White, Edward H.

Rhinebeck – Edward H. White, 102, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2010, at the Thompson House, Rhinebeck.

Mr. White enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and participated in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland , the Ardennes, the Siefried Line, Huertgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge. During the Battle of the Bulge, he was captured on December 17, 1944. His life was spared by a German soldier, Ludwig Lindemann, and he and his fellow troops were marched to Stalag 9-B, 9-A and 8-A where they were held until being liberated on April 17, 1945. In 1997 Mr. White returned to Luxemburg with George Davis and Mike Bickel for the anniversary of the liberation of Hosingen; and again in 2004 for the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. On both occasions he had the opportunity to reunite with Mr. Lindemann.

Prior to serving in the Army, Mr. White had worked at Northern Dutchess Hospital; upon his return and until his retirement in 1973 he worked as a mechanic at Ruge’s in Rhinebeck. He is a life member of the Rhinebeck Fire Department, the American Legion Montgomery Post #429, the Fitzpatrick-Chapman V.F.W. Post #9255 and the American Ex-Prisoner of War.

On November 12, 2009, Mr. White was awarded the French Governments Chevalier of the Legion of Honor award. The French Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge services rendered to France by persons of great merit.

His wife of 65 years, Katharine (Coon) White passed away June 18, 1997.

He was predeceased by two brothers Joseph and Lewis, and two sisters Florence and Doris, and is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are Tuesday 7 to 9:00 PM, at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck. Members of Montgomery Post #429 and Fitzpatrick Chapman VFW Post #9255 will conduct services at 7:30 PM, and members of the Rhinebeck Fire Department at 8:00 PM.

Graveside services with military honors by the Montgomery Post #429 are Thursday 10 AM at the Rhinebeck Cemetery.