"Taps" is a bugle call T- a signal, not a song. As such, there is no associated lyric. Many bugle calls had words associated with them as a mnemonic device but these are not lyrics.

A Horace Lorenzo Trim wrote a set of words intended to accompany the music:

Day is done, gone the sun,
 From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
 All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
 And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
 From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
 'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky;
 As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
 Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
 Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
 And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
 To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

Part (17) 

Taps part 16

To

He came this way but once. Yet, he touched our lives in many ways while he were here. We shall remain eternally grateful for he's friendship and for the influence he bestowed upon us.

It is with deep sadness that we report the news of the death of Denny Weisgerber. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends. We give thanks for Denny life.

Obituary

Go in peace and remember you are not forgotten while I am still on patrol.

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Korean War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 349 (May 12, 1953)

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Staff Sergeant William D. Weisgerber (MCSN: 1072880), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Right Guide in a Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 2 October 1952. With his platoon engaged in attacking a well-entrenched enemy force occupying an outpost forward of the main line of resistance, Staff Sergeant Weisgerber aggressively led his men in the face of a devastating barrage of hostile small-arms, artillery, mortar and grenade fire and initiated a daring charge against a machine-gun emplacement, succeeding in destroying the enemy position with hand grenades and small-arms fire. Although painfully wounded by the intense enemy fire, he steadfastly refused medical treatment and courageously moved forward to aid a wounded comrade. Fearlessly exposing himself to a veritable hail of hostile fire falling over the area, he personally carried the casualty down a hazardous slope. Severely wounded by a burst of mortar fire while engaged in this heroic act, he continued to assist his wounded comrade until physically incapable of proceeding any further. By his outstanding leadership, great personal valor and intrepid fighting spirit, Staff Sergeant Weisgerber served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

William Denny Weisgerber died peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on December 4, 2019. He was 89. Born in Bend, Oregon on May 5, 1930, Denny was the third of Sherman and Olive Weisgerber’s four children.  With Boise, Idaho as the family’s home base, Denny grew up in small towns all across the Pacific Northwest, attending a dozen schools as the family traveled for his father’s construction jobs. Returning to settle in Boise for his high school years, Denny met the love the of his life, Marianne Tillery. Married for 68 years to his high school sweetheart, Denny built a truly extraordinary life of family, service to his community, and a unique commitment to a lifetime of connection with people and organizations where he served with energy, devotion, and inspiring leadership. 

In February of 1949, Denny enlisted in the Marine Corps. In June 1950, he was assigned to train Marines bound for combat in Korea. Distinguishing himself by his excellent performance, he rose quickly to the rank of Staff Sergeant over the next two years. In July 1952 he shipped out to Korea as an assistant platoon sergeant, seeing intense combat in an area of hilly outposts known as  “The Hook”.  In October of 1952, Denny successfully led a patrol, under heavy fire, to take back an overrun outpost with hand grenades and small arms fire. While returning to their platoon, Denny discovered that one of his Marines was missing. He returned to the battlefield to bring his wounded brother down the treacherous slope, carrying him on his back. During the rescue, Denny was severely wounded by mortar fire, and he was evacuated to the hospital ship Repose, where his leg was amputated as a result of his wounds. For his leadership and inspiring personal courage, Denny was awarded the Navy Cross, our nation’s second highest award for valor in combat.   

After a long recovery resulting in a medical retirement, Denny was forced to relinquish his dream of a career in the Marine Corps. However, he continued to serve Marines, both active duty and veterans, through his tireless involvement in the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Reserve, and the 1st Marine Division Association.  He volunteered throughout his life as a peer counselor for new amputees and PTSD patients at the VA Hospital, and never missed an opportunity to be of service or support to Marines and their families. In January 2012, in recognition of a lifetime of service and achievement, The Secretary of the Navy selected Denny for honorary promotion to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.

His great passions were his family, the Marine Corps, his beloved community of Milpitas, and the relationships forged in his career with State Farm Insurance.

A highly successful agent and manager with State Farm, Denny had an esteemed personal career, but also one that was uniquely marked by lifelong friendships that grew from his devoted mentorship of new agents  who became like family to him. 

In 1956, Denny and Marianne and their young family put down roots in the newly chartered city of Milpitas, the community he would come to love and serve for the rest of his life.  When San Jose attempted to annex Milpitas in 1961, Denny was a key leader in the grass roots group opposing the annexation. The group launched a campaign to maintain the autonomy and independence of the city of Milpitas, presenting their case door to door in conversations with their fellow citizens. The result was an overwhelming mandate by voters to reject the annexation and maintain the unique identity of Milpitas.  

This was the beginning of a lifelong devotion to his community. He served 12 years as a city councilman, including three terms as mayor, and poured his boundless energy into ongoing service through countless special projects, and as commissioner for organizations benefiting veterans, seniors, and young people, literally until the day he died. 

Denny loved being a member of Rotary International for 55 years, where he served two terms as Milpitas Rotary Club President, and District 5170 Governor from 1999-2000.   

He touched the lives of everyone he met with his inspiring leadership, his loyalty, his commitment to service, his huge heart, and the value he placed on each person who came into his life. Denny and Marianne loved the life that they built together, wholeheartedly building a treasured legacy with each member of their family, honoring and supporting those serving in the military, mentoring and encouraging young people with their love and support, avidly following their beloved 49ers for over 48 years, building a successful business rich with valued relationships, never missing an opportunity to be of service or to build something positive. They were uniquely a team, enjoying all of life together, 

Undergirding all of his passions and varied interests was Denny’s family, truly his great joy.  He is survived by his daughter Pam Eaves (John), his son Bill Weisgerber (Gina), his five grandchildren Elizabeth Bellucci (Matt), Brian Eaves (Alana), Lisa McLaughlin (Michael),  Megan Maitia (Robert), and David Weisgerber (Stacy),  his daughter-in-law Vickie Weisgerber, and seven great grandchildren – Penelope, Eli, and Sam Bellucci, Donovan and Ariana McLaughlin, Beau Maitia, and Leo Weisgerber.  

A private family service was held this past weekend, and a Celebration of Life honoring Denny Weisgerber will take place on Sunday, January 26 at 1:30 pm at the Milpitas Community Center, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Denny’s name to The Marine Corps League, – PO Box 1835, Merrifield VA 22116-8035,  Spartan Athletics Fund – One Washington Square, San Jose CA 95192-0257, Bronco Athletic Association, Boise State University –  1910 University Drive, Boise ID 83705,   or to your favorite charity.

RIP Denny Weisgerber

Former Milpitas Mayor Denny Weisgerber (birth name: William D.) passed away today at the hospital after a recent bout of pneumonia. Though he’d been given the all-clear to return home and recover weeks ago, last week he ended up feeling unwell and returning to the hospital. He was 89 years old. 

Weisgerber was born in Bend, Oregon, on May 5, 1930. He was predeceased by his wife, Marianne Weisgerber, in 2017. The pair married in February, 1949, the same month Denny enlisted in the Marines. 

Weisgerber would serve in Korea as an assistant platoon sergeant, where he saw major combat and sustained severe injuries. For his valor, he was awarded the Navy Cross. 

Weisgerber was also a recipient of the National Defense Medal, Purple Heart, United Nations Korea Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Campaign Medal (two stars), Combat Action Ribbon, and Presidential Unit Citation.

He was also a two-time Milpitas Rotary Club President, and most famously, a three-time Milpitas Mayor during a 12-year City Council run from the 1960s into the early 70s. 

Weisgerber graduated with a BA in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco. He and Marianne had two children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

RIP Denny Weisgerber

Korean Consul General Hyun-myung Kim and Consul Keunseok Jeon presented South Korea’s Ambassador of Peace medal to 20 of Vasquez’s comrades who served in what is known as “The Forgotten War.”

“The South Korean government makes us feel appreciated for what we did for their country,” said Vasquez, who was awarded the medal last year. “It’s a war Marines will never forget.” said Vasquez, who was an infantryman in the Korean War after fighting in World War II. He went on to serve in Vietnam during his 30 years in the Marine Corps.

From June 1950 and July 1953, 1.5 million American troops deployed to the Korean Peninsula to support the South Koreans after the North Korean People’s Army crossed the country’s southern border into the Republic of South Korea. When the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade arrived in Korea in July, 1950 South Korea had been reduced to a 500 square-mile area in the southeast of the peninsula.

More than 70,000 Marines joined the amphibious assault landing led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in September 1950.

 
 
By late November the Chinese surrounded the 1st Marine Division in the frozen mountains of the Chosin Reservoir. For 16 days, the Marines fought freezing temperatures and the Chinese, eventually getting through to the coast for reinforcements and supplies.

Kim presented the medals to express the gratitude of the government of the Republic of Korea for the sacrifices and bravery of the American Korean War Veterans.

In his speech, Kim said, “We are privileged to have with us here 20 extraordinary men who came to Korea over 60 years ago to help save my country from communist aggression. Thanks to you, Korea has developed both economically and politically.”

The presentation was part of Camp Pendleton’s annual reunion of the Old Breed--the nickname for the 1st Marine Division.

More than 130 members of the 1st Marine Division Association from across the country and 122 active duty Marines from Camp Pendleton gathered to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the division on Feb. 1, 1941 and to honor their Korean War veterans.

A number of military and civilian leaders attended the ceremony, including Maj. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commanding general, 1st Marine Division; Lt. Gen. David Berger, I MEF Commanding General; Maj. Gen. Vincent Coglianese, commanding general 1st Marine Logistics Group; retired Maj. Gen. James McMonagle; retired Maj. Gen. Robert Haebel; Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo, assistant division commander of Marine Forces Pacific 1st Marine Division along with Arthur “AJ” Burn, president of the 1st Marine Division Association, Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood and Young Chu Park, chairman of the Marine House.

Among the veterans receiving medals were Private First Class James R. Lee, Sgt. Albert C. DeVito, Cpl. Roland G. O’Con, Sgt. Lyle W. Blodgett, HMC Elbert H. Collins, Sgt. Phillip E. Ackert, HM2 Jack E. McCrory, Gunnery Sgt. Delbert Ray Houlette, Staff Sgt. Sydney S. Loupe, 1st Sgt. Lee Rux, Maj. Gen. James J. McMonagle, Capt. David J. Strauss, Sgt. Charles F. Wiley, Sgt. Van L. Aposhian, James R. Innis, Sgt. Harry D. Brunke, Sgt. Ronnie M. Fukuoka, Gunnery Sgt. William D. Weisgerber, Everett B. Mauger and Sgt. Maj. Paul Stephenson.

“We were given the medal so we can always remember we were there,” said Vasquez, president of the Southern California Chapter of the Marine 1st Division Association based in Oceanside.

Twenty Korean War veterans were presented with South Korea’s Ambassador of Peace medals by Korean Consul General Hyun-myung Kim and Consul Keunseok Jeon Jan. 22 at Camp Pendleton

A column of the U.S. 1st Marine Division move through Chinese lines during their breakout from the Chosin Reservoir. Courtesy enacademic.com

By LINDA MCINTOSH
JAN. 23, 2015
2:43 PM


CAMP PENDLETON —  For Sgt. Maj. Martin Vasquez, memories of the Korean War bring to mind marching in below zero temperatures, wearing ponchos to keep off snow, building a fire in his foxhole to survive, so he could fight.

The 87-year old retired Marine from Oceanside proudly watched as fellow Korean War Veterans were given a medal at a reunion banquet for the 1st Marine Division yesterday evening at Camp Pendleton’s Pacific Views Event Center.

The medals weren’t bestowed by military brass, but by representatives of the Korean government.

The San Diego

Union Tribune

Today (November 24th, 2020) we remember Colonel Wesley L. Fox, who died on this day three years ago.

A mustang and legendary Force Reconnaissance Marine who served in 1st and 2nd Force Recon Companies and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, he served our Nation for 43 years and fought in both Korea and Vietnam.

He earned the Medal of Honor while serving as an Infantry Officer in 1st Battalion 9th Marines in Vietnam.

“Forever shall I strive to maintain the tremendous reputation of those who have gone before me”

Robert Lee "Doc" Parsons