IN MEMORY
To remember the veterans who have attended a Tour of Honor with Honor Flight Philadelphia.
*** Douglas J ‘Streaker’ Baile Military Service: US Navy and the Michigan Air National Guard (Born: 3/31/1956 Died: 2/16/2025)
Douglas James Baile, age 68, of Lancaster, PA passed away suddenly on February 16, 2025. Born to Dorothy E. Baile and the late Charles M. Baile in Lancaster on March 31, 1956; Doug was an incredibly accomplished pilot for both the military and civilian air lines. Doug graduated from the prestigious TOPGUN program in 1984 and flew thousands of hours in the F-14, A-7, and F-16 for the US Navy and the Michigan Air National Guard. He later flew a 36-year career as a Captain with Northwest Airlines, and later Delta Air Lines. He is survived by his wife Paula; their two children, Nick and Kate, daughter-in-law Julianna, son-in-law Joe; and two grandchildren with another grandchild on the way.
*** George E Saurman Military Service: US Army, WWII, 65th Infantry Division (Born: 1/15/1926 Died: 10/3/2022)
SAURMAN, George E., a Representative from Montgomery County; born, January 15, 1926 in Houston, Harris County, TX.; graduated, Upper Darby High School, 1943; B.A. cum laude, business, Ursinus College, 1950; attended, the Pennsylvania State University and Montgomery Community College; private, 65th Infantry Division, United States Army (1944-1946, World War II; Combat Infantry badge, Bronze Star recipient); vice president, Sellers, Kirk and Co.; elected, council, Ambler Borough (1965-1969); member, Wissahickon School Authority (1965-1970); elected, mayor, Ambler Borough (1969-1980); elected as a Republican to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1980 and served 6 consecutive terms thereafter; appointed, Select Committee to Investigate Limerick II (1984); appointed, co-chair, Select Committee to Study the Availability of and Need for Services to Handicapped Persons 21 Years of Age or Older (1985-1986); appointed, Select Committee to Investigate Alcohol Abuse in Pennsylvania Institutions of Higher Education (1987-1988); appointed, vice-chair, Select Committee to Study Autism in the Commonwealth (1988); not a candidate for reelection to the House (1994); reelected, council, Ambler Borough (4 years, president); died, October 3, 2022 in Fort Washington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Cite: Official bio from the PA House of Representatives
*** Richard Edward Murray Military Service: Corporal - US Army - 4th Infantry Division
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*** Clayton C Riegel Military Service: US Air Force (Born: 07/05/1931 Died: 11/12/2024)
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*** John McVeigh Military Service: 324th Infantry (Born: 07/05/1926 Died: 06/27/2014)
*** Samuel G Marcantonio Military Service: 4th Armored Division (Born: 11/16/1924 Died: 07/26/2018)
Sam grew up on the Philadelphia Main Line with four sisters, whom he loved dearly, and graduated from Tredyffrin-Easttown High School in 1943.
Shortly after, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and, during World War II, was stationed at various times in France, Germany, and the former Czechoslovakia — specifically the Sudetenland. He was a staff sergeant who drove Sherman tanks and half-tracks and was attached first to the 16th Tank Battalion of the 16th Armored Division and, later, the 35th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division under Gen. George S. Patton. After the war ended in Europe, he was part of the Allied occupation forces in Germany.
Sam received several decorations and citations for his service: the American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal; and World War II Victory Medal.
His name is listed on the Registry of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
In 2014, Sam proudly joined fellow veterans as an Honor Flight Philadelphia honoree.
Affectionately known as “Uncle Sam,” he had a fascination with cars that he translated into a career as a Chevrolet salesman and, then, as the manager of a Chevrolet dealership. Sam was an enthusiastic fan of Philadelphia sports teams, particularly the Phillies and the Eagles. He was also an avid gardener who’ll be remembered for growing, canning, and sharing his prized tomatoes and lima beans.
A devout Roman Catholic, Sam was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Strafford, Pennsylvania, where he was confirmed, where he served as an usher for many years, and where his funeral services were held.
The husband of Patricia Marcantonio, he was predeceased by his first wife, the mother of his daughters, Jean Marcantonio. Survivors include daughter Sherry Marcantonio and spouse Lorie Dakessian; daughter Stacey Chase and husband Wayne Smith; grandchildren Andrew Marcantonio-Fields and Amelia Marcantonio-Fields; sister Antoinette Rossi; and many nieces and nephews.
Roger graduated from Palmyra High School in 1940 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, flying B24s on 41 missions in the South Pacific.
He retired from accounting at the Hershey Chocolate Corporation in 1985 after 40 years of service. He was a man of routine and enjoyed steak, shrimp, french fries, exercising, and swimming laps at the fitness center.
His love of flight continued later in life as he enjoyed flying his Beechcraft Musketeer. Although he and Maudie never had any children, they had many wonderful nieces and nephews who were dear to their hearts and who they called “their kids”.
John was born and raised in South Philadelphia, attended South East Catholic High School and was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
John served in WWII and was proud to be a Veteran of the 324th Infantry. He was a longtime employee of GE and also worked for the IRS as an employee and volunteer. John was a consummate volunteer and a proud member of many organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, The Men of Malvern, St. Gabriel’s Parish, Catholic War Veterans, the American Legion, USO, Norwood Boy’s Club , Philadelphia Mummers Comic Division and his position as family historian.
His most impressive accomplishment was his devotion to family. PopPop Jack will be remembered fondly for his Sunday Morning Family Breakfasts, his talent for storytelling and his kazoo.
*** Roger M Fake Military Service: U.S. Army Air Corps (Born: 01/12/1922 Died: 12/15/2011)