A Synopsis

George Stoeckert's remarks in the Arlington National Cemetery November 9, 2003 while placing veterans day memorial wreaths with 508th PIR "Red Devil" centers at the 508th PIR memorial monument (plaque) and grave of 1st Sgt Leonard Funk (CMH). (not verbatim)/

 At the conclusion of the remarks and moment of silence, the wreaths were unveiled and taps sounded.

508th PIR WW II Monument

Greetings

The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment was attached to the 82nd Airborne Division during WW II.

These three blue spruce trees and the monument commemorate the over 600 heroes of our regiment that gave their lives on the battlefields of Europe.

On June 6,1944 (d-day) - our regiment parachuted into Normandy with 2056 men and officers. We lost 1161 of them -killed - wounded - captured - or missing - many still lie in France.

In September 1944, our reconstituted regiment parachuted into Holland - and we lost 681 men and officers.

In December 1944 - to save the Third Reich- the Germans launched a massive attack through the Ardennes - you know it as the "Battle Of The Bulge." our regiment lost 828 men - the bitter cold and deep snow caused over 40% of the casualties.

These were young men - most not yet 21 years of age when they surrendered their youth - serving our country.

Please -- join with me - in a moment of silence to honor these heroes.  ******

1st Sgt Leonard Funk's Grave

(Approximately 150 people were present for these ceremonies to include the president and officers from the 82nd Airborne Division Association and members of the Rueben Tucker Chapter and the Washington, D.C. Chapter. The ceremonies were supported by the 82nd Airborne Division color guard and bugler. The president of the 82nd association stood with George during the ceremony and wreath unveiling.

Many of the people present knew John Hardie. They had attended these annual ceremonies in previous years and heard John honor and praise his wartime leader and peacetime friend. Following the ceremony many of the audience commended George on the relevance and propriety of his remarks.) (pwh)

Greetings

This is the gravesite of 1st Sgt Leonard Funk - the most decorated WW II soldier in the 82nd airborne division.

Today we honor Sgt Funk - over the years - we have said - he was an outstanding soldier - a loyal comrade, - and a cherished friend - and he certain-ly was. However -today ~ I want to digress.

Sgt Funk was a small - wiry- smart - compassionate but tough 1st Sgt - he ruled Company "C" with an iron hand — with one exception - a redheaded soldier

In garrison - the redhead was a nere-do-well - but he was often promoted - and demoted. Because in combat - like Sgt Funk - he was a magnificent soldier and a strong leader.

For example:
In Holland - Sgt Funk earned the DSC - leading three men -to spearhead an attack to clear the glider landing zone of German infantry and anti-aircraft guns ready to destroy the inbound 82nd Airborne Division glider borne artillery battalions.

The redheaded soldier was one of those three brave men in Holzheim, Germany - Sgt Funk earned the CMH by - at great personal risk - preventing - a German officer from arming over 70 prisoners.

The redheaded soldier - was the first man to come to Funk's aid.

When Sgt Funk was leaving for the states for his medal - he took the redheaded soldier aside - and in no uncertain terms - told the red head - he was disgusted with him - he was a smart man - with great talent - and was wasting his life - that he should straighten up - and make something of himself

The war ended - the redhead went home - enrolled in college - and a few years later - had become a well-known neurologist in White Plains, New York.

That redheaded soldier-- was Doctor John Hardie. He and Sgt Funk remained lifelong friends.

Many of you know John Hardie - he has stood here - many times -over the years - praising his mentor - and beloved friend - Sgt Funk.

Those occasions are over - John Hardie died last month.

Today - we honor Sgt Funk - however I am certain that Sgt Funk would want to share those honors with his beloved comrade - and friend - John Hardie.

In that context - I ask you to join with me in a moment of silence to honor these two outstanding soldiers - and beloved comrades.