Captain Raymond Littge - US Airforce WW2 MO653
US Air Force Capt. Raymond Littge Born in Altenburg October 18, 1923 Died for his country May 20, 1949 A member of the 352nd Fighter Group Credited with Destroying 23 Enemy planes Missouri's top ranking fighter pilot of WWII. It earned him the distinguished service cross,silver star, distinguished fighting cross, along with the air medal with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters

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Lloyd Andrews Hamilton CA9
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF LLOYD ANDREWS HAMILTON First Lieutenant 17th Aero Squadron Awarded Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action at Varssonacre, Belgium August 13, 1918 Killed in action near Lagnicourt, France August 26, 1918

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Audie Murphy TX7820

Most decorated soldier in World War II. Born 4.5 miles south, June 20, 1924, sixth of nine children of tenant farmers Emmett and Josie Killian Murphy. Living on various farms, Audie Murphy went to school through the 8th grade in Celeste -- considered the family's home town. He had to quit school to help support the family, acquiring marksmanship skills by hunting to provide food. On his 18th birthday, after being rejected by the Marines because of his size (5 feet, 7 inches; 130 pounds), he enlisted in the Army while working in Greenville.

For unusual courage and bravery, he received 24 decorations, including the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor; the French Legion of Honor, Chevalier: the Distinguished Service Cross; and a Silver Star.

After the war he became a successful actor, his most prominent role portraying himself in the film "To Hell and Back," his war career autobiography.

Following his untimely death in a plane crash in Virginia, May 28, 1971, and burial in Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Congress paid him a final tribute, dedicating a new veterans' hospital in San Antonio to the memory of this American hero. Survived by widow Pamela, sons Terry and James.

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Camp Kingsville, U.S.A. TX664
CAMP KINGSVILLE, U.S.A.
(1915 - 1917)

Established in September 1915 by Lt. Joseph Dorst Patch, acting under orders of the United States Army during the troubles on the Mexican border. This camp served as the operational base for companies K, L and M of the 26th Infantry, U.S. Army. These units were detailed to defend the Armstrong, Kenedy and King ranches and the rail line from San Antonio to Norias against raids by Mexican insurgents striking north of the Rio Grande. Early in 1917, this camp was visited by the U.S. border commander, Gen. John J. Pershing, who later that year chose men of the 26th Infantry to become a vanguard regiment of the now famous First Division, American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. With departure of the chosen troops, bound for France, Camp Kingsville was closed.

Joseph Dorst Patch, born December 8, 1885, at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., enlisted in 1909 and was commissioned in 1911. He married Minerva King of Agua Dulce. He served in two world wars, and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star, and the Order of the Bath (British). Retired in 1945 as a Major General, he turned to writing as a vocation. His home was in Corpus Christi, where he died November 21, 1966.

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Lt. General Andrew Davis Bruce TX3143
Lt. Gen. Andrew Davis Bruce
(September 14, 1894 - July 27, 1969)

Originator of Tank Destroyer Corps; "Father of Fort Hood." Brilliant battlefield leader and educator. Born in St. Louis, Mo.; graduated 1916 from Texas A. and M.; in 1917, began 37 years of active military duty. In France with 2nd Infantry Division, World War I, attained (at 24) temporary rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Served in German occupation, 1919. In 1920s-30s, taught and wrote texts in military science and tactics; and served with 33rd Infantry Division, Panama Canal Zone. When assigned to start Tank Destroyer Center, he situated it at Killeen, Feb. 1942, because of terrain and climate, naming the camp (now a fort) for Gen. John Bell Hood (1831-79), "Whose enemies never saw his back." Made a Major General, Sept. 9, 1942, Bruce commanded 77th Infantry Division in World War II battles of Guam, Leyte, Kerama Rotto, Ie Shima, and Okinawa. As in World War I, he won many decorations, including two awards of the Distinguished Service Cross. He was Governor of Hokkaido, Japan, 1945-46; Deputy Commander, 4th Army, 1947-51; Commandant of Armed Forces Staff College from 1951 until his retirement in 1954.

In distinguished civilian career, served University of Houston as president, 1954-56; chancellor, 1956-61. He and wife Roberta (Kennedy) had three children.

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