Edwin W. Hakala

Edwin W. Hakala Battle Creek Edwin W. Hakala, age 85 of Battle Creek, died Tuesday, November 9, 2010. He was born March 7, 1925 at the Marine Brigade Hospital, Port-au-Prince, Haiti the son of Edwin U. and Georgine (Moses) Hakala. Edwin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on December 22, 1942 while at the University of Michigan. During World War II he served two years in the Southwest Pacific as an artilleryman, 9th Defense Battalion, I Marine Amphibious Corps. He was discharged as a Corporal, March 1, 1946 and returned to the University of Michigan. Upon his graduation on August 21, 1948 he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant United States Marine Corps. Joined 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on September 15, 1950 as artillery forward observer, landed at Inchon, Korea with Company A, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Wounded in Seoul, he was presented his first Purple Heart by Colonel Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, Co. 1st Marines. Subsequent combat included Chosin Reservoir operation and East Central front near "Punchbowl". Fourth wound on July 12, 1951 resulted in evacuation. Returning to civilian life on August 20, 1954, Edwin was appointed in Federal Civil Service where he remained until retirement as Deputy Regional Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency. In addition to four Purple Hearts, he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal for combat; Meritorious Service Medal for Marine Corps Reserve achievements; and gold Distinguished Civilian Service Medal for Federal Service accomplishments. He retired as a Colonel of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Edwin was a member of First Presbyterian Church, V.F.W. Post 54 and Military Order of the Purple Heart. On June 15, 1949 he was married to Joyce M. Jackson, who preceded him in death on February 1, 2002. Surviving are three children: Fredrick J. Hakala of Battle Creek, Carole H. (Bob) Engle of Okemos and Julie A. (Kent Allen) Conant of Battle Creek; four grandchildren: Aimee Boyer, Miranda Crandal, Daniel and Michael Engle; five great-grandchildren: Kris Johnson, Hunter Hayes, Kennedi, Gavin and Gabriel Crandal. Graveside services will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Rev. Patricia Weatherwax officiating and military honors presented by the United States Marine Corps. Those wishing to attend, please meet in the Cortege Assembly area prior to the service time. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Military Order of the Purple Heart or Fort Custer National Cemetery Advisory Council Fund.