US Army

9th Veteran of the Quarter

Nominated and Story by Richard & Sheryl Schiller

There aren’t many true American heroes left, but Mr. Edwards certainly qualifies for this honor. It is our pleasure to nominate him to be honored by Branson Bank.

Mr. Edwards started his military career in 1943 during WWII. He was a Staff Sgt., tail gunner on B17s with the 8th Air Force, Hell’s Angels, 303rd Bomb Group. He was stationed in Molesworth, England, and flew 51 missions during the Normandy campaign. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with 3 clusters.

In 1949, he started a National Guard Unit in Pittsburg, Kansas. He became a Unit Commander for the Kansas National Guard:  HQ 195th Field Artillery BN.

During the Korean conflict (1951-1952), Mr. Edwards served as a 1st Lt. in the 24th Division of the US Army (in Korea and then Japan).

He returned to the United States and served in the National Guard until he received an honorable discharge on December 9, 1963. When he was discharged, Mr. Edwards was a Captain.

For many years, Mr. Edwards carried the flag in Branson’s Veteran Day Parade. He also served in the Honor Guard at the burial of many veterans. Mr. Edwards will be 88 in July 2012, and just gave up both of these activities a couple of years ago.

He is a member of both the American Legion and the VFW. His most recent honor was a trip on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, in June 2010.

To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please see a customer service representative or stop by any bank location and pick up a form.

Veterans are chosen by a panel of their peers.

THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!