Gloucester County Searches For Relatives Of WWII Servicemen Who Were Killed Or Died In Action

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Gloucester County Freeholders is set to hold their annual Wall of Heroes ceremony to honor Gloucester County men and women who were killed or missing in action while serving in the US military.

Men and women who died are honored with a portrait of their likeness, which is then held in the County Justice Complex.

Since 2010, 272 portraits have been hung.

This year, 18 more portraits will be hung and Gloucester County is searching for relatives or friends of 17 men who were killed or died while serving in World War II.

"In years past family members provided information and photos of those loved ones who they lost for the Wall of Heroes, but we are looking at 17 men who served and died during World War II and no family to help us honor them," Freeholder Director Robert Damminger said.

Damminger said that a volunteer from the County Office of Veterans Affairs had researched those who will be placed on the Wall of Heroes.

Freeholder Deputy Director Chila added, "We want to make certain that those who had loved ones or connections the military members who died for us have the opportunity to see the portraits unveiled and that they are remembered. The Wall of Heroes uses portraits to represent those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we never forget what was done so we could live in freedom. "

If you are related to, or have any information on anyone listed below, you are asked to contact the Gloucester County Office of Veterans Affairs at 856- 401-7660.

William U. Beck, USA WWII, KIA Germany 1944 from Woodbury

Albert E. Britton, USA WWII DOI/POW Hoten POW Camp, Mukden, Manchuria 1942 from Woodbury

John T. Ehrman, USA WWII France 1944 from Westville

Kenneth M. Halpine, Jr., USA WWII KIA Leyte, The Philippines 1944 from Woodbury

Joseph J, Hildebrand, USAAF WWII MIA Over Germany 1944 from Mantua

Charles H. Kehr, USAAF WWII MIA Over Italy 1943 from Westville

Stephen J. Kritz, USAAF WWII KIA European Area 1944 from Clarksboro

Richard W. Lyons, USA WWII DOW Italy 1944 from Swedesboro

Raymond A. Marshall, USA WWII MIA New Guinea 1944 from Williamstown

Herbert Mugraver, USN WWII MIA The Philippines 1944 from Woodbury

James O'Brien, USA WWII DOI HOLLAND 1944 from Westville

Daniel K. Skanes, USN WWII DOW South Pacific 1944 from Westville

Ralph C. Storm, USA WWII KIA Germany 1945 from Woodbury

Harold B. Sweeten, USA WWII KIA 1945 from Westville

Basil P. Thompson, USA WWII KIA Aachen Germany 1944 from Paulsboro

James R. Wiley, USA WWII KIA 1944 from Westville Grove

Horace M. Wise, USMC WWII KIA Guadalcanal 1942 from Williamstown

KIA: Killed in Action; DOI: Died of Injuries; MIA: Missing in Action; DNB: Died Non Battle; DOW: Died of Wounds