Elmer "gene" E Hole Obituary (1929 - 2021)

Born Oct 28, 1929, Elmer "gene" E Hole attended Skaneateles High School in Skaneateles, NY. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Elmer "gene" E Hole.

Graduation Year	Class of 1947
Date of Birth	Oct 28, 1929
Date of Passing	Nov 01, 2021
About	Elmer "Gene" E. Hole November 1, 2021 Elmer "Gene" E. Hole, 92, of Owasco, passed away on November 1, 2021. Gene was born in Skaneateles on October 28, 1929, but was later raised in Owasco, where he lived almost his entire life. As a young man of 15 years, he received the Boy Scout Life Saving Medal in January of 1945 for pulling a young girl from the Dutch Hollow Brook, saving her from drowning. Gene graduated from Skaneateles High School and, at 18 years old, he entered the Army in September 1948. Gene was in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division where he was one of the Frozen Chosin during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir (November 26, 1950 - December 13, 1950). Gene was cited and received a Bronze Star medal for outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy near Segok, Korea during the period June 30, 1951 through July 4, 1951. The mission for his battalion and attached units was to attack and seize Hill 717 which included advancing over rugged and uncertain terrain in darkness while continually under intense enemy fire. Counter attacks were made by the enemy and the battle raged on for days. With fierce determination and facing tremendous odds the members of the battalion and attached units engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. The battle finally came to an end on July 4th. On September 6, 1951, Gene received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army. He also received the New York State Medal for Merit, the State of New York Conspicuous Service Star, and a medal from the Republic of Korea on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War for his noble sacrifice. In February 1956, Gene literally married the girl next door, Mildred "Millie" Greenfield. Together they raised five children on the same road they grew up on. Gene and Millie were married for almost 62 years when Millie passed in January 2018. Gene was a farmer, a New York State corrections officer at Auburn Prison, a Life Member of Owasco Volunteer Fire Department, and for over 20 years, he was the caretaker for the Owasco Rural Cemetery. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening. From 1967 - 1992, he and his family enjoyed spending time at their camp "Hole's Haven" in Orwell, NY in an area called Little America by the Salmon River Reservoir. Many family memories were made there. Gene was predeceased by his loving wife, Millie (Greenfield) Hole; his parents, Wilfred and Ella Hole; and his siblings, Frederick Hole, Helen Badman, Marjorie Hole and Jack Hole. Gene is survived by his children, Deborah Gray of Owasco, NY, Eric (Brenda) of Myerstown, PA, Jerald (Susan) of Baldwinsville, NY, Melinda (Mark) Cripe of White Pigeon, MI and Terry (Annie) of Sharpsburg, GA. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held at Owasco Reformed Church on Tuesday, November 9th, at 10am. Calling hours will be on Monday, November 8th, from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Burial will be in the Owasco Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org/ To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7, 2021.