WW II Museum in Abbeville Honors Homer L. Wise

The World War II Museum opened in Abbeville, Louisiana, November 15 with the inauguration of the first four inductees in the Hall of Fame, Stephen Bennett is represented by Angela Engle daughter, daughter; Jefferson DeBlanc is represented by Barbara Romero, daughter, Homer L. Wise is represented by James Vlasto and Howard Gilmore is represented by Louis LeBlanc, III.

Published on abbevillenow.com on November 16th, 2009.

Military museum moves ahead

ABBEVILLE — A dream will become reality Sunday when the Louisiana Military Hall of Fame and Museum holds its first induction ceremony and opens Phase 1.

This year's first Hall of Fame class will include Medal-of-Honor recipients Col. Jefferson DeBlanc (Marine Corps) of St. Martinville, Capt. Steven L. Bennett (Air Force), Cmdr. Howard Walter Gilmore (Navy) and Master Sgt. Homer L. Wise (U.S. Army).

Louisiana has had 11 Medal of Honor winners, all deceased. Others will be inducted in later ceremonies, likely on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

The museum, located at 911 Revis Simon Loop on the grounds of the Chris Crusta Airport in Abbeville, honors the service of every Louisiana military veteran.

Bruce Brown • bbrown@theadvertiser.com • November 13, 2009

The Daily Advertiser