Fred C. Long

LT. COL. FRED C. LONG, USA, Ret.

Lt. Col. Fred C. Long, USA, Ret, age 88, Cambra, died at 12:13 p. m. Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at the Bonham Nursing Center, Register, where he was a patient since June 26, 2010. He was in failing health for the past year.

Born at Cambra, Huntington Township, Luzerne County on March 25, 1922, he was a son of the late Charles A. and Jessie (Hazlett) Long.

Fred was a 1940 graduate of Benton High School. He served in the US Army and US Army Reserves  for 30 years, retiring in 1971 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  During World War II, he served in the European Theatre of Operations and particiapted in five campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart.

Other awards and decorations included the Bronze Star medal; European Service medal; American Defence medal; American Theatre medal; Army Achievement medal; Distinguished Unit badge; Presidential CitationArmy Reserve medal; Belgian Croix-De-Guerre medal and the French Fourrigerre.

In combat he served with the 3rd Armored Division, First US Army as a Recon Company Commander and battalion staff officer.

Following his military service, he transported milk for Carlton Ridall Trucking, Waterton, to the former Dairy Lea Dairy, Berwick. He later was employed by the Bechtel Corp.in security during the construction of the Bell Bend nuclear power plant, retiring in 1982.

Fred was a member of the Town Hill United Methodist Church; the United Sportsmen, Camp 271, Huntington Mills; the United Sportsman Hunting Club; Arnold's Creek Hunting Club and Phillip's Creek Hunting Club. He loved hunting and hiking in the woods. He was a volunteer instructor for the Penna. Game Commission teaching hunter safety courses.

He also was a life member of Fort Rickett's Post 8317, VFW, Benton where he held various offices, including commander. Until recently he was responsible for organizing members to perform military funerals. Fred also belonged to the Disabled American Veterans and was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 529, Berwick.

Fred volunteered  for American Red Cross blood drives, and he himself  was a donor having donated six gallons.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, the former D. Pauline Franklin on May 19, 2009; by a daughter, Linda Lou Long on June 7, 1950 and by his only brother, Wayne H. Long on December 22, 1999.

Surviving are two sons: Danny F. Long, Harveys Lake and Drew H. Long, and his wife Susan, Huron, Ohio; a daughter, Cindy A. Long, Cambra; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 2 p. m. in the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Benton, with his pastor, Rev. Bethany P. Wood and the Rev. Robert K. Andrews, his neighbor, officiating. Interment in Dodson Cemetery, Huntington Township, with full military honors by the combined VFW group.

Friends may call on Sunday from 6-8 p. m. The family will provide flowers.