Page 8 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2024 FINALv2

8 THE SOJOURNER

HISTORIAN’S CORNER

Distinguished National Commanders
Edward W. Nolte, PNP, PNC, Heroes of ’76 Historian

What is a “Distinguished” National Commander (NC)? You will not find a definition in any Directive, Manual, or
Handbook. However, the leadership and actions of distinguished NCs in Heroes of ’76 and National Sojourners
(NSI) are among the most significant in the joint history of two Orders. Defining the word, “distinguished,” must
include years as NC, Honorary NCs, Heroes of ’76 Awards, also serving as NP and/or other National Line Officer
(NLO) positions, and NSI awards. To avoid repetition, the word “Brother” applies to all and is omitted here.
NCs (95): The list of NCs begin with COL Christopher Van Deventer as NC #1 through CW3 Brian C. Coffey as
NC #95.
Years as NC (1): COL Christopher Van Deventer, Founding Commander (1922-26) and elected NC (1926-30) is
the only NC who served multiple years.

Honorary NCs (4): The elected “NCs for Life” include MG Amos A. Fries, NP (1922-30), Hon. NC (1936),
LOH #1 (1961); COL George F. Unmacht, NP (1918-20), NS-T (1922-47), Hon. NC (1947), NHist (1947-54); BGen
Merritt B. Curtis, NP (1948-49), NS-T (1949-53), Hon. NC (1952); and MAJ William H.S. Bateman, Committee of
33 (1934-49), Hon, NC (1953).
NPs (18): The NCs, who were also NPs, begins with COL Robert L. Queisser (NP 1932-36, NC 1935-36) through
Col Edward W. Nolte, (NC 2010-11 and NP 2018-19), with two on deck.
Legion of Honor (LOH) Recipients (22): Twenty-two NCs have received the LOH from COL Christopher Van
Deventer, (NP 1922-30 and LOH #2 1962) through CW5 Pedro A. Arroyo (NC 2009-10 and LOH #56 2023). Of
these 22 NCs, 14 NCs were also NPs and 8 NCs were not. Three of the 22 NCs receiving the LOH (LtGen Herman
Nickerson, Jr., Col Carl L. Sitter, and Capt Clarence M. Nelson) received the LOH before they served as NC.
Houghton Memorial Award (HMA) Recipients (10): Ten NCs received the HMA from CAPT George
S.M. Cowan (HMA #9, 1980) through Col Edward W. Nolte, (HMA #38, 2011).

Van Deventer Trophy (VDT) Recipients (20): Twenty NCs received the VDT from Maj Charles A. Folsom,
(VDT #1, 1998) through SCPO Carl J. Diamond (VDT #22, 2022).
Other NLO Positions (9): Nine NCs also served as NLOs: COL Arthur J. Perry, NS-T; LTC John E. Pokorny,
NJA; COL Jack M. Marden, NP and NJA; MAJ Benjamin M. Yudesis, NP and NJA; COL Albert G. Hulett, NSurg;
CAPT George S.M. Cowan, NSurg; Capt Clarence M. Nelson, NHist; LTC Peter W. Pedrotti, NHist; and Col Edward
W. Nolte, NP and National Historian.
Combination of NC, NP, LOH, HMA, VDT, and other NLO Positions (1): The list narrows down to one NC
who achieved all six criteria: MAJ Benjamin M. Yudesis, the longest-serving active National Officer in the Order’s
history at 44 years. Single exceptions (5 out of 6) to the “combinations” category are Capt Clarence M. Nelson (not
NP); COL Edward W. Nolte, (not LOH); COL Jack M. Marden (not HMA); and LTC Kenneth L. Lowmiller, Jr.,
BG Benjamin T. Sutherlin, and Lt Col William G.L. Turner, (not another NLO).
BOTTOM LINE: COL Van Deventer, as the Founder of Heroes of ’76 in National Sojourners, is obviously
Distinguished NC #1, with others also serving with distinction. In fairness, many NCs before 1961, 1968, and 1998,
first award years for the LOH, HMA, and VDT, respectively, served with distinction but did not have an opportunity
to be recognized as such. In addition, some of those still serving will undoubtedly achieve further honors and
positions.
Centennial Chapter Celebrations—The Pre-1924 Chapters
Col Edward W. Nolte, PNP, PNC, National Historian

Your Chapter is making history today, but few Sojourners recognize it in the moment. Each meeting, installation,
and event is part of your Chapter’s operation, leadership, and involvement and demonstrates how the Chapter is
proudly supporting the cause of patriotism. Every article in The Sojourner records what the Chapter did and reports
that the Chapter was active and operating.
Nineteen Chapters are just past or fast approaching their Centennial Anniversary. Yes, I wish I had published this
article four or five years ago to catch all Chapters before the century mark, but it is better to catch most, than none.