destroyer – Tuscarawas County Stories

Fallen Heroes: Seaman Duane Stalder

The USS Spence, c. 1943. (Source: navsource.com)

A young New Philadelphia man gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Pacific during World War Two. Duane Jay Stalder (1926-1944) was born in Tuscarawas County to parents Harry Godfrey Stalder (1898-1970) and Goldie Armbrust (1903-1966). Harry’s father was a laborer in the various industries in Tuscarawas County, including brick works and steel mills.Continue reading “Fallen Heroes: Seaman Duane Stalder”

Fallen Heroes: Seaman 2nd Class Robert L. Hammersley

AI generated image of the USS Leary being struck by a German torpedo in the North Atlantic, 2024. (Source: Google ImageFX"

The story of this fallen hero traces a young Ohioan’s journey from his small-town roots to his ultimate sacrifice at sea during World War II. The Hammersley family’s roots were firmly planted in Ohio by the time Thomas E. Hammersley (1896–1957) was born in Coshocton County. The family moved to Wheeling Township, Guernsey County whereContinue reading “Fallen Heroes: Seaman 2nd Class Robert L. Hammersley”