Wallace Murdock Hanes

Wallace Murdock Hanes 3/21/1916 - 12/6/2010 USA Col. Retired from 30 years active service, departed as he wished, in the company of his loving wife of 52 years, Cecilia. His valiant warrior's heart stopped suddenly at home without pain or illness while both were viewing the antics of their favorite humming birds on a sunny Tucson afternoon. He was predeceased by parents, James Benjamin and Mary Killian Hanes and by siblings, Margaret Killian Hanes, Kathryn Gammon, Roberta Bruce, Mary Alice Lair, Billie May Schlitt, James Benjamin Hanes and Martin Edward Hanes. He is survived by siblings Randolph Hanes and Jane Hanes Mason of TX and many nieces and nephews. Among his many awards were the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, CHUNGMU Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge with Star, US Army General Staff Identification Badge, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge. He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, the Army War College, and the University of Maryland, where he also did graduate work. During World War II, he served principally in the Italian theater of operations. During the Korean War, he commanded the UN Raider Forces (GHQ Special Activities Group) and was also with the Army's Second Infantry Division. Later in his career he commanded both the 502nd and 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiments. He served as the chief readiness officer for NATO Ground Forces, Supreme Allied Commander Europe in Paris, during his last tour in Europe. During various tours in the Pentagon, he has been a member of the Continental US Defense Planning Group, the inter-American Defense Board, and the Army General Staff Special Warfare Directorate. Before his last assignment as chief of staff at STRATCOM, Fort Huachuca, he was chief of the General Forces Branch, Chairman Special Studies Group, JCS. He chose to retire at Fort Huachuca because it was his first assignment, where he learned to appreciate the vastness of the universe underneath the magnificent canopy of stars in that area. He was very appreciative of the close friends he made in Tucson and the opportunity to enjoy them in a congenial environment. On Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. a celebratory Memorial Service will be held at the ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel. It will open with military honors, and be followed by a spiritual service by his wife's brother, Rev. Philip Evanstock. Then his nephew, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Don L. Lair from Worthington, OH, will speak before the final prayer. Friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or organization.