Homer Hungerford

1926 - 2014

Homer Hungerford, age 88, passed away on December 11, 2014 at the Richard Campbell Nursing Home in Anderson, South Carolina. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina on August 7, 1926, the son of Leslie Phillips Hungerford and Earline Mason Gilreath Hungerford White. Mr. Hungerford lived a colorful life at School, in the U.S. Army where he was regarded as a "Military Legend," and in his work following his military service. At the Haverford School, he distinguished himself with an enviable athletic record in football and track. He also excelled in those two sports at Princeton University. In 1944, during World War II when the U.S. called for servicemen, Mr. Hungerford enlisted. Subsequently, over a period of 40 years, he served more than 19 years in uniform, serving in three wars, during three tours of duty, including Korea and Vietnam. His rank ranged from Private to First Lieutenant, and he served in every rank twice. He participated in numerous firefights, both in Korea and Vietnam, and his rogue acts of courage have been the subject of several publications, including the book "What are they Going to Do, Send me to Vietnam?" by Chief Warrant Officer Jack Stoddard, U.S. Army, retired. Stoddard wrote, "I never could figure out what Pops Hungerford was doing in Vietnam in the first place. I can tell you that myself and 28 other members of the Aero Rifle Platoon were sure glad that old man was there." Mr. Hungerford was honored for his gallantry and valor in Korea and Vietnam with numerous military awards. Over the years he earned 10 Battle Stars, a Silver Star for Valor, several Bronze Stars for Valor, Meritorious Service with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, 2 Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf clusters, 6 Good conduct Medals, and according to his sons, "a reprimand or two thrown in." While in Vietnam he was part of the Special Forces Black Horse Unit, 11th Armored Cav. Intermittent with his military career, Mr. Hungerford was involved in development projects in Lima, Peru; Lahaina, Hawaii; and Beaufort, South Carolina. He is survived by his children, Larry Hungerford of Colorado Springs, CO, Anne Koehler of Lincoln, NE, Beth Mayo of Upton, MA, Andrew Hungerford of Dublin NH, Joy Popp of Cummings, GA, Jefferson Hungerford of Portland, OR, and Benjamin Hungerford of Park City, UT. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by a sister Earline Hungerford, a brother Phillips Hungerford, and a son Peter Hungerford. A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Hungerford will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Anderson, SC