Inspire, Winter 2005

28 Winter 2005 Afterthoughts Yesteryears Continue On April 3, 1943, Charles Rader ’51, a sergeant with E Co., 147th Infantry, and his squad, who had just finished the Battle of Guadalcanal, were left behind to guard their battalion’s supplies. They were called out to raid a village five miles away from their camp in the jungle because Japanese soldiers were reported to be hiding there. Fifty-eight years later, Charles belatedly received the Bronze Star for “meritorious achievement while serving in the Asiatic- Pacific Theater of Operations from 10 June 1942 to 15 September 1945 in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States during World War II. Private First Class Rader’s exemplary performance of duty in active ground combat was in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 147th Infantry Regiment, and the Army of the United States.” Charles Rader writes: I am writing to you as I would like to tell you that I was one of the proud GIs who attended your college after World War II. I served in Guadalcanal, Northern Solomons; and Iwo Jima. I had plans after the war to go to college and become an engineer. I wanted to go to Cedarville College. I also went to other colleges and came back to Cedarville to graduate. My teacher was Helen Hooven Santmyer; she was a wonderful teacher, my very favorite. I received my bachelor of science degree in education on May 28, 1951. I was so proud. After this, I went right into the space program, and I was on the engineering change board that sent up the first space shuttle – the “Columbia.” I was so proud that I helped send it up in space. I worked in airplanes for many years for Rockwell International. At 84 years of age, I am now retired. I would like to visit Cedarville University and talk to your young students and tell them my story … of how, when I got my engineering degree, I got this wonderful job right away. I thank Cedarville College for the most wonderful teachers that helped me get to where I am today. I will forever be so proud of Cedarville University. Sincerely, Charles W. Rader ’51 Victorville, California Corrections Please note two corrections for the Summer 2005 issue of Inspire : Dr. Alan Geist ’83 has joined the Cedarville University faculty as an assistant professor of sport management. We inadvertently printed that Alan was an associate professor (Page 8). J. Michael Yoder ’98 received an honorable mention in the Where in the World contest. His father’s name, Gerald Yoder, was printed by mistake (Page 15). Helping the Halseys A number of readers have contacted the alumni relations office to ask how they might help the Halseys (“An Inspiring Update from Julie Mummey Halsey ’93,” Page 27, Inspire Fall 2005). To make a financial gift, you may go to any U.S. Bank branch and make a deposit to the “Todd and Julie” account.