PFC ERNEST BLAINE RICHARD is being inducted for his representation of all servicemen from RHS of the era, who served and gave their life for their country in the Korean Conflict. “Blaine” as he was known, is an alumnus of the class of 1948. He resided on Broadway in Rensselaer with his grandparents, Mr & Mrs. William Bailey. After graduation, he entered the Army and served 14 mos.on Adak Island in the Aleutians. He transferred to the Army Reserves and spent two weeks each summer at Pine Camp, plus a weekly reserve meeting. Blaine was called to active duty in March 1951. In Korea, he was with the 3rd Platoon Co L 23rd D Infantry Regiment, 2nd Inf. Division as a B.A.R. (Browning Automatic Rifle) man. Three months later, he was killed in an ambush as he was riding on the outside of a tank in the vicinity of Chaun-nu, So. Korea on May 25, 1951. His military awards include the Purple Heart, Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the United Nations Service Medal. Blaine leaves a nephew, William Blaine Richard, who will receive his plaque this evening.
