Military Dog Tags of Korean War Veteran Edward L Rupert

On Saturday, July 15th, 2023 the Nam Knight of America Independence Chapter, South Jersey Chapter and Alleghany Chapter members made the trip out to Beech Creek PA where they returned the military dog tag of Korean war veteran Edward Rupert at the Fellowship First Church of Christ, where Mr Rupert is a member. About 100 family and friends came out to honor Mr Rupert and attend the dog tag presentation at the Church, where food and desserts were served afterwards. Thank you for your service Mr Rupert!

ABOUT EDWARD RUPERT and his military Dog Tag

Joseph Gerstenbacher, a long time resident of Pennsauken, NJ was a pressman for the Philadelphia Inquirer who had a passion for antiquing in his free time. After his death in 2021, among his treasures were a handful of military dog tags which presumably were obtained at one of the sales/events he went to. Ultimately, they landed in the hands of Patriot Connections Dog Tag Project as his son was looking to get them returned to the veterans they belonged to.

One of the dog tags belongs to Edward L Rupert, who was found living in Beech Creek, PA.

Mr Rupert was born May 15, 1931 in Beech Creek PA, son of Leroy and Annabelle Rupert. In 1950 he enlisted in the US Army out of Williamsport PA and spent 16 months at Ft Dix, NJ. He then was sent to Camp Stoneman, CA, where he spent a couple of weeks before boarding the USS R L Howze, headed for the Seoul, Korea.

Once arriving and traveling in a cramped box car, the devastation was apparent – blown out buildings and debris all around – a scene frightening for all the men. While he and his company were located a few miles from the front line, on many occassions he would take troops up to the front line. He spent 13 months in Korea - and in March of 1953, Cpl Edward Rupert, having served with the 10th Engineers Bn was on his way back home – thankful to be leaving Korea. However, an awful storm made for a not so pleasant transport home – he arrived in Washington, then on to Ft Custer, Michigan, for his discharge in April 1953. Shortly after returning home, he married Betty L Workman, who passed away in 1998 and is buried in the family cemetery, Hayes-Fearon Cemetery, just across the street from the family homestead, where Mr Rupert still lives.

His interview is included in this video along with information about his lost dog tag. His military dog tag is being returned to him at the Flemington First Church of Christ in Mill Hall, PA on Saturday, July 15th.

Thank you for your service Mr Rupert.

THE RESEARCH and RETURN:

After researching and locating Mr Rupert, but unable to find a phone number for him, Sue Quinn-Morris (Patriot Connections) reached out to Randy Payton of the Beech Creek Fire Department. Being a small town, she was hopeful they knew him and/or had the time to help. He was more than happy to help, he knew Ed well and delivered the news to him that very day! Sure enough, Mr Rupert confirmed it was his and was elated to tell his fellow church goers at the Flemington First Church of Christ , where he has been a parishioner for many years. Although he is not sure where he lost his dog tag, he indicated he thought it may have been either in Wrightstown, NJ, Philadelphia, PA or Camden, NJ, while he was stationed at Ft Dix, NJ.

Patriot Connections has, since the conception of the Dog Tag Project, often turned to the Nam Knights of America MC for help with the return of dog tags. The Nam Knights of America MC is a Military and Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club with chapters throughout the United States. Once again, they were onboard to help and take care of hand delivering Mr Rupert's military dog tag to him in Beech Creek, PA.

The Flemington FIrst Church of Christ secretary, Liz Eisenhower, reached out indicating the Church would love to host a ceremony and the dog tag return presentation and would include a dinner for all the guests as well. Quinn-Morris and Bill Bechdel, from the American Legion Post 263 in Beech Creek connected to arrange for a veterans interview with Mr Rupert, which will be included in the dog tag presentation.

On Saturday, July 15th, members of the Nam Knights of America MC will make their way out to Beech Creek, PA where the dog tag presentation will be made to Korean war Veteran Mr Edward L Rupert at 4pm at the Fellowship First Church of Christ in Mill Hall, PA. We thank all involved, especially Pastor Mark Riley for opening up his Church and providing what will surely be a memorable event!