Local historians have provided abundant ink for our county’s three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients from World War Two, namely, Corporal Anthony D’Amato of Shenandoah, Sergeant Harold Messerschmidt of Grier City, and Captain Robert Roeder of Summit Station. In this program, Schuylkill County historian Mark Major will profile more than 20 of Schuylkill County’s lesser-known heroes as he details the unique contributions of those who earned the Distinguished Cross, Silver Star or Bronze Star for courage, gallantry and extraordinary heroism in the face of the enemy. At least 20 local men earned the service cross, more than 63 the Silver Star and more than 163 men and two women were decorated with the Bronze Star for their service during the war. Mark will discuss our local military heroes quoting their actual citations.

About the speaker:

Mark is a Schuylkill County native raised in Port Carbon and a 1979 graduate from Pottsville Area High School. He served in the United States Army from 1984 until 1992, served Schuylkill County as the Executive Director of the Visitors’ Bureau from 1995 until 2009, when he pursued teaching. He taught at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and then from 2013 until 2025 at Gillingham Charter School in Pottsville. Mark is a life member of the Historical Society since 1992 and served on the Board of Directors from 1996 until 2005. He has provided a variety of historical programs across the county.

Mark Major earned his undergraduate degree in history from Penn State University in 1983 and his graduate degree in education from Alvernia University in 2019. He is presently enrolled in the graduate history degree program at Liberty University.

free for SCHS members, $5 for nonmembers