Ed joined the United States Army Air Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. After a period of training he arrived to serve in the European Theater Operations. During World War II he served in the 310th Ferry Squadron, the 87th Air Transport Squadron and the 325th Ferry Squadron. The squadrons provided transport, resupply support, and combat evacuation. Ed was a flight engineer on B-17, B-24 and C-47 aircraft and flew missions in France, Great Britain, Belgium, Holland, North Africa, the Middle East and Germany. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Service Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Ed returned home after the war to complete his education it is here that he met the love of his life, "Mary Rita Gottbrath". In less than a year on November 9, 1946 they would get married and begin a life together that would span 70 years. Together they would have five children.
In 1949 Ed was called up to serve in Korea. He would earn the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars , National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon his return home he decided that the military life could provide a secure lifestyle for his family. Ed's career would span over 27 years and he would retire at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He would continue to be recognized for his achievements, in 1965 he received the Outstanding Airman of the Fifth Air Force award, He would also earn the Air Force Commendation Medal second award for his work in the 4500 Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in 1968. Lastly, in 1969 he would be selected as a 13th Air Force Nominee to PACAF for the position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.
After his retirement Ed and Mary returned to Louisville. Kentucky. He worked at Reynolds Aluminum and the Globe Union Battery Division of Johnson Controls. In 2013 they moved to Marietta, Georgia to be closer to family.
Recently, Ed was recognized and notified he had been named a Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor by the Consul General of France for his role in the liberation of France during World War II.
Ed is survived by his bride of 70 years Mary Rita, five children, Eric Edward, Virginia Beach, Robert Walter, Great Falls, Virginia, Raymond Francis, Jacksonville, Florida, Mary Irrgang ,Marietta, Georgia and Barbara Anne of London, England. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Ed was a loving husband, wonderful father, grandfather, friend and a distinguished member of "America's Greatest Generation".
A funeral mass will be conducted at Holy Family Catholic Church, Marietta, Georgia on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 10:30AM. A committal service will follow at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed's memory to Holy Family Catholic Church, or to Disabled American Veterans, dav.org
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