Biglerville Hometown Heroes

10/14/2026

Lott Jay McCleaf was born June 21, 1921 in Cashtown. At the time of his draft registration, Mr. McCleaf's employment was listed as the Gettysburg Furniture Company. Enlisting in the US Navy in December 1944, S1 McCleaf served until his honorable discharge in 1946. Retiring after 18 years from United Defense L.P. York, Mr. McCleaf spent his days growing prize-winning sweet potatoes and crafting crates to sell at the Apple Harvest Festival. He was also a member of the United Steel Workers of America 7687, York and the East Berlin VFW Post 8896. His family described him as a jokester, working hard his entire life and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

S1 Lott J. McCleaf
US Navy
WW II
Sponsored by: His Children and Grandchildren
Banner Location: East York Street

09/14/2026

After graduating from South Western HS (Hanover, PA) in the 1960s, Kenneth G. Stremmel continued his education at Penn State University, obtaining a degree in Industrial Education. Rather than being drafted, Mr. Stremmel volunteered for Officer Training School and dutifully served his country as a navigator on KC-135 air refueling aircraft and flew countless combat missions, refueling B-52 bombers under severe threat from enemy aircraft and air defenses in Southeast Asia. Continuing to serve after the war, LT Colonel Stremmel's career highlights include key leadership positions in Greenland, Omaha, Boston, and Washington, DC. Following an honorable discharge and 21 years of service, Mr. Stremmel returned to Pennsylvania after purchasing a 99 acre plot of land in Biglerville. As an active member of the Upper Adams community, he is a regular volunteer at the Adams County SPCA, Central PA Blood Bank, Apple Harvest Festival, local reenactments, as well as many other worthy causes.

LT Col Kenneth G. Stremmel
US Air Force
Vietnam, Cold War Era
Sponsored by: The Stremmel Family
Banner Location: South Main Street

08/17/2026

Eugene B. Johnson, known as Bud to his friends and PopPop to his grandchildren, grew up in nearby Gettysburg. After high school graduation he was drafted and served in Vietnam for almost two years with the US Army. After his honorable discharge, Mr. Johnson and his wife Carol planted their roots in Biglerville. Both their children, Melanie and Tony graduated from Biglerville High School. The Johnson's three grandchildren are now current students in the Upper Adams School District and are actively supported and encouraged by their grandparents. Mr. Johnson is defined by his love of country and community and described by his family as "one of a kind"!

SP4 Eugene Bernard Johnson, Jr.
US Army
Vietnam
Sponsored by: His Proud Family
Banner Location: East York Street

07/23/2026

Last call for any new or replacement banner orders! If you have been thinking about placing an order to honor your hero, or missed out ordering a replacement for a retired banner, there are still a few openings at this time. An order will be placed in the next few weeks, with an estimated fall installation date. I will be accepting any new/replacement orders for the next two weeks...don't delay in contacting me if you are interested! Christine Ecker [email protected]

Send a message to learn more

07/06/2026

John F. Griest, a 1966 Biglerville High School graduate, entered military service in February 1969. Serving in Vietnam as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, HM2 Griest was released from active duty and transferred to a Reservist in 1973. Upon discharge, he attended Shippensburg University and became a HS English teacher at Central Fulton School District. Mr. Griest was active in his retirement, belonging to both the American Legion 561 in McConnellsburg as well as Tumbling Run Game Preserve in Cumberland County.

HM2 John F. Griest
US Navy
Vietnam Era
Sponsored by: Marsha Baker, Kimberly and Douglas McKinney
Banner Location: North Main Street

06/19/2026

Attention 2020, 2021, and 2022 sponsors (who missed the initial replacement round) as well as any potentially new sponsors: I will begin accepting applications for replacement/new banners as there are some spots in the borough that need to be filled. Space however is extremely limited at this time. I will begin approving applications on a rolling basis until the spots are filled and able to respond to requests after June 23. Contact: Christine Ecker cecker257@comcast for further information or to receive an application.

06/03/2026

Richard Blane Adams, originally from Cumberland, MD, served in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper during the Vietnam Era. He completed the Airborne Course at Fort Benning, GA in 1968. Mr. Adams was a truck driver and farm worker for most of his life. Mr. Adams was also a member of the American Legion Post 262, Biglerville and an avid Washington Redskins fan.

PFC Richard Blane Adams
US Army
82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper
Vietnam
Sponsored by: The Adams Family
Banner Location: North Main Street

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our community and Nation will never forget.

Ira Ellsworth Lady (Company A, 316th Infantry, 79th Division), born April 15, 1891, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram C. Lady of Arendtsville. He taught in the public schools of Adams County from 1908 to 1911. On November 6, 1917, he entered the service and posted in France. While leading his company during the Argonne drive he received a severe wound which resulted in his death on November 22, 1918. He was 27 years of age. American Legion Post 262 in Biglerville is named in his honor.

Harry Milford Taylor (7th M. G. Battalion), born November 14, 1891, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor of Aspers. Having taught in Adams County public schools for three years, Taylor enlisted during the summer of 1917 with the 7th Infantry Band. In the spring of 1918, he was sent overseas, transferring to the Sanitary Detachment of the 7th Machine Gun Battalion. He was serving with this unit when he was killed in action on October 25, 1918, just two weeks before the armistice was signed.

05/05/2026

Some of you may have noticed that a new round of banners (as well as many replacement banners) are being installed in the borough today...just in time for our community's celebration of America250 on June 13th! 🇺🇸

04/21/2026

Robert K. Mauss graduated from Biglerville High School in 1954. During his senior year he set both the school and district record for javelin (his school record still stands), as well as placing first in districts for shot put. On May 26, 1958, Mr. Mauss entered the US Army and completed the Light Vehicle Driver's Course as an honor graduate. PVT Mauss was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany with the 7th Army 85th Transportation Company and was honorably discharged on May 18, 1960. Mr. Mauss was employed as a rural milkman with Penn Dairies in the 1960s, Wolf's Supply, and APM. He then retired from Duffy Motts where he worked in inventory control. Mr Mauss was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Gardners and continued to deliver parts for NAPA until his passing in 2013.

PVT Robert K. Mauss
US Army
1958 - 1960
Sponsored by: The Mauss Family
Banner Location: East York Street