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https://www.HollyHillVeteransCemetery.org/, https://www.HollyHillVeteransCemetery.org/hero-wall

Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery & Hero Wall, 142 Ford Mountain Road, Blairsville, GA (2026)

06/14/2026

🇺🇸 Today in Military History – June 14 🇺🇸

On June 14, 1775, the United States Army was established by the Continental Congress, making today the Army’s 251st Birthday.

For more than two centuries, American Soldiers have answered the call to serve—from the Revolutionary War to the present day—defending freedom, protecting our nation, and standing watch around the world.

Today is also Flag Day, honoring the Stars and Stripes that generations of service members have fought to defend.

At Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery, we are especially grateful for the Army veterans laid to rest here and for all who have worn the uniform of our nation.

Happy Birthday, U.S. Army.
Thank you for 251 years of service, sacrifice, and courage.

🇺🇸 This We’ll Defend. 🇺🇸

🇺🇸🪖✨

06/12/2026

Holly Hill Hero🇺🇸🪖
Colonel Merlin Theo Matthews
United States Marine Corps
World War II | Korean War
Silver Star Medal | Purple Heart

Colonel Merlin Theo Matthews was born on April 17, 1921, in Amery, Wisconsin, the son of Rev. Theo F. Matthews and Zoe Palmer Matthews. His family story reached back through generations of faith, hard work, and service. His paternal great-grandfather, Henry Hamman, was born in Bartrup, Lippe-Detmold, Germany, and came to the United States in 1851 aboard the ship Olbers, which arrived in New Orleans on May 28, 1851. Henry later farmed in Wisconsin, served during the Civil War with the 2nd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and was remembered as a faithful member of the German Methodist Church.

That foundation of faith continued through Merlin’s father, Rev. Theo F. Matthews, a United Methodist minister who served communities in northern Wisconsin. From immigrant farming roots, Civil War service, and Methodist ministry came Merlin Theo Matthews — a young man from Wisconsin who would become a decorated United States Marine.

Before his Marine Corps career, Merlin was part of the Northland College community in Ashland, Wisconsin. He graduated from Northland College in 1943, played French horn in the Northland College Concert Band, and was remembered as a young leader, having been named president of Theta Pi fraternity. On April 4, 1942, he married Minnie Helen Wood in Ashland, Wisconsin. Less than three months later, on June 29, 1942, he entered the United States Marine Corps.

During World War II, Matthews rose through the Marine Corps officer-training path. Records show him as a Private First Class with the Platoon Leaders’ Unit in 1943, and by July 1944 he was a Second Lieutenant at Camp Joseph H. Pendleton in Oceanside, California. By July 1945, he was serving as a First Lieutenant with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. A later newspaper account noted that he saw duty on Okinawa during World War II.

After the war, Matthews returned to civilian life. In 1950, he was living in Superior, Wisconsin, with his wife, Minnie, and their children, working as a claim adjuster for an insurance company. But with the outbreak of the Korean War, his Marine Corps service was not finished. He was called back to active duty on August 15, 1950, trained at Camp Pendleton and Quantico, Virginia, and was soon sent to the Far East.

In Korea, First Lieutenant Matthews served with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. The battalion’s motto, “Ready for All, Yielding to None,” was reflected in the courage Matthews showed in combat.

On March 7 and 8, 1951, First Lieutenant Matthews led Company E in an attack against a heavily fortified enemy hill position. His Marines came under intense automatic weapons, mortar, and small-arms fire from concealed log and earth bunkers. Matthews moved with the assault elements under heavy fire, directing the attack and encouraging his men.

The next morning, he again placed himself at the front. Braving devastating hostile fire, he directed an air strike against enemy emplacements. Though painfully wounded, he refused medical aid and continued leading his company forward in the final assault until the enemy was routed and the vital ground was secured. Only then was he evacuated.

For his conspicuous gallantry, courageous initiative, and heroic devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Merlin T. Matthews was awarded the Silver Star, one of America’s highest awards for valor in combat. His grave marker also bears the Purple Heart, and official Marine Corps casualty records list Merlin Theo Matthews as wounded in action while serving with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, FMF.

The war came home to Wisconsin when newspapers reported that Marine First Lieutenant Merlin T. Matthews, husband of Mrs. Merlin T. Matthews of Baraboo, had been listed among the wounded in Korean fighting. Behind the combat record was a husband, father, son, student, musician, and Marine whose courage carried him forward under fire.

Matthews continued his Marine Corps career long after Korea. Records show him as a Captain with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines in 1951 and later as a Major serving with Marine Corps units at Sioux City, Iowa, and Camp Pendleton, California. His service continued until July 31, 1968, completing more than 26 years in the United States Marine Corps. His final remembered rank was Colonel.

Colonel Merlin Theo Matthews died on December 18, 1996. His life carried him from Wisconsin roots and Northland College to the battlefields of World War II and Korea, and finally to a long career of Marine Corps leadership. He was a son, husband, father, musician, student, officer, combat leader, Silver Star recipient, Purple Heart recipient, and United States Marine.

His story reflects courage under fire, devotion to duty, and the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

Colonel Merlin Theo Matthews is another hero laid to rest at Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery, where his service, sacrifice, and legacy continue to be honored.

Research by Skye Shockey
Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery & Hero Wall🇺🇸

To learn more about Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery and ways to support our mission of honoring veterans and preserving their stories, visit www.hollyhillveteranscemetery.org

06/10/2026

🇺🇸 Rest in Peace, Ronny Benfield 🇺🇸

On Friday, we had the honor of laying Ronny Benfield to rest at Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery.

Ronny proudly served our nation, and it was our privilege to help provide his final resting place among fellow veterans. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the North Georgia Honor Guard for rendering military honors with the dignity, precision, and respect that Ronny earned through his service to our country.

As we gathered to remember Ronny’s life, we were reminded that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by men and women willing to serve something greater than themselves.

May Ronny’s memory live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and may he rest in eternal peace.

🇺🇸 Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery
Blairsville, Georgia

🇺🇸

06/07/2026

Today in Military History – June 6

🇺🇸 D-Day – June 6, 1944

On this day, Allied forces launched the Normandy Landings, the largest amphibious invasion in military history.

More than 156,000 American, British, Canadian, and Allied troops crossed the English Channel and stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. Their courage opened the path to the liberation of Western Europe and ultimately helped bring an end to World War II in Europe.

The names of beaches such as Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword became forever linked with sacrifice, determination, and freedom.

Today, we honor the veterans who faced impossible odds on June 6, 1944, and remember those who never returned home.

“These were the men who took the first step toward freeing a continent.”

🇺🇸 We remember their courage. We honor their sacrifice. We preserve their stories. 🇺🇸

— Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery & Hero Wall 🇺🇸🪖

06/01/2026

Another Holly Hill Hero🇺🇸🪖SEMPER FI

Claude Jack Faulkner was born on March 28, 1927, in Albany, Georgia. He was the son of Jack Claude Faulkner and Sarah Belle Conley Faulkner, and he came from deep Georgia family roots.

Claude’s early life was touched by loss at a very young age. His father, Jack Claude Faulkner, served in the United States Navy during the World War I era. After his service, Jack worked as a flagman for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. He died on November 21, 1929, when Claude was only about two years old. Less than two years later, Claude’s little sister, Jane Lou Faulkner, passed away on June 2, 1931, at just one year old.

Claude’s mother later married James Berry Turner, who was born in Florida. This helps explain Claude’s Florida connection as a young man, as his family later lived there after his mother remarried. Though Claude’s early records tie him closely to Poulan and Albany, Georgia, his life also became connected to Florida through his blended family and later his own postwar years.

Claude also inherited a family history of military service. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Franklin “B. F.” Faulkner, served during the Confederate era in Company G, 1st Regiment, Georgia State Troops. Benjamin’s brother, Newton Cicero Faulkner, served in Company H, 11th Georgia Cavalry. Claude’s father, Jack Claude Faulkner, served in the United States Navy from 1916 to 1920. A generation later, Claude carried that family record of service into World War II as a United States Marine.

Claude enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Jacksonville, Florida, on March 29, 1944, when he was only sixteen years old. He qualified as a Rifle Marksman and was trained as a Heavy Artillery Crewman. Marine Corps muster rolls place him with Battery “B,” 12th 155mm Gun Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

The 12th 155mm Gun Battalion was a heavy artillery unit in the Pacific. These Marine units provided long-range fire support, beach and island defense, and powerful artillery support for Marine operations across strategically important Pacific areas. Claude’s discharge papers show service in the Pacific Area beginning August 10, 1944. His records list his conduct and service as excellent.

Claude was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on June 26, 1946, with the rank of Corporal. His honorable discharge certificate was awarded as a testimonial of fidelity and obedience, marking the end of his wartime service and the beginning of his return to civilian life.

After the war, Claude’s life again connected him with Florida. A newspaper engagement announcement recorded that Mrs. Charlotte Giddens of Albany announced the engagement of her daughter, Charlotte Yvonne, to Claude Jack Faulkner, then of Tallahassee, Florida and formerly of Albany. By 1950, Claude and Yvonne were living in Florida and beginning their married life together, with Claude working as a salesman for a glass company and Yvonne employed in clerical work.

Claude lived and worked for most of his life in and around Albany, Georgia, before retiring first to Balsam, North Carolina, and later to Blairsville, Georgia. He was a member of the Holiday Rambler Club, Peach State Chapter 88, FMCA, and was of the Presbyterian faith.

Cpl. Claude Jack Faulkner passed away on September 13, 2001, at the age of 74. He rests at Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery in Blairsville, Georgia. His story is one of early hardship, family strength, wartime service, and a life carried forward with quiet dignity after the guns of World War II fell silent.

SEMPER FI

Research by Skye Shockey
Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery

05/30/2026

Holly Hill Hero🇺🇸🪖

Behind the bronze marker of Sgt. Floyd Munson Thomas is a story. His story, like so many at Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery, deserves to be remembered.

Floyd Munson Thomas served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War era.

He was born on December 23, 1925, in Woburn, Massachusetts, the son of Floyd Louis Thomas and Helen Munson Thomas. Floyd’s early life included great loss, as his mother passed away in 1936 when he was only ten years old.

As a young man during World War II, Floyd worked at Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard before entering military service. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 29, 1944. During the war, he served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.

His Marine Corps record confirms that he participated in the assault and capture of Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Islands from April 2, 1945, to June 21, 1945. On May 29, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, Floyd was wounded in action. He was later awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in service.

Following World War II, Floyd returned to civilian life. Records show him living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, studying, working for N.E. Gas & Electric Association, and later becoming affiliated with Amicable Lodge, where he was raised as a Master Mason in 1948. He married Marjorie Gardner, and together they had children and family ties that extended from Massachusetts and New Hampshire to Atlanta, Georgia.

Floyd Munson Thomas’s marker honors his service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, his service in World War II and Korea, and his sacrifice as a Purple Heart recipient. Behind his name is the story of a young man from Massachusetts who endured loss, served his country in one of the fiercest battles of the Pacific, and returned home to build a life after war.

Research by Skye Shockey, Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery

05/28/2026

Today we remember and honor US Army Vietnam Veteran Alexander Lesio Jr. on what would have been his birthday.

Though he is deeply missed, his service and legacy continue to live on here at Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery.

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Hero. 🇺🇸
Barbara Mitchell Lesio

05/27/2026

Staff Sergeant Robert Glen McArthur

U.S. Army Air Forces • World War II & Korea

At Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery, the bronze marker for Robert Glen McArthur tells a story in only a few words: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, World War II, Korea. Beside his name is that of his beloved wife, Georgia Daniels McArthur. But behind that marker is the story of a young man from Missouri who went to war in the skies over Europe, came home highly decorated, built a life connected to aviation, answered the call again during the Korean War era, and belonged to a family in which three brothers served their country.

Robert was born on April 8, 1924, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. His 1942 draft registration card captured him at only eighteen years old, living at 1214 South Spring in Independence, Missouri. At that moment he was still a young man on the edge of adulthood. Within months, history would call him into a war that had already changed the world.

On November 2, 1942, Robert enlisted at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, entering the Air Corps as a private. He would rise to the rank of Staff Sergeant and serve in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a combat airman. His records and newspaper accounts identify him as a flight engineer and gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. A captioned crew photo places him with Capt. Jack W. Watson’s crew aboard the B-17G Flying Fortress “Thru Hel’en Hiwater,” aircraft #42-39785, of the 358th Bomb Squadron. In that photo, Robert is seated in the front row, second from the left, identified as TG — Tail Gunner.

The tail gunner’s position was one of the most dangerous places in a B-17. Seated at the very rear of the aircraft, separated from the rest of the crew by distance and noise, the tail gunner watched the skies behind the bomber and defended the plane against enemy fighters. Robert’s mission notes show that he served not only as tail gunner, but also as left waist gunner, right waist gunner, and engineer. He completed his combat tour on June 21, 1944.

Newspaper accounts reported that Staff Sgt. Robert G. McArthur flew twenty-nine missions over continental Europe. At only twenty years old, he had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, and other honors. One article reported that three of the Air Medal clusters were for three enemy fighters destroyed. Another stated that he held the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with six clusters, a Presidential Unit Citation, and other honors. His separation record credited him with service in major European campaigns, including Air Offensive Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Ardennes, represented by five bronze service stars on his European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

Robert’s wartime story was also tied to a love story. A newspaper clipping introduced Mrs. Robert G. McArthur, formerly Miss Georgia Daniels, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Daniels of Kansas City, Kansas. Robert and Georgia were both graduates of William Chrisman High School in Independence. They married on July 14, and while Robert continued his military duty, Georgia became part of the life he was fighting to return home to.

After the war, Robert remained connected to aviation. His 1948 Selective Service registration listed him as married, living with his wife, a father, and working as an airline employee for TWA at Municipal Airport in Kansas City. The young man who had served as a B-17 gunner and engineer carried his experience with aircraft into civilian life.

But Robert’s military service did not end with World War II. A later service record shows that he served again in the Air Force from August 9, 1950, to August 8, 1951, during the Korean War era. That second period of service explains why his Holly Hill marker honors both World War II and Korea.

The McArthur family’s service did not rest on Robert alone. Newspaper accounts noted that two of Robert’s brothers were also in uniform.

His older brother William Arthur McArthur, born April 8, 1919, in Loveland, Iowa, entered the Air Corps in October 1942. Newspaper accounts reported that William served in the Aleutian Islands for three years before returning to Camp Hood, Texas. A military hospital record tied to his service number shows he was hospitalized in early 1945 and medically discharged for line-of-duty health conditions. After the war, William built a long career in transportation, including twenty-eight years driving for Mid-America Freight Company, and remained connected to the veteran community as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Macon, Missouri.

Robert’s brother Harold Claude McArthur, born October 15, 1921, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, also served. His records place him in the Air Corps/Air Force during World War II, and his headstone honors him as Senior Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, with service in World War II and Korea. A later record shows service continuing until July 31, 1963, reflecting more than two decades in uniform.

Together, the McArthur brothers represent a family legacy of service that stretched across the European air war, the remote Aleutian theater, the postwar Air Force, and the Korean War era. Robert’s own life stands at the center of that legacy: an eighteen-year-old from Independence who became a decorated B-17 combat airman, a husband to Georgia, a father, an aviation worker, and a veteran who answered his country’s call more than once.

At Holly Hill, Robert and Georgia rest together. His marker may be brief, but the story behind it is anything but small. It is the story of courage in the skies, devotion at home, brothers in service, and a life worthy of remembrance.

Research by Skye Shockey Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery

05/25/2026

Today, on Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. 🇺🇸

Freedom is never free, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

From all of us at Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery & Hero Wall, may we always remember our fallen heroes.

05/24/2026

Happy Birthday to Lisa McGill!🎊🎉🥳🎂

Lisa is truly one of God’s angels, a warrior for Christ, and our rock. She is a leader, a team member, a prayer warrior, and a blessing to everyone around her.

She gives so much of herself in every area — from behind-the-scenes business work, videos, design, software, recording studio projects, creative ideas, and so much more.

Beyond all she does professionally, Lisa gives back to the community with a loving heart. Every Saturday, she visits nursing homes to sing, play music, and bring joy to others.

She is an amazing songwriter, musician, mother, wife, coworker, and friend. Lisa, we are so thankful for your strength, faith, love, talent, and kindness.

Happy Birthday! We love and appreciate you more than words can say.❤️

Holly Hill Veterans Cemetery & Hero Wall

06/14/2026

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