Specialist Wilson A. Putt, 91, of Lehigh Township, is a Cold War veteran. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of SP4 before the end of his two years of active duty and four years of inactive duty. The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1947 to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Putt reported for duty Sept. 13, 1956, to Fort Dix, N.J., and then was assigned to Fort Knox, Ky., for his basic training, being attached to Company A 8th Battalion, 3rd Training Regiment Infantry.

He and an Army buddy stayed at the Army barracks at Fort Belvoir, Va. It was the headquarters of the engineer amphibious support command, and he was assigned to the 2nd Engineer Amphibious Support Command. They commuted daily to their assignment in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., to serve in a clerical position. The position required a top-secret clearance because of the sensitive documents they handled.

From his duty assignment in the Pentagon, he was transferred to USAR XX1 Army Corps (reserves) and discharged Aug. 31, 1962, from the Army at Fort Indiantown Gap with a rank of SP4. He received the Good Conduct Medal for his service.

“I feel young people should serve a year or two in the service,” Putt said.

His valuable service to the country stands out in all the community service he has been involved in the community through many years. He is a member of the Masons and Shriners, Lehigh Township Lions Club, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ of Indianland and countless other organizations. He was a founder of the Lehigh Township Historical Society and served on the Palmerton Hospital Board for 12 years. In many organizations, he served as treasurer.

Putt is a native of Jim Thorpe, formerly named Mauch Chunk, and graduated in 1952 from East Mauch Chunk High School. He then furthered his education at Wyoming Seminary, in Kingston, for business accounting, graduating in 1954.

After his education, he worked for the family business, Lehigh River Steam and Coal Company. The company dredged the Lehigh River for the recovery of anthracite coal in East Mauch Chunk and, in later years, Lockport. Putt returned to the family business after the Army.

Putt is married to his wife, Beverly, of 66 years, and they have three daughters. His youngest daughter, Karen Hantz, sums up her pride of her dad’s patriotism with the Hometown Heroes banner hanging on the pole on Cherry Road in Lehigh Township.

“How proud I am to say my dad served in the Cold War,” Hantz said. “I know it was not easy and the sacrifices he made for our country are timeless. His dedication and bravery are the definition of a true hero, which he still is to this day. I am so proud of my dad!”

Hometown Heroes forms can be picked up at the American Legion Post 899, 1140 Municipal Road. For details, contact Jeff Weidner at 484-426-8639 or Post 899 at 610-767-2393.