Bertram Charles Ellison

81, of Sebring, FL, a Protestant, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2007 at his home. He was born March 12, 1926 to Henry C. and Anne (Saunders) Ellison in Newton, Massachusetts and had been a resident of Sebring since 2003, coming from Plantation, Florida. He was a veteran of World War II and Korea, serving during World War II as a Navy Medic and in Korea as a Marine. During World War II he served in the Pacific at Iwo Jima and Peleliu and was the recipient of the Victory Medal, Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. His Bronze Star was awarded for service as set forth in the following citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above the call of duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a rifle company, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu in the Palau Islands in September, 1944. Braving the fury of mortar and rifle fire from strongly entrenched hostile positions, Petty Officer Ellison while unhesitatingly moved from one casualty to another, removing four men to covered positions out of the enemy line of fire. Although wounded in his left foot, knee and wrist, he proceeded to treat the wounded men, disregarding medical treatment for himself until the men were removed to the battle aid station. Petty Officer Ellisons daring initiative, great personal valor and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with highest tradition of the United States Naval Service. In addition to his military career, Mr. Ellison served as a Newton, MA police officer and then as a Ft. Lauderdale, Fl police officer, an auxiliary Deputy with the Broward County Sheriff's Department, Chief of Plantation Acres Volunteer Fire Department and a City of Ft. Lauderdale Firefighter. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge. He was the Founder and Administrator of the Kenilworth School in Sebring and Jacaranda School and Riverside Private School in Ft. Lauderdale. He was appointed as a Supervisor of the Dixie Drainage District by Governor C. Kirk. He is survived by his Wife of 56 years, Joline, of Sebring; Daughters, Linda Ellison, Plantation, FL and Donna Ellison, Sebring; Sister-in-Law, Beverly Ellison; Nephews, Henry, Scott and Paul Ellison and Nieces, Laura and Mary Ellison. The family will receive friends Friday, September 28, 2007, from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home, Sebring and a funeral service with Full Military Honors will follow at 7:00 p.m. Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida 33810