Fifth Regiment, United States Colored Troops American Civil War In 1863, sons of a former Virginia slave heeded the call to service for the Union Army. Pleasant Litchford had purchased his freedom over 30 years prior, moving his family to Perry Township and settling on land that would, in the next century, become part of Upper Arlington. Born into slavery,…

United States Navy World War II After graduating from Upper Arlington High School in 1941, Dean Lane Axene attended the United States Naval Academy and commissioned as an Ensign in the naval submarine fleet. During World War II, Axene served on two WWII war patrols, including the USS Parche, credited for sinking three Japanese ships. Axene’s career highlights include: Commissioning…

United States Army World War II Shortly after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Irene DeCapua signed up to be an army flight nurse, one of only 40 women chosen to be part of the air evacuation service during World War II. During her service, DeCapua and her team became enormously resourceful, learning things not taught in school or even in…

United States Marine Corp. World War II John B. Gillespie called Upper Arlington home when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1938. After completing basic training, Gillespie was assigned to the First Marine Division and deployed to the Pacific Theater during World War II. On August 18 of 1942, Gillespie’s battalion and other allied forces landed on…

United States Navy Vietnam War William J. Richards served in the Navy from 1969 to 1972. Initially assigned to the USS Chicago, he completed two tours in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War, keeping the coast of Vietnam safe for U.S. military planes to enter and exit the country. While onboard the ship, Richards served as the communications…