It has been said that if you enjoy freedom, you should thank a veteran. Next Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 is Veteran’s Day — the day set aside to recognize the incredible sacrifices that have been made by soldiers to preserve this country’s freedom.

“Since World War I, soldiers, marines and sailors have given their lives,” said local VFW Commander and Veteran Chuck Sutter. “Eighteen men have paid the ultimate price from Star Valley.”

This week those 18 men will be remembered, along with dozens of others who served faithfully and lived to see their homes once more.

“Our own 1041st recently returned from serving in Iraq as a combat logistic patrol,” said Sutter. “The unit served proudly and did an outstanding job.”

According to Sutter, veterans throughout the ages share a common bond — they have made the journey and emerged as heros.

John Joseph Fluckiger
World War I
John Fluckiger was inducted into the United States Army on Sept. 29, 1917. He traveled from Star Valley to attend boot camp at Camp Lewis in Washington. There he was attached to Company E, 362 Infantry, 91st Division.

Following his training there, Fluckiger was shipped out to New York were he boarded a ship bound for Liverpool, England. From Liverpool, he made his way to South Hampton and then on to La Havre, France. Eventually he found himself on the battle front at St. Meithel.

“After four days of fighting, they were sent to the Argonne Forest,” said Sutter. “Here they were literally shot up. John was wounded the morning of Sept. 29, 1918 in a terrific battle of the Argonne Forest.”

Wounded, Fluckiger and other American soldiers crawled through a field of mustard gas to reach a hospital. It was a journey that took Fluckiger nearly the entire day to make.

“After he recovered, he was shipped home and discharged in Salt Lake City at Fort Douglas on May 2, 1919,” said Sutter. “He’d served one year and eight months.”

Later Fluckiger was presented with a service plaque signed by United States President Woodrow Wilson.

Vern S. Cleverley
World War II
In World War II, Vern S. Cleverley served with the 11th Airborne Division from 1943-1945.
“Vern served in the thick of things,” said Sutter.

Cleverly was stationed in the South Pacific. Before his service was over, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts. He was also the recipient of the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and American Theater and Asiatic Pacific Ribbons.

Cleverley is now 84 years old.

Leslie Robertson
Korea
Leslie Robertson joined the United States Army and was assigned to the 7th Division. After completing his training, Robertson was shipped overseas to Korea. He served there from 1952-1953.

“Les received two Purple Hearts, one in ‘52 and one in ‘53,” said Sutter. “Early on he earned the coveted Combat Infantry Badge. He also has Korea Service, National Defense and U.N. Service Medals.”

Leron Allred
Vietnam
After graduating from the University of Wyoming, Leron Allred went into active duty with the United States Air Force. As part of the Air Force, Allred served in Vietnam.

On one occasion, Allred was given the mission of rescuing a seven-man intelligence team under fire across enemy lines. It was a mission that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Later in his career, Allred was also instrumental in rescuing 81 firefighters in Alaska.

William “Bill” Spaulding
Iraq
William “Bill” Spaulding is currently a 1st Sergeant with the 1041st Engineering Company.
“While in Iraq the unit performed over 65 missions that took anywhere from a day to a week or more,” said Sutter. “They logged over a million miles and were attacked 321 times, mostly by IEDs. William is proud of the great job the men did and feels that through prayer they were definitely protected.”

The unit received 39 Purple Hearts and 24 Bronze Stars for their service.

“Like his dad, William is a great asset to the 1041st,” said Sutter. “This great group of patriots also received a Meritorious Unit Citation.”

On Oct. 29, Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal asked that Wyoming recognize the “valor and sacrifice of our veterans.”

“When the call for servicing our country comes, Star Valley men and women are there,” said Sutter. “As far back as World War I, young men volunteered and went to war to protect the freedom of this United States. Over and over again when the call has come in, we have answered.”