Blaine Tripp

Born on February 10th, 1923. Died July 21, 2014. Served in the US Army in 1942 - 1946 and was part of the 25th infantry division, nicknamed the "Tropical Lightning Division". During WWII he was in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Philippines, where his troop fought to open a pass called Balete Pass. He was hit by a shell at this pass where he was thrown in the air and sustained shrapnel in his leg, knee, shoulder, elbow, and neck. He received many meddles as well as the purple heart for his service. I miss my grandfather very much, he was a wonderful and kind man.