Men of Bronze

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

The family Freer has served their country unlike any other. Ralph Freer and his son Ronald Freer had earned six Bronze Star medals for valor between them.

Ralph joined the Army in 1940. He fought at the Remagen Bridge, the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge) and pushed on into Czechoslovakia. He was awarded three Bronze Stars during World War II. Ralph made a career in the Army and later fought in the Korean War. Serving with the 25th Infantry Division, Ralph was awarded two more Bronze Stars. He retired as a first sergeant in 1963, just prior to the Vietnam War.

In 1964, his son Ronald enlisted in the Army. He went to flight school and graduated as a warrant officer. The Freer family went to war for a third time.

Ronald served two tours in Vietnam as a UH-1 Huey helicopter pilot. Just like dad, Ronald earned a Bronze Star for valor. In addition to the Bronze Star, Ronald earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, 35 Air Medals and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. Ronald left the Army in 1969.

John Stanard’s Decorated Father and Son article about the Freers is on display in the Vietnam War exhibit of the Kanell Hall Veterans Museum. The museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.