MSG EUGENE R. HERMAN
Reported for a higher duty on January 23, 2011
Born on January 23, 1932, in Pontiac, Michigan to Alice Baty and Henry J. Herman, the family settled in Corona, California where Gene attended school and joined the California National Guard - 40th Infantry Division to fulfill his dream of being a soldier.
The Guard was activated in 1950 during the Korean War and he was assigned to Co. F 224th Infantry Regiment, and shipped to Korea where he saw his first combat as a 17 year old Sergeant, there he earned the Purple Heart, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Korea Service Medal w/ Bronze Svc. Star. United Nations Service Medal.
He returned home to Corona where he met and married Lottie Forsythe in 1953. They were subsequently blessed with a daughter, "Jennifer Susan."
Gene re-enlisted in the Army in early 1960 and served primarily in the 82nd Airborne. In 1968 he earned his place in Special Forces and received his Green Beret. That same year Gene and Lottie were blessed with a son, "Eric Robert."
Gene served the remainder of his military career in Special Forces. He completed two arduous tours in Vietnam, where he earned the Silver Star for Valor, the third highest medal awarded. He also earned the Bronze Star with and Oak Leaf Cluster for Valor, Gallantry Cross w/ Bronze Star, Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross /w Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal /w 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Presidential Unit Commendation, Combat Infantry Badge, 2nd Award, Parachutist Badge, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award) and Expert Badge, M-16 Rifle.
Prior to his retirement he was assigned to develop and implement a training course and to serve as the first Commandant of the 18th Airborne Recondo School at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Having successfully completed his mission Gene retired in June of 1979.
Upon retiring Gene moved his family to the Victor Valley area of So. California where he opened and operated "Gene Herman's Upholstery Shop" until 1993.
After living in Jackson, Tennessee for 5 years he and Lottie moved to Idaho in 1998 and made Coeur d'Alene their home.
Gene was an avid model railroader and student of the history of railroading in the United States. He holds memberships in The American Legion, NCOA, and TREA.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved son "Eric Robert."
Gene is survived by his daughter Jennifer Susan Carter Smotherman; his grand-daughter Amy Susan Carter Higgs, grandson-in-law Jonathan Higgs, his grandson Chris"Topher" Brian Carter, all of Tennessee, and by his self-adopted daughter Heidi L. Marshall and family of Arizona; his sister Shirley Gillmaster and family of Corona, California plus too many others to list and by his wife of many years, Lottie.
Well done Soldier! Thank you!
And Now its onward and upward.
May your parachute fully blossom with a gentle wind and carry you to a safe, loving landing in our Saviour's arms.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 P.M. on February 1, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene. Gene will be interred in Franklin, Tennessee at a later date, to be near his daughter, his grandchildren and Eric.
The family will be eternally grateful to Hospice of North Idaho and request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to their building fund in his honor. The family would like to extend a hand of gratitude to the Hospice Unit and CLC Unit of the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Spokane. The kindness and love of so many will always be remembered. Thank you!