Carl Jacob Walpusk
Carl Jacob Walpusk, 98, of McDonald Pa., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Acosta, Pa. on May 2, 1924, a son of the late Carrie Maust Walpusk Landis and Otto G. Walpusk.
He was a graduate of Boswell High school, Class of 1942 and a former resident of Moon Township and Somerset, Pa.
He was preceded in death by sisters Janet O. “Chip” Kister, Vera Martin, and Winifred Kidd. He was the beloved husband for 68 years of Virginia Hause Walpusk, who preceded him in death on January 1, 2014. He was the Loving father of Michael (Janet) Walpusk of Moon Township, Sherry (James) Frazier of McDonald, and Lisa (Scott) Laquatra of Moon Township. Carl was the proud grandfather of Lauren Frazier, Matthew (Adrienne) Frazier, Nicole Laquatra, Stephanie Laquatra, and the doting great-grandfather of Olivia, Luke, and Frank Frazier.
Carl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who served as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, commanded a United States Army National Guard unit and retired from the US Army as a Lieutenant Colonial.
As Waist Gunner of a B-24 Liberator, Carl had an extensive and distinguished military career, spanning over decades. On July 9, 1944, his B-24 “Never a Dull Moment” was shot down over Yugoslavia while returning from a bombing mission behind enemy lines and was listed as MIA / POW. He was one of the last surviving members of the daring OSS rescue mission, Operation Halyard which resulted in him later becoming a member of the WWII missing in action group, called the Forgotten 500.
Carl was awarded campaign ribbons for Air Offense Europe, Italy, Normandy, France, and the Balkans. A decorated veteran of WWII, he received a Purple Heart, an Air Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and a European, African, Middle Eastern Service Medal with seven Bronze Stars.
He enjoyed speaking engagements on military experiences, watching sports, hunting, westerns, playing golf, and spending time with his family.
There will be no visitation or service, per Carl’s request. Carl received a private military funeral on March 16, 2023, at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies and was honored with a 21-gun salute.
Forever in our hearts, may he know how loved and missed he will be, and eternally rest in peace with his cherished wife Virginia.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. -Psalm 23