of War, Dwight Davis, by order of President William McKinley. reads, "For distinguished bravery in the battle of Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1898 in rescuing two wounded men from in front of the lines while under heavy fire of the enemy."
The complete action was far more touching than is told by the few terse words of the War Department release. It was a story of sheer human courage. Moving ashore as a member of the 21st infantry regiment, in one of the first waves to hit San Juan Hill, DeSwan witnessed one of the bloodiest battles recorded in the history annals. San Juan was taken and the American units moved on to capture the next objective—El Poso. The entire engagement lasted nearly 13 days with three days of "really bitter fighting" according to DeSwan.
"We of the 21st, combined with the 2nd inf. regt. to continue the advance on well-fortified El Poso. Our units moved forward and just crept over the crest of the hill when a fierce counter-attack let loose. The barrage caused us to retreat for shelter back down the hill. After reaching cover. I noticed that two of our boys were missing. "Joe May from Canada, and Tommie Tomkins, an English boy, we knew were not able to make it back over the hill top.
Three volunteers and I left to recover the men. Tompkins died before we could get him back and May died of his wounds shortly after being returned to our lines. A few days later the siege of Santiagowas completed and the Spaniards surrendered. Soon after, I took sick with typhoid and malaria." He was returned to his home on sick furlough and gradually regained his health against high odds. Months later he was back at active duty and within a year was on the other side of the world when Federal troops were used to quell the uprising factions in the Philippine Insurrection. It was a two-fold battle. Some jungle fighting was against native guerrilla forces while major battles were waged with heavily-armed units toward the end of hostilities. The 21st infantry took part in the Cavite, Morong. Paete, Tayabas, Coloma and LakeTaal campaigns.
During peacetime in the Philippines DeSwan was able to get around to his promised baseball and was able to transfer back into a cavalry group: He became a member of the 13th cavalry regiment and remained with it until his retirement. DeSwan played first base and shortstop for the "old 13th" in the Manila League. The team copped the pennant one year and never finished lower than second place. "Most trouble came from those Marines," related DeSwan, "They were redhot ball players."
Baseball formed a major portion of the entertainment of the troops and was handled on a large scale. The parks equalled any in the States during that era. Large attendances were registered and half the gate receipts were split among the players and half went to the regiment funds. Many big-league stars of the times visited the islands and held exhibition games with the service stars.
A tour of duty within the In the period of service, DeSwan twice was commissioned on officer, once with temporary status and finally as a first lieutenant with permanent status. He received this promotion and commission during World War I while serving as a technical instructor for cavalry combat. When eligible for retiremcnt he finished his final "hitch" and was discharged as an officer. The next day he reenlisted once more in his old outfit, "the 13th," and applied for retirement as a first sergeant. The pension rate, as top sergeant, was far higher than that of a first lieutenant.
The final mustering-out services were held for the old soldier in July, 1920, at Ft. Clark, Tex. A special notation by Maj. Gen. P. V. Coleman was added to his orders for discharge. It read: "Ist/-sgt. DeSwan takes with him in his retirement the best wishes of all officers and men of the 13th Cavalry with which he served so faithfully and long." Gen. Coleman later became head of the Old Soldiers' Home in Washington, D. C. "That's where I'd be now if it wasn't for my family," DeSwan opinioned.
It is very unique in that DeSwan can tell of his exploits. The majority of Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously. Up until July 1, 1948, only 2116 have ever been presented. Thirty were awarded during the War with Spain. A total of 292 were awarded during World War II.
The urge for saddles, reins and stirrups bested him and prompted him to accept a position as instructor of horsemanship at PennsylvaniaMilitaryCollege during the school year 1920-21. He became a close friend of Charles E. Hyatt, then president of PMC and father of the present school head Col. Frank K. Hyatt.
During World War II. DeSwan worked at Cramp's Shipyard in the inventory section as his contribution to the war effort.
Residing now with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Jones, he busies himself with the daily activities of the small community. Another daughter, Mrs. Nina Edwards, lives in Philadelphia.
Recently he joined the Green Ridge American Legion Post and is a real favorite with all members as "a soldier's soldier." In fair weather, the elderly gentleman wheels his granddaughter, Nina, age two, around the village in order to pass time and gain exercise.
DeSwan is thankful that he was ne\ver wounded in any skirmishes and is proud of the fact, "that less than a hundred people have ever seen my medals during all the time I have had them."
U. S. enabled DeSwan to receive the Silver Star. The southwest section 01 the country was terrorized by the plundering of a band of Mexicans under the famed desperado, Pancho Villa. News reached the post at Columbus, N. Mex., that Villa was heading their way. The post was under siege and the officers' dependents were in a dangerous position of being captured. DeSwan was able to save the dependent group from the throes of the ralders through his quick-wit and removed them from the danger area. The action occurred March 9, 1916 and warranted the Silver Star from the war department.noon nap when Interviewed and sheepishly viewed the reporters proposal. After waking fully, the aged warrior unraveled a story that would enchant many. His experiences, backed by war department documents, cover a glorious period in American history. Please click hereto learn more about the wounded warrior warrior project. Thank You.
Copyright © 2002-2009
We Stood For Freedom
Our uniforms felt great to wear In step we marched, the cadence way Oh how we tried to do our best How young we were and proud to be So many thoughts bind soldiers well Each soldier past, and you now here One thought now comes, straight from my heart I m honored to have served with you And now I ll end with a request America, respect our day |
A Vieteran died today He was getting old and paunchy, and his health was failing fast, And as he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past. Of the war that he had fought in, of the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes, everyone. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his buddies listened, for they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for 'ol Bob has passed away, and the world's a little poorer, for a Veteran died today. No, he wasn't mourned by many, just his children and his wife, for he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'tho a Veteran died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great. The papers tell of their life stories, from the time that they were young. But the passing of a Veteran goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of this land, Some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow, who in time of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life? |
From the Chester Times
This Veteran of Four Wars
Holds Nation's Top Honors
By HARRY MAITLAND
2/1/1949
"Old soldiers never die ..."
The old soldier in this case Is 73-year-old John Francis DeSwan presently of 20 Neeld lane, Green Ridge, holder of both the highly prized Congressional Medal of Honor and the Silver Star, he is easily one of the most colorful heroes ever to live in Delaware County.
He lived through history in the making. Combat fighting in the Spanish-American War; the Philippine Insurrection, and the Mexican Campaign plus service during World War I heads some of his varied activities.
Born, January 13, 1876, in West Philadelphia, DeSwan became a star baseball player and crack member of the cadet corps while attending GirardCollege. For a short time after graduation, he worked in the employ of a tobacco expert-import firm. A yen for more baseball and the adventures of the open road beckoned and he was unable to resist. The 17-year-old youngster was guaranteed plenty of basebaIl by the Army recruiting officer.
As a sergeant five years later, DeSwan received the nation's highest military award for exemplary action during the battle for El Poso Hill, outside of Santiago. His citation from Secretary of War, Dwight Davis, by order of President William McKinley. reads, "For distinguished bravery in the battle of Santiago, Cuba, July 1, 1898 in rescuing two wounded men from in front of the lines while under heavy fire of the enemy."
The complete action was far more touching than is told by the few terse words of the War Department release. It was a story of sheer human courage. Moving ashore as a member of the 21st infantry regiment, in one of the first waves to hit San Juan Hill, DeSwan witnessed one of the bloodiest battles recorded in the history annals. San Juan was taken and the American units moved on to capture the next objective—El Poso. The entire engagement lasted nearly 13 days with three days of "really bitter fighting" according to DeSwan.
"We of the 21st, combined with the 2nd inf. regt. to continue the advance on well-fortified El Poso. Our units moved forward and just crept over the crest of the hill when a fierce counter-attack let loose. The barrage caused us to retreat for shelter back down the hill. After reaching cover. I noticed that two of our boys were missing. "Joe May from Canada, and Tommie Tomkins, an English boy, we knew were not able to make it back over the hill top.
Three volunteers and I left to recover the men. Tompkins died before we could get him back and May died of his wounds shortly after being returned to our lines. A few days later the siege of Santiagowas completed and the Spaniards surrendered. Soon after, I took sick with typhoid and malaria." He was returned to his home on sick furlough and gradually regained his health against high odds. Months later he was back at active duty and within a year was on the other side of the world when Federal troops were used to quell the uprising factions in the Philippine Insurrection. It was a two-fold battle. Some jungle fighting was against native guerrilla forces while major battles were waged with heavily-armed units toward the end of hostilities. The 21st infantry took part in the Cavite, Morong. Paete, Tayabas, Coloma and LakeTaal campaigns.
During peacetime in the Philippines DeSwan was able to get around to his promised baseball and was able to transfer back into a cavalry group: He became a member of the 13th cavalry regiment and remained with it until his retirement. DeSwan played first base and shortstop for the "old 13th" in the Manila League. The team copped the pennant one year and never finished lower than second place. "Most trouble came from those Marines," related DeSwan, "They were redhot ball players."
Baseball formed a major portion of the entertainment of the troops and was handled on a large scale. The parks equalled any in the States during that era. Large attendances were registered and half the gate receipts were split among the players and half went to the regiment funds. Many big-league stars of the times visited the islands and held exhibition games with the service stars.
A tour of duty within the In the period of service, DeSwan twice was commissioned on officer, once with temporary status and finally as a first lieutenant with permanent status. He received this promotion and commission during World War I while serving as a technical instructor for cavalry combat. When eligible for retiremcnt he finished his final "hitch" and was discharged as an officer. The next day he reenlisted once more in his old outfit, "the 13th," and applied for retirement as a first sergeant. The pension rate, as top sergeant, was far higher than that of a first lieutenant.
The final mustering-out services were held for the old soldier in July, 1920, at Ft. Clark, Tex. A special notation by Maj. Gen. P. V. Coleman was added to his orders for discharge. It read: "Ist/-sgt. DeSwan takes with him in his retirement the best wishes of all officers and men of the 13th Cavalry with which he served so faithfully and long." Gen. Coleman later became head of the Old Soldiers' Home in Washington, D. C. "That's where I'd be now if it wasn't for my family," DeSwan opinioned.
It is very unique in that DeSwan can tell of his exploits. The majority of Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously. Up until July 1, 1948, only 2116 have ever been presented. Thirty were awarded during the War with Spain. A total of 292 were awarded during World War II.
The urge for saddles, reins and stirrups bested him and prompted him to accept a position as instructor of horsemanship at PennsylvaniaMilitaryCollege during the school year 1920-21. He became a close friend of Charles E. Hyatt, then president of PMC and father of the present school head Col. Frank K. Hyatt.
During World War II. DeSwan worked at Cramp's Shipyard in the inventory section as his contribution to the war effort.
Residing now with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Jones, he busies himself with the daily activities of the small community. Another daughter, Mrs. Nina Edwards, lives in Philadelphia.
Recently he joined the Green Ridge American Legion Post and is a real favorite with all members as "a soldier's soldier." In fair weather, the elderly gentleman wheels his granddaughter, Nina, age two, around the village in order to pass time and gain exercise.
DeSwan is thankful that he was ne\ver wounded in any skirmishes and is proud of the fact, "that less than a hundred people have ever seen my medals during all the time I have had them."
U. S. enabled DeSwan to receive the Silver Star. The southwest section 01 the country was terrorized by the plundering of a band of Mexicans under the famed desperado, Pancho Villa. News reached the post at Columbus, N. Mex., that Villa was heading their way. The post was under siege and the officers' dependents were in a dangerous position of being captured. DeSwan was able to save the dependent group from the throes of the ralders through his quick-wit and removed them from the danger area. The action occurred March 9, 1916 and warranted the Silver Star from the war department.noon nap when Interviewed and sheepishly viewed the reporters proposal. After waking fully, the aged warrior unraveled a story that would enchant many. His experiences, backed by war department documents, cover a glorious period in American history. Please click hereto learn more about the wounded warrior warrior project. Thank You.
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