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In an earlier column, I wrote about how Greensboro's First Presbyterian Church became a vital part of the home front during World War II.

In addition to fund drives and normal church activities, church members worked closely with the local Overseas Replacement Depot in opening the doors to those in service at the depot. The church office building was converted into a hospitality house and served suppers to more 5,000 of them. Sadly, 20 fine young First Presbyterian people gave their lives in defense of our nation.

So many of the First Presbyterian members had heroic war records. It was an honor knowing some of these men and women. In interviews, I learned of their courage during the war; they were a battle-tested crew and could form a combat weapons system all by themselves.

William Beerman was a Marine Corps pilot in the Pacific Theater. He shot down two Japanese Zero planes.

Ed Carson and his brother, John, were part of the D-Day invasion at Normandy June 6, 1944. Both were wounded, John severely so. He died from his wounds several years later. Ed was a charter member of the group that raised money and built the Guilford County Veterans Memorial in Country Park; he died a few years ago.

Archie Coleman was a captain with the 82nd Airborne Division. He landed in Normandy on D-Day; in December 1944, he fought heroically at the Battle of the Bulge.

Malcolm Evans was a paratrooper who landed on Aug. 15, 1944, in southern France. His unit was then part of the American Army that fought its way north until it hooked up with American forces heading east into Germany. Evans told me that the time he spent just in combat in France were some of the best days of his young life.

Coleman and Evans are no longer with us.

Bynum Hunter served with the U.S. Navy on battleship duty in the Pacific theater. His brother, Gray, was an Army surgeon and saved countless lives with his medical skills. He died about a year ago.

Ford D. Little Jr. served in Army tanks. He fought his way across Europe, and his unit ended the war in Czechoslovakia. Those were tense times, the start of the Cold War.

Little remembers when he was on one side of a road with his tank pointed at a Russian tank, whose gun was pointed at him. Neither Little nor the Russian knew if they were going to be ordered to "Commence firing!" Tense times, indeed.

Ernest McLean served with the infantry in Italy during the war. Infantry duty is gritty enough, but in the Italian campaign, the German enemy fought a defensive war. Because of mountainous terrain, they held the advantage. American units were not helped with an unimaginative high command. McLean died recently.

Richardson Preyer served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater and was part of the invasion of Okinawa. He remembered that he always had his saxophone with him, as a source of personal comfort and entertainment for his shipmates. Preyer went on to a distinguished career as a federal judge, a representative in Congress and in public service. A federal building in downtown Greensboro bears his name.

Preyer told me one of his finest accomplishments was marrying Emily Harris, who served with the Red Cross in Australia. While there, she baby-sat for young Arthur MacArthur, son of Gen. and Mrs. Douglas MacArthur.

Harris, while on duty in Australia, by chance met up with William Beerman and also hosted a dinner attended by U.S. Marine Steve Schlosser. T/Sgt. Schlosser, father of the News & Record's own Jim Schlosser, served with the Air Wing of the Marine Corps.

Both Emily Harris Preyer and Richardson Preyer passed away several years ago. Steve Schlosser died recently.

Throughout the war, a banner showing a star for each church member in uniform was the focus of everyone's attention. It was hung proudly over the altar, on display for all to see.

The stars were individually sewn on, a dark star when the church member entered military service, replaced with a gold star if news of his or her death reached the families.

Nobody in the church knows what happened to the banner. They just know that they do not have it. Robert Beall, long-time member of the church, theorizes that the banner was taken down after the war, possibly for dry cleaning or for other servicing, and just never was returned to the church. What a terrible fate to befall a treasure that showed such recognition of service in its start-up and maintenance, and what a historic relic, proof of the patriotism and dedication of this individual church. If you or any member of your family or your friends had contact with this banner after the war, please try to find it.

My thanks to Nancy Fuller and Ann Hopping of the First Presbyterian Church library for their most gracious cooperation in assembling the facts for these columns.

WOMEN VETERANS: Reserve Nov. 15 for the Women Veterans Historical Project Luncheon at UNCG. Lunch is at noon at the Cone Ballroom. The featured speaker will be Lt. Col Kathryn F. Wirkus, U.S. Air Force, retired.

Female veterans are invited for the entire program as guests of the project. For all attending, parking is free at the Walker Avenue parking deck. The luncheon is $10 per person. Your check made out to UNCG is your reservation.

For information, contact Beth Ann Koelsch at 334-4045 or bakoelsc@uncg.edu.

Ned Harrison, a veteran of World War II, wants to hear your war stories. Send e-mail to vetspeak@earthlink.net.