MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 444th Changing of the Colors flag ceremony on July 21 at the flag pole at the Susquehanna Bank in honor and memory of a veteran of World War II.
Leonard E. Shuder Sr. was born March 16, 1920, in Mount Carmel, the son of Joseph and Bertha B. (Murin) Shuder. He attended Mount Carmel schools.
Shuder entered the U.S. Army on March 24, 1942, at New Cumberland and was honorably discharged as a technician fifth grade on Oct. 12, 1945, at the Separation Center, Indiantown Gap Military Reservation.
Going into enemy territory under the cover of darkness to check a road ahead for demolition charges, Shuder found anti-tank ditches on one side of the road and pillboxes on the other side. For his gallantry, Shuder was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. The medal was presented to him by Gen. George S. Patton, commander of the U.S. Third Army.
A truck driver light with the 25th Armored Engineers, Sixth Armored Division, he received the following medals: Good Conduct Medal; Europe-Africa-Middle East Service Medal with five bronze stars for campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe; Motor Vehicle Driver Badge, and Honorable Discharge Lapel Button.
Total service to his country was three years, six months and 19 days, of which foreign service was one year, seven months, 21 days.
On April 17, 1948, in Baltimore, Md., Shuder married the former Mary M. Skitroma, who preceded him in death.
He was employed at the Glen Burn Colliery, Shamokin, and the Geslock Coal Company, Mount Carmel.
Shuder was a member of Divine Redeemer Church, the former Holy Cross Church and a life member with both the Clover Hose Company and West End Athletic Club, all of Mount Carmel.
Shuder passed away June 9, 2010, and is buried in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. At the time of his death, he was survived by three sons, three grandsons, four granddaughters, 10 great-grandchildren and two sisters.
The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Bruno John Leonardi, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Taps was sounded on the bugle by Ann Ray Begis as the flag was lowered by Andrew Bubnis. The flag was folded by William Begis and Bubnis and was presented to Leonardi's daughter, Mary Theresa Hornberger, by Walter Summers.
The Shuder flag was escorted to the ceremony by Connie Andrews and was presented by Summers to Shuder's son, Leonard Jr. The flag was raised by Bubnis while the national anthem was played. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Summers led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans. Summers thanked the families and those in attendance for their participation.
Charles Noskoviak carried the American flag, and the rifle escort was provided by Larry Lasko and Norman Nye. James Kealy provided traffic control. Also participating was Andrew Lukoskie.
The Susquehanna Bank was thanked for displaying Shuder's name on its message board.
The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at Second and Oak streets when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of Edward W. Dersavage, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Area veterans and the public are invited to attend.