Monument engraved with the names of five courageous Ohioans
Monument engraved with the names of five courageous OhioansColumbus, Ohio 43204—Known for four generations of experience in the memorial industry, Modlich Monument Company is pleased to announce the completion of a stunning black granite monument dedicated to the Marine’s Observation Squadron Six Squadron (VMO-6). Modlich was chosen by the Corps Memorial Fund group to produce the six feet tall, 7,000 pound stone marker, resembling the side of an airplane wing. The VMO-6 Monument —that holds the names of five Ohioans, will be unveiled and dedicated in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the National Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, Virginia in May.
The marker contains the names of VMO-6 crew members killed during service. VMO-6 saw combat action in Nicaragua in 1928, in the battle of Okinawa in 1945, Korea in 1950-1955 and in Vietnam in 1965-1969. The VMO-6 was the first combat helicopter unit in the Marine Corps and throughout its history the unit had 14 different fixed wing and six various types of helicopters. Along with the etchings of the names of those who died in support of a VMO-6 mission are also the engravings of aircraft that were primarily flown in the regiment’s combat operations.
Ohioans who are listed on the Monument and involved in the Korean War include Capt. Loren Willis Woolever of Pickerington, Capt. Donald Kenneth Trotter of East Liverpool and Capt. Charles Marino of Youngstown. Ohioans who gave their lives in the Vietnam War are 1st Lt. Ralph Edward Hunt Jr. of Alliance and Capt. Jack Ervin Schober of Toledo.
“We are truly honored to be chosen for this memorial that honors the company members who were killed as a result of hostile actions during the 46 years this group was an active unit,” states Jerry Modlich, of Modlich Monument Company. “The Monument required meticulous craftsmanship due to the unusual curves carved in this beautiful stone. Our artisans worked tirelessly for weeks stenciling and sandblasting, to produce a breathtaking marker for the Museum.”
“The Monument is important in that it is dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during combat operations,” states Ed Kufeldt, executive director of VMO-6 Memorial Fund. “Modlich was chosen to produce the memorial because of its knowledge and proven expertise.”
“This is the second monument Modlich helped produce for the Marine Corps,” adds Jerry Modlich. “We are extremely proud to be part of another project that honors the Corps and look forward to installing the VMO-6 Monument within the Museum’s Park. The Museum is a national treasure and we are gratified to know this latest monument will be visited by thousands of Marines, friends and family members.”
The VMO-6 Memorial will be placed in the Memorial Park that surrounds the National Marine Corps Museum. The Park, which has more than one mile of trails, is an impressive site and a perfect location for the Monument to remember fallen members of the heroic troop.
About Modlich Monument Company:
Modlich Monument offers four generations of experience in the memorial industry, helping help turn visions and ideas into a unique remembrance of loved ones. Modlich has been meeting the needs of central Ohio families since 1936 with a reputation for quality and service and is located at 301 N. Hague Ave, Columbus, Ohio, 43204. Call toll free 800-252-1439 or e-mail info@modlich-monument.com for more information.
Attention Media: for corresponding images please go to http://vmo6memorial.homestead.com/