Written by BOBA Chaplain Madeleine Bryant
When I received the call from John’s daughter Cheryl that her father had died, the tears began. John was feisty and fiercely independent – always a strong presence! I couldn’t conceive of his earthly fight being over.
It is with good reason that some years ago, John and his dear late wife, Mary Ann, were voted “Mr. & Mrs. VBOB.” They were passionate about upholding the legacy of all Battle of the Bulge veterans through the Battle of the Bulge Historical Society and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (now Battle of the Bulge Association) – listening to stories, sharing stories and encouraging individual participation. John had assembled a vast collection of videos, books and maps, many of which he would haul by the crate load to our events – a conversation starter for attendees, always a learning experience for each of us. His presentations and the many articles he wrote provided unexpected insights, even for those quite knowledgeable. Over the years, John built an awesome network of international historians, curators, and other contacts. One of his favorite pursuits, time intensive but immensely rewarding, was assisting families to research their military history or help them find a good home for their items of historic interest.
For me, it was also deeply personal. My dad – a Battle of the Bulge veteran, historian, and an active VBOB member since its inception – often spoke of John’s extraordinary knowledge and of his kindness. In Dad’s later years, John picked him up for VBOB events. In fact, a few years ago when my driving was restricted, John picked me up for a chapter meeting!
My own involvement began in December 2003, after my dad died. I decided to attend the VBOB chapter Holiday Party at Ft. Meade – just to thank for how much that group had meant to Dad. I figured that would be the end of it – but John made sure it was really only the beginning of my now lifetime commitment to the VBOB/BOBA organization. He introduced me to Mike Levin, John & Lil Schaffner, Al & Dot Darago, J. David Bailey and many others who made me feel so welcome, like family. Soon, I was involved with chapter meetings and then suddenly I was on the national board, thanks to John nominating me. I began meeting wonderful veterans and their families at annual national reunions and commemorations. I made several memorable, eye-opening trips to Europe with VBOB. I owe John & Mary Ann a great deal for their support and encouragement in these, for me, life changing experiences.
My most recent memory of John is his participation on our cold 75th commemoration trip to Europe, December 2019, just before “the world shut down.” It was a physically exacting trip for him, but evenings in our hotel, he was in his element. He was teaching history, sharing stories, suggesting resources – all off-the-cuff and with a sense of humor.
Rest in peace, dear friend. You did more than anyone else I’ve met to keep alive the legacy of our service men and women who fought so valiantly in the Battle of the Bulge for the liberties and freedoms we hold dear today. Your own legacy lives on, John. And we are grateful!
John was editor of The Marcher, the official publication of the MD/DC Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. Check out the archive here.
The Washington Post article about John – subscribers can click here to read it.
