Bruce Martin S' 44 - Final Salute
January 2nd, 2023
PFC Bruce M. Maynard, U.S Army Air Corps
Bruce was born in Detroit, MI, May 1926. He attended St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield WI for his junior and senior years, graduating in 1944. He was 18 when he entered the Army Air Corps in Nov 1944. The Air Corps assigned him to Flight Radio Operator School in Sioux Falls, ND. Bruce was later transferred to Advanced Radio Operator School in Madison, WI. During his time in Madison, Nazi Germany surrendered. Victory in Europe was declared on May 8, 1945.
On Dec 27, 1945, Bruce boarded the SS George Washington in New York City and sailed to the port of La Havre, France. During Feb 1946, he was assigned to Eschborn Airfield near Sossenheim, Germany, northwest of Frankfort. Since the need for aircraft radio operators declined after the war, Bruce was sent to a Military Police Unit to protect the airbase. In early August 1946, he was promoted to Private First Class.
Later on in Aug 1946, Bruce left Eschborn Airfield for out-processing in the US. Bruce boarded the SS George Washington in Bremerhaven Germany and arrived in New York City.
Bruce was discharged from active service on Aug 25, 1946., at FT Sheridan, IL. His decorations were: Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Germany 1 Overseas Service Bar, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), and 1 Overseas Service Bar.
After discharge, Bruce attended Michigan State University under the GI Bill and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor’s of Business degree. He worked 40 years in the insurance industry.
Bruce, age 96, passed away on Jan. 2, 2023, in Manakin-Sabot VA, just north of Richmond. He was married to his loving wife, Barbara Davies Maynard, for over 73 years. She, at age 94, preceded him is death on Nov 9, 2022. Bruce leaves behind his four adult children, John, Bill, David, and Ellen, eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He was active in his churches, Methodist and later Presbyterian, Rotary Club, and volunteered at Henrico Doctors Hospital.
A service celebrating both Bruce’s life and that of his wife Barbara was held on January 7, 2023 at River Road Presbyterian Church, Richmond, Virginia. Bruce and Barbara’s final resting place is in the Columbarium at River Road Presbyterian Church.
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