Fulton County Ohio Media

Prior to the Swanton versus Liberty Center boys’ basketball game, the Swanton National Honor Society (NHS) honored U.S. Army veteran Jerry Lemons for his service to our country.  Swanton senior and NHS member Hannah Crouse read a short biography to the crowd.  The bio read as follows:

Jerry Lemons, a proud 1966 graduate of Fairview High School, excelled as a standout track and cross-country runner and was also a starter on the varsity basketball team.  Shortly after his graduation, on October 18, 1966, Jerry answered the call of duty and was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving with the 25^th Infantry Division, famously known as “Tropic Lightning.”

Jerry served as a Specialist 4^th Class Technician, stationed in Cu Chi, Vietnam, near Saigon and the Hobo Woods.  His service coincided with the intense Tet Offensive, during which he recalls the frequent reality of being mortared a dozen times in a single night.  For his bravery and dedication, Jerry was awarded three Bronze Stars during his time in Vietnam.

After two years of honorable service, Jerry returned home to the United States on October 18, 1968, a day he was thrilled to set foot back on American soil.

Jerry has been happily married for 55 years and is the proud father of two children; his son Ash of Swanton and his daughter Autumn of Columbus.  He is also the beloved grandfather of three grandsons, Alex, Brady and Carsen.

After dedicating 35 years of hard work to General Motors, jerry retired but continues to stay active.  He keeps busy as a seasonal mower for the city of Bryan and enjoys being a part of several coffee groups, attending auctions, exploring sales and building his collection.

Photo (L to R): Lillyanna Valderas, Zara Wylie, Hannah Crouse, Jerry Lemons, Brady O’Shea