Ceremony recognizes military fallen why memorial is important

By DAN TELVOCK

Walter Henry Cloe III was a Marine who was very tight with his family.

He regularly sent his parents letters while fighting in the Korean War.

But there were no letters in the mail during the weeks before Thanksgiving in 1950.

His mother, Mattie Maie Cloe, thought her son was just too busy to write.

But as time passed, she suspected that something was wrong.

She called the War Department, and that's when the family found out that the 6-foot-4-inch, sandy-haired Marine was missing in action.

In January 1951, the family found out through letters from other Marines that he had injured his ankle and died fighting Chinese troops at the Chosin Reservoir. His remains were never recovered.

"He got caught behind enemy lines," said his sister, Pat Tluchak. "Because of his disability, he couldn't go very far."

Walter Henry Cloe III is one of the 400 fallen servicemen whose names are engraved on granite pillars that make up the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial.

Hundreds of local residents and dignitaries gathered yesterday morning at the monument site, on an island bounded by Liberty, Barton and George streets.

Under a blazing sun in high humidity, they paid tribute to those who helped keep this country free.

The monument is a permanent memorial to residents of this area who died fighting in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Four of the pillars are engraved with names; the other two are left bare, and those in attendance yesterday hope they will stay that way.

'a wonderful person'

Marine Maj. Edwin George Nelson was a pilot. He was 31 years old when he was killed during a bombing raid on Pyongyang, North Korea, in December 1952.

His remains were never found.

"He was killed very young, and he left me that Christmas with three baby girls, ages 1, 2 and 3," said his widow, Janet.

Nelson was tall and handsome. His wife said he resembled actor Errol Flynn.

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"I think it is going to be a place that a lot of people will come to get a little bit of inspiration. I think it is a good thing for this community."

--Gov. Tim Kaine

"For years to come people will pass by this memorial, this monument, on their daily travels and will reflect on the meaning of service to the nation. They may not always recognize the names inscribed on the monument but they will sense the pride that this community has in remembering their sacrifices."

--Retired Rear Adm. R. H. Shumaker, who was a POW during the Vietnam War

"Through our efforts, both great and small, we not only honor those whose names are carved on these granite pillars, but also instill in our children an understanding that our freedom cannot be taken for granted."

--Matt Kelly, Fredericksburg city councilman

"It is nice to know that people remember us. So many times, people who serve are taken for granted. To me, it is a feeling of pride, that I was there and my people were there, and I am proud of what I did and what my people did."

--Retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Neal King, who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam

Read more stories about Spotsylvania
Date published: 9/14/2008

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