Arthur S. Rupert

Colonel Arthur S. Rupert, USAF/Ret., passed away on Friday, May 21, 2004 in Isle of Palm, SC at the age of 75. He was born on July 7, 1928 in Milton, MA. He enlisted in the Vermont Air National in 1947 and was commissioned a second lieutenant through AFROTC in June 1953 after graduation from the University of Vermont. Colonel Rupert served over 30 years on active duty in the Air Force all in the Security Forces career field. His assignments took him to California, South Carolina, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Texas, Virginia, Maryland, England, Azores Portugal, Vietnam and Germany. His Military decoration and awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star with "V" device for heroism in Vietnam and with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and Commendation Medals with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Colonel Rupert was a Master Mason in Ethan Allen Lodge No. 72, Essex Junction, VT, a 32¼ Scottish Rite Mason in Greenville and Charleston, SC and a Shriner in Hejaz Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., Greenville, SC. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3137, Isle of Palms, SC. In retirement he made his homes in San Antonio, TX and the Isle of Palms, SC. He was an avid Harley Davidson motorcyclist, riding thousands of miles annually. He loved to travel and made many visits to England, Germany, Hawaii, Australia and Italy. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Burlington, VT.