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Gerald W.
Hawk
Died: January 21, 2001
Colonel Gerald (Jerry) W. Hawk, a quiet reserved gentleman, was treasurer of OPHSA for many years before his death in January of 2001.
He had written his autobiography entitled Every Life Has a Story
available in soft cover for $40.00.
For details on how to get a copy of his book, send an email to jhawk@btainc.com.
I worked with Jerry when I was the President and he was the Treasurer of the OPHSA and found him to be just a wonderful guy. I was privileged to know him.
(Ray Anderson)
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Jerry Hawk entered military service in June 1946 and qualified as infantry heavy weapons crewman. Entered parachute training in September 1946, upon completion
he was assigned to 325th Glider Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Was TDY to Task Force Frost during winter maneuvers in Jan 1947, returning to the 82nd
Airborne at conclusion of the task force objectives.
Assigned to Chief of Staff office, 82nd Airborne Div and in June 1947 transferred to 325th Glider Regiment for field Duty.
Attended leadership training at Fort Benning, GA in October 1951, transferred to the 44th Infantry Division, Camp Cook, CA. Received a direct commission in
early 1952 and was assigned to K Co 15th Inf. Reg., 3rd Infantry Division in Korea.
In September 1952 he was engaged in combat on Jackson Heights and Hill 270 (later known as OP Tom). Was wounded on Jackson Heights in November 1952 and was evacuated to Yokohama General Hospital in Japan. Later he returned to Korea.
His awards include Bronze Star for Valor with OLC, Purple Heart with OLC, Meritorious Service medal, Combat
Infantryman Badge, Parachute Badge, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service medal, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three battle stars, and Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Some highlights from his Army career after Korea:
Jerry served as a company commander and Assistant Battalion S-3 with the 11th Airborne
Division. Attended advance Infantry Company Office Course at Ft. Benning, GA in
1961. He instructed at SE Signal School, Ft. Gordon, GA 1962. Graduated from the
US Army Command and General Staff College, Carlisle Barracks, PA in 1966. Instructed at the Army Command and General Staff College. Was assigned as
Brigade S-2, Brigade S-3 and later battalion Commander. Graduated Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, 1974, assigned as Commandant US Army Information
School.
Promoted to Col. October 1975. Retired from the Army in 1980. Worked as an Engineering Manager until retirement in 1993.
He was closely involved in volunteer work with his church. Coordinator of altar
services, Coordinator Eucharistic Ministers and organized the Pro Life Ministry.
Jerry was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
Retired officers Association, Loyal Order of Moose, Grand Knight of Knights of
Columbus Council 10034 and served as treasurer of the OP Harry Survivors Association for three years until his death, Jan 21, 2001.
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