The Kenneth D. Bailey Academy in Danville has announced three Veterans who will be placed its ‘Wall of Honor’ next week. Principal Tracy Cherry says the honorees have demonstrated strong community values and exemplary military service.
Those being honored during a program at the Academy on Thursday, May 9th are:
- Ruthford ‘’Paul’’ Shannon of Westville who enlisted in the Army at age 17 in 1967. Shannon flew 42 air combat missions supporting ground troops from an AH-1B Huey (helicopter). On one of the missions Shannon was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Shannon ran a True Value Hardware Store in South Danville in the 1980s, then with his wife opened Swartz Garden Center in Westville.
- Judge John P. Meyer was a life resident of Danville who received the Silver Star and Bronze Private for gallantry in action during World War II. As a member of the 14th Armored Division as an artillery forward observer, Meyer directed fire for both infantry and tank battalions. He later would serve as First Assistant Attorney General of Illinois, an Illinois State Senator and Representative, and as a Judge in the 5th Judicial Circuit of Illinois.
- Richard Roth served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserves in the 1960s. He also served Veterans as a nurse practitioner for several years at the Danville VA. Roth spent his career teaching Social Studies at Danville High School from 1969 through 2001. Roth has also been an outspoken advocate for alternative education programs.
Roth, Judge Meyer and Shannon will have plaques in their honor placed on the Kenneth D. Bailey Wall of Honor following Thursday’s program.
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