- April 23, 2024
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Last week, we featured Bea Schmucker, a veteran who left the military when she married her husband, Ron. This week, it’s Ron’s turn.
Ron Schmucker, a native of Pittsburgh, enlisted in the Navy in 1950 at the age of 17, and was discharged in 1953. He entered the Army in 1955 and rose to Infantry platoon sergeant in 1958 and was commissioned in 1959. In 1965, Schmucker was in Vietnam with the First Infantry Division, the Big Red One, and in 1969 was an adviser to the South Vietnamese. He also served in Germany, Greece and Turkey. He retired in 1972 as a major. Schmucker’s 21 decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Bronze Star for Valor.
In 1972, Schmucker arrived in Palm Coast, and in 1977 he knocked on doors to obtain 54 members for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Charter, Post 8696. He is one of three remaining charter members. Schmucker served as post commander in 1979-80 and was recognized as an all-state post commander after Post 8696 more than doubled its membership. He has held numerous other positions at the VFW.
Ron and his wife, Bea, have been married 53 years, have three children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. The Schmuckers and their children have more than 65 years of active duty military service. The Palm Coast Historical Society cites Ron and Bea as the longest living residents of Palm Coast. He is also active as a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion Post 267. Job well done!
