Amos Braun and fallen military members honored during annual Memorial Day observance this Saturday

The annual observance of Memorial Day by the Dubois County Veterans Council will be held Saturday, May 26, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. on the west side of the Dubois County Courthouse in Jasper at the Veteran’s Memorial and Fountain.

All veterans organizations in Dubois County will be represented and all Dubois County veterans who have passed away this year will be remembered. This year’s deceased veteran to be honored is Amos Braun.

Amos Braun was born October 6, 1923, in Dubois, Indiana.  He married Laverne Beckman on March 9, 1944. He has two sons, Mike and Steve, and a daughter, Janet.

Amos was a loving husband and father and a successful businessman and decorated World War II veteran.

He was an Army Air Corps staff sergeant who served as a waist gunner on a B-17. He flew 32 missions while assigned to the 381st Bombardment Group, 534th Bombardment Squadron, AAF Station 167, Ridgewell, England.

Missions were flown from April 1944 to Jul 31, 1944; during the height of World War II in Europe. This squadron supported missions during Big Week Feb 20 through 25, 1944, the Normandy Invasion June 1944, and Battle of the Bulge Dec 1944. The unit received two Outstanding Unit awards now known as the Presidential Unit Citation.

As a member of this prestigious unit, Mr. Braun received the following decorations: The Air Medal with three Bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign with four Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Staff Sergeant Braun’s unit had 25 B-17 aircraft assigned. Of this number, 14 were lost either by flak or enemy aircraft, two received battle damage, one crashed on take-off, one was lost in a mid-air collision and one was used for salvage. Only six returned to the United States.

Gunners on the B-17 aircrew totaled 135,000. They lost 26,000 members, 19 percent of their ranks. Another 23,000, 17  percent of the force, were considered missing in action. On average, only 17 of 100 crewmembers returned from their first mission and the percentage decreased to three percent returning from their second mission.

Amos’s returning to his family was a blessing.

Upon returning home, he was employed at Indiana Desk where he retired as general manager after 40 years. He was a graduate of Indiana University, member of VFW post 673 and American Legion post 147.

Amos left a legacy of citizenship, family values, and decency to his children and family. He proudly served his country and community. We should all be grateful for his values.

For the observance this Saturday, Petty Officer Jeffery Williams from the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center will be the special guest and speaker. Petty Officer Jeffery Williams currently serves at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) and works in the Military Admin Liaison Office.

He started his naval career in February of 2014 where he reported to Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes in Chicago, Ill., for boot camp. After successful completion of training, he reported to Meridian, Mississippi for his “A” School where he did hands-on training and started to learn his rate as a yeoman. After his completion of Yeoman “A” school, he was stationed at Coronado, California as part of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23.

Petty Officer Williams has served in several different capacities in the Navy, ranging from an administrative assistant to being the commanding officer’s number one assistant. To date, he has worked directly for four commanders as their executive yeoman. He currently serves as the assistant administrative officer at NSWC Crane.

Petty Officer Williams currently resides in Haubstadt, Indiana, with his wife, the former Jennifer Helsley, of Francisco, Indiana. Together they have two children: John (2) and Harper (5 months).

He has proudly served alongside shipmates, and has received a Meritorious Unit Commendation (one award) and a Navy Battle Efficiency “E” (two awards). He is authorized to wear the Navy Achievement Medal (one award), and Flag Letter of Commendation (one award).

Chris Fleck President of the DCVC will be the master of ceremonies. The National Anthem and other patriotic Songs will be sung by Bernie Jeffries and the Recycled Teenagers. Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz will give a warm welcome to downtown Jasper. Steve Bartels from the American Legion Riders will conduct the POW/MIA Ceremony. Dan Hollinden from Navy Club Ship #90 will conduct a ritual remembering sailors. Taps will be played by Mark Messmer of Jasper after the 21-gun salute honoring all deceased veterans.

The Jasper Park and Recreation Department will provide temporary bleachers for this event but you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

The Monsignor Wernsing K of C 4th Degree Assembly 0251 and Boy Scout Troop 185 will be serving bottled water during this event.

American Legion Post 147 1220 Newton Street Jasper will host a reception for the family and friends of Amos Braun along with those participating in this event.

In case of in climate weather all events will be held at the American Legion Post 1220 Newton Street Jasper.