----Source: Tribune-Record-Gleaner 12/06/1978

EDWARD GEMMEKE
 

(Editors Note The following information was all that was received from the writer. Details of the funeral were not made available so we are print the letter intact).
 

My father, Edward Theodore Gemmeke passed away Nov. 20, 1978. It was his request that when this time came, to put a notice in the Tribune-Record-Gleaner. My father was born in Greenwood, Clark County, Wis. on Nov. 18, 1908. He served 22 years in the United States Marine Corps. He was a Master Sergeant. He served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Batan Death March. He was a prisoner of war for three years. He was awarded numerous medals, but I cannot determine what they all mean except the Purple Heart, and good conduct medal with six awards.

Needless to say my father's life was for his country. We are free today because of the many wonderful men like my father. He was buried Nov. 24, 1978 in the Beufort South Carolina National Cemetery. He was residing at the United States Naval Home in Gulfport, Miss., at the time of his tragic death. He fell from the 5th floor to the 3rd. The home is so designed you can see from floor to floor on the inside.
His grandsons are Christopher Edward and Randall Spiros Pontikakis.
Thank You,

Edward Pontikakis