Tribute to DeWitt "D.W." McEntire
Branch of Service: US Army
Unit: 35th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 35th Infantry Division
Highest Rank: Technician, 5th Grade
DeWitt "D.W." McEntire was born on February 7th, 1921 in Jefferson, Missouri. Prior to serving in the Army, DeWitt served as a driver in his civilian occupation, and was experienced as chauffer and taxi driver, and could also drive tractors, trucks and busses. He enlisted in the Army National Guard on December 23rd, 1940. He served with the 35th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, a unit of the 35th Infantry Division, in Europe and achieved the rank of Technician, 5th Grade or Corporal. He was involved in the following campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He earned the following distinctions: Five Bronze Stars (below left), the Good Conduct Medal (below right) and a Certificate of Merit signed by Major General Paul W. Baade of the 35th Infantry Division. DeWitt was honorably discharged on October 12th, 1945.
Upon his return home, DeWitt worked for American Optical as a Lens Grinder. He married Fern Claybrook on September 26th, 1948. Fern's previous husband was a pilot who was killed in action during World War II.
Later, DeWitt and Fern moved to Wichita, Kansas and opened Duffens-Jayhawk Optical. DeWitt retired in 1986 and passed away on April 11th, 2002. He is survived by one daughter, Donna Masters of Aberdeen, South Dakota and two sons, Kent McEntire of Wichita, Kansas and Kean McEntire of Dallas, Texas. Other family includes six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
For Kent McEntire: "You've made me proud to date, please keep it up forever." - DeWitt "D.W." McEntire
Submitted by Kane and Keith McEntire and Family (grandsons)
Updated 6/20/09