Seven Local Men Who Were Killed-in-Action During Time of War

On Monday, May 29, 2017
at 3:00 P.M.
Take a Moment to Remember

The Seven Local Men Who Died Serving Our Country 

Sergeant Paul M. Brown, Wharton Area, served in the Korean War.  He was Killed In Action on March 1, 1951.  His funeral was held in the Coudersport Consistory.  There is a picture of his casket in the E.O. Austin Museum. Read More



Private Perry Hooftallen, Austin, served in World War II.  He was Killed in Action on October 19, 1944, in France. He is buried in France. He was awarded the Gold Star for his Valor.  There is a picture of his Grave Marker and his brother, Sergeant Elias Hooftallen, standing in front of The Veteran's Memorial in France, on the Second Floor of the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum in the Military Section. Read More



Captain Edgar E. Nuschke was killed-in-action during the Vietnam War. Additional information on Captain Nuschke can be found at the E.O. Austin Home Historical Society Museum, Austin, Pennsylvania. Read More




Private Edward Ritsick, Wharton, was killed-in-action during the Vietnam War. He was a close friend of mine. Further information on Private Ritsick is on display at the E.O. Austin Home Historical Society Museum in Austin, Pennsylvania. Read More






Private Robert I. Roberts, Austin, served in the Korean War.  He was Killed In Action on May 28, 1951.  There is a picture of his Funeral Color Guard in the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum. Read More





Private First Class Howard W. Thompson, Wharton Area, was Killed In Action in Germany in World War II.  I have learned that his nickname was "Chain", but don't know why. There is a picture of PFC Thompson in the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum. Read More



Private Fred Van Why, Austin,  served in the Army during World War II from 1943-1945.  He reenlisted in 1950 when The Korean War broke out.  He was Killed In Action on February 8, 1951.  There is a picture of Private Van Why in the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum. I am proud to say that he is my uncle. Read More

SGT. Paul M. Brown Memorial Bridge Dedication Ceremony

SGT Paul M. Brown, U.S. Army, was killed-in-action during the Korean War on March 2, 1951. Read more

William "Bill" Simpson, Director, Potter County Veterans Affairs

Norma Cobb, Invocation

Remarks by Representative Martin T. Causer

Remarks by Mrs. Gloria (Brown) Bailey, great niece of Sgt. Brown

Presentation by Vic Corneliussen, Chapter President and members of the Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club:

Military Honors:

Kerry Ehrensberger

Donald Lathrop

Unveiling of State Highway Markers

Chris Ehrensberger

Left to right: Representative Martin T. Causer, Brown Family Members: Burton Wilson, nephew,

Sandy J. Bissman, great niece, Gloria Brown Bailey, great niece,  David Wilson, nephew, and John Wilson, nephew, Adjutant Ted Pearsall, American Legion Post 192, and William "Bill" Simpson, Director, Potter County Veterans Affairs

Sgt. Paul M. Brown Family Members:

Left to right: Deb Pfaff, Thomas E. Bissman, Tristin Bissman, Edwin L. Bailey, Gloria Brown Bailey, Scott W. Bissman, David Wilson, Sandy J. Bissman, John Wilson, and Burton Wilson

Additional Pictures of the Memorial Bridge Dedication Ceremony:

Representing VFW Post 7810, Austin, Pennsylvania, Kerry Ehrensberger, Chris Ehrensberger and Donald Lathrop.  Also attending, but not pictured were Angie Fowler, Barb Visneski and Bernard "Mike" Fowler.

Representing American Legion Post 192, Coudersport, Pennsylvania Adjutant Ted Pearsall and Commander John Orlowski.

Representing the E.O. Austin Home Historical Society Director Ron Ebbert.

Representing Wharton Township Doug Kio Sr.

Close Brown Family Friend WWII Veteran Barton Greeley

Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club

More Pictures Are Posted on the Austin Boro News Blog Click HERE

The E.O. Austin Home Historical Society Is A Major Asset To The Community of Austin, Pennsylvania

Every year, the E.O. Austin Home Historical Society undertakes at least one major project to improve the appearance of our small community of Austin, Potter County, Pennsylvania.

This year they have already completed one project and are in the process of completing a second one:

Already completed is a roof over the handicap ramp as pictured below:

The Historical Society has also replaced the steps on the Gazebo and is working with the local Boy Scouts to apply a much needed fresh coat of paint on the structure in the near future.

The museum is dedicated to the history of Austin and the surrounding communities. There is no charge to tour the museum, but, donations are greatly appreciated.  Visit their website by clicking HERE and plan to stop by the next time you're in the Potter County area.  In fact, plan to spend a three-day weekend in the area as the Austin Dam Ruins are a couple of miles north of Austin on Route 872 and 13 miles south of Austin, also on Route 872, is the Sinnemahoning State Park. The Sizerville State Park is approximately ten (10) miles from Austin.