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John Howard Riffle Jr.

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John Howard Riffle Jr.
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John Howard Riffle Jr.

John Howard Riffle Jr. 94, of Uniontown, Pa., and formerly of McClellandtown, Pa., passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the Uniontown Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in McClellandtown, Pa., on November 26, 1923 son of the late John Howard and Myrtle (Bales) Riffle

After graduating from German Township High School, John joined the United States Army Air Force serving during World War II. He was a Staff Sergeant and earned the following awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart Medal, and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters for extraordinary achievement while serving as Tail Gunner on many high altitude heavy bombardment missions against the enemy over Continental Europe. He repelled numerous hostile fighter attacks by his excellent marksmanship thereby assuring the safely of the crew and aircraft. The courage, presence of mind and devotion to duty while engaged in aerial combat on all these occasions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Force.

John was a member of Masontown Brethren Church, AMVETS Post 013 in Hopwood, Pa., and the American Legion.

He was a Civil War Buff and attended all the Civil War Round Tables.

He also enjoyed traveling.

Before retiring, he was employed as a Steel Worker at United States Steel’s Homestead Plant.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, William Riffle, Eugene Riffle; sisters: Ella Mae Pinkney Mable Homistek, Ora Price and Frances Fior.

John was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Surviving are many nieces, nephews; and his life long companion of 32 years, Rosella Bailey of Romney, West Virginia.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the JOHN S. MAYKUTH JR. FUNERAL HOME, 7 River Ave., Masontown, Pa., (724.583.8811)

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date with Military Rites by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4584 and the American Legion Post 423.

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