Civil War ☆ WWI ☆ WWII ☆ Korea ☆ Vietnam ☆ Iraq I ☆ Iraq II ☆ Afghanistan
| Name | Narrative | Branch and Rank | Unit and Specialty | Conflict/Arena | Born/Died |
| Edward S. Ingham | Edward S. "Ned" Ingham was born in 1896 in Irvington NY to the pastor of Irvington Presbyterian Church. The family moved to New Brunswick in 1910. Ned attended Rutgers Prep and Rutgers College, graduating with an SM Degree Cum Laude in Mathmatics. In 1919 he attempted to join the US Army and US Navy, but was rejected by both because of his poor eyesight. Not to be deterred, he joined the American Field Service, a volunteer unit in France, providing ambulance services to the front lines. On arrival, he was assigned not to ambulance service, but to service with the French Army "Reserve Mallet" driving trucks carrying ammunition from depots to front lines. When US Army Transportation took over, Ned was discharged because of poor eyesight. He was offered passage home, but instead signed up for six months as driver for the Red Cross in Paris, which involved many trips to the forward areas. On conclusion of Red Cross service, Ned joined the French Army and entered the Officer Artillery School in Fontainbleau with about 25 other Americans, among them, Cole Porter. On graduation in July of 1918 with the rank of Aspirant (later promoted to Lieutenant), he was posted to the 15th Field Artillery stationed at that time in the Vosges Mountain area of eastern France. After the Armistice, the unit moved to Mainz bridgehead in Germany as part of the Army Occupation. Ned found that Cole Porter also was assigned to the 15th in the same area and Ned reported he was most helpful in the passing of an otherwise dull time. Early in 1919, the 15th was sent to a devastated area of northern France to help the farmers. Ned was discharged and sent home in June of 1919. WWI awards include an AFS Medal, Inter-Allied Victory Medal, French Combattants Medal, French Commemorative WWI Medal, and the Croix de Guerre. Ned's entire civilian career was spent in the automotive field, chiefly in the wheel business. Variously employed by the Budd Co. in Philadelphia and Detroit; the McCord Radiator Co. in Detroit, and Firestone Steel Products in Akron during WWII. He received a commendation from the Secretary of War for service on the Belt Link Committee. After WWII, Ned entered the distribution end of automotive wheels and heavy duty equipment in Albany and, from 1969 to retirement in 1980, as Sales Manager for Kay Wheel Sales, Philadelphia. He married Effie and was a resident of 415 Iowa Ave for 20 years. One son, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was active in Delanco Presbyterian Church, where hed served four tems as Elder. He was a member of Bevery Rotary Club and the American Legion. Over the years the Society of Automotive Engineers, Germantown Cricket Club, Detroit Boat Club, Detroit Athletic Club,and Albany Alumni Club. An avid sailor, he sailed the sloop "Bourne Free" on the Delaware River for eight years before selling the boat in 1987 at age 81. Ned Died at Zurbrugg Hospital on July 5, 1991 at age 95. He is buried in Overbrook Cemetery in Bridgeton NJ. | Am Field Service Am Red Cross French Army Lt US Military Defense Production | Am Field Service Ambulance Driver French Army Res Mallet 15th Field Art | WWI France WWII US Military Defense Production | 1896 - 1991 |
Updated October 30, 2023