1LT (Ret) George S. Hearn

George Stephen Hearn went home to be with his Lord the evening of April 30, 2009 at St. Robert, Missouri, at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 25 days. George was born February 5, 1919 in Pittsburg, Illinois. He was one of eight children born to the union of the late James VanCleve and Alpha Daisy (Deering) Hearn. George attended prep school at the Lake Creek Township #6 School in Pittsburg. He completed his formal education after joining the U.S. Army. George enlisted into the U.S. Army on April 25, 1941, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry in March 1943. He was subsequently assigned to duty in Calcutta, India. While there, he was told of the formation of the 5307th Provisional Unit under the command of Brig. Gen. Frank D. Merrill and of its mission to undertake penetration of the Japanese lines and gather information. George was then assigned as platoon leader of the Khaki Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon in January, 1944 at DinJan, India. In February, the 5307th unit, code named GALAHAD later to be known as “Merrill’s Marauders,” began its widely heralded 1000 mile march down Ledo Road to Burma with a force of about 3000 soldiers. During the march, accomplished by columns designated by colors, some 2000 men died or were evacuated because of illness or injuries. Only a third of the 5307th completed the march to Myitkyina. George was wounded during the operation, and was wounded again during a tour in the Korean Conflict. Some of his awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor with three oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, Pre-Pearl Harbor Medal, European Operation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Operation Medal, Korean Operation Medal with three bronze stars, Foreign Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with two oak leaf clusters, World War II Victory Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with clasp with five bronze loops, and numerous commendations and awards. First Lieutenant Hearn retired from active duty service in 1962. In a Japanese ceremony on February 29, 1949, George was united in marriage with Sueko Kishiwadatani. On May 13, 1954, there was a marriage ceremony at the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. George and Sueko shared over 60 years together, and were blessed with four children: George, Betty, Joan and James. George was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesville where he served as a Deacon for many years. George loved his Lord and served him faithfully. His leadership presence at First Baptist Church will be greatly missed. George is survived by four children: George Hearn (Marie), Tamarac, Florida, Betty Ann Trono (Rick), Point Reyes Station, California, Joan Lewis (Dean), Panama City, Florida and James Hearn (Valerie), Margate, Florida; eight grandchildren: Andrea, Steven, Rocky, Kenny, Samantha, Gary, Kegan and Peri; eight great grandchildren: Gavin, Gracie, Gage, Berek, Bridger, Garrett, Hannah and Kyleigh; one brother: Herman Hearn of DeKalb, Illinois; one sister: Gladys Pulley of Marion, Illinois; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sueko only 14 days before his passing. He was also preceded by his parents; one sister: Ruby Duffy and four brothers: Eugene, Clarence, Raymond and Carl Hearn. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 in the First Baptist Church of Waynesville, Missouri with Rev. Dr. Dennis Crowder and Chaplain (CPT) Cornelia White officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “In the Garden”, “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Where We’ll Never Grow Old”. Serving as escorts were the United States Army and serving as honorary escorts were Jim Hackworth, Ron Cooley, John Sutton, John Abshier, Joe Mendez, Tim Rideout and David Wiseman. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of George S. Hearn to the First Baptist Church of Waynesville and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

1LT (Ret) George S. Hearn

February 5, 1919 - April 30, 2009